Sgt. Alex Licea
Third Army Public Affairs Office
Fort McPherson, Ga -- With their families by their side, six Soldiers pinned on their service ribbons and skill badges on their pressed, crisp Class A uniforms for the last time. For these six, the days of being a Soldier was over as they bid farewell to the Army during the monthly retirement ceremony held at Commons and an individual ceremony at the Third Army Headquarters, Monday.
Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb, Third Army commanding general, pulled double duty as he hosted both ceremonies.
During the installation ceremony, Whitcomb honored the service of five Soldiers: Lt. Col. Roderick B. Sylvester; Maj. Willie K. Copeland, Sr.; Chief Warrant Officer William Johnson, Jr.; Sgt. 1st Class Larry J. Dallas; and Sgt. 1st Class James E. Marshall.
"Because of your service you have helped shaped the Army of the future," said Whitcomb during the post retirement ceremony. "The uniform may be coming off, but I know your character will not."
Whitcomb also praised each of their spouse and families for their devotion to their Soldier.
"I offer a special thanks to the wives of these Soldiers who took care of the family through deployments and field exercises," said Whitcomb. "Army wives are resilient."
Whitcomb presented each Soldier with his retirement award, a certificate of retirement, an American flag and a commander's coin.
One of the retiree, Johnson, assigned to Third Army as a senior intelligence analyst, along with his wife, spoke about his experiences over the last 20 years of military service.
"I have had a chance to travel all over the world and see things I would have never thought I would," said Johnson. "I have had a great career."
The ceremony ended with each person in attendance congratulating the retirees and their families.
After lunch, Whitcomb hosted a ceremony for Col. James B. Crockett III, who serves as the Third Army Inspector General.
Throughout his 26-year military career, Crockett served as an infantryman, aviator and military police.
"James Crockett leaves a legacy behind that will prepare our troops for the future," said Whitcomb. "Thank you for sacrifices."
Crockett, a father of three and grandfather of four, was awarded the Legion of Merit and a certificate of retirement. His wife Priscilla received a certificate of appreciation for her loyalty as an Army spouse.
An emotional Crockett thanked his wife, children and mother for their support throughout his military career.
"You are my American Soldier," said Crockett talking to his mother about the character she displayed in raising five children by herself after the death of her husband [Crockett's father] during the Vietnam Conflict. "You did a great job."
Whitcomb concluded each ceremony by telling each Soldier to be proud of their service and tell their story to the world.
"Go out there and tell those who don't understand the military what is it all about," said Whitcomb. "Don't be shy about your service!"