FORT MCNAIR, D.C. –
After spending long, successful careers in the Department of Army, some Army Soldiers and Civilians celebrate retirement by enjoying some pomp and circumstance provided by the ceremonial units of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s (USAMDW).
Each month, the Department of the Army and General Officer Combined Retirement Ceremony is conducted by the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and includes musical performances by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Retirees from across the Army’s total force arrive at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall to celebrate the special occasion while family and friends cheer them on.
“Many retirees travel from across the country to participate,” said Capt. Tamera Cain, the USAMDW Ceremonial Operations Officer. “Having served decades, either as a Soldier or a DoD civilian, this ceremony is a moment of closure, recognition, and celebration for them. Being part of that is really an incredible feeling.”
Cain is typically found behind the scenes during this ceremony ensuring everything runs smoothly. From communicating with retirees before the ceremonies to overseeing rehearsals each month, Cain is there every step of the way.
“This isn’t a job people hear about often, but it’s one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever had in my military career,” she said.
On a day-to-day basis, Cain manages communication with all retirees who request participation, which can sometimes be two years in advance. She responds to questions and concerns and ensures everyone knows which uniform to wear and how to access the base.
During the week of the ceremony, Cain and her team, which includes two noncommissioned officers and one civilian, oversee rehearsal validations with The Old Guard.
“Ceremonies cannot be executed alone. They involve an excessive amount of planning and coordination, and you have to build trust and confidence within your team,” she said.
On the day of the ceremony, Cain can be found setting up nameplates, binders and retirement flags for each retiree. She oversees retiree check-in and ensures once more that the roster and projector screen showing names are accurate and synchronized. She also briefs the official party, which includes the reviewing officials, Commanding General Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp and Command Sergeant Maj. Vern Daley.
“I have multiple roles during the ceremony, but one of the most meaningful is seeing the retirees’ expressions as they walk across the floor when their name is announced,” Cain said. “Prior to every ceremony, I often run into retirees who recognize my name from our emails and ask, 'Are you Captain Cain?' When I confirm, their immediate smile and gratitude remind me why I do this.”
Originally from Fort Cavazos, Texas, Cain commissioned in 2016 through ROTC at Jackson State University and has been serving as an Adjutant General Officer for over eight years.
“Growing up in a military environment, I always knew that I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps and serve,” Cain said. “I had the chance to see firsthand the commitment that came with wearing the uniform, which inspired me to join.”
Cain then stepped into her role as Ceremonial Operations Officer after serving as the battalion S-1 for the 12th Aviation Battalion on Fort Belvoir for nearly two years.
“Since stepping into this role, I have learned adaptability and attention to detail are not just skills, they are a necessity,” she said. “More than anything this role has taught me that adaptability isn’t just about reacting to something changing but being prepared for it.”
This adaptability also carries over to other ceremonies Cain is involved in. She has escorted distinguished visitors, such as the president, vice president, First Lady and Second Gentleman during high-visibility ceremonies.
During such ceremonies, she ensures all designated routes are clear. Much like the retirement ceremony, she also briefs the distinguished visitors on the sequence of events.
Though she is often behind the scenes, Cain’s impact is seen through the success of each ceremony. She said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned in this role is that rank does not define impact.
“I may be one of the smallest people in the room during a ceremony briefing, but my role carries weight,” she said. “My former boss, now retired Mr. Gary Hardy, once told me, 'Being small is NOT an excuse! It just means you’re working ten times harder than everybody else and still getting the job done.’’
“Whether I’m coordinating a retirement ceremony or escorting the Vice President of the United States, I truly love what I do and take pride in serving as the only Military District of Washington Ceremonial Operations Officer for the Ceremonies and Outreach Directorate.
For more information on Department of the Army Retirement Ceremonies, to view past videos of the event, or to register for the next event please visit: https://jtfncr.mdw.army.mil/retirements/