FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Sahar Livingston is thrilled to have her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Keno Livingston, home for good.
"I get him back for Valentine's days," she said, laughing. "In the past, he was always in the field or deployed."
Keno Livingston was one of four Soldiers trading in Army combat uniforms for civilian clothes at the Feb. 29 Mountain Post Retirement Ceremony.
"This collection of Americans has dedicated nearly every adult day of their lives to a purpose greater than themselves," said Brig. Gen. Darsie Rogers, deputy commanding general for support, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, during the ceremony. "These are Americans who have all served in combat. … These four Soldiers we are honoring here today are true American heroes."
Rogers thanked retirees for their service, assuring them the lessons they passed along to their Soldiers would carry on.
"(Retiring) feels like a weight being lifted off my shoulders," said Keno Livingston, adding that he plans to move to Pueblo to work as a mechanic.
A Soldier in multiple field artillery regiments, Keno Livingston enlisted in the Army in 1988, deploying to Korea, Bosnia and Bahrain.
He earned several awards including numerous Army Achievement and Army Good Conduct medals, National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
"I actually get to hang out with (my dad) and see him now," said Kathryn Livingston, 16. "I get my dad back."
In recognition for their service, each Soldier received a U.S. flag and medal. Family members also received tokens of appreciation. Children received "Army brat" certificates while spouses accepted certificates and roses.
"We've been married for eight years, but we still feel like we're newlyweds," said Becky Simons, wife of Lt. Col. Thomas Simons Jr. "We haven't been together much. He's deployed three times."
Thomas Simons earned three Bronze Star Medals as well as several Global War on Terrorism medals, including the Service, Expeditionary and Iraqi Campaign medals.
"(Retirement) hasn't sunk in," he said, adding that he plans to golf and look for another career.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 William Reed III said he plans to spend time with his wife and four children while he considers the next step in his career.
"I have to come home and introduce myself (to my children) and remind them I'm their dad," he said, laughing. "I'm getting out in time to send them all off to college."
Reed joined the Army in 1985, serving with various aviation and cavalry units. Throughout his 26 years in the military he earned the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Action Badge, Master Aviator Badge and Parachutist Badge, among others. Reed completed four combat tours in addition to tours in Korea and Bosnia.
"It feels great that we actually get to see him now," said Heather Reed, wife of William Reed.
Sgt. 1st Class Mack Baker said he will be enjoying his free time with his 16-month-old grandson, Nehemiah Baker.
"It feels great (to be retired)," said Baker, who served six combat tours including Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
"I spent 23 years and 22 days in (the Army)," he said. "I'm going to miss it."
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