GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- It's getting crowded in Jim Van Patten's office, but he doesn't seem to mind.
That's because Van Patten, who was honored last month when the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School named its distinguished honor graduate award after him, received another prestigious award that will have to vie for space in his office.
On Sept. 5, Van Patten was presented Installation Management Command's Stalwart Award, which is given to only seven individuals each year out of the organization's more than 70,000 employees.
"I had a part in leading the transformation during a particularly tough year in 2012," said Van Patten, who serves as the director of both the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, and the Plans, Analysis and Integration Office for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria.
The three-page, single-spaced award justification for Van Patten is much less modest than he lets on.
In 2012, Van Patten served as acting deputy garrison commander in addition to his usual duties, and was instrumental in guiding the garrison through organizational restructuring, personnel reductions, and troop restationing, all while operating with dwindling resources.
Kathy Aydt, deputy garrison commander, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, said she couldn't think of anyone who deserved the award more than Van Patten.
"Jim is selfless, always concerned about others, about the Soldier, and he knows what it means to be a Soldier," she said. "He's a leader who walks the walk."
Aydt received Stalwart Award herself while serving at IMCOM Headquarters as chief of strategic communications in 2010.
Despite all the awards under his belt, Van Patten hasn't let it go to his head. He and his family plan to PCS early next year but said his job will essentially remain the same.
"I'd like the opportunity to continue to serve Soldiers and families," he said.
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