# Vietnam Veteran recognized as beacon of support to New Cumberland installation

/ Published Feb. 11, 2016
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pennsylvania, 

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.