FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona -- As she snapped the noncommissioned officer's sword back into its scabbard, Sgt. Maj. Monekia Denkins, senior enlisted leader of the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC), symbolically completed her last official responsibility before retiring from the Army Oct. 20 here.
The guest speaker for the relinquishment of responsibility was Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Andrea Gates, senior enlisted advisor, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). During her opening remarks, Gates praised Denkins for her support and dedication to JITC.
"The joint environment, the DOD and the Army are losing a tremendous Soldier and compadre," Gates expressed. "When you think of Sergeant Major Denkins, its 'steadfast' and 'direct', but she also has a humility and a kindness to her I don't think everybody gets to see."
Following the relinquishment of responsibility, Denkins marked the end of one chapter and began the next as she retired from the U.S. Army. Navy Capt. Eric R. Johnson, commander, JITC, began the retirement portion of the ceremony by describing the start of their leadership together at JITC and his immediate positive impression of Denkins.
"My introduction to Sergeant Major Denkins came when I took command here at JITC," Johnson said. "I quickly learned that she had a truly impressive and engaged rapport with the Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. It is these relationships and her constant care for people and family that has made [the] sergeant major so successful in the Army. She definitely contributed to my personal success and helped to make JITC the best command in the [DISA] agency."
During the retirement ceremony Johnson presented Denkins with a variety of certificates, gifts and awards, including her official retirement orders, as well as an Army Legion of Merit and a letter of recognition from Lt. Gen. Alan Lynn, director, DISA.
More than 100 people were in attendance, to include Denkins' family, close friends, honored guests and mentors. She expressed her gratitude to each of them individually, describing their impact on her military career.
She then addressed the JITC staff directly.
"My JITC family, all of the employees of this fine organization, thank you," she said. "You all are the best in the agency. Thank you for everything you've done to make this organization number one."
In her final remarks, Denkins said, "I pray that I haven't forgotten anyone, but if I did not mention you by name, please charge it to my mind and not my heart because you truly have had a deep impact on me, and I thank you. I hope as I'm standing here that you would echo with me when I say that I fought the good fight and left a mark of excellence for others to emulate."
During an interview just before the ceremony, Denkins summarized her final military experience as the senior enlisted leader at JITC.
"This was a bittersweet tour," she explained. "This will wrap up 27 years of service, and I've wrapped it up, I believe, faithfully. I've served with some incredible people at the Joint Interoperability Test Command. I've loved my job and I would do it over and over again."
Social Sharing