CECOM Chief of Staff lauded for three decades of service

By CECOM Public AffairsAugust 11, 2016

CECOM Chief of Staff, Col. Charles E. Harris II, retirement ceremony.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Commanding General of the Joint Munitions Command, Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix, congratulates Communications-Electronics Command Chief of Staff and retiring Col. Charles Harris III, after presenting him with the Legion of Merit, while CECOM Command Sgt... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
CECOM Chief of Staff, Col. Charles E. Harris II, retirement ceremony.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Communications-Electronics Command Chief of Staff, Col. Charles Harris III, makes a remark, much to the amusement of Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix, ceremony presiding officer and Commanding General of the Joint Munitions Command, and CECOM Command Sgt. M... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Military retirement ceremonies give rise to the most bittersweet of emotions. Colleagues, battle buddies, family and friends alike swell with the pride of the retiree's accomplishments, eager to wish them well, while at the same time sad that a storied chapter of a life is coming to a close.

Such was the case here at the Myer Auditorium Aug. 4, as Communications-Electronics Command Chief of Staff. Col. Charles E. Harris III was honored for nearly 30 years of selfless and steadfast service in the U.S. Army.

Maj. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford, CECOM Commanding General and APG Senior Mission Commander, while unable to attend personally, delivered some heartfelt remarks via a recorded video message.

"If I had to sum up Chuck Harris in a nutshell," Crawford said, "I think the example you have set of character for all to follow, I think the amazing example you have set for young people, in terms of your number one job, and that's being a husband and a father; and mostly your care for people, that's how I sum up your overall contributions here.

"So I say to you, there is no doubt in my mind, given what I have seen of you as a man, what I have seen of you as a leader, that the next chapter is going to exponentially eclipse…this past chapter of service, and commitment to the U.S. Army and the Nation." he continued. "So I say to you thank you very much, for all that you have done for our Army and for your commitment to people, and watching them reach the next level. Good luck, Godspeed to you and your family.

"I really mean this," said Crawford. "If there is ever anything that I can do, if you ever need a right hand man, if you even need somebody to come and 'boo' your favorite team the (Ravens), who get beat by my favorite team the Steelers every year, please call on me and I will be there for you."

The presiding officer, Commanding General of the Joint Munitions Command, Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix, made a special trip to Aberdeen Proving Ground to add to the accolades afforded to the retiring officer. Dix recalled how, during a tour at Fort Leavenworth, Ks., the two were neighbors, and noted that the Dix and Harris families have the kind of long-standing, deep ties that can only be borne of that special military bond of shared experience.

Harris, a native of nearby Baltimore, enlisted in the Maryland Army National Guard while still in high school, and in 1983 was awarded a four-year Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship at Morgan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, and subsequently was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the army Signal Corps. He served at locations around the U.S. and the world at tactical, operational and strategic levels before culminating his service here at CECOM.

He was joined by a large gathering of family; parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and most notably, his wife and three daughters. One of the true highlights, for all based on the loud applause, came early on when Harris' daughters combined for a stirring, a cappella rendition of the National Anthem.

During the ceremony he was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Order of Mercury from the Army Signal Corps Regimental Association. He was honored by personal notes and citations from President Barack Obama, Army Materiel Command CG, Gen. Dennis L. Via and his Deputy, Lt. Gen. Larry D. Wyche; and many more from Maryland Governor Lawrence J. Hogan Jr. to U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md. (7th), and "Dutch" Ruppersberger, D-Md. (2nd), Harford County Executive Barry Glassman and Aberdeen City Mayor Patrick McGrady.

Just as importantly, Harris' wife Lisa was recognized for her own sacrifice and service in support of her husband's career, by certificates of appreciation from Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, Via and Crawford as well.

Harris concluded the ceremony by thanking his family and the gathered friends, colleagues, classmates and even neighbors for all their support throughout the years, and everyone adjourned to a reception to say their final good byes -- and add their best wishes for the future.

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