SEMBACH, Germany – Bombings, shootings and vehicle ramming attacks. These types of terror attacks and more are what Installation Management Command – Europe antiterrorism officers work 24/7 to prevent, and their efforts were recently recognized with multiple U.S. Army-level awards.
Garrisons across IMCOM-Europe were eligible to compete in three categories this year, and we won them all, said IMCOM-Europe Antiterrorism Officer Keith Horne. “We swept the board this year.”
“Our region and garrison antiterrorism and protection professionals are well-deserving of this recognition,” said Tommy Mize, IMCOM-Europe director. “It’s important to note that they are successful keeping our garrisons safe because of a full-team effort, including working with our supported units, their leadership and our other mission partners.”
The Army Antiterrorism Awards recognize personnel and programs that have achieved excellence while deterring terrorism through aggressive defensive measures and strategic plans.
“Our job is to make sure when you come to work you’re comfortable, you’re safe,” Horne said. “Soldiers can execute their missions; they can be that power-projection for our nation knowing that we are doing what we have to do to make sure their families are safe.”
Those same community members they protect are a vital part of every AT program across the Army, Horne said. “See something, say something,” a familiar protection motto, reminds everyone to report suspicious behavior.
“Everyone is a sensor,” Horne said. “It’s better to find out that it is nothing, but we knew about it, then to not know.”
Across IMCOM-Europe, community members can report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement or via the U.S. Army Europe and Africa iReport app.
There are some really bad actors out there, Horne said, and they only have to be lucky once.
Harnessing community sensors and maintaining strict antiterrorism measures is how AT teams stay ahead of the game.
“We can’t let our guard down,” he said. “We have to be lucky every day and look for those times when you create your own luck.”
Winners and honorees were recognized April 20 by Maj. Gen. Donna Martin, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command provost marshal and commanding general, during a virtual Armywide antiterrorism training seminar.
Army AT Award winners at the individual and U.S. Army garrison program levels for IMCOM-Europe included:
- The Lt. Col. Ronald C. Francis Best Antiterrorism Program Manager Award: Timothy Wilcoxen, USAG Ansbach (Of note, this is Wilcoxen’s second time winning this award; he also won in 2018)
- Best Large Installation Antiterrorism Program: USAG Bavaria
- Best Small Installation Antiterrorism Program: USAG Benelux
In addition, three IMCOM-Europe and five garrison professionals were identified as FY20 AT Honor Roll Inductees for their individual achievements:
- Steven Watts, IMCOM-Europe
- Keith Horne, IMCOM-Europe
- Raymond Keledei, IMCOM-Europe
- Timothy Wilcoxen, USAG Ansbach
- Robert Goodenow, USAG Ansbach
- Richard Bertrand, USAG Benelux
- Kevin Timmons, USAG Benelux
- Mike Morrison, USAG Italy
More information
Social Sharing