CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end

By Mr. Kevin Stabinsky (IMCOM)September 3, 2010

CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Kenny LeonGuerrero (left), receives the flag he served for 35 years from Col. Deborah B. Grays, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) commander, as part of his retirement ceremony Aug. 26 at The Commons at Fort McPherson. The two worked togethe... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Master Sgt. Vickey Thompson (left), outgoing command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Directorate of Public Works/Directorate of Logistics, and Erika Blevins, USAG Command Group management services specialist, present a blanket to Leo... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end
3 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Deborah Grays, USAG commander, and LeonGuerrero stand with LeonGuerrero’s three children (left to right), Lesley, Jennifer and Kenny Jr., after awarding the three with certificates of appreciation for supporting their father in his military serv... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end
4 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Surrounded by Family, Command Sgt. Maj. Kenny LeonGuerrero was wished farewell by his other Family, the U.S. Army — which he served for 35 years — during his retirement ceremony at The Commons at Fort McPherson Aug. 26. Many of LeonGuerrero’s Family ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CSM's 35-year journey comes to an end
5 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

On July 29, 1975, a young private named Kenny LeonGuerrero enlisted in the Army, taking his first steps on a 35-year journey that would last through three wars, multiple peacekeeping operations, three uniform changes and every enlisted rank.

On Aug. 26, members of the Fort McPherson community gathered to honor the journey and service of Command Sgt. Maj. LeonGuerrero, who will officially retire Nov. 30.

"We come together to honor a faithful and humble servant," said Col. Deborah Grays, U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) commander.

Grays worked with LeonGuerrero, the prior USAG command sergeant major, for about two years, and said he was both a trusted friend and battle buddy.

LeonGuerrero's real legacy, Grays added, was the positive tone he set in the office.

"You came with your A game every single day and helped set a good tone," Grays told LeonGuerrero during his ceremony.

"You exemplify to me what it means to have a positive attitude." LeonGuerrero said his attitude came from his belief that a negative attitude results in wasted energy; energy he couldn't afford to lose if he was to "pour his love and soul into this uniform."

His dedication throughout 35 years came from a love of country, LeonGuerrero said. "I love my country and the people who fought before me," Leon-Guerrero said. "I know how fortunate it is to be an American."

One of those people who fought before LeonGuerrero was his father, JAfAsus, a retired Navy chief petty officer who served in World War II and Korea.

The tradition of service runs through the LeonGuerrero Family.

LeonGuerrero's brother, Joseph, is a retired Navy master chief petty officer; his brother, Jesse, is a retired Marine master gunnery sergeant; his sister, Elizabeth, was a staff sergeant in the Army Reserves; her husband, Art Meilicke, is a retired Army lieutenant colonel; and Elizabeth's and Meilicke's daughter, Risha, is a second lieutenant with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Many of those Family members were in attendance Aug. 26, with some traveling from as far away as Guam and Hawaii to see the ceremony.

"My heart is pounding fast because of your presence," LeonGuerrero said, also thanking those who took time out of their day to wish him well. "Your presence honors me and my Family."

Grays said the occasion was a good time to also honor and recognize LeonGuerrero's Family for supporting him throughout his career, especially his three children, Lesley, Jennifer and Kenny Jr., who were each awarded a certificate of appreciation from Grays.

LeonGuerrero was also honored with several awards, including the Legion of Merit and multiple letters of thanks from local community leaders, including the mayors of East Point, Forest Park and Atlanta.

LeonGuerrero, a native of Guam, also received thanks from Guam's governor, Felix P. Camacho.

LeonGuerrero's peers in the USAG command group also shared their thanks. Command Sgt. Maj. Karl Roberts, who assumed responsibility as USAG command sergeant major from LeonGuerrero, gave thanks to him for his tutelage.

"You have taught me to this day," Roberts said. "I'm better prepared today from the tools you gave me."

Howard Butler, USAG deputy commander, said in the three years he worked with him, LeonGuerrero was always on point for mentoring Soldiers.

"Every single person here you've left a legacy to," Butler said. "With duty and honor, you served your country."

Grays agreed, calling LeonGuerrero absolutely selfless and a pillar of strength; someone who increased the effectiveness of the armed forces and, on a personal level, helped steer her in the right direction.

LeonGuerrero said he was honored by everyone's words.

Although his career was long and distinguished, LeonGuerrero's own words were short.

Still, he left attendees with the wisdom he learned as a child from his father and a former coach.

"My father said, 'Son, if you want to do something and leave footprints in the sands of time, you have to wear work boots,'" he said, adding his coach told him to "run until you die." Although retiring, LeonGuerrero said he still plans to keep running.

While he has no concrete plans yet, LeonGuerrero said he plans to stay in the area and hopes to be able to help strengthen his community by helping youths become better American citizens.

"I'm 54 years old. I'm just beginning my new life," LeonGuerrero said.