ALEXANDRIA, Va. (USTCNS) --- Command Sgt. Maj. James Kirtland has a favorite story that he experienced in his worldwide travel supporting his soldiers.

The Military Traffic Management Command's top enlisted soldier was in Nicaragua in February 1999 watching transporters bring relief supplies and equipment to victims of Hurricane Mitch.

Torrential rains had unleashed mudslides that had washed away roads, bridges and buildings. The infrastructures of several Central American countries were in a shambles.

At a hastily built motor pool built in a cornfield, Kirtland said he questioned a mud-and-grease-splattered soldier about the mission.

"I'm here to bring hope to a devastated country," said the young soldier.

The command sergeant major pauses when he tells the story.

Kirtland cited the conversation as he retired from the Army April 19 at a Fort Eustis ceremony. The complex operation was summarized in a brief, poignant sentence.

Memories of soldiers in the field conducting the Army's mission and representing the American people are what Kirtland said he would carry with him into retirement.

"I appreciate all the awards and certificates," said Kirtland. "However, you know what will happen to them. They will end up going in a box and end up in the garage or attic.

"What I really will remember is the soldiers - they will bring a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. You can't put that in a box."

Kirtland, MTMC's command sergeant major since April 1998, said he would miss the Army. He treasures his experiences in active service.

"I have learned so much," said Kirtland. "It is hard to leave MTMC.

"It is hard to leave the Army."

Kirtland entered the Army in 1972 as a draftee. Since then, he has served almost 30 years in assignments that included Korea and Germany.

"I thank the Army for showing me the world," said Kirtland.

Kirtland drew praise from Maj. Gen. Kenneth L. Privratsky, Commander.

"He traveled worldwide to tell soldiers and their families they were part of a larger family," said Privratsky, "the MTMC and Army families."

The command sergeant major devoted "hard work and focus to soldiers," said Privratsky.

Kirtland's emphasis on soldiers and their families is one reason the command exceeds its re-enlistment quotas each year, he said. (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).