RALEIGH, N.C. — Col. Gary R. Allen, a 1985 graduate of Pickens High School, retired from the N.C. National Guard on June 5, 2015.
Allen, who currently lives in Cary, is a former Easley, S.C., resident. Allen graduated from Winthrop University in 1990.
Allen served over 27 years. During his first four and half years he served as an Infantry and Transportation officer in the active Army, serving in the 3rd Brigade of the 24th Infantry Division and then transferring to the North Carolina Army National Guard in May 1995. He had served as an Active Guard and Reserve soldier for the North Carolina National Guard since 1998.
“I have been fortunate to have a career doing what I love, while simultaneously having the opportunity to serve my state and country,” Allen said. “I have been led by some extremely talented and great men and women and have had the opportunity to lead some of the best soldiers in the world.”
He retires as the director of Logistics for the North Carolina National Guard at Raleigh, N.C.
“I want to express my appreciation to my family, friends, and fellow soldiers for all of the support they have shown me over the past 27 years,” he said. “It has truly been a great experience.”
