FORT LEE, Va. (May 21, 2014) -- On any given day at U.S. military installations, the nation's colors are ceremoniously lowered and folded as part of the longstanding tradition of "Retreat" that signals the end of the duty day and pays homage to the country.
The Ordnance Corps added a twist to the ceremony on May 14, heralding the most recent standout contributors to its illustrious 202-year history during an event at Whittington Field. Officially called the Hall of Fame Retreat and Induction Ceremony, the Corps celebrated the induction of 12 in front of a few hundred advanced individual training students and cadre amassed in formation.
"Today's retreat ceremony has a special purpose," said Chief of Ordnance Brig. Gen. John F. Haley, addressing the troops and roughly 60 guests. "It provides an opportunity for our troops on the field who are just beginning their military careers to honor our Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame inductees in a public forum. It also is intended to inspire the participants and audience, and to reinforce the principle of the Army as a profession."
The inductees, who were formally enshrined at a Ball Auditorium event the same night, were committee-chosen from a list of roughly 50 nominees. They have distinguished themselves individually, said Haley, but "taken together, they form an incredible volume of accomplishment; one that details their service, their dedication to duty and their exceptional willingness to go above and beyond in their profession."
The inductees included 10 former Soldiers -- enlisted, warrant officer and officer -- and two civilians. One inductee, retired Chief Warrant Officer Mickle C. Mitchell, deemed the event important enough that he drove from Fayetteville, N.C., despite a debilitating illness that has left him using a scooter.
"This is just awesome," he said after the ceremony. "I am awed at being recognized and honored along with the others who will be inducted tonight."
Mitchell, who retired in 2007 after 37 years of service, served in Vietnam and at the ordnance schoolhouse. He capped his career as a CASCOM training developer. The 62-year-old said the recognition is special.
"I feel gratitude," he said, noting he was touched in a meaningful way, "and watching those Soldiers out there ... it made me a little bit more humble."
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas A. Lettis shared similar sentiments. The 51-year-old Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe winner said the award is the result of contributions made by his family and the troops he served, many of whom were in attendance.
"It's a culmination of a 20-year career and shows you made a difference along the way and that you mentored a bunch of young kids I see out here who are now first sergeants and sergeant major," said the 28-year former Soldier. "It makes you proud to see it."
During his remarks, Haley said the contributions of those such as Mitchell and Lettis are part of the corps' proud legacy.
"In today's Army, these distinguished individuals would be considered game-changing professionals who are exceptional at what they do," he said.
Near the close of his speech, Haley spoke directly to the troops, asking them to reflect on the inductees and their service to the nation.
"…I ask you to consider the truly extraordinary contributions of these hall of fame inductees," he said. "Knowing who these individuals are and what they've done to advance our corps, our Army and our great nation makes today's retreat ceremony a very humbling experience."
Haley also took the time to acknowledge the retirement of Col. Gregory A. Mason, the ceremony's commander of troops and the Ordnance Corps chief of staff.
"For the last 20 years, he has devoted his efforts to making our corps a truly outstanding organization…" he said. "Today we acknowledge the end to a very distinguished military career."
Mason also served as the Chief of Ordnance between the administrations of Brig. Gen. Clark W. LeMasters Jr. and Brig. Gen. Edward M. Daly.
The Ordnance Hall of Fame was established in 1969. Since its inception, it has inducted 404 contributors. They include luminaries such as Robert Parrot, inventor of the Parrot gun; J.M. Browning, a small arms pioneer; and Dr. Robert Goddard, the Father of U.S. Rocketry.
Social Sharing