John B. Emerson, ambassador of the U.S. to Germany, and Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, share a toast with guests of the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, proposes a toast during the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. Ambassador of the U.S. to Germany John B. Emerson was...

Revelers dance the night away at the annual 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Holiday Ball held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. John B. Emerson, ambassador of the U.S. to Germany was the guest speaker at the event. (U.S. Army pho...

Guests dance the evening away at the annual 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Holiday Ball held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. John B. Emerson, ambassador of the U.S. to Germany was the guest speaker at the event. (U.S. Army pho...

Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades, command sergeant major of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, takes time to pose with members of the USAG Rheinland Pfalz Army Substance Abuse Program after presenting them with a challenge coin to thank them fo...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, shares a laugh with ambassador of the U.S. to Germany John B. Emerson prior to the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball. Ambassador Emerson was the guest speaker of the ...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, greets guests to the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. Ambassador of the U.S. to Germany John B. Emerson was the gu...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, greets guests to the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. Ambassador of the U.S. to Germany John B. Emerson was the gu...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, John B. Emerson, ambassador of the U.S. to Germany, and his wife Kimberly take time to pose for a photo at the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball held at the Ramstein O...

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command color guard prepare to post the colors at the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. The United States Army Europe Band & Chorus provided entertainment for the eveni...

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command color guard posts the colors at the annual 21st TSC Holiday Ball held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. The event featured music from The United States Army Europe Band & Chorus and guest speake...

Members of the United States Army Europe Band & Chorus provide music and entertainment to attendants of the annual 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. John B. Emerson, Ambassador of the...

John B. Emerson, Ambassador of the United States to Germany, speaks to those gathered at the annual 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Holiday Ball at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. Event goers were also treated to holiday songs pr...

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney J. Rhoades, command sergeant major of the 21st TSC present gifts to John B. Emerson, Ambassador of the United States to Germany, and ...

John B. Emerson, Ambassador of the United States to Germany, greets guests to the annual 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Hollday Ball held at the Ramstein Officers' Club here, Dec. 13, 2014. Emerson was the guest speaker of the evening. (U.S. Ar...

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - The U.S. ambassador to Germany joined around 450 Soldiers, Civilians and Family members of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command as well as distinguished host national leaders for a festive Christmas celebration replete with seasonal sights, sounds and good holiday cheer Dec. 13 at the Ramstein Officers Club.

The Ghost of Christmas Past also accompanied "Team 21" to the annual command gala, which harkened back to the World War II era and blended mid-century with contemporary themes, sights and sounds.

U.S. Ambassador John B. Emerson, who became the 32nd American diplomat to hold the post in the summer of 2013, headlined a guest list including prominent regional military and civic officials in addition to key leaders from sister services, the command and subordinate units.

The ambassador praised the Western alliance, emphasizing the importance of strength, determination and unity as well as humanitarian efforts and civil liberties during his remarks. He expressed resolution and confidence notwithstanding often bleak international developments over the last year.

"Without firing a single shot, but with steadfast tenacity, this alliance prevented the Iron Curtain from descending on the free nations of Western Europe," he said, later noting that, "Generations of citizens of multiple countries have stood together in a great alliance and forged a partnership that is dedicated to principles of cooperation. As a result of this commitment, we have made historic progress toward the vision we share - a Europe that is whole and free and at peace."

Emerson directly addressed current tensions with Russia.

"Russia's policies of aggression in Ukraine undermine the rule of law and territorial integrity that have been emblematic of post-cold war Europe and the Kremlin's campaign represents a blatant act of state-on-state aggression that shocked all those who believed that Europe had learned the lessons of the past century," he said.

But the ambassador also offered an optimistic assessment of diplomatic possibilities if Russia helps "calm turbulent waters" and "implements the Minsk agreements."

"If Russia takes such a path, sanctions will be lifted," Emerson said. "And what's more - Russia's role in addressing common challenges will be welcomed. For years, the United States and Russia have worked together - on issues ranging from reducing our nuclear stockpiles to meeting our obligations under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to cooperating in the Middle East.

"That is the kind of cooperation we want to pursue again," he continued. "No one gains from this confrontation. We have too much work to do and too many common challenges, from terrorism and nuclear proliferation to epidemic disease and climate change."

The ambassador concluded with praise for tolerance, civil liberties, pluralism and inclusion as well as humanitarian efforts in Africa, Southwest Asia and the Middle East.

"We embrace open and inclusive societies," he said, "because our countries are more successful and more prosperous when we welcome the talents of all our people. We are all at our best when we stand up against repression, and for human rights and fundamental freedoms. That is a Christmas message - handed down over the centuries - that we all can take to heart."

Maj. Gen. John R. O'Connor, the 21st TSC commanding general and host of the ball, preceded Emerson to the podium, energizing his team and welcoming guests as well as introducing the ambassador. The commanding general also placed his Soldiers and the event in historical context.

"Tonight in this audience are the men and women, the future leaders that will stand here and continue this tradition, the history and the legacy to serve something greater, to serve a nation," he said.

An energetic team of organizers gave Santa's elves a run for their money, decking the halls with memorabilia, command imagery, Christmas decorations and a pine forest's worth of trees not to mention boughs of holly.

The massive turnout of TSC special guests, officers, enlisted leaders, Soldiers, wives, husbands, friends and even local Scouts on hand to provide administrative support and child care, shattered recent attendance records and triggered a "stau" at the receiving line reminiscent of vehicular traffic on the nearby A6.

Once greeted and seated, guests enjoyed a program beginning with solemn honors to the country and host nation as well as fallen U.S. Soldiers and prisoners of war. The U.S. Army Europe Band Jazz Combo delivered a rhythmic and riveting performance.

Entertainment also included audio-visual compilations of historical and contemporary imagery featuring the exploits of TSC personnel and their predecessors accompanied by post-World War II-era music.

A speaking program headed by Emerson and O'Connor followed dinner. After a benediction from the command chaplain and the retirement of the colors, "The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" gave way to contemporary pop, rap and dancing. Guests danced into the night, socialized, posed for pictures and offered Christmas greetings according to taste in the aftermath of the event's formal stages.

"This was a terrific event and a great way to begin the holiday season," said Maj. Michael J. Swienton, the TSC engineer and a leading ball organizer. "We had a tremendous turnout, a superb guest speaker, top-notch entertainment and a lot of fun. It was very gratifying to see the ball come together so well after all the hard work and planning that went into it. I can't say enough about the team that put this together - they were definitely 'First in Support,' from the first planning session to tear-down after the ball."

Organizers and participants alike had a ball.

"This was fantastic," said Sgt. Maj. Shawn Firch of the 21st TSC protocol office, a key event planner and distinguished musician preparing for a leadership assignment at Army Band headquarters.

"The band was really on it tonight. I loved the repertoire, the energy, the solos - they pulled out all the stops and everything worked. The remarks were eloquent, the food and drink were delicious, and the audio-video presentations set the perfect tone.

"Most of all, we just had a great atmosphere and great team spirit," Firch added. "The weather outside was frightful, but everything inside the 'O Club' was delightful. They must've had a dozen Christmas trees and all sorts of great props and photos. This realIy captures the essence of Team 21 - I'll remember this night long after I leave Germany."