FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - On Oct. 2, family, friends, and colleagues of five U.S. Army Soldiers came together at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a ceremonial expression of appreciation and gratitude for their combined 125 years of federal service to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation.
"At USARPAC, we call it a Celebration of Service, because that's what we're here to do," said USARPAC's Commanding General, Gen. Vincent K. Brooks," who officiated the ceremony, "and that's to celebrate the service of five experienced leaders - our 'One Team' teammates - who will transition from active duty to the honorable list of retired."
The five retirees honored were Maj. Wendell G. Richards Jr., of Shelbyville, Ind.; Maj. Junjie J. Inocencio, of Aiea, Hawaii; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Solomon A. Moody, of Honolulu, Hawaii; Sgt. Maj. Leslie E. Frye II, of Newport Beach, Calif.; and Sgt. 1st Class Michael W. Angel Sr., of Trenton, Mich.
USARPAC's Celebration of Service ceremony recognizes Soldiers for their distinguished service to U.S. Army Pacific and the U.S. as they prepare to transition into new careers. This was the sixth such celebration held with the intent of honoring retiring service members quarterly.
Over the course of the celebration, Brooks spoke to the audience about how Richards, Inocencio, Moody, Frye and Angels careers have impacted USARPAC. He also addressed how their devotion made the Army better, and personally thanked each of the honorees for the sacrifices they and their families have made.
"Congratulations to all the honorees on achieving this milestone called military retirement," Brooks said in closing. "Thanks to your families, and to the supporting cast of these stars, for sharing them with us, and with our nation, for these many decades, and for being their strength. May God bless each of you in the next chapters of your story, and know that you always have a home in this Ohana."
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