21st TSC, KHS sign new proclamation, celebrate Hispanic heritage

Story and photo by Sgt. Frank Sanchez III
21st TSC Public Affairs


It was standing room only as the 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Kaiserslautern High School renewed their partnership by signing a proclamation just before the KHS Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Oct. 14 at the Galaxy Theater on Vogelweh.

Brig. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, commanding general of the 21st TSC, and Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Spencer, command sergeant major of the 21st TSC, joined Kaiserslautern District superintendent Dell McMullen, KHS principal Jennifer Beckwith and KHS student body president Magdalena Rabassa in signing the proclamation to kick off the event.

“It’s wonderful for the 21st TSC to be a part of this event. It is a way to give back to the local community and support the schools,” said Piggee during the festivities. “These kids that are here today represent our future.” 

In addition to volunteering for a number of school events, the partnership includes a mentoring program where 21st TSC Soldiers mentor students at the high school and encourage them in their academic studies.

“We have a partner again this year with the 21st TSC. They encourage our students to meet the highest achievement goal that they can academically, and that’s what we want for the future,” Beckwith said. “It is something that is needed and the 21st recognizes that need and has stepped up.”

The event celebrated the heritage and culture of Hispanic and Latino Americans with a variety of slide shows, musical performances, a poetry reading and several dances performed by KHS students.

Maj. Wilfredo Figueroa, the sustainment officer for the 21st TSC’s Support Operations Section, played acoustic guitar during a musical performance while his children, Wilaslyn and Wilfredo, both students at KHS, performed.

“It was amazing to perform with my son and daughter in front of the school.  I am very proud of them,” Figueroa said.