Retired Command Sgt. Maj. George Terry, 77, passed away May 3 at his home in Junction City. A 30-year veteran of the Army, Terry was the honorary sergeant major of the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. After retiring from the Army in 1984, Terry worked at Fort Riley in the Civilian Personnel Office.
Lt. Col. Dave Lander, commander of the Black Lions, had this to say:
"The passing of Command Sgt. Maj. Terry is a solemn and heartfelt event. I wish to first and foremost extend my most sincere condolences to his wife, Betty, and family. But more than condolences, I want to express the pride I feel to serve in a regiment that was once privileged to have as its most senior non-commissioned officer, a man of Sgt. Maj. Terry's outstanding caliber.
A 30-year military man, Sergeant Major Terry's effect on this regiment did not cease with his retirement. As the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment, he perpetuated the legacy of the 28th Infantry Regiment, the 'Black Lions,' long past his retirement. The Distinguished Members of the Regiment play a very important role, not in just keeping alive the history of the regiment and the histories of the valiant men who served in the regiment, but in bridging the gap between those who have served and those
who serve presently. Sergeant Major effected this connection, selflessly allowing the 28th Regiment to not just survive, but to also thrive. Sgt. Maj. Terry showed in himself and the regiment patriotism, duty and service, and his effect can be seen in the young men and women who proudly call themselves Black Lions. Our past is just as important as our future, and the future of this regiment will always owe a debt to Soldiers and leaders like Sgt. Maj. Terry. Black Lions!"
The honorary commander of the Black Lions, retired Col. Billy Murphy, speaks well of Terry:
"My observation of George was that he was a soft-spoken man of few words. He seldom spoke of himself or his personal accomplishments. But, when he did speak of his military family, he would tell you that his proudest moment was selection as the honorary sergeant major of the Black Lion regiment. He
understood that his position was critical in perpetuating the history and traditions of the Black Lions with the young Lions of 1st Battalion. He loved being around young soldiers."
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, May 8 at the Second Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Redo Purnell presiding. Burial will be at Kansas Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by the U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Riley. The family will greet friends on Wednesday, May 7, from 6-8 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel, 203 N. Washington St., Junction City, Kansas.
Related Links:
Command Sgt. Maj. George Terry Obituary
Video: Command Sgt. Maj. George G. Terry, Retired - U.S. Army Face of Strength
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