From left, Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Fairley, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence command sergeant major, watches as Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, commanding general, USAICoE and Fort Huachuca, hands Col. Jeffrey Jennings, chief of staff, USAICoE...

Fort Huachuca, Arizona - The chief of staff for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, or USAICoE, formally retired from the Army after 31 years of military service and said his goodbyes during a May 8 ceremony at Fitch Auditorium, Alvarado Hall.

Surrounded by family, friends and military colleagues, Col. Jeffrey Jennings ended his Army career to follow a new path as a civilian.

Maj. Gen. Robert Ashley, commanding general, USAICoE and Fort Huachuca, spoke of Jennings' dedication and contributions to the installation.

"The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit," Ashley read. "So for 31 years, Jeff has planted trees; he has impacted and he has inspired generations. So from one Soldier to another, I'll tell you all the closing line on Jeff's last officer evaluation report. To end your career, it simply says, 'The next time I go to war, I want Jeff Jennings with me."'

"The last 31-and-a-half years have been unbelievable but I am now a former Soldier and ready for what's next," Jennings told the crowd. "I leave that to you still in uniform and those to come. I'll support you in every way I can. I'll pray for you and I'll love you, but the task is now yours."

Jennings became emotional during his speech while speaking to his family members in the audience. "Dad, from you I got these tears. I certainly got empathy, respect and kindness -- those are the attributes. They help me to lead and to follow," he said.

When asked about the next phase of his life, he said, "I feel good, I'm ready. I am retiring from the Army but not ready to retire completely." Jennings, who is an Arizona native, plans to remain in the area and will return to work after taking some time away to play golf and relax.

"The things I'm most proud of is that I've been married for 33 years, so longer than I've been in [the Army], and I'm very proud of that and my two fine sons," Jennings said. "Plus all the wonderful people I've been able to meet and work with and get to know in the last 31 years -- it's been a good run. I'm ready for what's next. We'll see."