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TACOM renames conference room to honor Kristin M. Ruehlen's career of service

By ADAM SIKESApril 19, 2023

The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command hosted a dedication ceremony on Apr. 7 in memory of Senior Program Manager Kristin M. Ruehlen, who died Feb. 25, 2022. The career public servant contributed years of her experience and expertise to the benefit of her coworkers, the U.S. Army and U.S. allies around the world.

The renaming ceremony saw the Security Assistance Management Directorate Executive Conference Room dedicated to Ruehlen’s career of service and renamed to the Kristin M. Ruehlen Memorial Conference Room. Members of her family also attended the ceremony, including her husband Larry Ruehlen, Lead Integrator – Supply Chain Optimization in the Integrated Logistic Support Center at TACOM; her sons Jack and Joshua Ruehlen; and her mother and stepfather Janice and David Erickson.

Ruehlen worked throughout her career in the SAMD and supported TACOM’s Foreign Military Sales partner nations worldwide. She managed several FMS country programs throughout her tenure and was engaged in multiple complex and highly visible initiatives. During the course of her career, she was the

Members of the TACOM workforce gather as the conference room is officially renamed in Ruehlen's honor.
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the TACOM workforce gather as the conference room is officially renamed in Ruehlen's honor. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Larry Ruehlen, Kristin Ruehlen's spouse, speaks at the commemorative ceremony.
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Larry Ruehlen, Kristin Ruehlen's spouse, speaks at the commemorative ceremony. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Division Chief Keith Belcher hands Larry Ruehlen a framed collection of Kristin Ruehlen's professional recognitions.
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Division Chief Keith Belcher hands Larry Ruehlen a framed collection of Kristin Ruehlen's professional recognitions. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Senior Program Manager/Officer over Global Train and Equip, Section 333; Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative; and Afghanistan support. She also managed all the expiring fund programs via the Building Partner Capacity funding stream umbrella. Her program outreach sustained all U.S. geographical combatant commands and aided FMS partners worldwide in support of the United States’ strategic international partnerships and alliances.

Division Chief Keith Belcher described Ruehlen as having an “affable personality, gregarious smile, and contagious and legendary laughter that contributed to her being uncommon amongst the uncommon.” Belcher noted that her impact and contributions extended throughout TACOM, the Security Assistance Enterprise, and numerous global partners. Her fellow coworkers commented that she was known for her subject matter expertise and the quality of her work.

The ceremony’s attendees commented that they found comfort in the dedicating the Kristin M. Ruehlen Memorial Conference Room to her memory. Ruehlen, known for her dedication and legendary laughter, embodied the Army’s spirit of “Be All You Can Be.”

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