PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - (From left) John F. Hedderich III, Director, U.S. Army, Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center presents Col. Scott J. Turner Jr., with a letter of appreciation signed by President Barack Obama, while Turner's ...
PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - At a retirement ceremony April 7, Col. J. Scott Turner Jr., received the Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal for his 30 years of service to the U.S. Army from John Hedderich, Director of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC).
Turner began his military career as a second lieutenant upon graduating from Army ROTC at Florida Southern College in 1986. Turner has spent nearly 10 years serving at Picatinny Arsenal in a variety of research and development assignments.
Hedderich described Turner, his military deputy as a "great partner" and described his work, dedication and attitude as "intense focused energy."
"Scott joined the Army in 1986, the year my eldest son was born and my son was able to grow up in a free nation because of guys like him," said Hedderich. Turner assumed his ARDEC duties in September 2013.
Brig. Gen. Patrick Burden, Senior Commander of Picatinny Arsenal and Deputy Program Executive Officer for Ammunition, remarked that Turner "has been my right arm."
"We are not here to say good bye but to say thank you," Burden added.
In addition to his most recent duties at ARDEC military deputy, Turner served as the Acting Senior Commander Picatinny Arsenal prior to Burden's arrival, and also served Burden as the Installation Chief of Staff.
While assigned as Project Manager Combat Ammunition Systems, Turner's organization fielded critically needed equipment to warfighters in Iraqi and Afghanistan by responding with 10 urgent materiel releases and 10 full materiel releases and completing 10 type classifications.
During the ceremony, Turner's wife, Lisa Marie Quidileg, was honored for her community service. Burden presented her the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher Award in recognition for her many hours of service and commitment.
In summing up his 30 years of service to the Army, Turner thanked those Soldiers and civilians who mentored him, supported him and became his friends.
"The most important people are my family and my family has always has been there for me," said Turner.
Burden presented Turner with the Ancient order of Saint Barbara Award, a military society that acknowledges the outstanding achievements of military members and civilians in the artillery community.
In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida Southern College, Turner holds a Master of Science degree in National Resource Strategy form the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
He is a graduate of the Combined Arms and Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the Senior Service College at National Defense University, Fort McNair.
His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (7th oak Leaf), Army Commendation Medal (3rd Oak Leaf), Army Achievement Medal (2nd Oak Leaf), National Defense Service Medal (Service Star) NATIO ISAF Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Campaign Star) and the Overseas Service Ribbon (two tours).
Retirement Ceremony for Col. Scott J. Turner Jr.
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