Well Done

After 20 years and 10 months of service, Sarge has had his final formation.

We spent the last weekend in May celebrating and honoring his service.

His certificate (yes, a cheesy pose waiting for the photographer to take the pic =) )

His final address to his soldiers.

Even I got a certificate.

Just for putting up with all his deployments and weekends away from home!

And of course there was cake to celebrate.

We were happy to celebrate this weekend with family and friends.

Mom

Mentor

MN friends

In Sarge's words:

It is finished. Not a bad career for a medically unqualified weekend warrior. So here is the box scores for you sports fans:

20 years 10 months total service

8.5 years of that on some sort of active duty

Service in Germany, Thailand, Afghanistan and Iraq

200 or so combat patrols

3 MOS's

6 different schools graduated with honors or distinction

2 time Battalion NCO of the year, 1 time CACOM NCO of the year

E8 selected for E9

Filled CSM and CPT positions 

1 Bronze Star, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, 4 Commendation Medals and 7 Achievement medals

Jump wings

2 different German qualification badges 

1,000's of goats and sheep dewormed and given vitamin shots

Many schools and hospitals repaired/built, wells dug and how to run a local government advice given

Countless times protected by God's grace

20 more years before I see my pension

All that and still denied 3 times of my dream of becoming an officer for medical reasons...I guess it all worked out though