Retired warrant officer soars into ranks of Eagle Rising Society

By Jim Hughes, Command Information OfficerJuly 17, 2018

Retired warrant officer soars into ranks of Eagle Rising Society
Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, president and chief executive officer of the Military Officers Association of America, presents retired CW4 Kenneth B.N. "Pete" Hill, a military operations analyst at the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Act... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- A retired warrant office soared into the ranks of the Order of the Eagle Rising Society during a ceremony July 9 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.

Retired CW4 Kenneth B.N. "Pete" Hill, a military operations analyst at the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, joined the ranks of the society after he "was tested and found worthy of distinguished recognition for his outstanding contributions to the Army community and community of warrant officers, and is hereby inducted as the 21st member of the Order of the Eagle Rising Society," according to the citation read by the ceremony narrator.

Col. Kelly E. Hines, U.S. Army Warrant Officer Career College commandant, said he couldn't think of a more fitting ceremony.

"We're honoring a retired senior warrant officer with probably one of the biggest awards he's ever gotten -- this will be the 21st one given," the colonel said. "I'm looking out in the audience and we've got a bunch of warrant officer candidates in the back who will graduate soon.

"I can't help but hope that in 30 to 50 years from now, one of those candidates behind you will be about the 41st member of the Eagle Rising Society, so I'm glad they're here," Hines continued. "This brings both generations together and really sets the stage for what we're trying to do."

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, president and chief executive officer of the Military Officers Association of America, said it was a day to recognize Hill's "remarkable achievement over multiple decades of service to the nation -- 28 in uniform, and now he continues to serve in the capacity of a military operations analyst.

"Pete did something even better than me -- he proved himself to become the best in his field, and that's what warrant officers are, the absolute, superior technicians in their fields. Congratulations from MOAA," Atkins added.

Hill spoke briefly on the influence his mentors had on him, giving them credit for his decision and drive to become a warrant officer. "I will always be grateful for their counsel and their guidance."

He also thanked his wife, Trish, and their children for their support throughout his career.

He then quoted from Proverbs 27:17. "'As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.' Words cannot express my appreciation for this honor. All I ever wanted to do was give back what was given me. I can only hope I am able to live up to the standards of those who came before me and are part of this society."

Hill joined the Army in 1974 and his first assignment was with the 782nd Maintenance Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1986, he was selected to attend the Warrant Office Entry and Technical Certification courses. In February 1987, he was appointed as a Warrant Officer 1 as a wheeled vehicle maintenance technician.

Hill retired in 2002 and in 2006 he was inducted into the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame. Also in 2006, he was conferred the title of Demonstrated Master Logistician by the International Society of Logistics.

Established in 2004 as a joint venture between the MOAA and the WOCC, the Order of the Eagle Rising Society annually recognizes one individual who has contributed significantly over his or her lifetime the promotion of the warrant officer community in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers. Contributions must transcend the component, branch or job specialty, and have a significant impact on the entire warrant officer community, according to society officials.

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