After 37 years of distinguished service in both the regular army and the New Hampshire Army National Guard, Chief Warrant Officer Five Larry Colby has retired. At his retirement ceremony, Major General Ken Clark awarded the Legion of Merit Medal to Colby. The Legion of Merit is awarded to Soldiers who have excelled in their career field. Chief Colby had reached the top grade of the Warrant Officer field, being a Chief Warrant Five (CW5), and had attained the senior position for a Warrant Officer in the NH National Guard.

Before his retirement, CW5 Colby was serving as the Command Chief Warrant Officer overseeing all the Warrant Officer programs to include mentoring and counseling Warrant Officers on their career paths. Colby also received letters and flags from President Bush and Governor Lynch for his long and dedicated service to his country and the State of New Hampshire.

Colby’s 37 years of military service includes 1 year and 5 months in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star. The Chief also served in the 744th Trans Company, 210th Engineer Company, Troop Command Battalion, was a Selective Service Officer and worked several years as the Deputy Human Resource Officer in Concord NH before becoming the Command Chief Warrant Officer.

Colby has received numerous medals and citations throughout his 37 years of service. Before his retirement, Colby had served as the President of the NH Officers Association. A position no other Warrant Officer has held.