FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - Maj. Gen. William Beard, deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Reserves, U.S. Army Pacific was honored during a celebration of service ceremony held at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Sept. 2.
The celebration of service ceremony recognizes Soldiers and leaders for their distinguished service to USARPAC and their country as they retire.
Beard spent a combination of 39 years of active duty and reserve time. He mentioned that working alongside of Soldiers was one of the greatest highlights of his career.
"To the Soldiers standing on this historic field," he said. "You are a part of something larger than yourself. You are what the Army will become. Remember, you will soon be the leaders shepherding young Soldiers and leading them."
Seventeen of USARPAC's subordinate and theater-enabling commands were represented on the parade field by Soldiers bearing the organizational colors and command teams. The units took to the field in a V formation. The formation is named after the shape in which the colors are posted during the ceremony, taking on the name Flying V.
USARPAC's commanding general, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, officiated the ceremony and addressed how Beard's service has impacted USARPAC.
"[Maj. Gen. Beard] began his career as a private more than three decades ago," said Brooks. "Over the succeeding three plus decades, he held multiple demanding positions demonstrating the depth and breadth of his knowledge and the versatility of his capabilities."
Beard stated that the Soldiers and noncommissioned officers made his job easy, but it was because of his family that he was able to make it through his 39 years of military service.
"There was never a stop where Elaine wasn't pushing me, I was not pulling her, she was always pushing me and helping me get everything that I needed," said Beard. "I would like to take the time to thank all the spouses out there today, because I know there's nothing that I can do without my spouse supporting me and helping me."
Brooks thanked Beard for his contribution to USARPAC and wished him and his family well as he prepares to transition into a new phase of his life.
"Gary and Elaine [Beard] are retiring from the Army, but they are not finished impacting the lives of others," said Brooks. He is seeking to bring the best of Tennessee to the New York Military Academy where he is now the superintendent. There is no question about those who pass through the doors of the New York Military Academy will be better people, because they were guided in their growth by an extraordinary couple.
During the ceremony Beard was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal, Retirement Service Award, certificate of appreciation from the commander in chief, a certificate of appreciation from U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond Odierno, a retirement pin and a U.S. flag flown on Palm Circle. Elaine Beard was presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for her outstanding volunteer service to the U.S. Army, a certificate of appreciation from the Secretary of the Army and a letter of appreciation from Brooks.
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