Some may say that the recent civilian
retirement of Joseph Spielbauer, executive director, Pennsylvania Military
Community Enhancement Commission is bittersweet. For Spielbauer, it means more personal time; for those who worked with
him and relied on his support and expertise, it means a huge
void. At the New
Cumberland installation, Jan. 28, one day prior to Spielbauer’s retirement,
senior leaders honored the Vietnam Veteran for his support to his country, both
in uniform and out.
Spielbauer served the American public for
over 45 years. He fulfilled 25 years of active
military service in the United States Army followed by over 20 years of public
service to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Serving as executive director, Pennsylvania
Military Community Enhancement Commission and previously as director, Base
Development Committee, Spielbauer was responsible for pulling together the
myriad of military operations in Pennsylvania and preparing an effective
strategy to expand military presence through the 2005 Base Realignment and
Closure. “Joe has been an advocate for this installation for many years. DLA
Distribution, as well as the men and woman in uniform around the world,
certainly benefited and we sincerely appreciate the support he has provided,”
said Army Brig. Gen. Richard Dix, commander, DLA Distribution.
Dix presented Spielbauer with a star note and
personal coin as he lauded his efforts in support of DLA
Distribution.
Spielbauer was also honored for his service
as a Vietnam Veteran. Designated by the
Secretary of Defense Honorable Ashton Carter in May 2015, DLA Distribution
became a proud partner of the United States of America's Vietnam War
Commemoration Program. The
program calls upon Federal, state and local officials to honor Vietnam Veterans,
the fallen, the wounded, those unaccounted for, former prisoners of war, their
families and all who served. Expressing his gratitude on behalf of the command and the commemorative
program, Dix presented Spielbauer with a certificate and pin saying, “This is
long overdue, but thank you for all you have done to pave the way for soldiers
like me.”
Spielbauer earned his undergraduate degree
from Gonzaga University and was immediately commissioned as a
2nd lieutenant in the United States Army in May
1967. After earning his
paratrooper wings and the prestigious Ranger tab, he was initially assigned to
the 82nd Airborne
Division. Spielbauer was
later reassigned to the combat duty with the 1st Infantry Division in the Republic of Vietnam
as the artillery service battery commander.
As
the need for US Military presence in Vietnam declined and the Cold War surfaced,
the Army decided to create a combat ready Ranger battalion in Europe.
After a vigorous screening process, Spielbauer was selected to be the
first fire support coordinator for the European Ranger battalions.
He excelled in the position, and, as a result, was reassigned to help
train the next generation of military leaders at the Air Force Academy in
Colorado Springs. Spielbauer continued his Army career with
various challenging assignments to include working with NATO, the Army War
College and his final duty assignment with the Pennsylvania National
Guard. He retired from active duty as an Army colonel in September
1992 and transitioned to civilian service with the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.