FORT RUCKER, Ala. (November 1, 2012) -- A standing room-only crowd turned out to thank and honor 13 Soldiers and civilians upon their retirement from service to their country during a ceremony Oct. 26 at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum.
The 11 Soldiers and two civilians represented 192 years of commissioned and warrant officer experience, 76 years of enlisted experience and 53 years of civil service experience for a total of 321 years of service to the country, according to Col. Kevin J. Christensen, 110th Aviation Brigade commander and host of the ceremony.
Christensen also called attention to the retirees' Families, who made all that service possible, offering thanks from a grateful Army and nation along with some thoughts on the days ahead.
"While we focus on your successful completion of service, it certainly is not the end," he said. "You can be proud of the legacies of your accomplishments that will continue long after your departure. Every time you see a Soldier, you will be witnessing your contribution to the Army continuing on.
"Along the way, each of you made significant contributions to a variety of organizations to make the Army more capable. Simply put, we are a better and more powerful Army today as a result of your hard work, effort and dedication to duty," Christensen added. "The battle's you fought, the challenges you overcame ... the special people you helped and mentored along the way will continue to serve proudly, just as you did. Again, congratulations on the successful completion of your distinguished careers and know that our Army and our nation appreciate all that you've accomplished."
Col. Jimmy L. Meacham
Meacham entered the military in June of 1984. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, including multiple combat tours in support of operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was the outstanding and consistent support he received from his Family, and the Soldiers and civilians he had the privilege to work with. He and his wife, Syndee, plan to reside in Ozark.
Maj. Henry H. Washington III
Washington entered the military in January of 1988. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was serving as commander of the Criminal Investigation Detachment while stationed in Korea, and bringing all his Soldiers back alive and well while serving as the military police operations officer. He plans to reside in Orlando.
CW4 Tony Davila
Davila entered the military in December of 1986. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Korea and Iraq. He served in combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was becoming an Army Aviator. He and his wife, Donna, plan to reside in Enterprise.
CW4 Reginald L. Rorie
Rorie entered the military in September of 1987. During his career he served overseas in Korea and Afghanistan. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Desert Storm, Provide Comfort and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was rescuing fallen heroes and fellow Soldiers in combat as a medevac pilot, and the unwavering love, commitment and support he received from his wife, Jennifer, during his career. The couple plans to reside in Enterprise.
CW4 Robert M. Irvin
Irvin entered the military in June of 1988. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was his selection to become a warrant officer and serving his country, but mainly meeting his wife, Jasmine, who gave them two beautiful children, whom all have endured his multiple deployments and his time away to carry out the Army mission. The couple plans to reside in Enterprise.
CW4 Stanley A. Turnage
Turnage entered the military in January of 1989. During his career he served overseas in Korea and Iraq. He served in combat in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was serving as the battalion flight lead during the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He and his wife, Meloney, plan to reside in Enterprise.
CW4 John A. Cappadoro
Cappadoro entered the military in October of 1992. During his career he served overseas in Honduras, Egypt, Germany, Iraq and Afghanistan. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was not only serving his country, but mainly meeting his wife, Dana, who gave them three beautiful children, whom have all endured his multiple deployments and his time away to carry out the Army mission. His Family gave him the strength he needed to get through it and return home safely. The couple plans to reside in Enterprise.
CW3 Michael J. Christianson
Christianson entered the military in December of 1992. During his career he served overseas in Hawaii, Iraq and Afghanistan. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was deploying to Afghanistan as a platoon sergeant with battle-hardened paratroopers. He and his wife, Jacqueline, plan to reside in Enterprise.
Sgt. Maj. John P. Hendricks Jr.
Hendricks entered the military in August of 1985. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Thailand, Panama, Honduras, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He served multiple combat tours in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. He said the highlight of his career was marrying his best friend and battle buddy, Gloria, and serving as a first sergeant in combat. The couple plans to reside in Daleville.
1st Sgt. Albert E. Kaufmann
Kaufmann entered the military in November of 1983. During his career he served overseas in Germany and Korea. He said the highlight of his career was helping and leading Soldiers, and entertaining the troops, their Families and civilians -- along with performing for President George Bush, President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. He and his wife, Colleen, plan to reside in Hoschton, Ga.
Staff Sgt. Dwayne T. Williams
Williams entered the military in August of 1992. During his career he served overseas in Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, Kosovo, Korea and Iraq. He said the highlight of his career was meeting his beautiful wife, Joy, serving his country, and earning degrees in criminal justice and homeland security. He and his wife plan to reside in Purvis, Miss.
Maryian E. Llopis
Llopis entered civil service in March of 1979. She said the highlights of her career were the successful completion of the comptroller intern program, graduating from the Army Management Staff College, and serving the Soldiers, Family members and civilians of the Fort Rucker community in the inspector general's office for the last 20 years. She is married to retired Sgt. Maj. George J. Llopis III. They plan to reside in Ozark.
Lola M. Smith
Smith entered civil service in August of 1987. She said the highlight of her career was ensuring that all the civilian benefits and pay were taken care of in a timely manner. She and her husband, Jeffrey, plan to reside in Daleville.
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