REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. - A U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command officer closed the military chapter of his career in a ceremony April 7 at the Sparkman Center.
Chief of Staff Col. John C. Hamilton, one of 10 generations of his family who served the nation, retired from active duty, citing Soldiers as the main reason he stayed for 30 years.
"(During my Army career) when it came time to decide whether to stay or get out, logic always said to get out," Hamilton said. "But anybody who has been in longer than three years knows that the reason you stay is what you feel in your gut. Our Soldiers deserve our respect, and I will always be committed to them even after I take off the uniform.
"Let's face it, the only reason we exist as officers, noncommissioned officers, and Army civilians, is to lead, equip, train and care for our Soldiers. We can't forget that," he continued. "There is no greater honor than serving our Soldiers. I have loved every minute of being with Soldiers. It is truly the only reason that I ever stayed in the Army."
Hamilton thanked USASMDC/ARSTRAT, his peers and the community for the camaraderie, teamwork and support he has received both at Redstone Arsenal and throughout his Army career. He also acknowledged the importance of noncommissioned officers in the Army.
"They were exactly what they were supposed to be in every unit I was in," Hamilton said. "They were the backbone of my units, as they are of the Army. When I look at noncommissioned officers, I had great role models. In addition to my father who is a retired command sergeant major, I have a brother who is also a retired command sergeant major."
Speaking on a personal level, Lt. Gen. Kevin T. Campbell, USASMDC/ARSTRAT commanding general, said Hamilton has always been a great example for his Soldiers and is an inspiring leader.
"When I look back and I think about the Army values - the warrior ethos - you certainly personify that," Campbell told Hamilton. "I can't think of a better person to have in a foxhole. I don't care if it is an administrative fight, a firefight, or any type of fight. Who wouldn't feel comfortable knowing that John Hamilton would be there."
Campbell presented Hamilton with a United States flag that had been flown onboard an unmanned aerial vehicle during combat operations in Afghanistan during the time when Hamilton's wife, Dianne, was deployed as a civilian in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She returned in March.
Hamilton's three adult children have carried on the family tradition of service. One son is an active-duty Soldier, one is a Department of the Army civilian and his daughter is an emergency medical technician.
"You went around the world. You went to multiple schools and had to develop new friendships and relationships more times than anybody should ever be asked to do," Hamilton told his children. "I am very proud of each of you, especially for your service to our communities and to our nation. Just keep that with you as you go through your life."
Deborah.Erhart@us.army.mil
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