Redstone honors K.C. Bertling at retirement
MADISON – K.C. Bertling of Madison was honored with a ceremony for her retirement from service on Redstone Arsenal.
Retired Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command’s former Commanding General with the U.S. Army, presided at the event on Martin Road on the arsenal.
“As everyone knows, K.C. is retiring on Sept. 26. She has touched many soldiers, families and civilians over her career,” a department spokesperson said.
The Bertlings served as federal employees and worked for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command / Army Forces Strategic Command. K.C. served as Soldiers and Family Program Manager.
Sam continues to work as a program analyst, and Sam Bertling Jr. formerly served as a nuclear engineer with the U.S. Navy.
In 2012, K.C. and husband Sam Bertling were named AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year. AUSA represents Association of the United States Army.
The AUSA award recognizes an Army family whose exceptional, dedicated volunteer service significantly contributes to improving Army and community well-being. Along with awardees from other chapters, the Bertlings were considered for the national award.
K.C. is president and founder of the Legacy 4 Korean War Veterans Foundation (L4KWVF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation. Sam volunteered as the foundation’s financial advisor.
Among its activities, the foundation sponsors “Revisit Korea,” a weeklong, expense-paid visit to South Korea for veterans of the Korean War. The veterans depart from Huntsville International Airport to return to Korea for the first time since the armistice signing in 1953.
Sam is originally from Winder, Ga. “When Sam came to South Korea in the U.S. Army, we met and got married,” K.C. said.
Sam and K.C. both have volunteered with other veteran organizations, Survival Outreach Services and Tragedy Assistance Program and Redstone Community Women’s Club. Sam has served as board chairperson of their church.
The Bertlings relocated to Madison in May 2005 with Sam’s new position with the U.S. Army. They live in the Franklin Station neighborhood.
