Col. Gary L. Spry, son of Ann and Ray Spry of China Grove, has retired from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service.
Spry first enlisted in the Army National Guard in Salisbury while a senior at South Rowan Senior High School in 1981. After graduating, he attended Western Carolina University where he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant of infantry through the Army ROTC program.
Following graduation from college, Spry went on active duty serving at various posts across the United States, commanding at the company, battalion and brigade levels during his career. He deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm and twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., where he earned a master of science in Strategic Studies. Spry culminated his career as commander of the 90th Sustainment Brigade headquartered in Little Rock, Ark.
His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Spry has two children, Patrick, 19, and Lauren, 15, and has settled in Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he intends to make his home and pursue a career in teaching JRROTC at the local high school.