FORT BELVOIR, Va. - The 32-year career of Brig. Gen. Dennis E. Rogers, director of operations and facilities for Installation Management Command and commanding general of the National Capital Region District, officially ended Friday as he retired from the Army during a ceremony in Fort Belvoir's Wood Theater.
Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of IMCOM, told the audience during opening remarks that he would take his time celebrating Rogers' service to his country. After all, according to Lynch, you can't properly celebrate one's accomplishments in a short amount of time.
"Gen. Rogers is a man of vision. He has the talent, drive and ambition to get things done," Lynch said. "I took peace knowing I would be working alongside him at IMCOM. He is a worthy leader and has made history in quite a remarkable fashion."
Rogers began his career as a cavalry officer at Fort Stewart, Ga. Along the way, he attended U.S. Army Ranger School and has deployed overseas for a variety of assignments. These include two tours in Iraq - with the last in 2004 as deputy chief of staff, Multi-National Corps - Iraq.
After receiving letters of praise from President Barack Obama and U.S. Army Chief of Staff George Casey, Lynch later presented Rogers with the Distinguished Service Medal, adding, "Inside this medallion is more than 30 years of love and respect."
Looking around the auditorium, Rogers began to thank his fellow generals and "battle buddies" in the audience. He also gave special thanks to everyone in the NCRD and to all the NCOs he's ever encountered during his career.
"I thank them for mentoring me. They have shown that the discovery of learning derives from them," Rogers said. "To be an effective leader, I've learned it's important to accept people into your team. If you show them recognition and appreciation, amazing things can happen."
While Friday's ceremony marked the end of his military career, Rogers said it wasn't a sad affair and that he's looking forward to the road ahead. He closed by thanking his wife, Maria, and their children, Victor, Derek, Adrianna and Arielle for all their love and support.
"Tomorrow morning, I'm going to wake up, take a deep breath, exhale and say, 'Wait a minute, I don't need to go to work today,'" Rogers said to a chorus of laughs. "That will mark the first time I've been unemployed since the 9th grade. Though, I know I'll find something to do with my time."
When asked how he would like to be remembered by those who know him best, Rogers replied, "As a humble servant to my country."
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