FORT KNOX, Ky. -Chief Warrant Officer Paul J. Aaron, the senior automotive maintenance technician for support operations in the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), retired after more than 27 years in service during the United States Army Armor Center and Fort Knox Retirement Ceremony Nov. 30 at the Fort Knox Leader's Club.
Hosting the event was Col. Jeff B. Swisher, the TRADOC capability manager for the Heavy Brigade Combat Team and Sgt. Maj. James L. Addie, senior enlisted leader with Training Doctrine and Combat Development.
"Liberty is not automatic," Swisher said. "It is purchased at a price. Throughout history our freedom and the freedom of others has been bought through the sacrifices and selfless service of men and women like those we honor today."
Aaron, a Clarksville, Tn., native, joined the Army adding to a lineage of military Family members including his father and a majority of his uncles.
"I was a normal run-of-the-mill kid that joined the Army," Aaron said.
Aaron spent 12 years as a noncommissioned officer before he joined the warrant officer ranks. With years of experience as two different types of leaders, Aaron claims that his favorite part of serving in the military was the deployments including rotations to Germany, Republic of Korea, Hawaii and Southwest Asia.
"You get that closeness, that camaraderie, that teamwork," Aaron said. "It was always great to deploy with the Soldiers I served with."
Although Aaron is settling down locally in Bowling Green, Ky., the retired Soldier isn't going to let his mind sit around. Aaron plans on going back to college at the University of Louisville, for a degree transfer from a Degree in Education to Human Resource Management.
"The Army has made a huge impact on my life," Aaron said. "It has enabled me to get a great education, travel the entire world, taught me values and taught me how to treat people with respect and dignity. Living the Army Values has made me and my Family what we are today. It has truly been a pleasure and honor to serve my country."
As part of the retirement ceremony, Aaron was presented the Legion of Merit for meritorious service from Oct. 31, 1999 to Nov. 1, 2009.
Story by Spc. Amanda Tucker, 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) public affairs.
For queries, contact 3d Sustainment Command Public Affairs at: (502) 624-8601.
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