Left to right: U.S. Army Pacific Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Leota, Master Sgt. Dereck B. Fulton , Tonya Fulton (two daughters), and USARPAC Commanding General, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks pose for a photo during the "Celebration of Service' held June 19 at h...
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Two officers and an NCO from the U.S. Army Pacific highlighted the command's first collective 'Celebration of Service' ceremony, held June 6 evening on Historic Palm Circle, honoring over 74 years of combined service to the Nation
The host for the ceremony was the USARPAC Commanding General, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks.
The three honorees were Lt. Col Frank Maude, Lt. Col Kevin L. Peterson and Master Sgt. Dereck B. Fulton all assigned to USARPAC.
"There is a lot to celebrate; certainly the outstanding contributions, the service and the sacrifices of the honorees today and those that give them support," said Brooks.
We are here to say thanks to those that have made it into this extraordinary status, which is official retirement in the United States Army, said Brooks. "We are honoring two commissioned officers and one noncommissioned officer, and I think that's appropriate also because anyone of any grade that can meet that status of retired is worthy of our time and celebration."
Each of the honorees and family members went separately to the center of the field where they where Brooks presided over the awards presentation.
The 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Band closed the ceremony by playing Old Soldiers Never Die, Auld Lang Syne and the Army song, officially sending the honorees into the next chapter of their lives.
"I liked the idea of being a part of the very first USARPAC [Celebration of Service] ceremony, said Peterson. Speaking as a retiree, this is a very special cap to my entire military career, and this is one fantastic sendoff."
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