Pacific troops honored for 116 years of service

By Sgt. Jon HeinrichAugust 12, 2015

Pacific troops honored for 116 years of service
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Greg Anderson, the chief of staff for 8th Theater Sustainment Command, speaks during a Celebration of Service retirement ceremony Aug. 6 at Richardson Theater on Fort Shafter, Hawaii. The ceremony honored the service and commitment of five leade... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pacific troops honored for 116 years of service
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Master Sgt. Trent Bronson, the operation sergeant for 8th Theater Sustainment Command, receives the U.S. flag for his retirement during a Celebration of Service Ceremony Aug. 6 at Richardson Theater, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. The ceremony honored the ser... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pacific troops honored for 116 years of service
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Alberto Melendrez, the motorpool noncommissioned officer for 558th Military Police Company, 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, and his wife, Amanda, and their daughter, Anaya,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pacific troops honored for 116 years of service
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 8th Theater Sustainment Command retirees and their Families stand at the front of Richardson Theater, Fort Shafter, Hawaii during a Celebration of Service Ceremony Aug. 6. The ceremony honored the service and commitment of five leaders in the 8th TSC... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - After more than 116 years of combined Army service, five leaders from 8th Theater Sustainment Command were honored at a Celebration of Service Retirement Ceremony Aug. 6 at Richardson Theater here.

Honored during the ceremony were Chief Warrant Officer 3 Judith Branham, the legal administrator for 8th TSC; Master Sgt. Trent Bronson, a spectrum manager for 8th TSC; Master Sgt. Shawn Mills, the chief ammunition noncommissioned officer for 8th Special Troops Battalion; Master Sgt. Michael Truitt, the operation sergeant for 8th TSC; Sgt. 1st Class Alberto Melendrez, the motorpool nco for 558th Military Police Company, 728th Military Police Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade.

"It's an absolute privilege and honor to be a part of this significant occasion and to formally say thank you to these leaders for all they've done for the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, the Army, and their nation," said Col. Greg Anderson, the chief of staff for 8th TSC.

"Collectively, this group of retirees has earned combat action badges, bronze star medals, defense meritorious service medals, meritorious service medals, and many other accommodations," Anderson said. "Through a combined nine combat tours, they have fought and served honorably to protect our freedom - and the freedom of all Americans.

"There's no question that our nation and Army have changed since these Soldiers first raised their hand and swore their service more than 20 years ago, but one thing that's always remained constant and true is their commitment to the profession of Arms that they all represent so impeccably.

Each of the retirees received a Meritorious Service Medal, a U.S. Flag and a retirement pin for all their years of service to the Army.

"No matter what your plans are after you take off the uniform, I want you to know you always have a home here at the 8th Theater Sustainment Command and I know everyone here today joins me in wishing you the very best in your well-deserved retirements," Anderson said.