Rivera bids farewell

By Mrs. Jennifer Bacchus (AMC)June 7, 2012

Rivera bids farewell
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- Anniston Army Depot bid farewell to the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command chaplain, Lt. Col. Pablo Rivera during a luncheon at the Berman Varner House June 5.

Col. Timothy Sullivan, depot commander, and several members of the installation's Ministry Team thanked Rivera for his service to the depot.

"He has done what I asked him to do, which is come here and be with our people," said Sullivan as he outlined numerous trips Rivera has taken to the depot. "The chaplain has been to some of our families' homes when we've had tragic events happen."

Scotty Rice, Don Pilcher and Ron Jones spoke on behalf of the Ministry Team, each sharing their personal experiences with Rivera as well as expressing their appreciation to TACOM's new chaplain, Lt. Col. Stephen DeMien.

"There are some people you meet who are like a breath of fresh air," said Rice of Rivera. "The man has so much energy and so much joy."

Pilcher thanked him for being a friend both personally and on behalf of the depot. Adding that he has already had the pivilege of spending time with DeMien, Pilcher gave the new chaplain a warm welcome.

"DeMien has a heart for our people," he said.

DeMien served most recently as the head of the garrison chaplaincy in Weisbaden, Germany.

Rivera read over the list of honors and experience, both educational and military, that his successor has, letting the approximately 100 employees gathered know that he was confident DeMien would be a beneficial chaplain for the TACOM installations.