FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- The U.S. Army's senior enlisted advisor for Military Intelligence was celebrated for his more than 32 years of service, during a retirement ceremony at the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command's (INSCOM) headquarters here, Aug. 21.
In a ceremony full of reflections and humor, Lt. Gen. Scott D. Berrier, U.S. Army deputy chief of staff, G-2, presided at the retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis A. Eger, G-2 sergeant major.
Although the audience size was limited due to coronavirus social distancing requirements, the ceremony was attended by family members, friends, and a strong representation of Soldiers and Army Civilians from the Pentagon.
In Berrier’s remarks, he celebrated Eger's career and thanked Eger's spouse Angelica and children for their support.
“When I think about you, I think about a guy that is confident in his own abilities, who has the ability to get the job done," said Berrier. "When I asked Dennis what made him so successful, he said it was many of the people in this room and those that took a chance on him early in his career.”
Berrier also noted Eger's outstanding leadership skills.
“When I think of you, I think about my 1942 officer’s guide where it says that the NCO is the backbone of the Army, and the most important thing we do as officers is pick our NCOs," Berrier added. "When they picked you to serve to be command sergeant major, you knocked it out of the park. You’re an amazing leader.”
For his exemplary service, Berrier presented Eger with the Distinguished Service Medal, a Letter of Appreciation from the President of the United States, and a Tri-Signed Star note from Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville, and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston.
During Eger’s remarks, he thanked his family, Pentagon team members, those in attendance, and everyone who took a chance on him. He also thanked Maj. Gen. Gary W. Johnston, INSCOM’s commanding general, and his staff for hosting the event at the INSCOM headquarters.
"I thank you all for allowing me to be 'All Eger, all the time.' You let me lead and supported me," Eger said. "I conclude my career with 32 years, four months and 15 days spent on active duty, in defense and service of the nation."
Eger noted that he learned early in his career that it's not about him because no one makes it this far by themselves.
“As I stand here with a flood of 32 years of memories, I want you to know, you all left a lasting impression on me,” Eger added. "Thank you all."
Eger served in numerous assignments and positions of increased responsibility. As the G-2 sergeant major, he assisted Berrier's role as the principal military adviser to the Secretary of the Army and Army Chief of Staff on intelligence and counterintelligence; the Army's Senior Agency Official for information, personnel, and industrial security; and the Army's principal foreign disclosure authority. The DCS, G-2 is the Army's Senior Intelligence Officer and the Army's Intelligence Community Element Head, responsible for intelligence plans, programming, and integration with the intelligence community; and formulating requests and managing resources for the Army Military Intelligence Program and National Intelligence Program.
A native of Ashville, Pennsylvania, Eger enlisted in the Army in 1988. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and was awarded the Military Occupation Specialty 96B, Intelligence Analyst at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Western International University and a master’s degree in human resource management from Troy State University.
His military education includes the Primary Leadership and Development Course; Basic and Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Courses; First Sergeants Course; the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy; Air Assault Course; Basic Instructor Training Course; Retention NCO Course; Unit Prevention Leader Course; and Combat Lifesaver Course.
Eger’s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (3); Bronze Star (3); Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (3); Army Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Joint Services Achievement Medal; Army Achievement Medal (3); National Defense Service Medal; Korean Defense Service Medal; Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4); Overseas Service Ribbon (5); Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Award; and the Army Superior Unit Award. He has also been awarded the Air Assault Badge, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, Army Staff Badge and he is a recipient of the Military Intelligence Corps’ Thomas Knowlton Award.
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