The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence honored nine Soldiers and four Federal Civil Service civilians during a retirement ceremony Jan. 20 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum. Pictrued are (front row) Leslie R. Waltman Jr., Lt. Col. Lisa Ryder, Tho...

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence honored nine Soldiers and four Federal Civil Service civilians during a retirement ceremony Jan. 20 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Col. James A. Muskopf, Fort Rucker garrison commander, recognized the combined 330 years of service to the nation.

"Gathered in front of you here today are professionals who have served our nation with great distinction in peacetime and in times of war," said Muskopf. "Their services have taken them to corners of the globe assisting our nation in times of need, and providing peace and stability to our neighbors. I cannot begin to identify everything they have done, but let me thank them for their dedication.

"Not only are these retirees starting a new year, but a new chapter in their lives," Muskopf said. "It was truly a privilege to host today's event. These retirees standing before you represent the best of our nation and the Army. Today, we look at their incredible careers and think how lucky our Army has been to have them in our ranks. The community, your Army community and the Wiregrass community recognize your achievements and the sacrifices you and your family have made. This is just a small way that we thank you for your many sacrifices and contributions."

The following Soldiers were honored:

* Chaplain (Col.) Stephen L. Cook received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 27 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the Fort Rucker garrison chaplain.

* Lt. Col. Lisa Ryder received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the Fort Rucker garrison contract management officer for the garrison commander.

* Chaplain (Maj.) Alexander C. Brown Jr. received the Meritorious Service Medal for 22 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the Family Life Chaplain, Fort Rucker.

* CW5 Ralph A. Gilgenast Jr. received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 30 years of outstanding military service, culminating as Warrant Officer Career College instructor and writer.

* CW4 Willie D. Dunning IV received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 25 years of outstanding military service, culminating as Aircraft Component Repair Branch, Aviation Center Logistics Command chief.

* Sgt. Maj. Teddy Bridgman received the Legion of Merit in recognition of 29 years of outstanding military service, culminating as Air Traffic Services Command S4 sergeant major.

* Master Sgt. Joseph A. Womack received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 24 years of outstanding military service, culminating as 377th Field Artillery, platoon sergeant at Fort Richardson, Alaska.

* Sgt. 1st Class Davis N. Green received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as Aircraft Component Repair Branch, Aviation Center Logistics Command noncommissioned officer in charge.

* Staff Sgt. Francis Ladson received the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of 20 years of outstanding military service, culminating as the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commanding general chauffeur.

The Soldiers' spouses were also recognized with certificates of appreciation.

The following Federal Civil Service employees were honored for their service:

* Franklin D. Simmons received the Superior Civilian Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 30 years of outstanding service, culminating as U.S. Army Signal Network Enterprise Center information technology specialist.

* Marge Simmons received the Superior Civilian Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of 36 years of outstanding service, culminating as Fort Rucker Garrison Resource Management Office, Manpower, Management and Agreements Division chief.

* Thomas L. Hunt received the Superior Civilian Service Medal in recognition of 22 years of outstanding service, culminating as Fort Rucker Civilian Personnel Advisory Center labor specialist.

* Leslie R. Waltman Jr. received the Commanders Award for Civil Service in recognition of 34 years of outstanding civilian service, culminating as Fort Rucker Center Library library manager.

Spouses were also recognized with certificates of appreciation.