FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Members of the Fort Drum community gathered March 4 for the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum command sergeant major's retirement ceremony at the Commons.
Command Sgt. Maj. James W. Redmore retired after serving nearly 29 years in the Army.
He will transition to a civilian job that will allow him to continue to work with military service members.
Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, shared his memories and thoughts about Redmore. He said Redmore was a man he'd come to know and love.
"Jim Redmore is known for giving back to every regiment, formation and garrison post that he has ever served, more than he has every thought of taking back," Terry said. "It is indeed my privilege and honor to officiate this ceremony as we honor Command Sergeant Major Jim Redmore."
Redmore enlisted in the Army in April 1981. His served assignments with 9th Infantry Division;
75th Ranger Regiment; 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta; 82nd Airborne Division; 1st Infantry Division; and U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. He came to Fort Drum in 2003, to serve as Division Artillery command sergeant major. He later served as 3rd Brigade Combat Team's top enlisted Soldier before being selected as division command sergeant major.
After highlighting Redmore's biography and sharing how the command sergeant major has led Soldiers at every level, Terry went on to praise his outgoing right-hand man's career and explained that Redmore leaves behind a great legacy.
"In fact, I'm humbled by it, and it really is a Soldier's story that we all should know," Terry continued. "Through thick and thin, he had the fortitude to stick it out, rise to the top and be part of transforming our Army into the professional force it truly is today."
Terry presented Redmore with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service while serving in various positions of great responsibility and trust.
"His positive climate and tactical expertise enhanced the division's warfighting proficiency and ensured outstanding care and support for its Soldiers and Family Members," said the ceremony narrator, reading from the award citation. "His leadership during times of peace and war clearly made a lasting contribution to the nation's defense. His performance of duty and superior accomplishments reflect great credit upon him, the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and the United States Army."
After receiving the Legion of Merit, Redmore thanked everyone in attendance and shared how much his career has meant to him.
"The best way to show appreciation I think is by simply saying two words and that's 'thank you.' I could go on all day long and mention names that have touched my life and rewarded me in this journey for the past 29 years," Redmore said. "I woke up this morning, (nearly) 29 years have passed, and I'm standing here before you ready to leave something I loved my entire life. I will miss this, there is absolutely no doubt."
Redmore also received an Army retirement pin and the U.S. flag with a certificate indicating it was flown over the 10th Mountain Division headquarters on March 2 for Redmore, commemorating nearly 29 years of "dedicated and selfless service to Fort Drum and the United States Army" and signed by Terry.
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