On a cold, gray, windy afternoon, the newest general officer was welcomed while 10 Soldiers were honored for their service as fellow Soldiers, family, friends and co-workers gathered at a retirement and retreat ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal's Constitution Square Oct. 28.

Maj. Gen Yves J. Fontaine, commanding general of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command, officially welcomed Brig. Gen. Brian R. Layer, deputy commanding general for sustainment, who has been serving at ASC since Sept. 6.

"Welcome to the ASC family," said Fontaine. "I am sure you will do great things in your tenure here."

Layer previously commanded the U.S. Army Transportation Center and School at Fort Eustis, Va., and prior to that served as the Army's chief of Transportation, Transportation School commandant, and the Combined Arms Support Command's deputy commander for capabilities.

Layer was commissioned in the Transportation Corps in 1982. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with a bachelor of science degree. He has earned three master's degrees, including a Master in business administration in logistics management from Michigan State University. He has also attended the Command and General Staff College, the School for Advanced Military Studies, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Fontaine described Layer as a "multi-functional logistician" and was impressed with his newest general officer.

"He is doing a fantastic job," said Fontaine. "He knows what Soldiers need."

In his short time at ASC, Layer has been most impressed with the challenge of the mission and the people. Looking ahead to the future, he'll continue to focus on the Soldier.

"My goal is to sustain the Army," said Layer. "As operations slow down, we need to sustain the Army in a way that offers best value to the taxpayer."

Fontaine also recognized the retiring Soldiers for their accomplishments and contributions to the Army. The 10 individuals have combined for 244 years of service to the nation.

"There is no greater calling than to serve one's country," said Fontaine. "Their knowledge and leadership have made an enormous difference to the Army, not only to the accomplishments of the mission, but to the people they have mentored, coached, and helped during their careers."

The retirees were:

-- Capt. Gina Mathia, ASC's chief of current operations for Pre-Deployment Training Equipment

-- Chief Warrant Officer 5 Paul Ternes, ASC's officer-in-charge of the Distribution Management Center's maintenance and workloading branch

-- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Luke McClure, an ASC supply systems technician

-- Chief Warrant Officer 4 David Swesey, ASC's chief property accounting technician

-- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Glen Ethridge, ASC's senior automotive maintenance officer

-- 1st Sgt. Moises Gonzales, ASC's first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Company

-- Master Sgt. Roslyn McClure, ASC's DMC customer assistance NCOIC

-- Sgt. 1st Class Lorraine Logan, ASC's 404th Army Field Support Brigade regional support team material management NCOIC

-- Sgt. 1st Class John Hernandez, ASC's transportation management coordinator for PDTE

-- Sgt. 1st Class George Reinstadtler, an ASC logistics management specialist for the Systems and Accountability Integration Division.

"They all served with distinction--made personal sacrifices--and made the best Army in the world even better through what they contributed to our mission," said Fontaine.

McClure, who retired with her husband, said she would miss the "camaraderie and esprit de corps" of being a Soldier. Both will become civilian employees working for ASC after retirement.

"We'll keep supporting Soldiers all the way," she said.

The event concluded with the playing of "Retreat" by the 144th Army Band from the Illinois Army National Guard, a ceremonial cannon fired, "To the Colors" played, with lowering the flag to retire the duty day.

"I thank you again for all you've done for ASC, for our Army and for our nation," said Fontaine. "In all sincerity, I promise that you will not be forgotten."

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For queries, contact the Army Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office at rock-amsas-pa@conus.army.mil or by phone at 309-782-5421.

For current ASC news, go to www.aschq.army.mil.