FORT KNOX, Ky. –
U.S. Army Chaplain Renee Kiel, Chief of Chaplain Recruiting Division for the Medical Recruiting Brigade, was promoted from the rank of lieutenant colonel to colonel.
Kiel, who has served 40 years in both Reserve and Active Duty, attributed her success to the sacrifices that her family made to allow her to achieve this honor.
“When I asked her to send me some talking points that she wanted me to highlight during this ceremony, she [Kiel] didn’t send me back a laundry list of accomplishments or achievements that she has done. What she said was that it would be great if you could highlight the sacrifices that my family has made,” said Colonel Katrina Walters, U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade Commander.
Col. Walters, who hosted the promotion ceremony, shared stories of her first meeting with CH Kiel at the Army War College where CH Kiel served as faculty. CH Kiel’s other achievements, including her recognition as the top US Army Reserve Enlisted Recruiter in the nation, gave insight into the dedicated service that CH Kiel has provided to both the Army and the country.
After having her rank advanced by her son, Captain Justin Kiel, and her husband, Reverend David Kiel, Kiel took time to give thanks and present gifts to her staff and family, acknowledging everything that they have done to support her through her Army journey.
“I do believe that this will be my last hop in the Army,” said Kiel. “I just want to say that I am really happy and grateful that this is the organization that I get to end my career with, and that you are the people that I get to be with.”