WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Europe leadership and staff gathered on April 19, 2024, to celebrate and honor Dan Welch, an environmental protection specialist at IMCOM-Europe, for his four decades of work and lasting impacts across the European theatre.
No matter where Welch has hung his hat, his fellow coworkers and customers have felt his enduring impressions. Since 1980, from Heidelberg to Sembach, and then later to Wiesbaden, Welch is vocal about how his career ended up so focused on customer service. Spending more than just a few minutes around Welch, his infectious spirit and connection to all around him is more than evident.
“My favorite parts in the game were always interacting with people and supporting them from the headquarters perspective, (…) but being able to talk that Garrison language and actually go out, reach out and visit the Garrisons myself,” Welch said.
Welch began his career supporting environmental media operations due to his language skills. Showcasing his ability to troubleshoot and solve problems, Welch became invaluable to the headquarters, assisting with liaison work wherever needed. While his main area of work centered around hazardous waste, natural resources, and forestry – that wouldn’t be the only area he specialized in for much longer.
Encouraged by his peers, Welch began work with the IMCOM-E Works Council in 2000. He ran for the chairperson position and was surprised that he was selected.
“It's very special when you have an employee that is so trusted and so respected by his peers that they elect him to represent them,” said Tommy Mize, IMCOM-Europe director.
Welch really enjoyed that the Works Council showcased the desire to support the relations between all employees, not just isolated local national support.
“I was interested in representing both our U.S. and our local national employees – their wellbeing, their working environment, you name it – that all contributes to the quality of our workplace,” said Welch.
At the recognition ceremony, Welch was awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, an award presented to individuals who have provided exceptional public service and support to the U.S. military in the conduct of their official duties.
Welch was also awarded his official Certificate of Retirement, marking his next stage of adventure officially. He plans to waste no time – speaking of various biking trips and logistics soon to come.
“The bike will be my traveling tool – go up north, go down south – I’ve never really done that in all my time here in Europe,” Welch said.
“I'm going to take my time and my annual leave slip is signed – it's approved. I got it. I don't have to come back.”
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