REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The year was 1980. Bell bottoms were making a slow exit, Ronald Reagan was elected president, Post-It Notes were born and a young man named John Jacobi joined the Army.

A lot has changed in the past 36 years since, said Jacobi, who said he did not think he'd stay in past his initial enlistment.

"I did not get this on my own merit. I put in the hard work, but fortunately I had the time and support of good mentors along the way," Jacobi said.

Jacobi, who was the commander of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology's Army Reserve Unit at the Pentagon, was honored during a retirement ceremony Sept. 8 in Toftoy Hall on Redstone Arsenal. He officially hangs his uniform hat Nov. 6, but continues his civilian job as a Defense Contract Management Agency team chief in Huntsville, Alabama.

The ceremony, hosted by Army Reserve Sustainment Command's Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Doll, was attended by Jacobi's wife of 31 years, Lilli, and their children, Army National Guard Capt. Sebastian, an emergency room technician in Mississippi; and Michelle, who has a master's degree in business administration and works in Atlanta. Joining them were several general officers, friends, colleagues, mentors and neighbors.

"Colonel Jacobi has left an enduring mark on Soldiers and their families, as well as various organizations throughout the years," Doll said in his remarks.

"Through his tremendous efforts, and time away from family, Colonel Jacobi completed many tasks that could not have been done without the insight, skill and lasting legacy required to fulfill the Army's needs and ensure the mission is accomplished," Doll said.

Jacobi, who originally enlisted as a track vehicle mechanic, received a commission as a second lieutenant from Officer Candidate School in 1989. The Michigan native soon added "world traveler" to his resume, serving in Germany, Lilli's home country; Korea; Panama; Thailand; Saudi Arabia; Qatar; Egypt and Afghanistan.

His activations include support of Operations Noble and Enduring Freedom, and assistance after Hurricane Katrina. Prior to ASA (ALT) command, Jacobi served at Headquarters, Department of the Army G-4. He also commanded the 1113th Mobilization Support Battalion in Decatur, Georgia.

Despite an extensive resume, Jacobi is adamant he did not arrive at his destination on his own steam. He credits the hard work of his father, a World War II veteran who survived torpedo attacks in Japan, and his mother, who was a nurse.

"The real heroes in this story are the families. They give up so much, and I cannot ever repay or give back what they've done. I'm a blessed man, who has a rock-solid, supportive family. They are resilient, have overcome obstacles and under the guidance of a strong mother, the kids continued to prosper," Jacobi said.

"Without you, I would not be standing here today. You carried a very heavy load for the Army. I love you, and Army Strong."