FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Six Soldiers with a combined more than 146 years of service joined the civilian ranks April 29 during a quarterly retirement ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Garrison Commander Col. Yvette Kelley commended Chief Warrant Officer 5 Benny Aguirre, CW4s James Baker and Matthew Harris, Sgt. Maj. Terrence Clark, Master Sgt. James Parris and Staff Sgt. Patricia Mims for their service. Kelley also recognized their Families for their support.
"This gathering is in your honor and is one small way that we may thank you for the many sacrifices and contributions each of you have made," she said. "We must also recognize the sacrifices your Families have made each and every day so you could go forth and do your job(s)."
Kelley specifically commented on each retiree, as well.
CW5 Benny Aguirre:
"Aguirre believes Soldiers should use the best of their abilities to make the commander's intent happen," she said. "They will gain the respect of the commander and be remembered for making a difference in that unit."
Aguirre last served as the Warrant Officer Career College's Advanced Studies Division Chief. Upon retirement, he will reside in Dothan.
CW4 James Baker:
"Baker encourages Soldiers to make the most of every opportunity the Army affords you and to keep a positive attitude," Kelley said. "Mr. Baker, his wife, Melody, and the Family will be staying in Enterprise, so I'm sure we'll see them around the block."
Baker last served as an intelligence writer for the Combined Arms Division, 1st Battalion, 145th Aviation Regiment. Baker will reside in Enterprise after his retirement.
CW4 Matthew Harris:
"Harris received an Air Medal with valor for responding to a brigade commander's call for help when his unit was pinned down by a machine gun nest," Kelley said. "His advice to all Soldiers is to do your job; don't expect someone else to pick up the slack."
Harris last served as a tactical operations instructor for A Company, 1st Bn., 145th Avn. Regt. Baker will reside in Huntsville after his retirement.
Sgt. Maj. Terrence Clark:
"Clark's most memorable experiences were those when he served as a first sergeant. He had passion about being a first sergeant. Sgt. Maj. Clark always took pride in his Soldiers' accomplishments," Kelley said. "He was an expert marksman, (and) he scored 300 on the (physical training) test."
Clark's last job in his 26-year career was as the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence operations sergeant major.
Master Sgt. James Parris:
"He first worked as a fire support specialist for three years. Then after Desert Storm, he enlisted in the personnel field," Kelley said. "He derived great satisfaction from molding our country's youth from civilians into our Army's young Soldiers."
Parris last served as the Inspector General Office noncommissioned officer-in-charge. Parris now resides in Enterprise.
Staff Sgt. Patricia Mims:
"She's especially proud of serving on the base drill team," Kelley said of Mims' service in the Marines. "Mims' advice to others is for us to go back and use some of the old values we learned long ago especially during these stressful times in the military. Soldiers want to be led. They don't want to be befriended."
Mims first began service in 1976 and completed 20 years. She last served as Lyster Army Health Clinic's Managed Care Division NCOIC. She plans to retire in Chicago.
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