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Casey Shiver spent over half of his life in the military and recently retired from the U.S. Army after 26 years of active duty service.

A 1995 Straughn High School alumnus, he first joined the military in February 1997.

“I had a desire to be a part of something bigger than myself. My desire was to make a difference in others’ lives and become a better me. I count it a privilege to have been a part of this country’s armed forces. Many are qualified to serve, but very few choose to serve,” Shiver said.

He enlisted as a Private (E-1) and retired as a Sergeant Major (E-9). His position upon retirement was Battalion Operations Sergeant Major.

“Throughout my military career, you hear from fellow soldiers that you will know when it is time. After speaking and praying with my wife, I knew it was time to move on. I am very blessed and fortunate to have a supportive and loving family. Without my family’s unwavering support, I would not have made it through the past 26 years. It means everything to know there are individuals praying for you, loving you, supporting you, and willing to make sacrifices alongside you regardless of the situation.”

Shiver said it is important to serve his country and protect the nation’s freedoms.

“So many people enjoy the ‘American Way of Life’ and the freedoms that come with it. However, very few are willing to make the sacrifices required to keep this nation free. Losing these freedoms is only a generation away. When young men and women get too comfortable in their current lifestyle, and the sense of entitlement outweighs the desire to serve, the United States will no longer exist as the greatest nation on earth. This is the land of opportunity, not the land of guarantee,” he said.

Most recently, Shiver was deployed to Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Following his 26 years of service, he paid tribute to God and his loved ones.

“First and foremost, I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this would have been possible. I would also like to thank my family and friends for their support throughout my time in service. Some have been with me throughout the entire 26 years, while others made an impact for just a season or two.”

Shiver said he learned a lot about himself from the time he first enlisted until his retirement.

“It doesn’t take long for the true you to reveal itself when you’re going through basic training. You mature very quickly in the military, and it’s almost comical to look back at my 20-year-old new trainee self. There is a pretty big difference in who I am today,” he said.

He offered advice to anyone who has an interest in joining the Army.

“Enlist and serve for the right reason. Ensure you’re fully committed and focus on the reason you enlisted. When times get difficult, remember the why. The right reason is different from one person to another. However, do not enlist just because you have a buddy that wants to join or serve,” Shiver said.

He is married to his wife of 23 years, Julie Shiver. They are the parents of one daughter, Vanessa, who is a freshman at Troy University.

“I’m honored and blessed to have a wonderful husband that not only served his country for 26 years but is also supportive of his wife and daughter. He worked hard and put a lot of time into his career that took him away from his family for days, weeks, months, and even a year. He has a lot of adjusting to do to be among the civilian world, but I know with prayers, and him being him, he will do amazing things,” Julie said.