From a former British colony to U.S. citizen and more than four decades of DoD service

By Karl WeiselSeptember 22, 2022

Customer Service
Wiesbaden Family and MWR Supply Technician Eric Kingston (second from right) is recognized for outstanding customer service by the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Command Team (from left) Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Russell, Mitchell Jones and Col. David Mayfield. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Wiesbaden Family and MWR) VIEW ORIGINAL

WIESBADEN, Germany - Whether it’s moving equipment, checking up on inventory or volunteering to assist a program manager with a last minute requirement, it’s rare not to find a smile on the face of Eric Kingston.

“I like working for MWR, said Kingston, a supply technician with Wiesbaden Family and MWR’s NAF Services. “We always go out and try to help people.”

The Belize native who has worked for MWR for 36 years and has dedicated more than 42 years of service with the Department of Defense was recently recognized by U.S. Army Garrison leaders for his support of an event at the Rheinblick Golf Course. His efforts ensured that trophies would be available for a Rheinblick Golf tournament.

“Eric went above and beyond the call of duty, on Friday after duty hours, to pick up and deliver trophies for a golf tournament that was happening the next morning,” said Casey Malloy, NAF Services chief.

Born in British Honduras (now the Central American country of Belize), Kingston has come a long way from his childhood in the former British colony.

After moving to California at age 14 and graduating from high school in Los Angeles, Kingston enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Aviation as a Chinook helicopter mechanic/crew member for more than six years. His military experience took him to Texas, South Korea and Germany – eventually leading to his being naturalized as a U.S. citizen upon his return to civilian life in the United States.

“My wife decided she wanted to come back to Germany,” he said, explaining that he worked on the German economy originally upon his return and served in the U.S. Army reserve as a supply technician. “That’s where I learned about the supply business.

“When I started working for MWR in 1986 it was in the maintenance group,” he added.

Then and now with MWR, Kingston, the proud father of three children and six grandchildren, said, “It has been nice working with people.”

After nearly four decades of service with MWR, the 63-year-old said he plans to continue serving Soldiers and their families (and fellow MWR colleagues) “at least for a little while longer.”