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The 21st Theater Sustainment Command held a retreat and tattoo ceremony for its former commanding general Aug. 19 at the parade field on Panzer Kaserne.
On the eve of relinquishing command, Maj. Gen. Yves J. Fontaine was treated to a special ceremony in his honor. The combined ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the end of Major General Fontaine’s tour of duty at the 21st TSC as well as a musical tribute to his service and career in the Army.
In addition to a number of distinguished guests from the KMC, Gen. Carter F. Ham, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Seventh Army, was present as the guest speaker.
General Ham noted that the year and a half in which Major General Fontaine served as the 21st TSC’s commanding general was a very busy time with many changes.
“It was a time in which the 21st TSC was transformed from what it was for many many years to what it is today. A time that brought changes in its mission sets, its units’ locations and names and its mindsets; they all changed to reflect a more expeditionary, warrior focus,” he said.
The 21st TSC’s mission had also been adjusted to recognize the same
warrior focus, General Ham said.
“This command is composed of Soldiers, civilians and local national employees who understand that at the end of the supply chain there is a Soldier in combat. The word ‘customer’ has been replaced by the word ‘Soldier’ – removing all doubt about the importance of the 21st TSC’s mission,” he said.
General Ham also complimented Kathy Fontaine for her community involvement and volunteer work.
“She has been a leader, adviser and friend to the community,” he said. “Kathy was also a champion of families in numerous U.S. Army Europe, installation management and U.S. Army NATO forums.”
General Ham said the Army in Kaiserslautern and its surrounding villages not only benefit from host nation support, but also from their coexistence with Air Force and reciprocal assistance that comes as a result.
Music at the event was provided by the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band led and conducted by Tech. Sgt. Dodd Martin. Marking representative assignments of Major General Fontaine’s career, the band played the songs of the 4th Infantry Division, the 24th Infantry Division, the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1st Corps Support Command, the 21st TSC and the Army Song.
