Three Soldiers retire during June ceremony

By Rachel Ponder, APG NewsJuly 5, 2013

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The careers of three APG Soldiers from the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) formally came to an end during the Installation Retirement Ceremony at the Ball Conference Center June 27.

The honorees included Lt. Col. Christopher O. Foye, Lt. Col. Donald C. Kemp, and Sgt. Marta Harrington. The retirees had a combined total time in service of over 72 years.

The Director of Civilian Human Resources Agency Barbara P. Panther presided over the event and presented awards to the honorees.

Panther thanked the Soldiers for their dedication to the mission and congratulated them on their achievements, and also thanked the Families of the retirees. "We could not have their service if it was not for the support you provided and we thank you for that," she said.

Panther said the retirees' military service and training will help them in the years to come.

"Don't sacrifice the values that you hold dear," she said. "As you move into the next phase of your life, those are the values that will enable you to meet and deal with, and overcome the challenges you face. You are better prepared than you realize. Remember your Army Family; we are still here for you."

Lt. Col. Christopher Foye

20th Support Command (CBRNE)

Foye culminated his military career as the assistant chief of staff, G4, assigned to the 20th Support Command (CBRNE). He will retire on Oct. 31, 2013, with 28 years of honorable service. Foye was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry Corps on July 23, 1985 after graduating from Campbell University in North Carolina. His previous assignments include Germany, Korea, and Iraq.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Iraq Campaign Medal/Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal.

Foye received the Legion of Merit award signed by Acting Commander, U.S. Army Forces Command, Lt. Gen. William Garrett III; the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Barack Obama; the Certificate of Retirement signed by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno; and a United States flag and pin. Foye's wife, Angela received the DA Certificate of Appreciation.

Lt. Col. Donald Kemp

20th Support Command (CBRNE)

Kemp culminates his career as a weapon of mass destruction coordination element team chief assigned to the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) He will retire on Oct. 31, 2013, with 23 years of honorable service. Kemp was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps on Dec. 2, 1989 after graduating from North Georgia College. His combat tours include Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. In 2002 Kemp was assigned to the 82nd (XVIII Airborne Corps) Headquarters where he deployed with the command.

Kemp was awarded the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal signed by the former Commanding General of the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith; the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Barack Obama; the Certificate of Retirement signed by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno; and a United States flag and pin. Kemp's wife, Jennifer received the DA Certificate of Appreciation.

Kemp said he plans to move closer to his Family, and pursue a career in environmental management.

Sgt. Marta Harrington

20th Support Command (CBRNE)

Harrington culminates her military career as the G4 property book noncommissioned officer assigned to the 20th Support Command (CBRNE). She will retire on Sept. 30, 2013, with 20 years of honorable service after a 15-year break in service. Harrington, a native of Panama, joined the Army in 1978. She signed up for Aviation Maintenance training and became a helicopter maintenance repairer working on Bell UH-1 (Huey Helicopter). Her previous assignments include Alaska, Korea, Germany and Iraq. Her military awards include the National Defense Medal, the Korea Defense Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Harrington was awarded the U.S. Meritorious Service Medal signed by the former Commanding General of the 20th Support Command (CBRNE) Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith; the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Barack Obama; the Certificate of Retirement signed by the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno; and a United States flag and pin. Harrington's husband, Kent, received the DA Certificate of Appreciation.