APPLETON (NBC 26) — The Outagamie County Sheriff’s Office hosted a retirement ceremony Friday morning for Randy Southard, a patrol deputy, who is retiring from the United States Army Reserves at the rank of Colonel.
"I did want to award you the Adjutant General's coin on his behalf," said Brigadier General (R) David O'Donohue. "He authorized me to give this to you. But as more of a friend and a fellow soldier, just thanks for all you did for our state and our nation. Thank you."
Col. Southard, who will continue his work for the sheriff’s office, has served with the sheriff’s office since June 7, 1999. He has been an active member of the sheriff’s office serving as a field training officer, emergency response team member and currently as a K9 handler.
Throughout his time with the sheriff’s office he has also served as a member of the United States Army Reserves. He has served in the Army as both active duty and reserves for nearly 30 years. During that time he has served as an infantry officer and commander. He has served as the primary staff officer of five separate large Army Reserve units and Deputy Brigade Commander and Exercise Branch Chief for 1st Brigade, Great Lakes Training Division, 75th Training Command; Chief Observer Controller Trainer for 15 Battalion and higher echelon units. His leadership and evaluations prepared these units and soldiers for global deployments, to include Iraq and Afghanistan.
Col. Southard served as Deputy Chief, Afghanistan National Army Development, Kabul, Afghanistan, where he greatly aided the United Nations Security Council’s International Security Assistance Force Joint Command. Col. Southard was also the Battalion Commander of 3rd Battalion 334th Regiment.
His career included many more accolades. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office Col. Southard has been deployed to active duty assignments for a combined total of five years.
Sheriff Clint Kriewaldt also was presented the Patriot Award through the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for "contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force." Col. Southard nominated Kriewaldt for the award.
