ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. - The workforce of Anniston Army Depot had the distinct privilege Feb. 28 of presenting Tony Butler, depot sergeant major, with well wishes and tokens of appreciation upon the occasion of his retirement.
Among family, friends, co-workers and community partners, Butler said farewell after a 30-year career in the U.S. Army, the last three at ANAD.
"I just want to say thank you to the entire workforce at Anniston Army Depot for their dedication to the important work that goes on here," said Butler.
Special remarks and awards presentations were made by Maj. Gen. Kurt J. Stein, commanding general, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, while TACOM LCMC's command sergeant major, Clinton Hall, made presentations to Butler, his wife, Melinda, and their daughters, Courtney and Brooke.
"This day is special because I always enjoy bragging on our Army, which is strong because of our NCO (non-commissioned officers) corps, the backbone of the Army. It's the NCOs like Sgt. Maj. Butler who are making things happen in the Army every single day," said Stein.
Depot Commander Col. Timothy Sullivan said Butler was an exceptional teammate and did great work for the entire installation as its depot sergeant major.
"When I arrived at Anniston and first met Sgt. Maj. Butler I knew that he was the depot's sergeant major by the way he carried himself. He takes care of everyone and makes sure the job is getting done throughout the installation," said Sullivan. "I'm fortunate to have worked with Sgt. Maj. Butler. He has a great family who he will get to enjoy spending more time with."
Butler said he and his family were happy when they first heard he was to be assigned to Anniston. Following his 1981 graduation from Thomson High School in Georgia, the Army took him around the world before landing him back in the South. His last duty station before coming to ANAD was at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
During his closing remarks, Butler read three letters he received while deployed to the Middle East. The letters were written by his wife and two daughters. "My daughters are the greatest kids anyone could ask for, and my best-friend and wife has stood by my side and helped me stay strong through all the changes that we've had to make over the years. I'm blessed," said Butler, whose retirement ceremony was shared with many family members from his native Georgia.
Butler was presented with many awards, certificates and letters and received recognition from President Barack Obama, U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey and Army Materiel Command's Gen. Ann Dunwoody.
Social Sharing