Salute to Retirees

CSM Michael Bland Retires After 32 Plus Years of Service

LTC Leslie Edwards (left) congratulates CSM Michael Bland (right) at his retirement ceremony held on June 12, 2022, at the Texas Military Forces Museum on Camp Mabry. Family and friends came together to present him awards and gifts and to congratulate him on his 32 plus years of military service. His last assignment was as the Command Sergeant Major for the 4th Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance

Brigade in Dallas, Texas. (Photo Courtesy of the Texas Military Department)

It’s Never to Late to Say Thank You

On June 24, 2022, the Legion of Merit was presented to CSM (Ret) Timothy Hardman (center) and LTC (Ret) Duane Hale (right) for their dedicated service to their country and the State of Texas. CSM (Ret) Hardman served from 1994 to 2018 and retired from the National Guard after serving two years as the Command Sergeant Major for 1-112th Cavalry Regiment. LTC (Ret) Hale served from 1996-2019 and completed his tenure serving for three years as the Squadron Commander for 1-112th Cavalry Regiment. MAJ Neil Rackley (left) joined the awardees for a photo following the ceremony. The men exemplified Soldier care and People first, leaving a legacy for those that served with them. Always Ready, Always “Rarin to Go.” (Photo courtesy of 1-112th Cavalry Rgmt) On May 13, 2022, BG Carlton Smith presented MG Tracy Norris with her Certificate of Retirement in front of fellow Soldiers and Airmen, family and friends. MG Tracy Norris served as the 52nd Adjutant General of Texas from January 1, 2019 to March 1, 2022. She was the first female in Texas history to have ever served as the Adjutant General of Texas. MG Norris previously served as the Assistant Deputy Adjutant General for the Army as well as Director of Construction and Facilities Management for the Texas Military Department. During her three-decade career she served the Army National Guard in Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts and at NGB Washington D.C. She earned many decorations and awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Legion of Merit and Humanitarian Service Medal for her service during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

CW5 Metcalf Retires After 40 Years of Service

The former Adjutant General of Texas, MG Tracy Norris (right) attended the retirement ceremony of CW5 Earnest Metcalf (left) on May 14, 2022 to present him with the Texas Superior Service Medal for his 40 years of military service. CW5 Earnest Metcalf previously served as the Command Chief Warrant Officer for the Texas Army National Guard.

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