A Century of Service Commemorated with Retirement Ceremony

316th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Story by Maj. Marvin Baker

Date: 03.13.2019
Posted: 03.13.2019 12:51
News ID: 314092
A Century of Service Commemorated with Retirement Ceremony

Less than 20 percent of Soldiers who enlist into the U.S. Army complete 20 years or more of service, according to the Army’s Soldier for Life website.

That’s why it is always a special event when a Soldier retires and transitions back to civilian life. Four U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers were granted this special recognition during an official retirement ceremony held at the McGarity Reserve Center Mar. 10.

The 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command Commanding General, Brigadier General Robert Harter presided over the ceremony for Command Sgt. Major Frank Supinski, Sgt. Major Thomas Lewis, Master Sgt. Steven Hipwell, and Sgt. 1st Class Richard Pochiba.

“Amongst these four heroes we have a lifetime of military service—more than 150 years of service,” said Harter. “As great as America is, there is no America with her defenders,” he added.

Like many Army Reserve Soldiers, this group of retirees each built an extraordinary military career that crisscrossed through the active and reserve components. Throughout their job, they ensured their experiences and training benefited others during their assignments as military instructors or drill sergeants. Although these Soldiers are removed from their roles in the Army, the impact they had in their units will likely never be lost.