Photo By Lt. Col. Ellis Parks | U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd Hunt, the Adjutant General of North Carolina, and U.S. Army...... read more read more
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U.S. Army Colonel Edward J. Wallace celebrated his over 29-year career in a retirement ceremony at the North Carolina National Guard’s (NCNG’s) Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., May 2, 2025. The ceremony was held in front of a host of family, friends, colleagues, and individuals who served under and with Wallace during his illustrious time in
uniform.
The ceremony did more than mark the transition of a great career, it also marked the honorary enlistment of a new Soldier into the NCNG.
“My son, Sean, who unfortunately will never be able to join the National Guard, has always asked me when he would be able to join,” said Wallace. “I thought my retirement would be an excellent time for him to have this opportunity.”
In almost every retirement ceremony, the honoree speaks about the importance of family and how their family drove them to be the leaders they were. They often explain the efforts it took to maintain a work-life balance.
“When I was a young officer, I devoted a lot more time to the military than I was able to once I had a family,” said Wallace. “Once I had kids, it was extremely important [to find work-life balance] because they grow up so fast, and the more time I spent at work, the more I felt like I
was missing out on their development.”
Wallace’s sentiment resonates with a lot of parents who have served. For those with children with special or exceptional needs, these feelings are often doubled.
“Sean was diagnosed with Hurlers syndrome when he was one year old,” explained Wallace. "Hurlers syndrome is a rare metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to properly break down cells, and unfortunately, those with this issue are not able to serve in the military."
Wallace knew the organization that he so proudly served and the organization he saw overcome some of the most unforgiving obstacles, could find a way to assist once again.
“The North Carolina National Guard has given me so many opportunities to grow in my career,” said Wallace. “My family has been there with me every step of the way.”
So how fitting was it that at the conclusion of his retirement ceremony, Wallace was on stage, front and center, as Maj. Gen. Todd Hunt, the Adjutant General of North Carolina, had the honorary enlistment orders published. Col Wallace’s son, Sean, was now an honorary member
of an organization that they both loved.
“I think every father’s dream is to raise a family that can stick together in hard times, laugh together during the fun times, and love each other all the time,” said Wallace.
Traditionally, the retiree gives flowers and gifts to loved ones and often receives going-away or retirement gifts from the crowd, but how often does the honoree give a gift and receive a gift at the same time?
For 20 of Wallace’s 29-plus-year career, he proudly served as “Sean’s Dad”. As he maneuvered up the ranks and through multiple military occupations, culminating as the Chief of Staff for the Army National Guard, he never lost faith that one day his son would proudly wear the uniform.
Sean was born in 2005 with a plethora of talents and, even more, a supportive family. Today, Col. Wallace proudly stands with a family that loves him and a fellow Soldier whom he is proud of.
“My son is the most resilient person I have ever met; he doesn’t quit, he puts a smile on everyone’s face”, said Wallace. “I am extremely proud that he calls me Dad.” (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Ellis Parks).
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.14.2025 09:39 |
| Story ID: | 496912 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 33 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Retirement, An Enlistment: A Father's Dream Comes True, by LTC Ellis Parks, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
Retirement Ceremony
