Joe Stroman had a stringent, steady routine that he kept constant for 30 years.
The Gastonia native worked a regular job with the city fire department and, for one weekend a month and two weeks a year, reported for training at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach for the U.S. Army Reserve.
Stroman retired from the fire department in 2017. And now, at 58, he’s completed his last Army duties.
“When I drove home from the last drill tears came to my eyes because I said this is my last time being in uniform for the United States,” he said.
Stroman did wear the uniform one final time Friday night, when he celebrated his retirement at the Gastonia Conference Center.
The fire department’s first citizen-soldier, Stroman embraced the opportunity for co-workers from his two careers to finally meet.