FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — Seven Army leaders bid farewell to military service during a Celebration of Service ceremony held June 6, 2025, at Palm Circle, here.
Hosted by the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, Maj. Gen. Gavin Gardner, the commanding general of 8th TSC, gave the opening remarks, honoring Lt. Col. David Hamlin, Maj. Johnathon Daniell, Cpt. Kaofong Saelee, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Davio Mills, Sgt. Maj. Brian Seager, 1st Sgt. Anyelin Bee, and Sgt. 1st Class Thomary Winslow for their commitment to the U.S. Army.
“This distinguished group of leaders have truly led our Soldiers at every level,” said Gardner. “They've served across a vast array of specialties, and their accomplishments as leaders read like a storied history book of the Army's triumphs.”
The ceremony, steeped in tradition, highlighted each retiree's service while also looking ahead to their futures as Soldiers for Life.
Collectively, the retirees represented 171 years of service. From Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom to peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and humanitarian efforts in Haiti, their careers reflect decades of global service.
Mills, with the most time in service, entered the Army in 1990 as an aviation electronics specialist. With 35 years in uniform, he reflected on how far his career has taken him.
“When I donned this uniform over three decades ago, I could not have imagined the adventurous challenges and lessons that lay ahead,” said Mills. “Reflecting on 35 years of service, the Army has evolved. Technology, tactics, and aircraft have changed. What makes this institution great and has remained constant is the people.”
Hamlin, who served 32 years, gave his succinct advice to new Soldiers.
“Do or do not, there is no try,” said Hamlin.
Daniell, who was commissioned as an officer after prior enlisted service, reminisced about his time in the Army, and gave his gratitude to those that he served with, and talked about the challenges and endurance that military spouses go through.
“The ones that endure deployment after deployment, changing every diaper, and cooking every meal. The ones that looked at FaceTime, instead of faces during the holidays and birthdays, because it was another exercise, or CTC rotation. The ones that attended four schools in four years and never got to grow roots. The ones that are ready to grow roots in Hawaii just to be uprooted again. This ceremony is for you,” said Daniell.
Saelee closed his remarks by reflecting on the impact of his service.
“The Army has given me a purpose, long life, friendship, and memories I will cherish forever, although I am stepping away from the uniform, the values, friendship, and experience that I have gained will always stay with me for a lifetime,” said Saelee.
Seager emphasized embracing your current situation and finding value in it.
“Don’t be the Soldier that believes the best place is the one they just left, or the next one they are going to,” said Seager. “Make the most of where you are at, and don’t base your entire Army experience on one duty station.”
Bee had this advice for all Soldiers.
“You need to stick to a goal, be disciplined, and always remember that behind the rank there is a person,” said Bee. “So always remember to treat your Soldiers like a person.”
Winslow, the junior-most retiree, discussed how flexibility can help Soldiers overcome challenges.
“Be flexible, the Army changes,” said Winslow. “Situations change, and people change, so you have to be flexible if you want to be successful.”
Gardner concluded his speech with words that resonate deeply with all Soldiers, veterans, and retirees alike.
“Be proud of all you have done. Your service will be missed, but your impact will continue,” Gardner said. “You are and always will be Soldiers for Life.”
The Celebration of Service tradition offers the Army a way to formally recognize decades of service while providing a space for families and fellow Soldiers to show their appreciation.
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