21st TSC farewells retirees

By Angelika Lantz, 21st TSC Public Affairs OfficeMarch 7, 2012

21st TSC farewells retirees
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Aundre Piggee, the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, presents Master Sgt. Tracy Vanderham, a communications security manager with the 21st TSC, with a certificate of retirement during a retirement ceremony in the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
21st TSC farewells retirees
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brig. Gen. Aundre Piggee, the commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, presents Master Sgt. James Sharp, the motor sergeant for 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery, with a certificate of appreciation signed by the U.S. preside... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- A sizeable crowd filled the Galaxy Theater on the Vogelweh Military Complex for the 21st Theater Sustainment Command's retirement ceremony here Feb. 24.

Soldiers, civilians and family members came to bid their farewells to the three master sergeants and a staff sergeant who were being awarded their retirement certificates.

Brig. Gen. Aundre Piggee, the 21st TSC's commanding general, was on hand to officiate and to present awards with the assistance of Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Sanchez, the 21st TSC's command sergeant major.

"Today, it is my honor to recognize and thank four exceptional Soldiers for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments. Between them they have given more than 100 years of service to our great nation -- a staggering number in terms of experience and expertise," Piggee said.

In addition to certificates of retirement from the U.S. Armed Forces, retirement pins and American flags, Master Sgts. Tracy Lee Vanderham, Natalie Jackson and James Sharp along with Staff Sgt. Paul Zimmerman received meritorious service medals and certificates of appreciation signed by the U.S. president.

After more than 24 years of dedicated military service, Vanderham, a native of South Dakota, is trading in her uniform and boots. However, she will remain at the 21st TSC's Information Technology Division as a communication security manager and remain in Germany. Vanderham plans to complete her Bachelor in Criminal Justice and to travel in her free time.

Jackson joined the Army six months after moving to the U.S. from St. Mary, Jamaica. Her military career spans more than 23 years. She last served as the 21st TSC's secretary of the general staff noncommissioned officer in charge. Jackson, her husband Michael, and their 16-year-old son, Marquell, will move to Huntsville, Ala., which she said marks the first time she follows her husband to a place of employment. Jackson plans to complete her Bachelors in Administration.

Sharp is native of Pennsylvania. Retiring after almost 30 years of military service, he is hoping to find a place of employment that would allow him, his wife Jennifer Guth and their 11-year-old son, Saige Guth, to remain in Germany. His last assignment was as the motor sergeant for 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Staff Sgt. Paul Zimmerman hails from Texas, which is where he and his wife Madonna plan to return. He will attend the University of Texas at San Antonio to become a physician's assistant. His last assignment at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center was as the medical laboratory non-commissioned officer in charge.

"We are losing four superb exemplary representatives of our profession who have been dedicated to serving and living the Army values. I salute you!"

"I sincerely thank you and your Army Strong Families for your hard work, dedicated service and commitment," Piggee said to conclude the ceremony.