The Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) Detachment Fort Gordon celebrated the storied career of its officer in charge, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael Lester, during his retirement ceremony at Signal Theater, July 27.

Presiding over the ceremony was Cmdr. Jeffrey Buschmann, CIWT's executive officer. Guest speaker of the ceremony was Cmdr. James Dudley, a longtime friend of Lester's. Also in attendance was CIWT's Command Master Chief Mike Bates, along with Lester's family members and friends.

Buschmann commended Lester for his achievements as officer in charge at CIWT Detachment Fort Gordon.

"I know from talking to Mike's Sailors and reading climate surveys that he impacted each and every student and staff member under his charge in a very positive way," shared Buschmann. "I can tell you that you have achieved our commanding officer's direction to prepare these young men and women for war."

During more than 30 years in the Navy, Lester has deployed or been stationed on four continents working with all four services and the U.S. Coast Guard in missions ranging from humanitarian operations to counter-narcotics, and counter-terrorism. He is a qualified Navy information warfare officer and naval aircrewman. He was awarded the Army Parachutist Badge, the Army Combat Action Badge and authorized to wear the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 25th Infantry and the 101st Infantry Divisions.

"I spent the first half of my career trying to be successful in this organization and spent the second half trying to help others become successful," shared Lester during his remarks at the ceremony. "I enjoyed the second half far more."

He expressed gratitude to the latest generation of Sailors and Marines in a reference to the "Walking Blood Banks" during the Iraq War when he witnessed service members running to the medical tent in the blistering heat as a helicopter filled with wounded flew into the forward operating base. "That was 2007, that was Fallujah, and that was when I fell in love with this generation of Sailors and Marines," said Lester. "This is a generation that runs to give blood."

Since 9/11, he has deployed three times to the Horn of Africa, four times to Afghanistan and once to Iraq. His numerous awards include the Bronze Star and Combat Action Ribbon. To put his career in perspective, he was presented with letters of appreciation from five presidents.

Lester now looks forward to spending more time with his wife and four children as he embarks onto the next chapter of life.

The Center for Information Warfare Training delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

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