WIESBADEN, Germany - What do books and beds have in common? Not what you might think.
Those who work providing quality overnight accommodations and library services in U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden were recently named among the best worldwide.
For the second year in a row, the Wiesbaden Lodge was named the Large Lodging Operation of the Year. Additionally, Wiesbaden Lodge Manager James Weber garnered Manager of the Year honors in the annual Army-wide awards program aimed at motivating and rewarding garrisons for improving or sustaining quality facilities, furnishings and services.
Meanwhile over on Clay Kaserne, the Wiesbaden Library’s Reginald Stewart was named the Library Technician of the Year for all federal libraries – a repeat performance (he was honoured several years earlier while working in the 284th Base Support Battalion) recognized by the Library of Congress.
“I am amazed daily by the talent and dedication of the MWR workforce in Wiesbaden,” said Gregory Holzinger, Wiesbaden Family and MWR Programs Director.
“It is noteworthy that in the last three years Wiesbaden Lodging leaders have won awards at the Installation Management Command level,” Holzinger added.
“It’s a great credit to everyone working here,” said Weber, who is a two-time winner of the Manager of the Year honors, having won in 2004 while working in Würzburg.
“We have a stable workforce in the hotel providing a lot of continuity.
“It’s all about service (to customers) and taking care of the staff,” Weber said, explaining that providing a sense of belonging to the team from day one, continuous training and opportunities for advancement all contribute to having a successful operation.
“I think that’s a big key to success – starting with onboarding, earning certification from the American Hotel Association, the peer-to-peer program. … It all comes together naturally because they feel part of the team,” Weber said.
“There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes at the Lodge,” he said, pointing out how everyone from the gardeners, reservations, maintenance, trainers, accounting, supply to the housekeepers “all work toward the same goal. There are a lot of moving parts.”
“The Wiesbaden Lodge really makes a difference for transitioning guests,” said Christopher Dickson, a recent guest and the garrison’s School Liaison Officer. “Their care and attentiveness really go a long way.
“The staff is really the fuel to the engine of any program, and their staff is excellent.” Dickson said, praising the Lodge staff’s attentiveness and professionalism.
The Wiesbaden Lodge, which opened in 2010, was the first military hotel to be recognized with the Certified Guest Service Property designation from the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute in 2015. That reputation for excellence has continued annually.
MWR’s Community Recreation Division Chief Ron Locklar, praised the Wiesbaden Library technician for once again winning Library Technician of the Year honors.
“As you can imagine, there are a lot of library technicians throughout the government. It is very difficult to receive such an award,” Locklar said, especially for the second time in his career.
A former green-suiter with nearly 44 years of public service under his belt, Stewart said, “finding a job you love,” makes all the difference. Over the years that has included weekly story times, game nights, lego and science sessions – and anything that can help enhance literacy and attract as many community members as possible to their local library.
“Because of his helpful and flexible approach to work, he has acquired an abundance of technical skills which he happily shares with others,” said Wiesbaden Library Director Lane DeLaPena, calling him a “star employee” who contributes to “bettering the lives of our Soldiers and their families.”
“Reginald’s exceptional technical competency has made him one of the most valued team members within Army MWR – and someone community members know they can trust and rely on,” she added.
“Reggie brings experience from having worked in diversified fields in his awesome career,” said Holzinger. “He has been able to take these skills and apply them with everything he leads.”
The Lodge and Library winners will be officially honored with trophies, cash awards and other recognition later this year, officials said
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