21st TSC holds Veterans Day retreat ceremony

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, Germany signed the Armistice, officially ending all hostilities of World War I. Originally called Armistice Day, that day is now celebrated as Veterans Day, which has become a day to honor and remember veterans of all wars.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command held a retreat ceremony Nov. 7 at Panzer Parade Field to honor the veterans of present and past wars. 

“Veterans and Soldiers are ordinary people who have been placed in extraordinary circumstances and who know the true meaning of courage,” said Maj. Gen. Yves Fontaine, commanding general of the 21st TSC.

The guest speaker for the ceremony was Robert Gray, Department of France vice commander with four American Legion posts and the American Legion Riders under his direction.

“How do you thank a veteran for saving the world? The words ‘thank you’ seem woefully inadequate. We owe them a debt that cannot be paid,” he said.

Many veterans attended the ceremony, including David Garcia, who served in Vietnam. He now works as a kitchen shift leader at the dining facility on Kleber Kaserne.

“It’s important primarily to recognize what we’ve done and what we gave up,” he said. “We’ve given up our time and some have given up their lives to serve.”

The ceremony included a retirement ceremony for four Soldiers, all of whom have served in the Global War on Terrorism.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mark Edgeington served for 26 years.  His last assignment was with the 2nd Support Command Attack Helicopter, 2nd Battalion, 10th Air Calvary Squadron, 7th Infantry Division. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edgeington officially retired Feb. 2 and now works for Maintenance Activity Vilseck, Theater Logistic Support Center – Europe.

Sgt. Maj. Prescott Griggs served for 22 years and his last assignment was as the 95th Military Police Battalion’s operations sergeant major.

First Sgt. Stewart Schroer served for 22 years. His last assignment was the first sergeant of the 66th Transportation Company, 39th Transportation Battalion.
Master Sgt. Roaul Smith served for 25 years and as a nutrition care specialist for the last 20 years of his career.

“It was absolutely fantastic,” Chief Warrant Officer 4 Edgeington said. “I’m going to treasure this day for the rest of my life.”