FORT STEWART, Ga. – Soldiers from 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade hung up their combat boots during the 3rd Infantry Division retirement ceremony held at Club Stewart April 24.
The 3rd CAB command team of Col. John D. Kline, and Command Sgt. Maj. James P. Snyder, along with Chief Warrant Officer 5 George Kelly, command chief warrant officer, were on hand to provide the keynote speech and facilitate the ceremony.
During his speech, Kline gave the audience a little background as to what it was like when these retirees first enlisted in the Army.
“Ladies and gentlemen, these Soldiers joined the Army when it was hard,” said Kline. “They spent long hours spit shining their combat boots. The wool blanket covering their bunk had perfectly folded hospital corners, and was so tight you could bounce a quarter off it. Their BDU’s (battle dress uniform) were so starched they had to pull apart the sleeves to get their arms through.”
One of the current Marne Air Soldiers retiring was Sgt. 1st Class Glen T. Dennison. Dennison was an operations noncommissioned officer for 3rd CAB. The Salt Lake City native said he plans to stay in Savannah, Georgia, for the immediate future.
“I’m ready to do something different and call it a career,” said Dennison happily. “I’m going to continue to go to school and find another job.”
Also retiring was Staff Sgt. Darcy Davis who was a medic with the 3rd CAB. The Greeley, Colorado, native had a huge smile on his face when discussing plans for his future.
“It’s a great feeling,” said the veteran of 24 years. “I’d like to become a dive master and eventually become a scuba dive instructor.”
Davis said he is also going to get a boat and do a lot more fishing.
During his speech, Kline also addressed the families.
“There’s an axiom in the Army that says the Soldiers write the checks, but the families pay the bills,” continued Kline. “Thirteen years of war increased both the accuracy of that statement, and the cost our families paid. Despite the multiple [permanent change of station] moves and long deployments, they kept the home fires burning. Today we have little to offer you, given your sacrifice other than the return of your spouse after their honorable service. We thank you for your tremendous love and selfless service.”