Over 261 Years of Military Service Honored at Celebration of Service

18 March 2017

From SSG Christopher McCullough

FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii - On March 16, family, friends, and colleagues of 11 U.S. Army Soldiers came together at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, for a ceremonial expression of appreciation and gratitude for their combined 261 years of federal service to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation.

"At U.S. Army Pacific, we refer to it as a celebration of service, because celebrate is what we are here to do today," said USARPAC's Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS) of Operations, Plans, & Exercises (G-3/5/7), Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Milhorn," who officiated the ceremony, "Celebrate the service of 11 experienced and dedicated leaders, 'One Teammates,' who will transition from active service onto the Army's retired roster."

The 11 retirees honored were Lt. Col. Wade Brown, South Carolina; Maj. Andrew March, Arizona; Capt. Jerry Wolfe, Hawaii; Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephanie Daniels, New York; Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin Jacobs, Montana; 1st Sgt. Marion Luckett, Hawaii; Master Sgt. Edward Brown III, Hawaii; Sgt. 1st Class Steven Gonzales, California; Sgt. 1st Class James Jacobs, Alabama; Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Kordish, Maryland; and Sgt. 1st Class Michael Murray, Virginia.

USARPAC's Celebration of Service ceremony recognizes Soldiers for their distinguished service to U.S. Army, U.S. Army Pacific, and the nation as they prepare to transition into new careers. This was the twelfth such celebration held with the intent of honoring retiring service members quarterly.

Over the course of the celebration, Milhorn spoke to the audience about how these noteworthy Soldier's careers have impacted USARPAC. He also addressed how their devotion made the Army better, and personally thanked each of the honorees for the sacrifices they and their families have made.

"Congratulations, again, to all of the honorees on achieving this milestone," Milhorn said in closing. "And a very special thanks to the families and supporting casts of these stars for sharing them with us for these many decades and for being their strength and support."