CSM Joe Traylor retires after 31 years of distinguished service

PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2023) — The Presidio of Monterey bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph W. Traylor during a retirement ceremony at the Weckerling Center today. In front of Traylor’s family, friends and a garrison workforce that filled the Weckerling Center ballroom, the ceremony marked the culmination of a distinguished 31-year career.

Presiding over the ceremony was U.S. Army, Presidio of Monterey Garrison Commander, Col. Sam Kline. Kline offered his admiration and recounted how Traylor’s three decades of service spanned five states, five countries and included 69 awards and decorations.

“A lifetime of service cannot be simply described by numbers, but better illustrated by the impact on those brothers and sisters with whom he has served. Reflecting on your career, we acknowledge the sacrifices made and the challenges faced,” Kline said.

During the ceremony, Kline awarded Traylor the Legion of Merit, his Certificate of Retirement and other prestigious honors and tokens of appreciation celebrating his dedicated service.

In addition, Kline honored Traylor’s mother, Mrs. Daylinda Pace, with a Certificate of Appreciation and thanked her for her enduring support. All told, Pace’s three sons have served a combined 68 years of military service to include eight combat deployments and seven operational deployments.

“Not only have you played an important role in Joe’s journey, but in supporting the defense of our nation with all three of your Army sons through the last three decades of peace and war. Your strength and sacrifices have undoubtedly shaped the character of the individual we honor today.”

A native of East Alton and Wood River, Illinois, Traylor began his Army career in 1992, joining the Illinois Army National Guard as a Motor Transport Operator before transitioning to the regular Army as a Ground Surveillance Systems Operator in 1994. In 2005, Traylor found his calling in the Army as an Intelligence Analyst, the career field where he spent most of his career. His path through the ranks included a variety of roles from overseeing intelligence operations to the mentoring of Iraqi Army personnel. His assignments took him all over the world to include Korea, Italy, Germany, Afghanistan and Iraq.

In his final speech as an active-duty soldier, Traylor offered his deep gratitude to all those who have supported him.

“As I stand here on the cusp of retirement, I am filled with a myriad of emotions — joy, a sense of pride and accomplishment, nostalgia and a touch of apprehension for the unknowns that lie ahead,” said Traylor, before offering the audience some parting advice.

“The days can be long, but the years are unbelievably short. Every one of us can make a positive and lasting impact in other people’s lives if we care. Help others around you when you can, smile often and be thankful.”

The ceremony concluded with a reading by Chaplain (Capt.) Joseph McCall of the traditional poem “The Watch,” followed by the playing of “The Army Song” and “Old Soldiers Never Die.” A full Weckerling Center ballroom stood in celebration of Traylor and his honorable career.

Traylor will retire to Tampa Bay, Florida where he intends to continue working in the private industry and serving as a volunteer helping veterans in need.