Thanked For Their Service

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day and I was fortunate to get to attend a retirement ceremony at Fort Sill. It was held at 1400 hours on the Old Post Quadrangle and attended by about 1,000 people. There were 33 military retirees, 12 civilians and 2 volunteers who were honored for their years of service to the Army. The event began with the 77th Army Band supplying pre-ceremonial music, followed by the Post's Chaplain giving the invocation. The Sound Attention and Adjutant's Call were then given by the troop's on the field, which included 4 Batteries of enlistees, the Horse Guard and the Honor Guard . The progression of the groups paying honors to each other was interesting and something I had never before witnessed. They then did the Sound Off and we all stood as the Honor Guard presented the colors followed by the playing of the National Anthem.

The Post Chief Of Staff Col. Greer and his wife shook hands with each of the military retirees and presented them with certificates and a flag, in wooden case, which had flown over Fort Sill. Some of the retirees were accompanied with their wives who received the flag from Mrs. Greer. A short biography stating years of service and honors received was given by the colonel for each. The retiring post civilian employees were announced and greeted by the Colonel and wife as their bios were read, followed by the retiring volunteers.

Colonel Greer then gave his remarks highlighting the service of those retiring and gave special praise to the families of the retirees for their dedication. His remarks were fairly moving and brief.

The troops then passed in review while the band played appropriate music. The ceremony closed with the singing of the Army Song. better known to many as "Over hill, Over dale, as we hit the dusty trail".

There was then a time for mingling and refreshments. Cold lemonade, water and fresh cookies were served under a canopy. My son-in-law, Randy introduced me to Col. Greer who has worked with them on the alumni reunion. Col Greer was most gracious and invited me to sit in on the committee meeting for the alumni group on Tuesday, It turns out he and his wife spent some time in Ames Iowa. Randy also introduced me to Lt. Col. Ekvall who has worked with them extensively on the reunion and also to Command Sgt. Major John Tidwell who has worked with them a lot. He held me hand and asked me to call him John. Sigh! He will be leaving on Nov. 27 for duty in Afghanistan.

Following the retirement program we toured some of the Old Post Museum area, the Buffalo Soldiers barricks, the original post jail/stockade where Geronimo was once incarcerated and the field artillery dispayed outside. Much of this artillery was from past wars and some was French, German, Russian and Japanese.There were placards for each noting details of their make up and use, but it was especially nice to get first-hand information from Randy as he is well versed on it having been military for some years.

I am getting a better understanding of the military life and how it works and more pride in those who are defending our freedom. I had the chance to shake the hands ofsome of the retiring military and thank them for their service. It means so much to them to know people appreciate their service, whether active or retired, so if you have the chance, thank those who are and have served so that we can be free.