Thursday was memorable for four members of Team Redstone. It started with a morning rehearsal and culminated with Redstone’s first postwide retirement ceremony that afternoon in Bob Jones Auditorium.
The four retirees included Col. Oscar Doward, Col. George Crockatt, Bruce Cline and Carlos Sacarello.
Future regular ceremonies are planned to honor those who have dedicated years of their lives to the country through federal or military service.
“It’s sad to see a government employee who has been working for their country for 25 years walk out with a pat on the back and a pin,” Redstone Senior Commander Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan has said. “I think we can do better than that.”
Doward, inspector general for the Space and Missile Defense Command, retired after 30 years. Crockatt, military deputy director for the Aviation and Missile Command Logistics Center, had 29 years of service. Sacarello, cybersecurity division chief for the Regional Network Enterprise Center-Central at Redstone Arsenal, served 29 years. Cline, AMCOM protocol specialist and retired sergeant major, had 19 years as an Army civilian and served 27 years on active duty.
“Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, family and friends – today we gather to pay tribute to four remarkable individuals whose commitment and dedication to our country have left an indelible mark on the U.S. Army,” Maj. Gen. Walt Duzzny, the Army Materiel Command chief of staff, said. “As we reflect on their individual and collective achievements, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by all those who serve our nation.
“The family and friends who have gathered here today probably understand those sacrifices best, and have made sacrifices of their own in support of their retiree’s journey of service,” he said.
“We honor our two Army colonels who are ending their distinguished careers. We express gratitude for your commitment to defend our freedoms and protect our way of life. From the front lines to support roles, whether it was facing enemy fire, providing aid in times of crisis, or mentoring the next generation, your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed,” Duzzny said.
“We also pay tribute to our two civilian retirees – who, besides first serving in uniform themselves, have continued to support the Army in follow-on careers. While your contributions may not always be as visible, they are no less significant. These individuals have demonstrated remarkable dedication to the betterment of the Army and our nation.”
Doward, 52, from Columbus, Georgia, was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Inherent Resolve. He received his commission in 1994 at Alabama A&M University. His plans after retirement are to find a position with a local company and teach as an adjunct history professor at Alabama A&M.
“It’s been a blast,” he said of his career. “I’ve seen the world three times over. I’ve made lifelong friends and connections. I’m a fourth-generation Soldier. A male in my family has fought in every major war except Korea since World War I.”
Doward has realized the Army’s educational benefits. “I’ve gotten three master’s and a Ph.D. while serving as a combat arms officer,” he said.
Crockatt, 54, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, culminated 29 years of service. His awards include three Bronze Star Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, eight Overseas Service Ribbons, Noncommissioned Officer Development Ribbon, Saudi Arabian Medal for the Liberation of Kuwait, Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Army Valorous Unit Award, Combat Action Badge, Airborne Badge and the Air Assault Badge. He plans to remain in the local area and enjoy family life.
“It’s been an amazing journey where I’ve gained lifelong friends,” Crockatt said,
Cline, 67, from Wolcott, Colorado, spent 27 years on active duty and another 19 years as an Army civilian, culminating as a protocol specialist at AMCOM. He plans to “travel with my darling wife, go scuba diving more, and enjoy our grandkids and great-grandkids,” he said.
“It’s been great,” Cline said of his career.
Sacarello, 60, from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, capped 29 years of service. He was a supervisory information technology specialist for the 106th Signal Brigade. Sacarello now works as a contractor supporting the Army Materiel Command. He served on active duty from 1983-87. He plans to volunteer at his church, work in men’s ministry, travel, fish and enjoy time by the pool with family and friends.
“It’s been great,” Sacarello said. “Awesome career.”
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