FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Fort Rucker honored 11 Soldiers during a retirement ceremony April 28 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
Col. Ken Biland, 1st Aviation Brigade commander, recognized the retirees' combined 255 years of service to the nation.
"While there are no words so noble that we can deliver today to fully describe our gratitude, we simply thank you for your duty. We thank you for your honor. And we thank you for the many decades of proud service to this great country of ours," said Biland. "The servicemembers standing before us - these are the Americans that have answered our nation's call. They are dedicated. They are honorable. And they truly represent the best of our country, and we are grateful."
The following Soldiers were honored:
* Col. Christopher C. Sullivan received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 30 years of outstanding military service, culminating as commander, U.S. Army Aviation Technical Test Center.
* Maj. Jack Stewart received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 23 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the 164th Theater Airfield Operations Group S3.
* CW3 Russell J. Toeller received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as UH-60 instructor pilot, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment.
* Master Sgt. Eric D. Hagan received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 27 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the noncommissioned officer in charge, Training and Doctrine Command capability manager's office for reconnaissance and attack.
* First Sgt. Michael T. Mallory Sr. received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 26 years of outstanding military service, culminating as ground accident investigator, U.S. Army Combat Readiness Safety Center.
* Master Sgt. Donald K. Skidds received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 25 years of outstanding military service culminating as sergeant major of the Directorate of Simulation.
* First Sgt. Celestine F. Burnette received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 164th TAOG.
* Sgt. 1st Class Gabriel L. Boyd received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 22 years of outstanding military service, culminating as ground accident investigator, USACR Safety Center.
* Sgt. 1st Class Joshlynn L. Polidore received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstand military service, culminating as communications section noncommissioned officer in charge, 164th TAOG.
* Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Lopez received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as operations noncommissioned officer, 177th Armored Brigade, Fort Shelby, Miss.
* Staff Sgt. Michael R. Brown received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 22 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the advanced individual training platoon sergeant, 1st Bn. 13th Avn. Regt.
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