Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Garrett was awarded the Spirit of the Infantry Award on Jan. 7, in a ceremony at the National Infantry Museum, Columbus, Ga.
Brig. Gen. Larry Q. Burris, U.S. Army Infantry School Commandant, Maneuver Center of Excellence, presented Garrett with the award.
Garrett is the father of Gen. Michael X. Garrett, United States Army Forces Command, commanding general, who, along with additional Family was present at the ceremony.
“One of the many things that make this such a remarkable community of veterans, service members, and neighbors is the strong connection,” said Gen. Garrett, who went on to stress the importance of community. ”You help maintain who we are as an Army and nation and what we stand for today.”
“Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Garrett’s lifetime of service represents the values we ought to be preserving and circulating among those same communities,” said Gen. Garrett.
Garrett was born in Charleston, S.C., in 1940 and enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, N.C., in 1957. His storied 35 years of service to his nation included two combat tours in Vietnam.
“From one Infantry Soldier to another, I am blessed to have had you teach me what it takes to lead in this Army with discipline and loyalty,” said Gen. Garrett.
The Spirit of the Infantry Award recognizes former Infantry Soldiers and their support that have spent a lifetime making significant contributions to the Infantry and the Fort Benning community.
“Only one person will ever be the best NCO, the most disciplined Soldier, and the most devoted leader I have ever known: my father, Command Sgt. Maj. Ed Garrett. I can think of no person who better represents the spirit of the U.S. Army Infantry,” said Gen. Garrett.
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