TSC holds tree lighting ceremony

A 21st Theater Sustainment Command tree lighting ceremony was held Dec. 3 at Panzer Field on Panser Kaserne. Instrumental and choral performances from local schoolchildren and brief motivational remarks by Maj. Gen. Duane Gamble, the TSC commanding general, preceded the illumination of the command Christmas tree by three eager young volunteers. An enthusiastic crowd of TSC Soldiers, civilians, elves, reindeer and family members converged on the command parade field, which was converted into a “Christmas Village” for the ceremony. Other celebrity appearances included Santa Claus, whose arrival in a screaming fire engine immediately attracted dozens of young fans. Claus listened attentively to TSC children’s gift wishes and posed for pictures in a nearby heated tent. Soldiers from the 21st Special Troops Battalion operated the village, spread good cheer, and distributed hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes to revelers. Around two dozen Soldiers, civilians and family members also recorded holiday greetings for hometowns and European communities.