ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The Rock Island Arsenal hosted the third-quarter Retirement and Retreat Community Ceremony, to honor eight Soldiers as they retired from military service, here, June 8, at Heritage Hall.
Joint Munitions Command senior leaders, Rhonda VanDeCasteele, Executive Director for Ammunition, and Command Sgt. Maj. Tomeka O'Neal, presided over the ceremony. The hosts provided a brief biography of each individual and wished them well as they prepare to transition into retirement.
VanDeCasteele presented awards and certificates of retirement to Lt. Col. Jeffrey Botsford, Army Sustainment Command; Lt. Col. Andrew Dekever, First Army; Lt. Col. Roger Harbison, First Army; Sgt. Maj. Zachary Hansarik, First Army; Sgt. Maj. John Santos, First Army; Master Sgt. Thomas Applegate, First Army; Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Matthews, Army Sustainment Command; and Sgt. 1st Class David Stephenson, Army Sustainment Command to recognize more than 203 years of combined military service to the Department of Defense.
"This event is an opportunity to recognize these great Americans' combined years of service to our Nation," said VanDeCasteele. "We are also honored to pause to highlight, and thank the families of the eight respected retirees here today."
"Retirement and Retreat Ceremonies are a part of a long-standing military tradition," added VanDeCasteele. "They provide military units an opportunity to acknowledge the selfless service and sacrifices of our retirees as they leave long and honorable careers in service to the United States Army and our Nation."
Following the official awards to retirees, recognition was provided to spouses and Family members for supporting their Soldier's career. Family members received a personal certificate of recognition and a bouquet of flowers.
VanDeCasteele concluded by thanking the retirees for their "valued service" and wished them well in their retirement. "I wish you and your Families good luck and good health in all your future endeavors."
Following the awards, the Retreat Ceremony retired the colors for the duty day to the sound of a howitzer boom and the lowering of the United States flag from the installation's flag pole.
Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Matthews, a native of Asheboro, North Carolina, who recently served as the senior chaplain's assistant for the Army Sustainment Command, began his career in the United States Army in October 1992.
"The Army has given me so many opportunities," Matthews said. "I am so honored and humbled to have served as a chaplain assistant during my career. I look forward to the next chapter in my life as a retired Soldier." Matthew plans to spend more time with his family and currently plans to move to Germany with his spouse, who is also serving in the Army. He also is looking forward to enjoying his favorite pastimes: playing golf and learning new music on his guitar.
The Quarterly Retirement and Retreat ceremony is a joint effort hosted by a major tenant organization on the Rock Island Arsenal. The Joint Munitions Command was this year's third-quarter host.
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