ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The Rock Island Arsenal hosted its second-quarter Retirement and Retreat Ceremony, to honor six Soldiers as they retired from military service, here, March 14, at Heritage Hall.
Joint Munitions Command senior executive service leader, JoEtta Fisher, Executive Director for Ammunition and Deputy to the Commander, and Sgt. Maj. Shonita Edwards, presided as the official hosts of the ceremony.
Fisher provided a brief biography of each Soldier, thanked their Families who supported them, mentioned their future plans, and wished them well as they transition into retirement.
"I'm proud beyond words to be standing here before you hosting this great event and honoring these amazing Soldiers," said Fisher. "Soon they will be retired from the United States Army, but we all know, they are Soldiers for Life and for that, we are eternally grateful. We are not only grateful for the selfless service of our retiring Soldiers, we are grateful for their Families…for all of their sacrifices, while supporting the Soldiers they love. The Soldier could not be successful without the love and support of his Family, for it is they, who keep the home fires burning while the Soldier is working late or deployed."
Fisher mentioned how Soldiers are true professionals. "They live the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage every day and they will ensure the Soldiers taking over for them will be ready to pick up where they left off."
"This ceremony is one way we all hope to express our gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the Rock Island Arsenal and the entire Army Family," added Fisher. "To all of our retirees, thank you for your perseverance and commitment through the years. Your fellow Soldiers, Families, our Nation and its citizens -- have all been well served. On behalf of the Army and the people of the United States, we thank you again for your years of faithful service to America."
Fisher and Sgt. Maj. Edwards presented awards and certificates of retirement to Col. Michael Daniels, First Army; Maj. Tucker Shosh, First Army; Maj. Eric Klein, Army Sustainment Command; Chief Warrant Officer 4 Christopher Jones, First Army; Sgt. 1st Class Greg Macias, 4th Infantry Division; and Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Perser, Army Sustainment Command, to recognize more than 139 years of combined military service as Soldiers in the United States Army.
Following the official awards to retirees, recognition was provided to spouses and Family members for supporting their Soldiers' career. Family members received a personal certificate of recognition followed by a bouquet of flowers from their retiree.
Following the awards, the Retreat Ceremony retired the colors for the duty day to the sound of a howitzer boom and the lowering of the United States flag from the RIA installation's flag pole.
Col. Mike Daniels served more than 30 years in the military. Throughout his career Col. Daniels and his Family experienced 12 permanent changes of station, with his overseas assignments including Afghanistan, Iraq, Haiti and Korea. His career culminated with his final assignment at Rock Island Arsenal, serving as Command Inspector General, First Army. Col. Daniels retirement plans include taking the Family on a Disney Cruise, moving to San Antonio, Texas, being involved in the development of his children, and earning a PhD in History.
"I appreciate everything the Army provided me over the years and I am grateful to have had the opportunity of a life less ordinary to do the extraordinary," said Daniels. "I look forward to the next phase of my life and spending more time with my Family."
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, RIA staff, Quad City area community leaders and distinguished guests greeted each retiree and their Families in a formal receiving line to thank them for their service.
The Quarterly Retirement and Retreat ceremony is a joint effort hosted by a major tenant organization on the Rock Island Arsenal. The Joint Munitions Command was this year's second-quarter host.
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