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The 21st Theater Sustainment Command recognized over 30 Department of the Army civilian employees for their years of successful government service during a ceremony Feb. 3 at the Kaiserslautern Community Activity Center on Daenner Kaserne.
A robust audience of colleagues and well-wishers joined distinguished leaders, including the TSC commanding general, chief of staff and deputy chief of staff, for the festivities, which culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony executed by the CG and senior and junior awardees.
Awards ranged from five years to 45 years of service in helping the Army maintain readiness of organizations and Soldiers throughout Europe. Army civilians receive the “length of service” awards for each additional five years of tenure in government service. The awards presented during the ceremony included certificates and plaques signed by Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, U.S. Army Europe commanding general. TSC senior leaders presented the awards.
Maj. Gen. Duane A. Gamble, TSC commanding general, delivered ceremonial remarks, mixing observations about awardees’ contributions with reflection about the times they served in and the length of their tenure. The CG also thanked the employees for their hard work and sacrifice in ensuring unit success in accomplishing the mission as responsibilities increased.
“The length of service ceremony is one of the avenues to recognize all that you do for this command and provides an opportunity to convey our thanks for your hard work and dedication,” Gamble said.
Acknowledging over 1,000 years of cumulative service among them, the CG credited the awardees with embodying the TSC motto of “First in Support!” as well as the regional theme of “Strong Europe.”
The awardees, many of them German nationals as well as many Americans who deeply appreciate their service in a host nation they’ve come to cherish, expressed gratitude for their opportunity in government service. Some local nationals said the U.S. Army offered them unique opportunities.
“Almost 36 years ago I chose to work for the U.S. Army in Germany, a decision I have never regretted,” said Christine Gebhard, TSC protocol officer. “The career opportunities that I was given as a woman back then in public affairs and host nation relations would have been next to impossible in a German company or organization.”
With over 45 years of service, Karin Krauss’ career began in 1970 as a supply clerk at the Army Depot in Miesau. She currently works as a management analyst within 21st TSC headquarters.
“There were a lot of good years and a lot of changes,” Krauss said. “I am looking forward to retirement so I can travel and spend time with my granddaughter.”
The 21st TSC originated as a maintenance support headquarters under 7th Army Support Command at Taylor Barracks in Mannheim in the late 1960s. It evolved through several configurations during the late 20th and early 21st centuries into the present two-star command and dynamic regional sustainment powerhouse.
“The annual length of service ceremony is an opportunity to showcase the contributions of civilians to the military,” Gebhard said. “After all, it’s a team effort. I am sure that I can speak for all awardees (when saying) that we are glad that our CG, Maj. Gen. Gamble, took the time to recognize our contributions. It means a lot to me and, respectively, to all of us.”
