This is the first Memorial Day that Arthur Padilla Romero will observe as a military retiree.  He has completed 41 years of service including three years active duty during World War II and four years during the Korean conflict.

May 6, Romero's retirement ceremony was held at the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Training Center, Columbus.  His executive officer, Commander Snyder, U.S. Naval Reserve, read Romero's essay, "Why I am In The Uniform Of My Country."

An excerpt from the essay noted:  "I do not court the danger of an armed conflict; but I value the opportunity to protect, if necessary, what I deeply love:  my family, my country, my God.  Any hope for freedom always involves the danger of losing it.  I wear my countries uniform in grateful acknowledgement of the necessity of preparation to fight for what I value. and in the honest hope, that I shall never need to do so."

A safety equipment technician with Goodyear Atomic Corp. at the Pike County uranium enrichment plant, Romero recently received a 30-year award for GAT service.


During the retirement service, Romero's wife Jean, a retired mathematics teacher, received a certificate of appreciation for  her support of her husband's many yeaers of military service.  Others attending the ceremony were his father-in-law, S.S. Campbell; son-in-law and daughter, David and Mary Nihiser; and son, Aaron.