USAMMC-E recognized for safety culture, earns annual streamer award

By C.J. LovelaceDecember 14, 2022

Safety banner presentation
Col. Deon Maxwell, right, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, attaches an Army Safety Excellence Streamer to the USAMMC-E HHD unit colors during a ceremony Nov. 18 at Kaiserslautern Army Depot, Germany. The center recently earned the streamer for its strong safety culture, including 12 consecutive incident-free months and 100% participation in required risk management training among its personnel. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment received the Army’s Safety Excellence Streamer award Nov. 18 in recognition of its strong safety practices.

Presented by USAMMC-E Commander Col. Deon Maxwell, the streamer is a green ribbon with two white stripes and a white embroidered inscription that reads “SAFETY EXCELLENCE,” which is to be displayed with the unit colors.

The award signifies at least 12 consecutive months without a Soldier/unit at-fault Class A or B incident, which are severe accidents to personnel or property. It also requires 100% participation in required risk management courses among its personnel within the last 24 months.

“Overall, this award recognizes the collective efforts of USAMMC-E personnel to accomplish the mission with effective safety and risk management in mind,” said Capt. Kyle Simonson, USAMMC-E HHD commander. “The streamer is a symbol which all personnel can be proud of. It could not be achieved without everyone’s individual efforts to keep themselves and each other safe.”

The streamer presentation happened during a USAMMC-E safety stand down event, which included winter weather training to ensure all employees stay aware of the hazards related to the cold season ahead. Discussion centered around safety instructions related to each employee’s specific work area.

Safety stand down
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Jenny Grasser, right, safety and occupational health specialist at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, speaks during a safety stand down event Nov. 18 at Kaiserslautern Army Depot, Germany. Also pictured is Holger Ebeler. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Maxwell speaks
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Col. Deon Maxwell, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, speaks to the workforce during a safety stand down event Nov. 18 at Kaiserslautern Army Depot, Germany. (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

“This discussion allows for a conversation with the employees so if any of them see hazards that are not addressed, they can be mentioned to improve instruction for future addressing of safety concerns,” said Jenny Grasser, safety and occupational health specialist at USAMMC-E.

On the safety streamer award, Grasser said it takes a strong, dedicated team to earn such an honor.

“The Soldiers at USAMMC-E take safety very seriously and work every day to ensure safety is a priority in their lives, both on and off duty,” she said. “The Soldiers work with Department of the Army Civilians and local nationals daily in their work in various areas of USAMMC-E. This accomplishment is reflective of their dedication to the safety program. Everyone can be proud of this accomplishment.”

The safety streamer is eligible to be earned on an annual basis.

Simonson said he encourages the workforce to continue to put health and safety first as it delivers medical logistics support to the European theater and beyond.

“It is only through our people -- our most valuable asset -- that we can achieve so much for so many here in Europe and across the globe,” Simonson said.

USAMMC-E is the second Army Medical Logistics Command direct reporting unit to achieve the safety banner this year. The U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Korea earned the same honor in October.

“This is a great accomplishment for not only USAMMC-E but for the entire AMLC,” said Ralph Davis, AMLC safety manager. “It’s just another example of how the command has created a safety culture that leads to medical readiness across the entire Army. I could not be prouder that another AMLC DRU has received this award.”