Majors James and Pat Witmer honorably retired from active service Jan. 1, 2010. A celebration of their service and a recognition ceremony was conducted at the recent Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command Officers’ Councils held in Memphis, Tenn.
Lt. Colonel Larry White, ARC commander, led the retirement and worship service, and the retirement ceremony was conducted by Commissioner Fred Ruth, who was the Witmers’ training principal. Other participants in the service included S/Master Sergeant James Witmer, Jr., and Majors Dan Turner, Carl Earp and Tom Nicholls. Commissioner Max Feener, territorial commander, provided the morning message for the service which rounded out the recognition with a commitment to continued dedication and service.
James and Pat Witmer grew up together in the Havre de Grace, Md., Corps, and were childhood sweethearts. They married in 1963 while James was serving in the U.S. Air Force.
The Witmers entered officer training in 1977 and have served for over 30 years in the Southern Territory. The Witmers also served a total of eight years on the mission field, including the Mexico/Central American, South African and Zimbabwe territories. The last five years the Witmers served within the Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command with James as financial secretary and Patricia as statistician and director of volunteer services.
Their retirement home is in Box Springs, Ga.
