FORT DOUGLAS, Utah – Three Soldiers of the 76th Operational Response Command were honored at a retirement ceremony held Sept. 13 at the Fort Douglas Museum.
Colonels Hal Baird and David Francavilla, and Sgt. 1st Class Barry Estes were recognized for a dedicated total 91 years in service to the Army and the nation.
Major Gen. Daniel L. York, commanding general, 76th ORC mentioned that the retirees have reached a special time in their lives, accomplishing what they set out to do. “This isn’t sad - it’s a graduation of sorts … they’ve already done all that our country could ever ask of them,” he said.
Baird, who most recently served as the deputy staff judge advocate for the 76th, recognized his wife and family during the ceremony for their love and support. “The love of a family makes life beautiful,” he said, as he honored his wife with a bouquet of flowers, and each of his children, presenting them with a flag he had flown during his tour in Iraq.
Francavilla most recently served as New Mexico’s emergency preparedness liaison officer
Estes most recently served as the command’s senior human resources non-commissioned officer and was awarded a NCO sword by Command Sgt. Maj. James Peter Matthews, the command’s senior enlisted adviser. The historical significance of the saber dates back to 1840 when Congress authorized the wearing of a sword by NCO's and was then used in such conflicts as the Mexican-American war, the Spanish-American War, and the Civil War.
"It's a proud day to recognize our fine soldiers that have done what it means to proudly serve with our brothers and sisters in arms, god speed to them," said Matthews, the command’s senior enlisted adviser.
The retirees received their certificate of retirement, letter of appreciation from the President of the United States of America and a letter of appreciation from York, as well as an American flag that has flown above the state capital, along with a retirement flag.
"I send them off with a charge and that next charge is an opportunity to mentor and reflect with joy on what they've been able to learn and now give back,” said York, closing out the ceremony.