FORT BRAGG, N.C.(USASOC News Service, July 7, 2015) -- Lt. Gen. Charles T. Cleveland, U.S. Army Special Operations Command commanding general, and a Bisbee, Arizona, native, swore an oath 37 years ago to defend this nation "against all enemies foreign, and domestic.". During his retirement ceremony July 1, 2015, he was recognized for all that he gave back.
Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and officiating officer for the ceremony held in the John F. Kennedy Auditorium, spoke about Cleveland's merits, and the legacy he leaves in his wake as he departs active duty.
"2nd Lt. Charlie Cleveland was a young military intelligence officer back in 1978, having just graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point (New York)," Odierno said. "But he didn't spend very long in military intelligence and he knew right away that he wanted to jump over to Special Forces and Special Operations."
Cleveland began his Special Forces career in 1979 with the 441st Military Intelligence Detachment, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), at Fort Devens, Mass., and has served in many command positions since.
"Cleveland's accomplishments during his long and storied career have been astonishing. He's led at every echelon: company commander at U.S. Army Europe at Fort Davis, Panama; battalion commander at 10th SFG (A) at Fort Carson, Colo.; commander at Special Operations Command South; commander at Special Operations Command Central; and commanding general at U.S. Army Special Operations Command," Odierno said.
Cleveland attributes much of the success in his military career, to his wife of 36 years, Mary Ann Cleveland, a former Army officer herself, and to his father, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Walter Cleveland.
"The one constant through all of it (his military career) was my beautiful wife, to whom I owe everything," Cleveland said. "Dad, thanks for everything, for the inspiration, and the survival instinct. I couldn't have done it without you."
Odierno acknowledged that Cleveland's extensive military career influenced many, and shaped the special operations community into what it is today, and emphasized his family's support throughout his military career.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for your dedicated service. I wish you the very best in the next chapter of your lives," he said. "I know that you will both find ways to continue to contribute in some way because that's who you both are. I hope you enjoy a very much well-deserved retirement. The strength of our nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our Soldiers, the strength of our Soldiers is our families and that's what makes us Army Strong."
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