After 32 years in the Army helping Soldiers and their Families with difficult situations and necessary transitions, Col. David J. Giammona, Installation Management Command chaplain, now finds himself taking some of his own advice as he approaches retirement.
"Running Strong to the End" was the chaplain's theme during the IMCOM Commanding General's Quarterly Prayer Luncheon March 22 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
"To end strong, you have to run all the way to the end, and end well," said Giammona, who will be retiring in June.
Giammona has been an Army chaplain in Germany, Kuwait and the Pentagon and has served as IMCOM chaplain since August 2014. In his current role, he is responsible for religious support on 75 Army installations worldwide. He has worked with Soldiers, Families and civilians to nurture the living, care for the wounded and honor the fallen.
As his retirement approaches, Giammona has been reflecting on how he wants to make the transition from military life to retirement, he said. His commitment to delivering religious support to others will not end when he takes off his uniform.
"My calling is forever," he said. "I want to end stronger than I started."
For the luncheon presentation, Giammona shared what he called "sage advice" ─ concepts that he tries to follow in life."
Being a good listener and fitting into your environment is always a good plan, he said. "When you're about to voice an opinion, ask yourself if it needs to be voiced."
Finding what you love to do and sharing it with others benefits all parties, Giammona said.
"Pursue your passions," he said. "You can change the world by giving people hope."
Giammona addressed the challenges military members and their families face during times of transition. Whether it's a new assignment or retirement, readiness and resiliency will be needed.
"No one guarantees you tomorrow," he said. "With everything going on in IMCOM and in the Army, change is a constant."
As situations evolve, "take the tougher assignment," Giammona said. "I've never taken the easy road. I want the challenge."
Giammona pointed out that retirement can be a time to do more in life and follow new pursuits and hobbies. When other retiring military members talk about boating and golfing, Giammona said he reminds himself: "There's nothing wrong with leisure, but don't make it the focus of your life."
The chaplain's wife, Esther, also attended the event. The couple has been married 38 years.
Music at the luncheon was provided by keyboardist John Minton, pastor of Everyday Christian Fellowship, a Baptist church in Cibolo, Texas, a suburb of San Antonio.
IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa A. Judkins represented Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Dahl, IMCOM Commanding General, during the presentation of military coins to Minton.
Giammona encouraged those in attendance to "run strong to the end. Learn, fight, struggle with life, and go have an impact on others."
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