HEIDELBERG, Germany - The generosity and civic commitment of Soldiers, DoD civilians and families assigned to U.S. Army in Europe continues to be as strong as ever, and it was recognized at an award ceremony held Feb. 24 at the Patrick Henry Village Pavilion by the Installation Management Command Europe Region and U. S. Army in Europe.
The award ceremony culminated a successful European 2008 Federal Combined Campaign Overseas. Gen. Carter F. Ham, USAREUR commanding general, and Diane M. Devens, IMCOM-Europe region director, hosted the ceremony and presented more than 250 awards to individuals and agencies to recognize their support of CFC.
The campaign was marked by a substantial increase in donations; as a whole, the European theater raised $2.4 million - an outstanding achievement - and there was an overall increase of $100,000 more than in the previous year.
"Despite all the economic hardships, our Soldiers, DoD civilians and families recognized that there are people that need our help more than ever," said Ham.
"In spite of the worldwide economic crisis 46 percent of all U.S. Army in Europe military and civilian personnel contributed," said Melissa Kidder, CFC-O executive director.
The highlight of the ceremony was when U.S. Army Garrison Livorno and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team from U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza received special recognition.
Ham and Devens presented the Special Merit Award to Lt. Col. Steven G. Cade, USAG Livorno commander, representing the garrison, and Lt. Col. Curtis A. Johnson, 173rd ABCT brigade support battalion commander, representing the brigade.
At USAG Livorno, 75 out of 120 assigned personnel donated $16,964, a 62.5 percent participation rate and an average gift of $226.19. At the brigade, 1,294 out of 1,650 assigned personnel donated $98,347.16, a 78.4% participation rate an average gift of $76.
"Aca,!A"The award is the highest honor given by the CFC-O and most often bestowed by the command upon the installation or area achieving the greatest improvement over the previous year's results,Aca,!A? said Constance T. Baker, CFC-O deputy director. Aca,!A"The U.S. Army in Europe CFC-Overseas campaign is always a success due to the tremendous teamwork between IMCOM-E and USAREUR.Aca,!A?
"Thanks, thanks, thanks, for an extraordinary 2008 campaign," said Ham in closing remarks.
The award ceremony was filled by a remarkable display of camaraderie and leadership as representatives from throughout USAREUR and IMCOM-E Region gathered to collect the fruits of their contributions.
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