21st TSC holds retirement ceremony

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command held a retreat and retirement ceremony April 28 on the Panzer Parade Field on Panzer Kaserne to honor the lifetime of service and commitment of six 21st TSC personnel.

A retreat ceremony traditionally signals the end of the duty day by lowering the nation’s colors. In Germany, the U.S. and German colors are honored while Soldiers and civilians pay respect to the flags.

Four of the six retirees were Soldiers whose careers spanned from 20 to 35 years. Col. Daniel Sacks, 1st Human Resources Sustainment Center deputy director, served 31 years; Maj. Theodore Williams, the postal operations division deputy, served 20 years; Master Sgt. Althea Basnight, the logistics management noncommissioned officer in charge, served 23 years; and Staff Sgt. Abiodun Delu, a supply sergeant, served 20 years.

“It’s a great honor. I certainly enjoy the opportunity of being here,” Colonel Sacks said.

Heinz Schneider, from Glanbrücken, Germany, who is a traffic management
specialist for the 21st TSC, was the only civilian honored during the ceremony
with 40 years of service to the U.S. Army.

For the first time during a 21st TSC retreat and retirement ceremony, a member of the German army, Lt. Col. Michael Dorr, the liaison officer for the German Armed Forces Joint Support Command, 21st TSC, was also honored for his 37 years of
military service.

“This was a very outstanding and very impressive ceremony today. I appreciate it,” Colonel Dorr said. “This ceremony is not done in this manner in the German forces, so I’m glad to retire during my service with the 21st TSC.”

The guest speaker at the ceremony was Col. Joseph Tirone, the support operations officer for the 21st TSC. He began his speech by acknowledging the retirees for their dedicated service and praised their family members for their support over the years.

Colonel Tirone also gave a heartfelt story of a Soldier who died in combat who gives him the strength to continue to serve his country.

Colonel Tirone then challenged each audience member to find that someone or something that provides strength to persevere and overcome obstacles.

The retreat and retirement ceremony is a monthly event honoring the service and dedication of 21st TSC members.