REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - The Army aviation community welcomed a new Chinook leader and celebrated a lifelong service to the Army with a retirement ceremony July 31.

Lt. Col. Michael "Reese" Hauenstein relinquished responsibility as the CH-47F Chinook product manager to Lt. Col. Richard Bratt during a change of charter ceremony at Bob Jones Auditorium. Hauenstein's retirement ceremony followed immediately after.

Changes of charter are a common but very important events within the acquisition community, said Col. Rob Barrie, project manager for Cargo Helicopters. "They are important for us to acknowledge that we are changing leadership in the office … and there is nothing more important than honoring the service and retirement of a Soldier."

After more than 21 years of service to the Army, Hauenstein was recognized with several awards during his retirement ceremony, including the Legion of Merit and the Honorable Order of St. Michael, Bronze Award from the Army Aviation Association of America. His wife, Kellie, was also recognized with a certificate of appreciation from the Chief of Staff of the Army.

"The most important thing to do in these ceremonies is to welcome the families and thank them for their service," Barrie said. "We fully appreciate the sacrifice that they have made so that Reese can do what he needed to do." He also acknowledged the sacrifices and the gift that the parents have made and raised Hauenstein to be among the best.

A native of Bracey, Virginia, and an OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and CH-47 Chinook pilot, Hauenstein was noted for consistently being ahead of schedule in the delivery of F model Chinooks to Army units around the world. More than 320 CH-47Fs are now flying in more than 50 locations worldwide. The CH-47F is the Army's premier heavy-lift helicopter for intra-theater troop and cargo transport. It features the latest technologies to ensure continuing military effectiveness, relevance and long-term service for present-day and future warfighters. The CH-47 Chinook has been in production for more than 50 years.

"The Army attributes the success of this program to a great leader," Barrie said.

Hauenstein thanked his team and especially his family for all the support they have given that enabled him to be successful. Being in the Army was all he ever wanted to do ever since he was "knee high to a grasshopper," he said. "It hasn't felt like a job. It's felt more like a hobby."

Enumerating the things he has done right in his life, one stood out the most. "I'm proud to say that I'm going home with the woman I came with."

When asked what he wanted as a gift for his retirement, choking back tears, Hauenstein asked the audience to proudly sing the Army Song, loud and strong.

"Rich is no stranger to this community," Barrie said of Hauenstein's successor, Bratt. His experience in operations, test and acquisition makes him the right man for the job, Barrie said. "We're very excited about what you can bring to the table. You're about to inherit a fantastic team -- you know that."

Bratt thanked Barrie and Brig. Gen. Bob Marion, program executive officer for aviation, for giving him the tremendous opportunity to join the PM Cargo formation. "As I continued on in my career and I deployed, I continued to see the professionalism and dedication of PM Cargo as we never lacked for support for what we needed to accomplish our mission in theater. As I moved onto testing, I interacted with these experts on a daily basis and again reiterated their professionalism in their efforts and their dedication to the Soldier. To those in the Cargo team, I've seen it in many different lights. Know that your reputation is impeccable, and I'm privileged to serve by your side.

"There is no doubt that Reese's unparalleled efforts and contributions to Army aviation are going to be seen for many years to come," Bratt added.