Sunday, February 18, 2007

Military Retirement Ceremony


On Saturday, I had the pleasure of photographing a retirement ceremony for Army Colonel Cheryl Kyle at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. She served as a nurse in the Army and is currently completing a PhD in Health Services Administration. She told me she wanted to wear her Battle Dress Uniform since she wore it for most of her career and wanted to retire wearing it. Many wonderful speakers paid tribute to her, including: Rev. Dr. Henry J. Payden, Sr., Frmr. U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes, U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia L. Fudge, Esq., just to name a few. She surprised a colleague with a promotion ceremony. Both she and her colleague were pinned with their Colonel's wings that night.

2 comments:

Col Cheryl Kyle said...

This was one of the most remarkable events in my life, it was truly a blessing!
This was not only my retirement ceremony, but also a true Black History event. We were honored to hear so much political and social history from Pastor Emeritus Henry Payden of Holy Trinity Baptist Church, Congressman Louis Stokes, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubb Jones, Mayor Marsha Fudge of Warrensville Hts, and more.
I also had the honor to have the "full bird" Colonel "wings" (not bars)pinned on a fellow soldier and friend, Colonel Gerald A. Matteucci.
It was most precious and "priceless" to hear entries from my Mom, brother, daughter, and family & friends.
The Lord has truly blessed me to experience serving my country and my God and sharing some of the fruits with family and friends!
Very respectfully,
Col(Retired)Cheryl Kyle

Karen said...

Col Kyle:
Thank you for sharing your accomplishment with me. You look so proud, and have reason to be. You have indeed served your country well, and continue to do so in the care you give veterans at the VA. I believe that veterans serving veterans have a unique ability to connect. You have always shown the utmost integrity and professionalism, and indeed it was a pleasure and honor to work with you. I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Dr. Karen McPeak