FORT BELVOIR, Va. (June 7) -- The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors honored Fort Belvoir Soldiers' community service and partnership during a meeting June 5.
Garrison Commander Col. John Strycula, retired Col. Mark Moffatt and E Company, 169th Engineer Battalion, all received praise from community leaders in the Fairfax County Government Center.
The recognition spotlighted the servicemembers' efforts to develop a bond with Fairfax County through completing missions such as reducing traffic congestion and marching across a bridge to honor military members.
"Fort Belvoir and the board of Supervisors share a common goal and that's to better the lives of people in Northern Virginia," Strycula said during his remarks. "We have a role and responsibility in playing our part and we look forward to continuing working with you."
Strycula, who will relinquish command June 25, was recognized for his two years of leadership. The commander oversaw projects such as the expansion of transportation infrastructure on Fairfax County Parkway and maintained quality customer service during Belvoir's Base Realignment and Closure Act construction.
Jeff McKay, Fairfax County Supervisor, Lee District, applauded Strycula for his open door policy keeping the county informed about post construction progress.
Fairfax County issues a proclamation each year, prior to the Army's June 14 birthday, to recognize the Army, and especially Fort Belvoir, for helping the community.
The proclamation recognizes the Army's Soldiers and employees as the strength of America, specifically mentioning Belvoir's success in training combat engineers and research and development, as well as administrative, medical and legal services.
McKay said "Army Strong Week," which runs from Sunday to June 16, is time for citizens to thank Soldiers for their service.
"We need not forget the people who put on the uniform everyday and serve our armed forces, particularly Fort Belvoir. They are members of our community that we're very proud of," McKay said. "As we celebrate Army Strong Week let us think about the people who wear uniforms at all ranks who sacrifice everything which may even include their lives to protect our freedom."
Moffatt, former Fort Belvoir Deputy Garrison Commander for Transformation and BRAC, was recognized for his contributions to the county and Belvoir during BRAC construction.
Moffatt helped coordinated the construction of three different billion-dollar facilities and upgraded transportation and utility infrastructure. Moffatt worked closely with Fairfax County representatives to determine the post's construction impact on the surrounding traffic patterns.
McKay and Gerry Hyland, Fairfax County Supervisor, Mount Vernon District agreed that the BRAC construction was one of most difficult challenges any Belvoir Soldier has endured during their five and 24 years of service respectively.
The supervisors also agreed Moffatt, who retired June 1 after 28 years of service, was a great Fort Belvoir representative who identified solutions for Fort Belvoir and Fairfax county needs.
"A lot of people look at BRAC as a bad thing. I look at it as an opportunity and that's what it was for Fairfax County," said Patrick Herrity Fairfax County Supervisor, Springfield District. "There are a lot of communities that lost a lot of jobs. We were on the other end of that."
Herrity and the other supervisors are also thankful for the volunteer service Fort Belvoir Soldiers have provided.
E Company, 169th Engineer Battalion, is perhaps one of the most active community service units on Belvoir. The company annually participates in events such as the Back-to-School Physical Clinic, the Springfield Community Bridge Walk and the George Washington Birthday parade.
The unit's eight years of service is coming to an end however, as the company is moving to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., by November 2012, to allow the Advanced Individual Training engineering students to train and learn at the U.S. Army Engineer School.
Fairfax County recognized E Company as honorary citizens for their volunteer efforts.
Company Commander Matthew Miller and Company First Sergeant, 1st Sgt. Ronald Kelley, accepted the honor on behalf of the many Soldiers who have served the community during the unit's eight year existence.
"For many of our Soldiers it's the first time away from home," Miller said. "It's especially important to have them serve the community and be part of Belvoir."
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