US Army Pacific celebrates 291 years of service

By Staff Sgt. Justin SilversJune 25, 2018

USARPAC celebrates 291 years of service
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – USARPAC Soldiers, family and friends gathered together for a Celebration of Service ceremony, June 20, at historic Palm Circle on Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Ten Soldiers with a combined service of over 291 years were honored during the ceremony as they pr... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Command Sgt. Maj. Sergio Ortega receives the American flag
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Command Sgt. Maj. Sergio Ortega receives the American flag from Brig. Gen. Stephen L.A. Michael during a celebration of service ceremony, June 20, at historic Palm Circle on Fort Shafter, Hawaii. USARPAC's Celebration of Service ceremony recognizes S... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - U.S. Army Pacific held a Celebration of Service ceremony, June 20, 2018 at historic Palm Circle on Fort Shafter, Hawaii. Fellow Soldiers, Family, and friends gathered to pay tribute to the USARPAC Soldiers as they transition.

Deputy Chief of staff, G3/5/7, Brig. Gen. Stephen L.A. Michael was the host of the ceremony, and thanked the Soldiers for their service, which encompassed a combined total of more than 291 years of service.

"Today we recognize 10 warriors with over 291 total combined service," said Michael. "It is an honor to stand here today on behalf of USARPAC, our Army, and our Nation to honor these Soldiers and their Families that have given so much; I can think of no greater privilege."

The USARPAC retirees honored were: Col. Kevin J. Mulvihill, Lt. Col. Edward Lewis, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Roy L. Rucker, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Randy L. Greenidge, Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel L. Gustafson, Command Sgt. Maj. Sergio Ortega, 1st Sgt. Helder Camara, Master Sgt. Gregory Henderson, Sergeant 1st Class Racheal A. Avert and Staff Sgt. Fabricio A. Carias.

Michael spoke on the legacy the Soldiers were leaving behind, and how it would shape the future.

"Today we bid you farewell; we honor your service and sacrifice, and we celebrate your legacy," said Michael. "As we look into the future, we do so with great optimism, because of your legacy that remains behind. The lives you've touched and changed, the Soldiers and families in whom you've invested, the leaders developed, and the units trained. We will win as we always have because of what you have left behind."

USARPAC's Celebration of Service ceremony recognizes Soldiers for service to the nation as they get ready to transition into their new careers. During the ceremony, Soldiers receive awards, and are presented with the U.S. Flag in honor of their service to our nation.

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