FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Ten Fort Carson warriors were honored Feb. 23 as Family, friends and colleagues gathered for the monthly retirement ceremony at the Special Events Center.
Each Soldier was presented with a retirement certificate signed by President Barack Obama, his final military award, a folded American flag and a 4th Infantry Division coin. Each spouse received a certificate of appreciation and a yellow rose, in recognition of the support she gave her Soldier.
"You've run a great race, fought the big fight and now your nation owes you a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid," said Col. James J. Mingus, reviewing official and commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
"If you were to line all 10 of these careers back to back it would span well before our nation began its official journey," Mingus said, noting the collective wisdom of this group spans almost 290 years.
He also commended the spouses and Families for their support.
"Our nation and our Army owe you a debt of gratitude as well, equal to or greater than that of your loved ones," Mingus said.
Retiring Sgt. 1st Class Michael McKinney, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, summed up the day: "It's a culmination of time served and all the deployments wrapped up into one and seeing them off."
McKinney's wife added: "Today means having my husband home and safe."
Social Sharing