5th Maint. Co. holds inactivation ceremony

GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — The 5th Maintenance Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade cased its colors during an inactivation ceremony March 15 at the Field House in the Grafenwöhr Training Area.

This was the sixth inactivation for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command’s 5th Maint. Co. since its organization in 1918.

 “We cannot inactivate the long history of great service that 5th Maintenance has given to our country, nor can we ever inactivate the faithful and proud service of each Soldier who has stood under her colors,” said the 18th CSSB chaplain, Capt. Billy Stauffer, during the ceremony.

The 18th CSSB commander, Lt. Col. Reed Hudgins, thanked the Soldiers and families of the 5th Maint. Co. for their service and paid homage to the unit’s rich history. The company has participated in several military campaigns beginning in World War I to, most recently, Operation Enduring Freedom.

 “The formation you see standing before you today is symbolic. They stand there not just for themselves but they stand there representing history,” Colonel Hudgins said. “They represent the pride and dignity of all those men and women for almost 100 years.”

“Today is not about endings at all. It’s not about sorrow. It’s not even about sadness. It’s about honor,” Colonel Hudgins added. “ Five times 5th Maint. has gotten the call — America needs you. It stood ready, proud, able to help and able to serve, so today is truly a celebration.”