KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- One of the few constant in logistical support in the past four decades at the Logistic Readiness Center Benelux is about to change.
Christian Boisdenghien, chief, supply and services division, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Logistics Readiness Center -- Benelux, will retire after more than 40 years of highly decorated service to the U.S. Army.
Boisdenghien, who reached his 40th year of service on July 1, has been a true constant and has done it all when it comes to logistical services and supplies.
"I have spent 40 years in the same building but I took each and every step, every function falling under the supplies and services division," Boisdenghien said. He was responsible for the management of the installation property book office supply support activity, and for the hazardous material and central issue facility operations for the entire Benelux community - including the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers of Europe, Chievres Army Base, Brussels community, and Schinnen community.
In almost 15 years of being chief of the supply and services division, Boisdenghien provided continuous support during personnel turnovers of key vacancies, including all of the logistics readiness centers' branch chiefs. He acted as interim installation property book officer for four years and executed the transfer of responsibility of the Army fuel station to the Air Force.
As project officer for the centralization of all supply service division functions, Boisdenghien created a one-stop service center for all customers and facilitated the transition from the Installation Management Command to the Army Martial Command. He also coordinated the loan of 1,500 Improved Outer Tactical Vests from the U.S Army Europe to the Belgian Army.
"Mr. Boisdenghien has not only served the Army for 40 years but has won more excellence awards from the Army than any person I have ever seen," said Col. Grant L. Morris, commander, 405th AFSB, said, highlighting Boisdenghien's dedication and accomplishments following a site visit.
In the past sixteen years, Boisdenghien earned nine European Winner of Supply Excellence awards, culminating in two Department of the Army level wins and two runner-ups. Lt. Gen. Robert Wilson, commanding general of the Installation Management Agency, now Installation Management Command, recognized Boisdenghien's accomplishments with the Stalwart award in 2006. The award recognizes employees who distinguish themselves among their peers and leaders as outstanding IMCOM civilians and exceed the call of duty to achieve Army and IMCOM objectives.
"I don't see it as a single accomplishment; it is my team that earned the awards. You need the opportunity, a bit of luck and the right people," said Boisdenghien about his achievements.
His advice to his successor is to take the time to observe the procedures in place and learn about the environment. "Here, in Brussels, or in Schinnen, the capability to adapt and interpret official guidelines is important. Go by the rule of the trade, do what is safe, do what is right and do what is legal," Boisdenghien said.
Lockhart Simpson, a fellow division chief at LRC - Benelux, worked side by side with Boisdenghien for more than two years.
"We will miss his institutional knowledge, for one, but also his ability to connect with people." said Simpson. "He holds the unofficial position of senior host nation employee. He has the ability to relate to all employees and is our go-to (person) when it comes to host nation concerns."
Boisdenghien's official retirement date is Sept. 30. "I will miss the various facets of my work, the people I work with and work for, but I am moving forward to spend more time traveling and visiting my family," he said.
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