Thursday, February 7, 2013

42 Years after enlistment Vietnam Vet retires from National Guards

Last Vietnam veteran retires from the Tennessee National Guard
By ALEXIS ZOTOS
6 News Reporter

"It feels like yesterday," said Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Peck. "You never forget some people, they're always kind of a part of you."

KNOXVILLE (WATE) – The last Vietnam veteran serving in the Tennessee Army National Guard has donned his uniform for the last time.

Born and raised in Oliver Springs, Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Peck joined the Army at age 17. After more than 40 years of service, he is retiring.

Sgt. Maj. Peck enlisted in 1970 serving as a combat engineer in Vietnam with the 20th Engineer Brigade. For the next 42 years he worked his way up the ranks. Now he retires with the highest rank possible for an enlisted man.

Peck enlisted when he was just shy of his 18th birthday, believing it was something he was meant to do.

"I just feel like I always wanted to do something for somebody," said Sgt. Maj. Peck.

After serving in Vietnam, he spent 10 years in active duty before joining the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

"That's all the years I've been in, my rank and all my ribbons," Peck said, describing his dress uniform.

He has decorations for each of the 42 years of service.
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