
On the morning of Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the vibrant White Sands Missile Range community gathered at the Post Theater for the highly significant Honors and Retirement Ceremony. This event was a testament to the outstanding achievements and unwavering service of the White Sands Missile Range workforce. In an atmosphere brimming with anticipation, friends, family, and colleagues came together to pay tribute to the distinguished awardees and retirees. The esteemed honorees were presented with their well-deserved awards by the White Sands Missile Range Commander, Col. George C. Turner, Jr., and White Sands Missile Range Command Sgt. Maj. Michael S. Cordery.
During the event, the crowd burst into applause as Jose Salazar, the talented photographer for the White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs Office, was honored with an award for his remarkable 50 years of dedicated service to the United States government. The award recognizes Salazar's service both as a military member and as a civilian. His entire civilian career has been at White Sands Missile Range, progressing from the Visual Information Office to the Public Affairs Office, where he continues to be a valuable team member.

As part of the event, two retirements were celebrated, marking the end of an era. Bill Godby and Benito A. Montoya are both retiring from civilian service, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service. Godby, who has served as the White Sands Missile Range Garrison Archeologist for fifteen years, began his civilian career in 2004 in Hawaii. His tenure at White Sands was marked by significant achievements, including the management of two National Historic Landmarks, The Trinity Site and LC-33. He also played a pivotal role in the stabilization and repair of historical structures such as the McDonald Ranch House and the Desert Ship.

Montoya dedicated his career to optics, and his work significantly impacted various military facilities, including the projects at White Sands Missile Range, Holloman Air Force Base, the High Energy Laser Systems Test Facility, and Stallion. Montoya hails from a family with over 83 years of combined service as civil servants and contractors at White Sands Missile Range.
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