# DLA Land and Maritime, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation Division Chief retires

/ Published July 9, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation Division Chief Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk A. Greiner retired after more than 30 years of military service to his country.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer presents Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, with a United States Flag during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.                            Land and Maritime bids farewell to Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer presents Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, with a United States Flag during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 190703-D-LC637-0122During his retirement ceremony held July 3, at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio, Greiner was presented the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, recognizing his accomplishments as the division chief over the past three years, his retirement certificate and a United States Flag that had previously flown above the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia.

For their continued support, his children Jack and Maggie, received a certificate of appreciation from DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer.

During his remarks, Greiner acknowledged his two duty assignments in Columbus. The first assignment from 2005 to 2008 tasked Greiner with leading the active duty staff at Marine Corps Reserve Training Center where he served as the inspector instructor for Lima Company 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, along with other capacities involving outreach to the central Ohio community.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer awards the Defense Meritorious Service Medal Land and Maritime to Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.                            Land and Maritime bids farewell to Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer awards the Defense Meritorious Service Medal Land and Maritime to Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 190703-D-LC637-0095“My retirement ceremony could’ve been held anywhere, but I knew this is where it had to be,” Greiner said. “This place means so much to me.”

He continued by acknowledging the importance of having his retirement held at Rickenbacker was a way of honoring the 14 Marines from Lima Company who were killed on August 3, 2005, in Barwanah, Iraq by an improvised explosive device.

Greiner addressed his second tour in Columbus by discussing the position he currently fills at DLA Land and Maritime, stating he owes a lot to DLA and his time here has been very educational and eye-opening, and he wasn’t sure what he was getting into when he accepted his assignment.

“To be honest, I wasn’t aware that I’d be deploying once I was assigned to DLA, but my assignment as Commander DLA support Afghanistan gave me the opportunity to see how things get from point a to point b, to point c and sometimes all the way to z,” Greiner said.

Greiner wrapped up his remarks by sharing a bit of wisdom and gratitude for having had the opportunity to serve his country for more than 30 years.

                Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer presents Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, with a certificate of retirement during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.                            Land and Maritime bids farewell to Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner                            Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer presents Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirk Greiner, Operational Support Division Land Customer Operation division chief, with a certificate of retirement during Greiner’s July 3 retirement ceremony at the Navy Reserve Center Rickenbacker Air Base in Columbus, Ohio.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Charles MorrisVIRIN: 190703-D-LC637-0102“It might sound cliché, but integrity and character are two things that every Marine holds dear; people can take away anything from you, but your character and integrity you choose to give away,” Greiner said, adding, “I’m grateful for my 30 years in the Marine Corps, it took a kid who was going in the wrong direction and taught me how to handle any situation.”

DLA Land and Maritime commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer, presided over Greiner’s retirement Ceremony and provided remarks.

“I can personally attest to the fantastic job he did for us while serving on the Land and Maritime team,” Palmer said. “I’ve only known Kirk for the final year of his twilight tour, and I know enough to see he is one fine, outstanding Marine. Still, I am certain he has made invaluable contributions during his three decades of loyal arduous and superb service to our Nation. I harbor no doubts that our country is stronger and safer because of his service. His legacy of excellence is instilled in the hearts and minds of the Marines he trained over the past 30 years."

Palmer concluded his remarks by wishing Greiner good luck and Godspeed, or as they say in the Navy fair winds and following seas.