Arthur R. Keltz, native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was selected for induction into the U.S. Army Materiel Command Hall of Fame, class of 2015.
Keltz served as the AMC principal deputy for logistics from July 1992 through March 1997, which was the highest-ranking civilian position in AMC at the time. The principle deputy for logistics position was changed to the assistant deputy to the commanding general in June 2001, and later changed to the executive deputy commanding general in fiscal 2003.
During his tenure, Keltz served under three AMC commanding generals: retired Gen. Jimmy D. Ross, retired Gen. Leon E. Salomon, and retired Gen. Johnnie E. Wilson.
He was recommended for the AMC Hall of Fame for his tremendous contributions to the core missions of AMC, ensuring superior technology, acquisition and logistics support to the joint warfighter.
The nomination package referred to Keltz as the "epitome of a dedicated federal executive."
Under Keltz's leadership, the Logistics Support Element was developed and implemented. The LSE is a rapid response organization designed to provide tailored logistical support to military and civilian relief operations throughout the world.
This capability was used in support of relief operations during the Hurricane Andrew aftermath, operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and in both exercises and real world deployments in Southwest Asia.
Even today the LSE remains recognized as a critical national defense resource.
Also under Keltz's guidance, a first-of-its-kind handbook was published which outlined the duties and responsibilities of both military commanders and civilian personnel during deployment. The handbook was later used as the model for other services.
After leaving AMC, Keltz served at the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
DSCA Director then-Lt. Gen. Tome Walters presided over his retirement ceremony in 2001 and referred to Keltz as "a true professional."
"All of us who worked with him know him to have a sharp mind and a wonderful sense of humor. He has a gift for bringing people together, even while working on the thorniest problems," said Walters.
Keltz has received honors and awards including the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Awards of both Distinguished and Meritorious Executive, two awards of the Secretary of the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service, the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service, the National Defense Transportation Association President's Award, designation as a Distinguished Member of the Army's Transportation Regiment, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and membership in Phi Kappa Phi.
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