SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. — Col. Pedro “Pete” A. Camacho III bids farewell to over two decades of military service, in a retirement ceremony held at Patton Hall’s Lucky Conference Room, U.S. Army Central (USARCENT), Oct. 18, 2024, here. His journey is marked by dedication, resilience, and a commitment of service, reflecting his foundational roots as a Chamorro native of Guam and his enduring career in the military.

Camacho’s story began in the heart of Ipan, Guam where he was born and raised. From a young age he was instilled with traditional family values which he carried with him throughout his military career.

He graduated from the University of Guam in 1999 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned and assigned as a Patriot Air Defense Artillery Officer upon graduating the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Bliss, TX. He has served in numerous positions, with his latest assignment as the G39 Chief Air and Missile Defense, USARCENT Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

Throughout his service, Camacho overcame numerous challenges, from deployments to navigating complex military operations. His ability to lead under pressure earned him respect from both his superiors and peers.

“Col. Pete Camacho is a remarkable professional collaborator. He is a Soldier’s leader and an expert air defender,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David F. Stewart, Director of Fires for Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7. “I watched Pete masterfully connect every echelon under the most complex problem sets to achieve positive results for commanders and junior warfighters defending those in harm’s way.”

Camacho was a major advocate for diversity within the Armed Forces during his tenure.

“Diversity within our U.S. Army, and more so our Department of Defense (DoD) is of vital importance to the structure and future of our Profession of Arms. Our DoD must emulate the diversity inherent in the fabric of our Nation,” said Camacho.

He worked tirelessly to promote inclusion and recognize the unique contributions of service members from diverse backgrounds.

“People matter. We all have different backgrounds, we have different races, countries, and values. I look back on my career and I remember the one value that keeps us all together, leadership,” said Camacho.

Beyond his military accolades, Camacho’s commitment extends to his family.

“After retirement my immediate plan is to invest more into my family, I want to be a more present husband, father, friend, coach, partner, and confidant,” said Camacho.

Camacho and his wife, Jean, have been happily married for over 25 years, with three children.

“We are so proud of you, congratulations, this is a day that you’ve been waiting for, for a very long time and we look forward to enjoying your retirement with you.” said Jean Camacho.

His retirement ceremony was attended by an extensive family, friends, and fellow service members, all paying tribute to a leader who has left a mark on the Army and the island he calls home.

“My family flew in far west from Guam, Washington D.C., Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. It means a lot and thank you so much for coming,” said Camacho.

During his retirement, Camacho reflected on the lessons he learned during his military service.

“There are countless lessons that I’ve learned over the past 26 years while serving with our Nation’s finest Leaders and Soldiers,” said Camacho. “People are our Army’s greatest resource, and they deserve to be recognized and appreciated for their dignity and worth.

Camacho stated that he genuinely feels that Army leaders must continue to cultivate the values of the Army profession such as integrity, selfless service, and respect.

“I make it a point to tell my team thank you every day with every interaction that I have with them because I always want to show my sincere appreciation,” said Camacho.

Camacho’s journey from Guam to the heights of military leadership serves as a testament to the spirit of service that defines both Army and the Chamorro people of Guam.

As Camacho steps into his retirement, his commitment to his community and his dedication to fostering a diverse military environment will inspire future generations.