Civilian of the Quarter honored by command

More than three decades of service to the U.S. Army, a lifelong passion for higher learning and the value of education seem to have paid off for one local national employee assigned to the 21st Theater Sustainment Command.

Peter Salmins was named Civilian of the Quarter during a ceremony on Panzer Kaserne Nov. 17.  Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine, 21st TSC commanding general, presented him with a certificate in recognition for his accomplishments.

Mr. Salmins, an inventory management specialist with the 21st TSC’s support operations section, is the command’s item manger for heavy trucks.

In 2008, he was instrumental in coordinating more than 90 palletized load systems and trailers for recapitalization. He also coordinated and assisted with processing more than 100 excess tactical vehicles to U.S.-based reset programs. 

Born to Latvian parents in Germany, Mr. Salmins had to gain his German citizenship, which he said cost him.

“It cost me a month’s salary to become a German in 1986,” he said.

Mr. Salmins took his first position with the U.S. Forces in Germany in July 1976.
He then studied physics and computer science at the University of Kaiserslautern from 1977 to 1980.

For the next 10 years, he was employed with the 8907th, the 8850th Civilian Support Group and the 69565th Civilian Support Center, respectively. 

In December 1990, he began working for the 200th Theater Army Materiel Management Center, which in its latest incarnation has now become the 21st TSC’s support operations section.

“The most interesting and challenging part about working with the U.S. Forces is the personnel turnover.  There are always new people coming in and others leaving,” he said.

Mr. Salmins found another way to keep things moving. In 1990 he hit the books again, and three years later finished with a business degree – an intellectual curiosity his oldest daughter seems to have inherited. 

While Sandra, 15, has not yet decided on what course of study she will pursue, 21-year-old Larissa studies sinology and economics at the University of Trier and is preparing to spend six months in China next year. 

Mr. Salmins, who is obviously proud of his daughters and their undertakings, said he has received that same type of encouragement and support in all his endeavors from his wife, Gudrun, since they were married in 1986.