The Maine Army National Guard held a retirement ceremony Sept. 11. On left: Chief Warrant Office 3 Tim Grant, left, presents Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven F. Eastman his award. On right: Chief Warrant Officer 2 Travis E. Coffman, left, receives his award from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Wade.

The Maine Army National Guard celebrated Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven F. Eastman of Augusta, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Travis E. Coffman of Buckfield during a retirement ceremony on Sept. 11 for their dedication and time in service.

The Maine Army National Guard held a retirement ceremony Sept. 11. Chief Warrant Office 3 Tim Grant, left, presents Chief Warrant Officer 3 Steven F. Eastman his award. Submitted photo

Eastman enlisted as a light-wheel vehicle mechanic from 2001 to 2004 in the active Army, which included a deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After, Eastman transferred to the United States Army Reserve for one year before joining the MEARNG, where he served for an additional 17 years.

He spent 15 of those years with the 152nd Maintenance Support Company in Augusta, where he was instrumental in building the company’s armament section from the ground up. Above all else, Eastman displayed steadfast dedication to the morale and welfare of soldiers and truly represented the meaning of esprit de corps, according to a news release from Sgt. Izaak Ramos.

Coffman enlisted in the MEARNG in 2003 and showed an aptitude for maintenance logistics early on in his career. He soon became recognized as a subject matter expert among his peers and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming shop chief for Field Maintenance Shop 2 in Auburn. Coffman earned the enduring respect of his peers during his 26 years with the unit, performing admirably in all assigned positions and paving the way for field maintenance shops in Maine, according to Ramos.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Travis E. Coffman, left, receives his award from Chief Warrant Officer 3 Christopher Wade. Submitted photo

The ceremony was attended by family, friends and fellow service members of the MEARNG, each of which took turns recounting the achievements, memories and lasting impacts both accomplished throughout their military careers. In honor of their strides, impacts and sacrifices, both were awarded with the Meritorious Service Medal.

In addition, the families of Coffman and Eastman were recognized for their long lasting and continued support throughout their military careers.

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