A retirement ceremony for Sgt. First Class Christopher Oertwig, a military science instructor, was held Friday.

Oertwig, whose retirement officially begins Aug. 1, thanked his parents, family and children for their patience and support.

“They were always there for me even though, because of the Army, I couldn’t always return the favor,” Oertwig said.

Since his enlistment in 1987, Oertwig has been active in the Army. He was deployed in Berlin, Southwest Asia and as a combat veteran in support of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield during the 1991 Gulf War.

In 1996, Oertwig was chosen to attend the Fort Leonard Wood Drill Sergeant School in Missouri. With these skills, Oertwig trained and mobilized more than 10,000 soldiers for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2004, Oertwig became a military science instructor at NIU. He also served as leader of NIU’s Ranger Platoon.

At the ceremony, several military and civilian individuals spoke highly of Oertwig’s service and skills. Lt. Col. Craig Engel described Oertwig as the “standard of NCOs [non-commissioned officers].”

“He’s had many challenges around the world, and he exceeded at every one of them,” Engel said.

Oertwig’s service has garnered him several awards. While stationed in Fort Polk, La., Oertwig won the 1992 Fort Polk Soldier of the Year. In 2003, he was awarded the Major General Aubrey “Red” Newman Award for leadership and mentoring excellence.

“He achieved these things and accomplished them with honor,” said Master Sgt. Howard Jemerson.

Lin Kutz, senior hospitality and dietetics major, reflected on her time as a former cadet under Oertwig.

“Out of all the classes I’ve had, I’ve learned the most from him,” Kutz said.

Paul Yi, sophomore computer engineering major, described Oertwig as a tough, but fair, instructor. Yi said he had Oertwig as an instructor and a platoon leader.

“They’re the best of the best, and Sgt. Oertwig makes sure that they are,” Yi said.

As for his retirement plans, Oertwig said he will still teach as a military science instructor, but as a government contractor. Oertwig said the change gives “a little bit of flavor.”

Oertwig also said he wanted to spend more time with his four sons.

“I want to spend time with my kids,” Oertwig said. “My kids have sacrificed far too much time for me, and it’s time I do so for them.”