WIESBADEN, Germany - Soldiers and civilians celebrated the careers of three Wiesbaden Soldiers during a retirement ceremony in the Community Activity Center Feb. 20.
"Today we lose about 70 years of experience from our Army," said Col. John M. Spiszer, U.S. Army Europe deputy chief of staff.
"I think it's important to pay tribute to those who have done so much for their country," said Spiszer in recognizing the service and sacrifices of Spc. Terry Meeks, 102nd Signal Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Hale, senior satellite command operations noncommissioned-officer-in-charge, 5th Signal Command; and Lt. Col. Jason E. Conrad, deputy command inspector general for U.S. Army Europe. Spiszer also recognized the strong support and sacrifices of each of the honoree?'s families.
"By serving they've all earned the right to be proud," said Spiszer, pointing out that all three men have served their country during 12 years of war -- "a busy and difficult time.
"We're sad to see you go," he said, expressing the Army's appreciation of the retiring Soldiers' "tremendous level of experience, competence and patriotism. … Your efforts and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed."
Meeks, who initially joined the Army in 1987 and supported Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia, served 20 years on active duty and more than five years in the Army Reserves. He said he plans to buy a home in Georgia, work on a Doctorate of Science degree and write a book about his Army experiences.
Hale, originally from Dayton, Ohio, entered the Army in 1992. During his 23-year career he served in various positions in the United States, Germany, Korea and Afghanistan.
Conrad, a native of California, bid farewell to the military after a 23-year career with assignments in Panama, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Korea, the United States and Germany.
In addition to letters signed by President Barack Obama, Army Chief of Staff Raymond T. Odierno, Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond F. Chandler and Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, retirees received a U.S. flag, retiree pin and decal.
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