USASOC schedules change of command ceremony

[Dan]

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker address the crowd gathered for the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Change of Command ceremony. In his speech, Schoomaker stated that many of the innovations begun within USASOC are now being fielded by the rest of the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army Photo by Walt Sokalski)

[Dan]

RELEASE NUMBER: 051205-02
DATE POSTED: DECEMBER 6, 2005

Soldier, statesman retires
By Sgt. Joe Healy
U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Dec. 6, 2005) —A great blend of Soldier and statesman will be his military legacy, said the Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker during a retirement ceremony here Dec. 6.

Lt. Gen. Philip R. Kensinger, Jr., the former commander of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, retired after 36 years of service during a ceremony held at the Colonel Aaron Bank Hall.

Kensinger was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, a Certificate of Retirement, and a Certificate of Appreciation signed by President Bush.

His wife received a Public Service Award and a Certificate of Appreciation.

Kensinger’s military service began June 1966 when he reported to West Point as a seventeen-year-old cadet. His assignments included tours with the 3rd Armor Division, 3rd, 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups (Airborne) and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

His general officer assignments included: commander, Special Operations Command Central; deputy commanding general and chief of staff, U.S. Army Special Operations Command; and commanding general, U.S. Army South.

Kensinger’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Aviator Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge, the Special Operations Diver Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Air Assault Badge, the Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab.

His military career ended with USASOC after being in command for 40 of the 50 months since Sept. 11.

During Kensinger’s command, USASOC transformed into a 21st Century fighting force the Army is now replicating.

His wife, Greta, spearheaded the creation of the USASOC Family Resource Center, the Gold Star Family Dinner and Pin, and was instrumental in the hiring of 29 Family Readiness Group coordinators.

Both dedicated their lives to serving the Soldiers of the U.S. Army and USASOC.

“Greta and I want to thank everyone for all the great years,” Kensinger said.

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