Retirement Speech written and given:
I am deeply grateful for your presence at my retirement ceremony today. Your attendance fills me with profound honor as I stand before you. Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to the individuals whose contributions have made this event possible.
First, I must acknowledge the impeccable service of the men and women of the Joint Color Guard. Their dedication to duty deserves commendation. I extend my appreciation to Ms. Jennifer Augustin for her beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, adding a touch of elegance to our proceedings. Rev. Dr. Rim, your inspirational prayer set a fitting tone for this ceremony, and I am thankful for your presence.
I also wish to express my gratitude to Mr. Darrel Williams, our master of ceremonies, whose faith and skill ensured the smooth flow of events. DISA protocol, AV/VI team, PAO, Ms. Jerrise Smith, and many others, your instrumental contributions have been invaluable in bringing this ceremony to success. Without your tireless efforts, today's celebration would not have been possible.
Furthermore, I want to recognize the exceptional dedication of SFC Sabian Leslie, whose remarkable leadership exemplifies the finest qualities of an NCO. Ushers, SSG Benson, SSG Hill, SSG Blunt, SGT Hyde, SSG Spill, SPC (P) Ogle, my special thank you to you. Mr. Chin Jong, our dedicated civilian deputy, has consistently given his best to our office.
I am especially honored by the presence of International Pentecostal Holiness Church General Superintendent, Bishop Dr. Doug Beacham, who traveled from OKC. Your kind words and esteemed presence mean a great deal to me.
Additionally, I extend my gratitude to my current endorsing agent, CH (COL), retired, Jerry Jones, who made the journey from OKC. He will provide the benediction. Special thanks are also extended to Mr. Jang, and the members of the America Korea United Society for their attendance despite their busy schedules. To Rev. Zaho, Mr. & Mrs. Chan, the faithful servants of the Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Captain Winward, US Navy, NSA command chaplain, thanks for your attendance.
To my dear friends, your presence here today fills me with gratitude. COL (retired) & Mrs. Owen, CSM (retired) & Mrs. Riddick, CSM (retired) & Mrs. Singleton, CSM (Retired) & Mrs. Smith, MSG (retired) Mr. Gale, SGM (retired) & Mrs. Hall, and Mr. & Mrs. Avery, your friendship and support have meant the world to me.
I must also acknowledge Dr. Hugh Morgan, whose encouragement was invaluable as I embarked on my journey as an Army Chaplain. He and others of my denomination pastors log in to the webcast now. And to my friends in Korea, I am deeply touched by your presence via virtual despite the late hour.
Lastly, to all the DISA senior leaders, colleagues, and friends, my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support.
Thank you, Lt Gen. Skinner, for your kind words and for presiding over my retirement ceremony. I am deeply grateful for your generous praise and for the honor of receiving the Legion of Merit. Your exemplary leadership and dedication to your role are truly inspiring. You not only advocate for taking care of people in all that we do but also demonstrate it through your actions. I have gained valuable insights into leadership from observing you, Sir.
Your commendation leaves me feeling profoundly honored, and part of me is tempted to conclude this ceremony with a bow. However, I have prepared this speech and would be remiss not to share it with you all. With your permission, I would like to take a few more moments of your time to express my gratitude and reflect on this milestone in my career.
Before I continue, I must express my deepest gratitude to my beloved wife, Eun. For 33 years, you have been my rock, my source of unwavering support, love, and inspiration. Without you by my side, this incredible journey would not have been possible. (And, Eun, please don't retire on me just yet—I still need your guidance and love more than ever!)
To my three amazing children—Yechan, Yeyoung, and Yekyoung—who traveled from Denver and Kansas City to be here today, I want to express my profound love for each of you. I am incredibly proud of the remarkable individuals you have become. Your presence here today means the world to me, and I am deeply grateful for your love and support. Thank you for being a part of this momentous occasion.
As I reflect on my life, I can't help but acknowledge the multitude of ups and downs I've experienced. While there have undoubtedly been many memorable and positive moments, I often find myself dwelling on the negative times—the moments when I felt alone, like a failure, engulfed by darkness.
It's natural to fixate on the challenges and setbacks we encounter along the way. Those dark moments can feel overwhelming and all-consuming, overshadowing the brighter aspects of our lives. Yet, amidst the struggles, there have been countless moments of joy, success, and resilience that deserve recognition. In those moments I reflected I wasn’t alone.
In 1968, Mexico City hosted the Summer Olympics, and one of the final events was the Men’s Marathon. Participants from 57 countries took part, with a total of 79 runners competing. Among them was a runner named John Stephen Akhwari from Tanzania. As the race began, John positioned himself at the forefront of a pack of nine runners. However, around the 19-kilometer mark—approximately halfway through the marathon—disaster struck. Another runner in the pack accidentally tangled with John’s leg while jockeying for position. Akhwari fell to the ground, gashing his knee and also causing a dislocation. He also smashed his shoulder against the pavement. The pain and frustration must have been overwhelming.
If I found myself in his situation, I might have been tempted to express my frustration. However, it's important to recognize that life frequently presents us with unexpected challenges. While you may not have fallen during a marathon, you may have encountered your metaphorical stumbling blocks—those instances when circumstances seem to work against you, leaving you feeling bruised and disoriented.
Despite the pain and challenges, it's crucial to focus on the positives. Today, for me, is a day filled with memories and gratitude. In recent weeks, a wave of recollections has swept over me. Some memories are vivid, etched clearly in my mind, while others linger in the farthest corners of my consciousness.
I often recall my humble beginnings, when my parents, who had little themselves, sent me to live with my grandparents. Despite their modest circumstances, those days remain some of the fondest memories of my life.
From my early years in elementary school to high school, college, and even my time serving in the Korean Army (which, I must admit, was no easy feat), each phase has played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. I can still vividly recall the moment I arrived at New York airport at the age of 25, with only $250 in my wallet. The hustle began immediately—I managed to secure a job at a Korean store just three days after my arrival.
A few months later, I embarked on a new adventure: enlisting in the US Army as a 19D Cavalry Scout. It was during this time that God’s providence intervened—I met Eun, and our love story began to unfold. Our journey together led to the joyous arrival of our three amazing children, and later, the blessing of our precious granddaughter.
Yet, amidst the tapestry of these memories, the most profound ones are deeply rooted in my faith. There were moments when life seemed overwhelming—times when I felt isolated and powerless. But then, like a gentle whisper, God enveloped me. His words resonated within me: "I love you, Suk," and "I am with you." With this divine assurance, I discovered the strength to persevere.
Looking back, I realize that I was never truly alone on this journey. A community of support surrounded me—my family, cherished friends, understanding leaders, helpful coworkers, and the congregation at the chapel—all played a role in lifting me up. Through this collective, God worked wonders, guiding me through challenges and reminding me of His constant presence.
The idea of community transcends time, resonating across generations. In the Bible, Jesus Himself proclaimed, "Where two or more gather in my name, I will be there." This essence of community centers around caring for one another, and offering support when we face obstacles. It's not just a passing connection; it requires wholehearted dedication and commitment.
Having served in FORSCOM and deployed multiple times, I have witnessed firsthand how the word "community" beats through the veins of every uniformed member. These deployments were far from easy—losses occurred on the battlefield, whether from combat, roadside bombs, or rockets. The emotional and spiritual wounds ran deep, impacting not just me, but everyone who stood shoulder to shoulder.
Yet, in those trying moments, something remarkable unfolded: unity. Soldiers rallied together, sharing their burdens. They mourned collectively, shed tears side by side, and lifted prayers as one. Their motivation, encouragement, and unwavering alignment fueled their resolve. Together, they faced danger head-on, safeguarding us and ensuring our collective defense.
In this tapestry of service, I found my greatest honor: being one of them, their Chaplain. Despite the harsh realities of deployment, these soldiers achieved success in every mission. Their performance was a testament to the power of a community mindset, reminding us that we are never truly alone.
As Lt. Gen. Skinner consistently emphasized, prioritizing the well-being of people is of utmost importance. In my capacity as a chaplain at DISA, I have personally experienced the transformative power of community. Although our organization consists of more civilians than uniformed personnel, everyone understands the importance of standing together in mutual support.
In the concept of "team," there is no room for individualism. When one person is hurting, it resonates with all of us. By cultivating a safe and inclusive environment, we promote unity and forge strong bonds among colleagues. I am profoundly grateful to every one of you for your unwavering commitment to serving our country.
John Akhwari, when he fell during the race, medics and spectators rushed to his aid. They wrapped his injured knee, shoulder, and head with first aid supplies, trying to take him to the hospital. But John resisted. His determination burned bright—he declared, “I will finish the race.” Slowly, he walked, then jogged, and finally ran. With the encouragement of those around him, he crossed the finish line, even though he was the last to arrive.
As he entered the stadium, thousands of spectators stood, cheering for him. John wasn’t alone. Reporters swarmed him afterward, questioning why he persisted despite his condition. His answer was simple yet profound: “My country didn’t send me 5,000 miles away to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles away to finish it.” He wasn’t alone in this race. His country was behind him. Many strangers around him were with him.
His story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in the face of adversity. Similarly, as I navigate through the chapters of my own life, I am reminded that my mission, entrusted to me by the Lord, remains unfinished. Like John, I am determined to press on, drawing strength from my faith, family, friends, and community. Together, we continue to run the race set before us, knowing that we are not alone and that God is with us every step of the way. Thank you for attending today’s ceremony. God Bless you, all.