Brig. Gen. West receives Cross of Honor

***image1***Das Ehrenkreuz, the highest peacetime decoration the German Army bestows, was awarded to Brig. Gen. Scott G. West, 21st Theater Sustainment Command commander, during a ceremony at the German Joint Support Command headquarters in Cologne-Wahn, Nov. 2.

After decades of mutual support and cooperation, the 21st TSC and the Streitkräfteunterstützungskommando in Cologne formally signed a partnership proclamation on Feb. 24, 2003. Several organizational and leadership changes later, the partnership remains active. When General West and his delegation from the 21st TSC arrived in Cologne for this most recent visit, they were greeted by JSC commander, Generalleutnant Kersten Lahl.

“Sometimes Soldiers do not only a good job, sometimes they do an excellent job,” General Lahl said when he awarded the Cross of Honor to General West. The medal was given to recognize General West’s remarkable personal commitment and dedication to cooperating with the JSC, he said.
 
The honor seemed to be a surprise for General West, who was visibly moved. “This award means a lot to me,” General West said.

The trip to Cologne and the exchange between the two staffs illustrate that the partnership is an active one, that doesn’t just exist on paper.