FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -- Family, friends, and colleagues of nine U.S. Army Soldiers came together September 16, at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a ceremonial expression of appreciation and gratitude for their combined 211 years of federal service to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation.
"At the U.S. Army Pacific we refer to it as a Celebration of Service, because that's exactly what we are going to do today," said USARPAC's Deputy Chief of Staff of Operation, Plans & Exercises, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Milhorn, who officiated the ceremony, "we will celebrate 211 years of service from all nine individuals, as our 'One Team' teammates and 'Soldiers for Life' begin their transition into the next chapter of their lives departing from active service rolls into the retirement rosters"
The nine retirees honored were Col. Barrett Bernard of Mill Valley, California.; Lt. Col. Loren Darmofal of Toledo, Ohio; Maj. Michael Dizon of Manilla, Philippines; Capt. Eric Luley, of Palm Bay, Florida; Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Walker, of Columbia, South Carolina; Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Bozeman, of Antioch, California.; 1st Sgt. Keddrick Best, of Goldsboro, North Carolina; Sgt. 1st Class Keith Anderson Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio and Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Bermudez-Rio of Pearl City, Hawaii.
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 tenth such celebration held with the intent of honoring retiring service members quarterly.
Over the course of the celebration, Milhorn spoke to the audience about how Bernard, Darmofal, Dizon, Luley, Walker, Bozeman, Best, Anderson, and Bermudez-Rio careers have impacted USARPAC and the U.S. Army. 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.
"The collective celebration of service here today is profound and the stories of the honorees needs to be told, but I also want to take the time to thank their family and friends who also provided such selfless support to help them achieve so much," Milhorn said in closing. "May God bless each of you as you move into the next chapters of your life, and know that you always have a home in the Pacific."
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