REDSTONE ARSENAL, Alabama -- More than one farewell occurred during the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command and Survivor Outreach Services Cinco de Mayo event April 30.
The surviving family members said farewell to both USASMDC/ARSTRAT's commanding general and his wife, Robyn, and Kerrie Branson, the SOS coordinator for Redstone Arsenal.
"It wasn't an easy decision for me to take this opportunity for professional development, but I feel like it's the right thing right now in my journey," said Branson, who is accepting a 120-day assignment as a protocol specialist with SMDC. "I know the family members will be in good hands until I return, and we have all built very strong relationships that will never be broken."
Lt. Gen. David Mann, SMDC commanding general, talked about Kerrie's contributions to the SOS program.
"We would like to take this opportunity to recognize all the great accomplishments and the love and commitment that Kerrie Branson has put into this program," Mann said. "If you look at the program and how it's evolved over the years, due to her singular efforts quite frankly, it's just amazing. We're really reaching out beyond Huntsville to the surrounding communities to make sure they know about the SOS program, and a lot of it is due to Kerrie Branson and what she has done to really elevate the program to the next level."
Branson's replacement, Kim McGlothin, starts her new duties May 2.
"I am excited about working with the families," McGlothin said. "I am a military spouse and could not image life throwing this curve ball at me. It was such an honor to participate in this event today. SMDC has great events, and I am looking forward to working with them. I am ready to hit the ground running."
Mann welcomed McGlothin to the team.
"We're very happy to welcome aboard Kim McGlothin," Mann said. "She has a big heart, and she's motivated to take this program to the next level. We are just so happy to have her on board and look forward to partnering with her to make sure we take care of these families because they're very special people."
The Cinco de Mayo event included a taco bar, face painting, crafts, a Macarena lesson, a Mexican hat dance, and piñatas. There were more than 40 surviving family members and almost 80 volunteers in attendance.
Branson talked about the Manns' impact to the program and the SMDC/SOS partnership.
"These events with the survivors are always special, but today it was extra meaningful as we were able to express our gratitude to Lt. Gen. Mann and Robyn Mann for their dedication to the families," Branson said. "The Manns really understand the survivors' struggles from their own personal experience and it made a bond form immediately."
Branson and the survivors presented the Manns, who will be retiring over the summer, with a photo book of their SOS activities during their tenure with the command.
"The survivors hope that the photo album with notes from the families will let the Manns know how truly valued they were as it reflects so many times they spent together," Branson said.
Mann wanted to let the surviving family members know that he and Robyn and the Army value them.
"I know it's probably been said by many others, but this really is a commitment by the Army to make sure that these families know that they are a part of our family and they will always be a part of our family," Mann said. "They are very special people, and our hearts go out to them every day. We're so grateful for their sacrifice -- theirs and their loved one. So we're committed to being with them forever."
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