Ten service members retire with more than 217 combined years of service

By Sam SpanglerJuly 25, 2017

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FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona -- Ten service members were honored for their dedicated service during Fort Huachuca's quarterly retirement ceremony July 21 at Brown Parade Field here.

The guest speaker, Col. Francesca Ziemba, TRADOC Capability Manager Aerial, detailed the individual achievements of each of the honorees noting "the rich diversity of experience and extraordinary contributions that have delivered these men to this place in time where we now bid them farewell."

Ziemba noted the legacy and influence these men leave behind with their retirement.

"At the heart of every military service is a young man or woman some as young as 17 or 18 years old...And these young women and men stand on the shoulders of the giants and pioneers who went before them. Today the ranks of old Soldiers and salty dogs who they wish to follow now includes you. Wherever and however you served, you have made a difference, you have done your duty well and now you can be proud that you are handing the next generation the most precious gift of freedom."

Ziemba concluded by stating, "The purpose of events like this is to publicly express our profound gratitude for the sacrifices and contributions that you and your families have made…we can never repay in equal measure all that you have done for us."

This quarter's retirees include:

Lt. Col. Philip Monbleau has 27 years of service in the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as a senior joint test officer for the Joint Interoperability Test Command. For his service, Monbleau was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Capt. Nathan J. Hogan has over 21 years of service in both the U.S. Army and Air Force. He is presently assigned as the block chief for the School for Advanced Leadership and Tactics, 304th Military Intelligence Battalion, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade. For his service, Hogan was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Randy D. Churchman has 28 years of service to the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as the property book officer for the 244th Engineer Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC). For his service, Churchman was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Juan M. Garcia Jr. has 20 years of service in the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as a signals intelligence capabilities developer for the Capabilities Integration Directorate, Requirements Determination Division, HHC, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence (USAICoE). For his service, Garcia was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

1st Sgt. Brandon M. Moore has 20 years of service to the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as a senior intelligence observer coach/trainer for the 4-306th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 188th Infantry Brigade. For his service, Moore was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Mark A. Rodriguez has 21 years of service to the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as the 35G life cycle manager for the Office of the Chief Military Intelligence (OCMI), HHC, USAICoE For his service, Rodriguez was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Anson D. Sitton has 20 years of service to the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as an operations NCO, HHC, 111th MI Bde. For his service, Sitton was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sgt. 1st Class Jack A. Williams has 20 years of service to the U.S. Army. He is presently assigned as an instructor/writer for the Plans and Exercise Section, 111th MI Bde., HHC. For his service, Williams was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Staff Sgt. Randal E. Gray has 20 years of service in the U.S. Army and 10 years of service in the Army National Guard. He is presently assigned as a project manager at the Learning Innovation Branch, HHC, USAICoE. For his service, Gray was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.

Chief Petty Officer David L. McGinnis has 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy. He is presently assigned as chief petty officer in charge for Naval Communications Security Material System Detachment, Fort Huachuca. For his service, McGinnis received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Every retiree received a certificate of appreciation signed by the president of the United States, a certificate of retirement and a retirement flag. Their spouse also received a certificate of appreciation and flowers as a symbol of gratitude for their continuous support.

The ceremony ended in traditional fashion with the singing of Old Soldiers Never Die, Auld Lang Syne and the Army Song, led by the Military Intelligence Corps Band. The event concluded with a final farewell cavalry charge by B Troop, 4th U.S. Cavalry (Memorial).