David Eckert honored for 30 years of service
By Gregg Scott
Staff Writer
Officers, NCOs, friends and family gathered at the Lake Almanor West Unity Grill on May 13 to celebrate the retirement of Command Sergeant Major (E-9) David Eckert after more than 30 years of service in the United States Army and the 115 Regional Support Group (RSG) of the California Army National Guard. The rank of Command Sergeant Major (CSM) is a non-commissioned rank and position of office in the United States Army. The holder of this rank and position is the most senior enlisted member of a color-bearing Army unit (battalion or higher).
To a stranger that happened to drop by, the scene would have looked anything but like a gathering of military personnel and that’s the way this event was planned by his wife Toni, who knows her husband very well. Most people were dressed in casual country style attire and cowboy hats were plentiful, but once the speakers began to talk about CSM Eckert it was very plain they came to honor him for a stellar career that spanned just over 30 years. Former Commanding Officers and fellow NCOs alike stepped up one by one with accolades and memories of their experiences with Eckert.
What an event for everyone to enjoy. Great food, a beautiful setting, lots of memories, both serious and funny, and the warm camaraderie emitted by the crowd to one another was a sight to behold. Highlight presentations included Brigade CSM Pullen and Brigade CSM Williams awarding CSM Eckert with a statue signifying him as the ‘Keeper of the Colors’ and Lt. Col. Marte presented Him with a Springfield Armory Model 1911 45 ACP on behalf of Commanding Officer Colonel Martinelli who was unable to attend.
David Eckert is well known to many here in the Almanor Basin and it will be a pleasure to see him around more often. Congratulations to David Eckert on his retirement and to all those that have served our nation, Thank You for your service.
Brigade CSM Pullen (far left) and Brigade CSM Williams (far right) are ready to present the award the designates CSM David Eckert as the ‘Keeper of the Colors.’ This is an Army tradition that dates back to the Civil War when a soldier was thus honored to safeguard the unit flag which represented the honor and reputation of that unit. Photo by Gregg Scott
Lt. Col Marte (left) presents CSM Eckert with a Springfield Armory Model 1911 45 ACP pistol on behalf of 115 RSG Commanding Officer Colonel Martinelli in thanks for his dedicated service to the unit. Photo by Gregg Scott
There may be twelve of them, but they should not be mistaken for the ‘Dirty Dozen.’ Quite the contrary, all of this group have risen to the rank (pay grade) of E-9 or CSM. The lady on the left is an E-9 in the US Air Force or Chief Master Sergeant. Quite the E-9 club. Photo by Gregg Scott
This is the cake that Unity Grill whipped up for the occasion. Not just beautiful, but very, very tasty. Photo by Gregg Scott
This photo was not taken at this event, but Toni could not pass up a chance to show what CSM David Eckert looks like in his dress uniform. This was taken at the recent Chester Rotary Club Father/ Daughter Dance. The two lovely young ladies with him are his granddaughters. On the left, Mya Pollard and on the right Lenaya Pollard who were both at grandpa’s retirement celebration. Photo by Toni Eckert
Wonderful to see such a “Hero” honored and recognized for his years of service to our blessed and special country, Thank you and Hod bless all our service men and women
Dave a well deserved retirement is at hand. Now is the opportunity to live life to the fullest. Both Julianne and I wish you health and happiness for many years to come.