KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Helmut Haufe, general manager of the Theater Logistics Support Center – Europe and Africa, was inducted as an honorary member of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and presented with the Superior Civilian Service Award during a ceremony held at Vogelweh Air Base in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on June 6, 2025.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Ragin, commanding general of the 21st TSC, presented the awards for 42 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Army as a permanent employee with progressively higher levels of responsibility.

Ragin expanded on Haufe’s influence on the local community and foreign ties.

“Today, we are inducting Helmut in honor of his countless efforts in establishing and maintaining relationships with host nation entities and helping to create awareness of the 21st TSC mission and responsibilities in Europe,” said Ragin.

Gene Warren, the deputy general manager of the TLSC-EA, went on to explain how impactful Haufe’s career has been on the 21st TSC.

“Mr. Haufe transformed the TLSC-EA into one of the most critical logistics organizations where its elite team of professionals were directly responsible for increasing readiness and supporting multinational forces within the European theater,” said Warren.

Haufe expanded on what it takes to be a part of the 21st TSC’s command.

“To be an Honorary Member of Command is to take on a lot of responsibility,” said Haufe. “You have to execute your responsibilities with care, and you must always realize that you're dealing with people, with all of their strengths and weaknesses. You have to accept them as human beings first and then as employees.”

The Honorary Member of Command program honors foreign citizens whose rank, position, function, or stature justifies official courtesies. They may be distinguished guests, military personnel, or government officials. Haufe embodies the spirit of the program through dedication to his employees and duty.

Haufe reflected on what made working in the 21st TSC a positive experience.

“What I enjoyed most and what I will remember forever is the friendships I made,” said Haufe. “Not just with local national coworkers but also with Department of the Army civilians and officers, these are friendships that will last beyond my professional life and long into my retirement.”