Col. Frank Davis II, commander,71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Maj. Elfonzo Reed, operations officer, Warrior Transition Battalion, as his wife, Maiia Reed, looks on during the Sept. 27. 2017, retirement ceremony. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds)
By Staff Sgt. Lance Pounds
71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Public Affairs Office
Eight Soldiers were honored for their more than 200 years of combined service to the nation during a retirement ceremony Sept. 27, 2017, in the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.
Fort Carson hosts a monthly ceremony to show appreciation for Soldiers retiring from the Army and to allow coworkers, Family members and friends an opportunity to help celebrate the Soldiers’ achievements.
Col. Frank Davis II, commander, 71st Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), and ceremony host, described the ceremony as “a celebration of service” during his opening speech.
“Today is a bittersweet day for our group of honorees,” said Davis, who added that the ceremony also symbolized “a day of transition for each of them and their Families.”
Davis provided attendees with a few words about each of the retirees to include highlights of their careers and recognized sacrifices made by the retirees’ Family members.
Those being honored at the ceremony were: Col. Michael Mahoney, commander, U.S. Army Dental Activity-Fort Carson; Col. John Irgens, deputy director for the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; Maj. Elfonzo Reed, operations officer, Warrior Transition Battalion; Capt. Tyrone Hunter, 4th Infantry Division; Command Sgt. Maj. John Johnson, 52nd Brigade Engineer Battalion; Sgt. 1st Class Edward Hinojosa, 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div.; Sgt. 1st Class Michael Kalata, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Inf. Div.; and Staff Sgt. Morris Johnson, U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson.
Hinojosa joined the Army in 1998 and has served in various assignments worldwide, to include multiple deployments.
“It has been a fulfilling career,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunities the military has given to my Family and me.”
Davis concluded with a heartfelt appreciation to the retirees.
“Our nation will never be able to truly pay the debt of gratitude it owes for the services you have provided,” Davis said. “All we can really do is to say thank you.”
Monthly retirement ceremonies are held at 10 a.m. the last Wednesday of the month, except for November and December. The next ceremony will be Oct. 25, 2017, in the William “Bill” Reed Special Events Center.