Eleven Soldiers honored during quarterly retirement ceremony

By Maranda FlynnMay 1, 2014

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Family, friends and Soldiers gathered to honor 11 military retirees for their dedication to duty and honorable service to the nation, April 24 on Brown Parade Field.

Col. Daniel Frickenschmidt, assistant chief of staff, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, was the guest speaker for the event and presented awards to the honorees.

"This is a day of great hope and anticipation for the future. It is also a day full of memories -- so many memories, so many good experiences and so many friends," Frickenshmidt said as he addressed the crowd. "As I did the research, I was amazed to learn that between these 11 retirees, they possess collectively 282 years of military experience. How many lives have been touched by these American leaders?"

Sgt. 1st Class Craig Hannum, detachment sergeant, 18th Military Police Detachment, introduced each retiree who took center stage, along with their Family member, and received their awards and honors.

Col. Kevin Lancaster, presently the deputy chief of staff, Network Enterprise Technology Command, or NETCOM, retired after 30 years of Army service. He and his wife, retired Lt. Col. Joan Lancaster will remain in Sierra Vista.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michelle Glubka, presently assigned as the senior chief warrant officer, NETCOM, has 31 years of service in the Army. She and her husband Roger plan to return to their home in San Antonio.

Sgt. Maj. Brady Clay, currently assigned as the senior Army National Guard liaison, Fort Huachuca, has 31 years of service between the Army and Army National Guard. He and his wife Terri plan to reside in El Mirage.

Lt. Col. Clifford Hoppman is assigned as the deputy G4, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Fort Bliss, Texas. He leaves the Army after 21 years of active duty service and 10 years of National Guard service. He and his wife Lee Ann plan to stay in Sierra Vista.

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Thomas Glen McFarland, presently assigned as the deputy garrison chaplain, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca, has dedicated 27 years to the Army. He and his wife Sara will reside in their home in Hereford.

Maj. Robert Fore is currently assigned as the Military Intelligence trainer, Brigade Modernization Command, Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Bliss, Texas. He has served 20 years in the Army. He and his wife Summer plan to reside in Chandler.

Maj. Everett Harris, presently assigned to the 2nd Regional Cyber Center -- Western Hemisphere, 7th Signal Command, as the tactical operations officer in charge, has 23 years of service to the Army. He and his wife, Chief Warrant Officer 3 LaMesha Harris, also stationed at Fort Huachuca, will remain in the local area.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Derek Richardson, currently assigned to Company B, 304th Military Intelligence Battalion as the RC12 instructor pilot, has served in the Army for 25 years. He and his wife Alicia plan to reside in Sierra Vista.

Master Sgt. Thomas Williamson Jr. is presently assigned as a senior signal operations noncommissioned officer in the S3 section of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. He has served 22 years in the Army. He plans to remain in Sierra Vista.

Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Ferris, currently assigned as the kennel master for the 483rd Military Working Dog Detachment, Fort Huachuca, has served 20 years in the Army. He and his wife Margaret plan to live in Secaucus, New Jersey.

Sgt. 1st Class Ramon Barron Jr. is presently assigned as a plans and operations noncommissioned officer for Company B, 40th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, and has dedicated 22 years of service to the Army. He and his wife Maribel will reside in Chandler.

Following the awards presentation, each spouse or special guest received a bouquet of flowers or other token of appreciation in thanks for their support of their Soldier. After the retirement of colors, members of B Troop, 4th Regiment, U.S. Cavalry (Memorial) paid final honors to the retirees with a traditional cavalry charge across the parade field.