21st TSC IG SGM honored at ceremony

The cold and rain could not keep the Soldiers and civilians of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command from gathering at a retreat and retirement ceremony held Sept. 30 on Panzer Parade Field.

A retreat ceremony traditionally signals the end of the duty day, signified by the lowering of the U.S. and German flags as a gesture of honor and respect.
The 21st TSC holds a retreat and retirement ceremony once a month, and Sgt. Maj. John Reynolds, the sergeant major of the 21st TSC’s inspector general’s office, was the retiree honored at this month’s ceremony.

“Throughout his 24 years of selfless service, Sergeant Major Reynolds, his wife Rafaella and their five children have been a vital part of our Army. For their dedication and selfless service we honor them at this retreat here today,” said Col. Thomas Evans, the commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony. “Sergeant Major Reynolds — on behalf of the entire nation, our Army and the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, we thank you and your family for their commitment, dedication and selfless service to our nation, our Army and most importantly congratulations on a well deserved retirement.”

Sergeant Major Reynolds, a native of South Bend, Ind., received the Meritorious Service Medal from Maj. Gen. Patricia McQuistion, the commanding general of the 21st TSC, in recognition of his service.

“It’s nice to keep the traditions rolling, so I think that’s one thing that the 21st TSC does well — the traditions and esprit de corps, and I think that’s one of the most important things in the military,” Sergeant Major Reynolds said.

For Sergeant Major Reynolds, his retirement from the Army will not end his
service to the nation.

“This is just a transition for me, and I thought that I could serve the Army and the Department of Defense in another facet of life, so it doesn’t always have to be in uniform. You can do it out of uniform,” Sergeant Major Reynolds said. “I’m not really retiring. I’m just transitioning into another lifestyle and work.”

Sergeant Major Reynolds will be moving to Daegu, South Korea, and will work in the inspector general’s office there.