DeKalb Soldier retires after 30 years of service

Related Media

Photo Cutline 1

SPRINGFIELD, IL (01/31/2018) (readMedia)-- A retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st Class Charles Riippi of DeKalb, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in based Normal, Illinois, was held Jan. 30.

Riippi served in various leadership positions throughout his 30-year career including combat signaler team chief, squad leader, platoon sergeant, detachment sergeant and noncommissioned officer in charge of command interest programs.

During his service Riippi was deployed to Iraq twice, Kuwait, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize, Germany and Poland.

His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Illinois Lincoln Medal of Freedom.

Photo Cutline 1: Col. Joseph Schweickert, Chief of Staff, Illinois Army National Guard presents an American Flag to Sgt. 1st Class Charles Riippi of DeKalb, Illinois, at his retirement ceremony Jan. 30 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Riippi served more than 30 years in the Illinois National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)

Photo Cutline 2: Sgt. 1st Class Charles Riippi of DeKalb, Illinois, delivers his retirement speech Jan. 30 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Riippi served more than 30 years in the Illinois National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)

Photo Cutline 3: Sgt. 1st Class Charles Riippi of DeKalb, Illinois, presents a gift to his son Jack, 9-years-old, for supporting his career, Jan. 30 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois. Riippi served more than 30 years in the Illinois National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)