Gillies relinquishes command, band retires two senior musicians

By Ms. Cherish Washington (AMC)January 25, 2013

Relinquishment of command
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command Band hosted a relinquishment of command ceremony in the Villar conference room here, Jan. 23.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Peter C. Gillies, outgoing AMC band commander, formally relinquished command to First Sergeant James Cardo, who will lead the band until the arrival of its new commander in April.

Gen. Dennis L. Via, AMC commander hosted the ceremony, noting the band's role in the community.

"They [the AMC band] helped AMC become a vital part of the Tennessee Valley community," Via said. "They truly are world-class musicians and we thank them for being such wonderful ambassadors."

Via also reflected on the numerous compliments he receives about the band.

The AMC band is most noted for its service in the community and its promotion of music education in Tennessee Valley schools and universities.

"The AMC band completed more than 457 musical missions in fiscal year 2012, the highest in Army history," Cardo said.

Also under Gillies' command, the band received the Army Superior Unit award for its work.

Following the relinquishment of command ceremony, two of the band's very own retired from service with an intimate gathering of friends and family.

The audience watched quietly as the citation was read retiring Chief Warrant Officer 4 Dewayne Kendricks from service. Kendricks served as a band master with the AMC band since last summer and retired with 29 years of service to the Army.

"It's been a long ride with a lot of memories," Kendricks said. "I don't regret a single day-- including basic training."

He also thanked his family, in particular his wife and four sons stating it was always his desire to make his sons proud and be a positive role model.

Kendricks invited his tearful wife to do another 28 years with him in this next phase of life.

Gillies also retired with a notable 23 years of service working under chiefs of staff, general officers home and abroad.

He thanked his wife for sticking by his side with 19 moves in the military including serving in the Army herself, volunteering and teaching.

"The sacrifices you made did not go unnoticed," Gillies said to his wife.

Before closing out his remarks, Gillies left the band with one final thought, "You guys have to believe in what you do and in what you do for our country."

"Don't apologize for what you do," he continued. "Trust in it and believe in it."

Gillies and Kendricks leave the Army with approximately 52 years of service to the nation.

The mission of Army bands is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in our forces the will to fight and win, foster the support of our citizens, and promote our national interests at home and abroad.

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