JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J., SEPT. 11, 2010 -The retiring deputy commander of the 78th Training Brigade stood before the brigade with his wife as he received a Legion of Merit award during a retirement ceremony hosted by the 78th Training Brigade at Sharp Field here.
Col. Stephen McCahey received this award from Brig. Gen. Walter B. Chahanovich, commanding general of the 78th Brigade, after a 30-year career of meritorious service.
McCahey's military service career is filled with distinguished leadership roles which included a tour to Saudi Arabia as assistant operations officer for the 411th Engineering Brigade. He also held several staff judge advocate positions that utilize his civilian expertise as a trial attorney for the United States Department of Justice. While addressing the command about his career, he spoke of some of the more poignant moments of serving his country.
"As I look back on my career in the military, all I can remember are the good times. I'm not saying there weren't any bad times, but I'll say that when you think back, those things are gone and you just remember the good times, the camaraderie, the friendships, the missions you had, and the things you accomplished," said McCahey.
During his reflections, McCahey also remembered the support of his family. He explained how family complications can make a Soldier's career difficult, and he was very grateful to have a family that added ease instead of angst.
"I was very fortunate to have a wife who understood that military service was important to me and I was able to get the time away to do this, and for that I have to thank her a lot," he said.
After sharing his memories of his time as a Soldier, McCahey said he thoroughly enjoyed his military service. He explained the value of his experiences and how other Soldiers should also recognize the value of their experiences.
"While it's the end of a career, it's still a lifetime of things to remember. Happy times and laughs come to mind whenever I think about it," said McCahey. "I'm proud of it, and I think all of you should also be proud of the careers you have and the futures you have left before you in the Army."
Prior to his position at the 78th Training Brigade, McCahey worked with the 94th Regional Readiness Command in Fort Devens, Mass. Chahanovich, also a previous member of the unit, said the 94th RRC commander gave McCahey exceptional praise before he joined the 78th and his work while with the 78th was more than deserving of the award he received.
The Legion of Merit was established by an act of Congress in 1942 to recognize exceptionally meritorious conduct and outstanding achievements. The award symbolizes McCahey's outstanding leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to duty.
McCahey also received a plaque from Chahanovich, commanding general of the 78th Brigade, on behalf of the command to commemorate his exceptional performance while serving with the unit. The plaque is inscribed with two lightning bolts as part of a tradition started by a previous commanding general who bestowed the 78th with the motto, "Lightning Strikes Twice," in recognition of the 78th's two tours of the Central European theater.
Col. Kenneth Webb, chief of staff, and Col. Albert Porto, assistant chief of staff, also celebrated their retirements from the 78th and each received the Legion of Merit.
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