21st TSC protocol officer retires for 2nd time

Photo By Brittany Jones | Ulrike “Uly” Spedden, 21st Theater Sustainment Command protocol officer, retired for the second time in her more than 40-year career as a German local national working for the U.S. military. Spedding was recognized for her service during a ceremony, July 26, at Armstrong Club in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Spedding was recalled 13 months ago to fill a temporary leadership position in the 21st TSC protocol office. Spedding had been retired for six years after a 40-year career.  

KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, GERMANY

08.03.2018

Story by Brittany Jones 

21st Theater Sustainment Command

Kaiserslautern, Germany – After 40 years of employment with the United States military, German local national Ulrike “Uly” Spedden thought she was hanging her protocol hat up for good, little did she know six years after retiring, she would receive a call to serve the U.S. Army once again.

Following the need to fill a temporary leadership role within the 21st Theater Sustainment Command protocol office, Spedden's name was the first name to come to mind.

"We needed someone that would come back and bring order back to the 21st TSC protocol office," said William S. Galbraith, 21st TSC deputy commanding officer. “Spedden spent 20 out of her 40-year career aiding protocol service to 11 general officers, her background and knowledge was exactly what the position called for.”

Spedden retired – the second time – after serving for 13 months as the 21st TSC protocol specialist. She was recognized during a farewell ceremony, July 26, at Armstrong club on the Vogelweh housing complex.

"Never did I expect to re-enter the workforce after 40 years," said Spedden. "When I received the call from my friend in human resources, I honestly thought she was calling to see about going shopping or maybe having dinner together, never, never did I expect a job offer.”

With no hesitation about coming back to the 21st TSC, Spedden quickly transitioned into her role, starting one week before the 21st TSC change of command, June 2017.

"There were so many things that still needed to be done prior to the ceremony for the incoming and outcoming general,” said Spedden. “I remember when the invitation for events like this were hand stuffed and mailed individually. I had no idea that we were sending invitations by email now.”

Spedden left a lasting impact, working hand-in-hand with junior Soldiers on multiple projects and events.

“Ms. Uly's work ethic alone speaks volumes about her character,” said Sgt. Thalik McDaniel, 21st TSC human resources specialist. “She highlights the importance of little details and she always greets you with a smile and a German language lesson.”

Spedden's wealth of knowledge and positive attitude also left a stamp on her protocol counterparts.

“She's respected because of her history working within protocol,” said Jacky Habel, 21st TSC protocol specialist. “The 21st operational tempo can be very hectic, and it is important that you are working alongside someone that is knowledgeable and willing to share information and best practices. Uly understands this position is all about customer service. She sacrificed her personal life to come back to the military and bring her skills and ability in support of the mission."

During the ceremony, Spedden was compared to "Halley's Comet" by Galbraith, saying an opportunity to know and work with someone like Spedden is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

In her exiting speech, Spedden highlighted the fulfillment and joy she felt during her time back and the challenges she faced along the way.

"It was almost like riding a bicycle, you remember the fundamentals even if the path you are riding on looks different," she said.

• Date Taken: 08.03.2018
• Date Posted: 08.03.2018 09:43
• Story ID: 287092
• Location: KAISERSLAUTERN, RP, DE