Lt. Col. Lela King Retires after 24 Years Military Service

By Erin Bolling, USAMMDA Public Affairs

Marie Cochran, deputy project manager for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment at USAMMDA, presents a gift to Lt. Col. Lela King, USAMMDA special projects officer, at King's retirement ceremony on June 14.

Col. William Geesey, USAMMDA commander, presents the U.S. flag flown over Fort Detrick, Md. to Lt. Col. Lela King, USAMMDA special projects officer, at King's retirement ceremony on June 14.

Col. William Geesey, USAMMDA commander, presents certificate of retirement to Lt. Col. Lela King, USAMMDA special projects officer, on June 14.

Army retirements are a time to reflect on the life and career of some of our nations' greatest assets. The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity celebrated the career of one of its leading officers, Lt. Col. Lela King, recently retired from a 24-year Army career.

King was welcomed to the USAMMDA conference room by a full crowd of colleagues, friends, family and work family. Not all retirements are created equally, and King made it clear that she wanted "just one more potluck lunch with everyone".

While the atmosphere was fairly casual, as guests made their way around the room preparing a plate for lunch, it was hard to miss the large table in the middle of the room covered in plaques and awards. King received congratulations and certificates from The President of the United States, Barack Obama; the Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan; and Maj. Gen. Brian C. Lein, commanding general, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, Md.

It was clear that this 24-year military career was one served with honor.

Through her career, King recalled her proudest work serving with The Surgeon General Women's Task Force, improving the health of women on the battlefield.

"The friendships formed over the years are the most valuable treasure I take with me," said King.

King thanked her husband of 30 years for his support, as well as her children.

Her plans for retirement include, "taking a few months off, taking painting lessons and working in the garden," said King. "Then I will start looking for the next mission where I might be able to contribute."