DVIDS – News – In memory of Chris Arendt

USMEPCOM honored the life and achievements of the late Christopher (Chris) Arendt, retired Navy officer and former Deputy Director of Accession Policy, with the dedication of the USMEPCOM auditorium, which bears his name, on July 16.

Stephanie Miller, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for Military Personnel Policy and former Director of Accession Policy, spoke at the unveiling of the room and plaque, noting Arendt’s lasting legacy to the organization and its people.

“I firmly believe that Chris’ legacy is best represented by anyone in this room. His authenticity, his love for our work, the joy he feels when celebrating those around him – you all represent that best,” Miller said. “Each of you was part of his extended family and his legacy lives on through you and many others who will make USMEPCOM, the accession, and indeed the Department of Defense better.”

More than 200 current and former USMEPCOM personnel attended the ceremony, which highlighted Arendt’s dedication to military service and the people he served with.

“As we traveled, I could always see that his influence extended far beyond the walls of the Pentagon,” noted Lt. Col. Maria Sanchez, 6th Battalion and commander of the Chicago MEPS. “His influence extended to the walls of this building and to each and every one of the 65 MEPS across the country.”

Over the last 50 years, the volunteer army has been able to survive despite external challenges and the ongoing need for operational change and improvement. This success is due to visionary leaders who showed the way, one of the best of whom was Arendt.

Arendt became a Naval Aviator in 1982, served in the Navy for 27 years, and retired as a captain. After his time in uniform, he served for 14 years as Deputy Director for Accession Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.

In this role, he was a champion, advocate and voice for USMEPCOM, but more importantly, the people he worked with.

“There are several programs that fall under the Accession Policy Directory, but his favorite by far was USMEPCOM,” Sanchez said. “It was his passion and under his leadership, this organization has overcome many challenges and is now set to reach modernization heights that were once only his vision. He has dedicated much of his life to the mission of USMEPCOM, what it stands for, improving processes and modernizing and optimizing accessions.”

During the ceremony, speakers referred to Arendt as the “godfather of modernization.” He had a vision of what was next for the accession community; what the process could look like. Chris was very much the driving force behind the significant modernization of the last few years.

“He saw a USMEPCOM that didn’t yet exist, but a vision of what it could and should be – and with the utmost persistence, patience and perseverance, he communicated that vision,” said Donavan Phillips, USMEPCOM chief of staff. “He communicated the vision in his own endearing way, taking us along with him and helping us see all that could be and all that should be. Thanks to Chris’ inspiration, we now have the tools – and, more importantly, the culture – that allows us to look beyond the horizon to a future that has not yet been reached and move forward with the confidence that it can be realized.”
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The USMEPCOM Auditorium serves as a gathering place for the men and women of USMEPCOM. Personnel discuss the command’s mission, successes, crises, plans and goals, and recognize those who excel within its walls. It is a venue for change of command, promotions, recognitions and retirement ceremonies.

“It brings me great joy that this room is dedicated to Chris,” Sanchez said. “He would have loved it. As we dedicate this room to Mr. Arendt, we should not be sad, but rather rejoice that we all had the privilege of knowing him, that his spirit lives on, and that his leadership continues to surround us. His departure left an irreplaceable void in all of us, but now this room will serve as a reminder of his legacy so that he will be remembered forever.”

Like so many others in USMEPCOM, Arendt was a tireless collaborator who envisioned a better future and helped make it a reality. The USMEPCOM team is grateful for his dedication and honors him by naming the auditorium the Christopher P. Arendt Memorial Auditorium.