Col. Eric Smith of Springfield, who enlisted as an Army carpenter in 1989, was honored for his 36-year career during a retirement ceremony March 21 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.
“We cannot thank you enough for your service,” said Maj. Gen. (ret.) Eric Little, who served as the officiant for the ceremony. “Thirty-six years is a long time to give to the U.S. Army.”
Little thanked Smith’s family for their support and sacrifice throughout his military service.
“Eric could not have asked for a better support system,” he said. “That is the only way anyone in the military is successful. Thank you all because you don’t get thanked enough. This will be a different chapter for the family as well. Eric’s ready but it’s going to be different.”
Little and Smith first met when each of them joined the Illinois Army National Guard and were assigned to the 744th Engineer Company.
“We have known each other for 36 years,” Little said. “Eric and I joined the 744th Engineers in the same month and year in 1989. We were privates together. Now here we are today. We have worked together almost 36 years. During most of his jobs and most of my jobs, we worked together. You have earned retirement. Good luck on your future endeavors.”
Smith enlisted as a 51B, carpenter/mason, spending eight years as an enlisted Soldier and noncommissioned officer. He enrolled in Officer Candidate School and in August 1998, he was commissioned as a quartermaster officer.
Smith, who most recently served as Commander (forward), 34th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade in 2024 during the brigade’s deployment to Kuwait, said the 36 years, two months, and three days he served was about 30 years, two months, and 3 days longer than he had anticipated.
“It’s part of life,” he said. “You don’t know where it’s going to take you. It’s been a long, challenging, frustrating, but also rewarding journey.”
Smith said while the ceremony celebrates his career, it’s not just for him.
“This ceremony is to recognize all those who have supported and guided me. The NCOs, officers, civilian coworkers, friends, and family, but mostly Lori, Reegan, and Aysa,” Smith said. “They have given so much over those years. Now it’s time for me to give back as much as I can.”
Smith said he was humbled to be recognized for his military service.
“I’ve experienced a lot of emotions over the last several months as I reflected wearing this uniform for the last day today,” he said. “I’m humbled to be standing up here. The single most contributing factor is the unconditional support from my family which allowed me to pursue pretty much any endeavor I pursued in this profession.”
Smith thanked his family and friends, including his mother, Candy, for their support throughout his career.
“To my mom, Candy, thank you for your constant unwavering support bearing me a work ethic and to never play victim or make excuses for my failures,” he said. “You instilled in me the desire to move forward regardless of the circumstances.”
“To my friends, my circle is small,” Smith said. “You have no idea how much I cherish that circle. So many people have impacted my career. Whether you realize it or not, I observed. I learned and I grew from watching you all.”
Smith also thanked his daughters, Reegan and Aysa.
“You are like night and day when it comes to your personalities,” he said. “But you are exactly the same when it comes to your drive and determination. I don’t know what I have done to deserve two great young ladies in my life. You both are better human beings than I ever was. I am immeasurably proud of you both.”
Smith thanked his wife of 32 years, Lori, for her unconditional support throughout his service.
“You’ve been with me and endured 34 of the 36 years I’ve been serving. I owe you so much,” he said. “You are the foundation of the family. The appreciation and love I have for you can never be expressed in words. My successes are yours. I owe you everything.
“I’ve missed more anniversaries and special occasions I can ever count,” Smith said. “It probably hasn’t hit you yet, but yes, I am with you now 24/7. You three ladies have endured and sacrificed so much over the years. It’s time now for me to pay that back.”
Smith served in various leadership and staff positions at the company, battalion, and brigade levels, including platoon leader, company executive officer, and company commander. At the battalion level he served as the battalion personnel officer, operations and training officer, logistics officer, executive officer, and commander of the 1144th Transportation Motor Transport Battalion. He served as the 65 Troop Command’s operations and training officer, and executive officer, and deputy commander for the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute). He recently completed his tour as the forward commander of the 34th IDSB.
Additionally, Smith held positions in the United States Property and Fiscal office, facilities, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Joint Staff, the 65th Troop Command, and the 129th RTI. He also served as the deputy personnel officer, deputy logistics officer, and prior to being selected for brigade command, served as the Director of Logistics for the Illinois Army National Guard.
Smith said the ceremony marks the final chapter of his military career.
“I could not have scripted the last few years of my military career any better than it mapped out,” he said. “From being selected as the Director of Logistics to being promoted to colonel and then selected for brigade command and deploying with the brigade overseas. Those are marks we etch into our helmets and that we dream about.”
Smith, who deployed multiple times throughout his career, shared that during his last deployment, he commanded a team comprised of Soldiers from across the three components, active duty, Army Reserves, and National Guard.
“I can say without a doubt, the Army National Guard, specifically the Illinois Army National Guard is one of the best trained and most ready forces,” he said. “It doesn’t just happen. It’s because of all of you here today. Every assignment I assumed came with its own unique challenges and tested my resolve, but I grew both personally and professionally as a result, which ultimately should be a goal and by-product.”
Smith said he has seen a lot over his 36 years of service.
“I have witnessed some amazing and not so amazing things over the past 36 years,” he said. “Some made me super proud, and some made me want to bury my head in the sand. They were all learning moments. It’s how we react individually and collectively as an organization which defines us.”
Smith shared a letter from a Soldier he served with during the 2024 deployment.
“A Soldier who I served with on deployment sent me a note that I’d like to share. The moments that change us rarely feel extraordinary as they happen. They occur quietly in hallways, through a shared story, or by simply showing up. Their weight only becomes clear in hindsight,” Smith said.
“As you begin this new chapter in retirement, I hope you realize that the weight of your impact is not measured in medals or accolades, but on the lives, you have shaped and the example you have set,” Smith said. “Leadership like yours does not fade. It creates ripples that endure quietly and profoundly. I am humbled by each one of your family’s sacrifices and I am immeasurably honored to have served with each and every one of you.”