FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Soldiers rushed across the gymnasium floor looking for a seat in the bleachers. Company, battery and troop guidons speckled the mass of digital camouflage that filled the seating areas, and Soldiers continued to fill the areas around and even above the bleachers to the pavilion to witness the ceremony that began a few minutes later.
Service members from every unit on Fort Drum and the Patriot Brigade from Fort Polk, La., gathered Thursday to witness the 10th Mountain Division (LI) pay its respect to Command Sgt. Maj. David Martel during a Mountain Salute retirement ceremony at Magrath Sports Complex.
Martel, who was the rear command sergeant major during the division's most recent deployment, served in every position in the infantry career field during his more than 31 years of service. His wife, Nancy, also was honored for her volunteerism in family readiness groups throughout her experience in the Army.
In their dress uniforms, Martel, Brig. Gen. Michael Howard, the division's deputy commanding general of operations, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney "Ray" Lewis, the division senior enlisted adviser, reviewed the formation of the 10th Mountain Division's brigade and battalion command sergeants major and their colors.
Howard, who served alongside Martel as acting commander during the division's most recent deployment, requested to be the speaker at the ceremony.
"My job wasn't doable without him," Howard said. "Participating in this ceremony is the least I can do to show him the respect and attitude I owe him."
Martel enlisted from Boston in 1983 when he was 18 years old. Since then, the Army has changed, according to Howard, and Martel had to change to meet the Army's needs during those times.
He served overseas in Korea, Alaska and Germany. He was deployed during the Kosovo War as well as Operations Desert Shield / Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
"At least one of the Iraq deployments, in terms of fatalities, was tough both on Dave and Nancy, who was with the Soldiers' Families in Germany," Howard said.
Nancy Martel, who was awarded the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award for volunteerism in February, was recognized by the National Infantry Association with the "Shield of Sparta -- Heroine of Infantry" for her outstanding contributions to the Army's infantry community.
She also was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for exceptional meritorious service while serving in multiple family readiness group organizations and the Arlington Ladies, whose members attend the funerals of every member of the United States armed forces buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Martel was awarded the Legion of Merit for his distinguished and exceptional career as the 10th Mountain Division's rear command sergeant major. He also received a retirement pin, a United States Flag and a letter of appreciation.
New York State Sen. Hugh T. Farley, who represents the 49th District, sent Martel a citation of appreciation from the state of New York for his service and to congratulate him and his Family on his retirement.
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