This last week-end was my last official military week-end. Assuming the retirement orders arrive within the next 30 days. We did a retirement ceremony. I handed over the keys to the office to one of my Majors who will hold the job down until the army reserve chooses a new commander for the unit. There was cake. I said a few words of wisdom about being consistent, showing up, and doing what needed doing. I also talked about second chances. Of which I have had plenty.
One of my fellow officers read my (short version) biography:
NARRATOR: LTC Jesse Kesler grew up in rural Eastern Washington as the eldest of five children. While serving as a Non-Commissioned Officer of the Army Reserve he became a registered nurse. He was commissioned in the Army Reserve Nurse Corps in 1993.
As an officer, he has held a number of nursing, leadership, and teaching roles including medical platoon leader, NBC Officer, clinical educator, preventive medicine detachment commander, Chief nurse, and Sr Nurse Case Manager for the Community Based Warrior in Transition Unit in California. His overseas tours include a tour in Korea from 1977-1978 and one to Riyadh Saudi Arabia for the 1st Gulf War in 1990-1991.
His military career has spanned four decades, two major conflicts, and seven presidents. He has served with distinction as an enlisted soldier, a non-commissioned, a commissioned, and a field grade officer.
His civilian nursing career has spanned almost 30 years and includes medical-surgical nursing, intensive care, case management, and varied educator roles.
LTC Kesler has completed Command and Staff College. He currently holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Science with a major in Nursing Education. He also has a Bachelor’s in Nursing Science from Washington State University and is a nationally certified Nurse Case Manager.
His awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with 2 bronze Service Stars, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal (kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (M device- 3rd Award), and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (13th Award).
LTC Kesler is married to the former Rebecca R Clontz of Buffalo New York. As a blended family, they share 6 children, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. They currently reside in Sacramento CA.
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Assuming the orders arrive within the next 30 days the only time I will get to wear the uniform again is for parades, weddings, and funerals.
![Razz :P](./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif)
"To create more positive results in your life, replace 'if only' with 'next time'." — Author Unknown
"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward." — Vernon Law