My military retirement ceremony, Enlisted February 5th, 1980, Retired 20 years 2 months and 29 days later. Loved every moment. HOOAH!!!!!! An amazing life time event that I can recall every word spoke to me that day. House of Representatives adopted Resolution number #2403, September 6th 2000, recognizing the retirement of the following military personnel Pictured : Rick Allen, Dennis Scott, Steve Peoples, Lane T Eitel, and Jim Mosey. The Armory was packed nearly 400 people attended. Us retirees were so very humbled and honored. Upon the arrival of Representative Vicky Hartzler, she ask to speak with me. We politely excused our selves out side and she introduced her self to me and then said So your Sgt. Lane T Eitel, I have been told to tell you that you are to give a speech, and that comes from Head Quarters Stark from the man who wears the star, She further smiled and laughed and extended the names of people from HQ, who wished me and the others there best, however I still had to give a speech. So, with about 30 minutes before the ceremony started I hashed out some proper things to talk about. As my retirement resolution was read to me the past 20 years flashed before me: The day I enlisted, my pals I made in basic training, and MP school, my Drill Sergeants, The Birth of my two kids, The day I graduated the Kansas City Police Academy, all of my military deployments, faces of all the amazing people I got to serve my country with. Then, everyone was standing on there feet clapping, I was then given my original framed resolution, and then approached the podium to speak. I had no Idea what was to come out of my mouth, and that alone stumped me because I am never speechless, and everyone setting in from of me knows I have no problem speaking in front of people. The it hit me like a grenade, Just be me, that is what they are expecting. So I told the ever so attentive crowd what took place 30 minutes ago, that A person with a much higher pay grade from HQ, has instructed me to give a speech, so being the military person I am, I do what I am told, So, here you go. After getting the audience to laugh and chuckle and some of my comments I knew I was on the right track and was now to get to the recipe that hits home. I addressed that fact that we, Military People, do not retire, we just go thru the process of Retirement but it was actually our family and friends that retire from the military. Now you will get to spend more time with us as Husbands, as a son, as a daughter, as a Dad, as a wife as grandparent, as friend, and as co-worker. Military people never retire, we just take a long break from attending drill and going on deployments to all corners of the world. Retirement ceremonies are for families, friends and love ones, because of your loyal patriotism we live in the best country in the world. It been a great roller coaster ride, GOD speed to you all, lets eat and have a party. HOOAH!!!! The audience rose to there feet, applauded, and we ate and had a great party. I am so honored to have served with the very best ever. GOD Bless you all.... I salute you Respectfully, SFC. Lane T Eitel MP. (Retired)
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:30:16 +0000
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