Yesterday was my official retirement ceremony. The program was scheduled to be done outside, but due to impending rain, the protocol office moved it into the King Field House, a very large gymnasium.

I originally joined the Army Reserve in 1985 after I had finished my junior year of high school, so my senior year myself and one other soldier were already in the Army. When the jocks were strutting around the campus in their varsity athletic jackets I was wearing my issued combat boots and walking tall. I would listen to the athletes talking of their grand adventures after graduating high school and I would stare at them, smile, and occasionally laugh and walk off knowing that I had a head start on them.

I spent three great years in the Army Reserve in southern California and most of my time training at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base.

My official active duty period started February 23, 1989 and my final day in the Army will be September 30, 2009 with a total service to the Army of 24 years three months and seven days.

The Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard posting the Colors


Waiting for my name to be called.


Major General Vincent Brooks presenting my Meritorious Service Medal and certificate of retirement.


My platoon sergeant and First Sergeant.


My company commander and co-workers.


The receiving line of retirees and family members.




Major General Vincent Brooks congratulating me once again.


My boss LTC B.


The Big Red 1 monument in front of building 580, the First Infantry Division Headquarters.