Two senior Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academy NCOs who had a joint retirement ceremony at Fort McCoy Oct. 23 were honored with Meritorious Service Medals for military careers that included helping to prepare NCOs as leaders and serving the American public.
Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis W. Martinson, former NCO Academy commandant, was recognized for 30 years of service. Sgt. Maj. Bobby E. King, former NCO Academy deputy commandant, was recognized for 27 years of service.
Each also received a presidential certificate of appreciation signed by President Obama, and a certificate of retirement signed by Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr., among other awards. Their spouses received a Department of the Army certificate of appreciation, among other recognition.
"I greatly appreciated the support of my family," Martinson said. "It's important that we remember the veterans who came before us. We are what we are off the back of our predecessors. Their wars are no less than our wars."
Martinson's grandfather served in World War II, and his father served in the Navy. This was a good day to be an infantryman and also a good day to remember deployed comrades and what they are doing in the most dangerous areas of the world, he said.
"The key to success is keeping good Soldiers around you," Martinson said. "There's no way to be number one unless Soldiers are doing everything they should be doing."
King said the military is like family and encouraged senior Soldiers to take time to talk to Soldiers to find out what is going on.
"They will tell you what's going on if you let them," he said. "People in charge should be careful about what they ask their Soldiers to do. They will do exactly what you ask them to do. Give them the time and resources to do things right."
Soldiers need to embrace change because change is always happening in the Army.
King said NCOs need to lead by example, and become the master/expert of their trade. Dedication and hard work will take Soldiers a long way in their military careers.
"It's never about you," King said. "It must be about your Soldiers. Take care of your Soldiers and they will do their jobs and you will be successful."
Colleagues and family members also traveled from throughout the state and country to attend the ceremony and honor Martinson and King.
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