REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Members of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command bid farewell to a leader who served the Army and his nation for 27 years.
Col. Dewey A. Granger, USASMDC/ARSTRAT outgoing chief of staff, joined the command in July 2013 and retired during a ceremony Oct. 20.
"Rachel and I are approaching the future with a little anxiety but with much joy and contentment," Granger said. "There are some things I wish I could have done but that list is short. I've spent my entire adult life in the Army and it has been absolutely fulfilling."
Granger came to SMDC from his former position as the deputy to the commanding general of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. He is the first Field Artillery officer to be assigned to an Air Defense organization. Granger's previous assignments include: Germany, Iraq; Hawaii; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma; among others.
The command's top leader spoke about what Granger has meant to the Army and especially to SMDC.
"As I am sure you all are aware, he has made an incredible difference," Lt. Gen. David L. Mann, SMDC commanding general. "And I can't begin to describe how much I've counted on him.
"We needed a tough, smart and caring chief of staff, and Col. Dewey Granger has been all of that and so much more," he added. "Over the past two years, he's played a pivotal role in the command's success and the tremendous increase in our visibility. He has provided expert guidance, advice and direction to the entire staff, and to me personally. He built teams, resolved conflicts and obtained resources. I want to personally thank you for your dedication to this command, our team, our families and our mission, as well as your unwavering commitment and service to our nation."
Mann thanked him for all of his contributions that made the command a better place, and wished him and his wife, Rachel, along with their children Zachary and Abigail well in their future endeavors.
"Dewey Granger has spent the last 27 years serving the United States Army and our nation with great distinction," Mann said. "Dewey planned on serving in the Army for only three years after college. He even told his mother, 'I'll be done in three years.' And every three years he would say the same thing, 'Three more years.' So after nine iterations of 'three more years,' we're here today.
"Please never forget you have made a huge difference for so many people and for so many organizations," he added. "What we do in life truly echoes in eternity. On behalf of the Army and our nation, thank you for your 27 years of truly outstanding service. God bless you and Rachel. Job well done."
Granger took time to talk about the SMDC work force he has worked with and how he will never be forget them. He spoke about his decision to retire and how it will allow him to have more balance in his personal and professional life.
"This is a great community with equally wonderful people and leaders who have created a superb environment to put down roots," Granger said. "People in this community espouse the same values that we do -- service, patriotism, commitment and sacrifice. They constantly lend a helping hand to those who need it the most.
"It took just a few minutes for us to agree that we could enjoy ourselves here for the remainder of our lives," he added.
As the family prepares to take the next step in their journey, Granger said how a supportive family made his career more enjoyable and that he could not have accomplished what he did without his entire family.
"To my two great kids, Abi and Zach, I just can't express with words the love in my heart that I have for you," Granger said. "You made our lives complete in every sense of the word. Without the two of you, I'm not sure where we would be today, only that I am certain it would not be for the better. Your mother and I are very proud of you.
"Rachel has always been here for me and for many of you," he added. "Twenty-nine years ago I laid eyes upon the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I would always tell everyone that she chased me, but the truth is I was chasing her right from the beginning. Anyone who says there is no love at first sight is just wrong. As I said many times, I can't wait to grow old together."
Granger talked about what he will miss most about working with the Army and those charged with the nation's defense.
"Imagine leading a run with 600 of America's finest sons and daughters as the sun comes up across the horizon," Granger said. "Its warmth taking the cold morning sting off your face and everyone is moving as one team. Kids who come in weighing 135 pounds and have no confidence in themselves and their abilities would put on 30 pounds of muscle in six months, then start to believe in what they can do and who they can be.
"That is what I will miss," he added. "I would like to thank the warriors of all ranks with whom I have served with over the past years. Most of the credit that I have received belongs to you. The camaraderie and friendship that you have extended to me is my greatest honor."
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