The quarterly installation retirement ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground on July 25, 2024, was a special event that honored three individuals for their dedicated service to the Army. Col. Scott Smith, the chief of staff of the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives Command, presided over the ceremony, recognizing the retirees for their combined 87 years of service. The retirees included two civilians, Hassan Azzam and Donald James, as well as Sgt. 1st Class Rinaldo Rivera Jr., a military equal opportunity advisor with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command.
Hassan Azzam, a lead general engineer with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center, was honored with the Civilian Service Commendation Medal, Department of the Army certificates of retirement and appreciation, a Senior Executive Service note, and a retirement pin. Azzam, who retired on April 30, 2024, after 23 years of civilian service, had a distinguished career that included serving in various roles supporting the Army’s mission. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and looks forward to spending more time with his family in retirement.
Donald James, a logistics management specialist with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command’s Integrated Logistics Support Center, retired with more than 40 years of combined service. James received the DA Civilian Service Achievement Medal, DA certificates of retirement and appreciation, and a retirement pin. His career spanned both military and civilian service, with roles critical to mission support within CECOM. James plans to return to Texas and continue serving his community by mentoring youth, emphasizing the importance of staying active and engaged in retirement.
Sgt. 1st Class Rinaldo Rivera Jr., a military equal opportunity advisor with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command, retired with 24 years of service. Rivera received the Meritorious Service Medal, DA certificates of appreciation and retirement, the U.S. Flag, and a retirement pin. Throughout his military career, Rivera served in various roles across different locations, gaining valuable experience and skills. He highlighted the military as a source of motivation and structure in his life, expressing gratitude for the foundation it provided him.
The retirement ceremony not only honored the retirees for their dedicated service but also recognized the sacrifices and support of their family members. Col. Scott Smith emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions of the entire team that made the retirees‘ accomplishments possible. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the retirees‘ commitment to serving the nation and their communities, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their lives post-retirement.