THE GRIFFON • Summer 2021 • 17
Celebrating the Sacrifice Story by Sgt. 1st Class Lisa M Litchfield USACAPOC(A) Public Affairs
Photos by Maj. Michelle Lunato 98th Training Division (IET) Public Affairs
CHARLOTTE, NC. — On June 5, 2021, Family, friends, and colleagues of three U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers came together at 108thTraining Command (Initial Entry Training) to celebrate their accomplishments and watch them take the next steps into Army retirement. The retirees honored were Command Chief Warrant Officer Five, Neal H. O’Conner, Jr., Col. Matthew A. Patterson, and Lt. Col. Sammy Hicks, III, and, as noted by ceremony host, Maj. Gen. Andrew Juknelis, commanding general, 108th TC, each has served for a tenth of the time our nation has been formed. “George Washington, when he founded that first Continental Army, back during the Revolutionary War, is really where you got your Army values, and your oaths, your loyalty to the Constitution which all started back then in history, and I think that’s relevant to what you all have accomplished,” explained Juknelis.“I just wanted to put their long service into some sort of
historical perspective. The 108th celebration of service ceremony recognizes Soldiers for their distinguished service to the U.S. Army and the Nation as they prepare to transition into civilian careers or fully retire. With CoVid restrictions lifted for vaccinated Soldiers, this was one of the first times that the 108th has been able to fully celebrate the accomplishments of Soldiers in a fully present manner. Each retiree was given an opportunity to speak to the ceremony attendees, which led to heartfelt words and emotional speeches.The retirees shared their individual military histories, mentors and inspirations, the sacrifices their families had experienced in support of their service, and they shared what they will, and won’t miss most about the Army. Hicks, chief of Internal Review for the 108th, began his speech thanking “my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because without Him I wouldn’t be here today.” He went on to praise his family and their support while acknowledging his belief that his father, who is looking down from heaven, would be proud of how he is the head of the household for the entire family.
“I do what I do and I have done what I’ve done since day one for these people up here,” said Hicks, gesturing to his family.
Hicks credited his parents and grandparents for their unfailing SACRIFICE Cont’d on page 18
