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***image1***In keeping with the Army’s tradition of honoring the nation’s flag at the conclusion of the duty day, the Soldiers and civilians of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command conducted a retreat ceremony at Panzer Parade Field Oct. 17.
In conjunction with the retreat, an awards ceremony was held to present Humanitarian Service Medals and joint awards to Soldiers and Airmen who served in support of the joint humanitarian aid mission in Georgia.
In early August, as a result of conflict between Russia and Georgia, more than 150,000 people were displaced from their homes. As Russian soldiers occupied Georgia, President George W. Bush announced that the U.S. Department of Defense would immediately respond and lead the humanitarian assistance mission in what became Operation Assured Delivery.
“Time and experience has demonstrated that successful humanitarian assistance responses involve a combination of diplomacy, development and defense,” said Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “The EUCOM Joint Assessment Team’s partnership with the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development has been described as a model for the future. The men and women recognized today represent 64 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen who each contributed in a meaningful way.”
The Humanitarian Service Medal is awarded to those who participate in a humanitarian action or operation in a distinguished and meritorious manner. The Joint Service Commendation Medal and Joint Service Achievement Medal are awarded to those who serve in a joint environment and distinguish themselves by outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement.
“We were in Georgia in April helping with the Georgia sustainment and stability program in which they train to go to Iraq,” said 2nd Lt. Vanessa Gonzalez, who was in Georgia from April to September. “We helped out in providing
communications for the trainers and then after that, the Russians decided to bomb, so we kept with our mission – helping out with providing communications.”
The awardees were presented their medals by General Fontaine in a mass formation that included both Soldiers and Airmen.
The retreat ceremony not only recognized the work done in Georgia, but the work of three Soldiers who were retiring from military service after a combined total of more than 73 years.
“Three members of our team have given the last 20 plus years of dedicated service to this great country,” said General Fontaine.
“You have lived the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless
service, honor, integrity and personal courage. You have been exceptional leaders, devoted mentors and devoted friends. I sincerely thank you for yours and your families’ dedicated service.”
Warrant Officer Mark Bottomley retired after 22 years of service. He worked in the 21st TSC since 2002 when he was in the G-4 and deployed with the 21st TSC Early Entry Module to the Northern Iraqi border in Eastern Turkey in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2004, he was part of the 29th Support Group and deployed with the Joint Logistics Command to Afghanistan. Since the 29th’s inactivation, he has been the 21st TSC food service chief.
“It’s exciting. I hope to serve my country in another capacity now,” Warrant Officer Bottomley said.
Sgt. Maj. Scott Ellis retired after 27 years of service. After giving truck driving and food service a try early in his military life, he chose career counseling as his military career. He helped Soldiers re-enlist, re-train and kept the Army team strong for the past 22 years.
Sgt. 1st Class Paul DeVol retired after 24 years of service. He was trained as a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic, and since his arrival at 21st TSC in July 2006, served as the S-4 Battalion Maintenance Sergeant for the 21st STB. He deployed twice – once during the first Gulf War and again for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
