On Nov. 2, 2019, Capt. Bradley Cordts -- a widely respected member of the Navy Reserve Law Program -- retired after 31 years of service. The ceremony was held at the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La. Capt. Mark Holley -- who currently leads the Inspector General's office at the JAG community headquarters -- served as the master of ceremonies and Rear Adm. (ret.) Carol M. Lynch officiated the ceremony. More than 75 friends, family, and shipmates attended the ceremony to celebrate Cordts’ long and distinguished career.
Cordts was presented with numerous recognitions, including, a letter of appreciation from Rear Adm. Les Reardanz, Deputy Judge Advocate General for Reserve Affairs and Operations and Deputy Commander, Naval Legal Service Command. Additionally, Cordts received letters of appreciation from former President George W. Bush and the governor of Tennessee.
Capt. Chris Tucker, Commanding Officer at Cordts' most recent assignment, Navy Reserve Region Legal Service Office Southeast, presented Cordts with the ensign of the U.S., which was flown in his honor over the USS Constitution Museum on July 4, 2019, and then over USS Lexington (CV-16) on Sept. 20, 2019 -- the anniversary date of Cordts’ commissioning into the Navy. Tucker also presented Cordts with a gift from the unit.
Holley delivered keynote remarks, which recapped the remarkable achievements Cordts enjoyed during his outstanding career. Cordts’ wife of more than 30 years, Mrs. Christine Cordts, was also recognized by Reardanz for her exceptional service and support of her husband’s career. Cordts presented his wife with gifts and publicly thanked her for her steadfast encouragement and devotion during his career.
Prior to going ashore for the last time, Cordts read his retirement orders to the audience. Following the ceremony, the Cordts family hosted all attendees at the museum for lunch and dinner, later that evening, in the French Quarter district in New Orleans.