CHIAfE+VRES, Belgium - NATO support, Soldier and family well-being and lasting partnerships were among the key accomplishments laid out by the USAG Benelux Garrison Commander Dec. 7 at the garrison's biannual awards ceremony.
He used the Benelux-wide gathering to recognize each of his three indirect garrisons for their successes throughout 2009 and to thank U.S. and host nation civilians who have given a combined total of 1,000 years of service to the U.S. government.
"Brussels, your relationships with the U.S. mission and inter-agency communities in the capital city are unique to the Benelux," he said. "Although you're the smallest of the garrisons, you stomp a hefty bootprint and garner the attention of very important dignitaries."
USAG Brussels provided support for more than 6,500 dignitary visits in 2009, including visits by President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"ChiAfA..vres, your support is at the heart of NATO's military mission," he continued. "The SACEUR [Supreme Allied Commander Europe] flies in and out of our garrison regularly, and you continuously keep the installation operational for his needs."
In addition to NATO support, Drago pointed out how each garrison continuously looks out for Soldier and family well-being.
"Schinnen, this past August, you excelled at that mission when you joined with the 1st German/Netherlands Corps in the Multinational Family Days. Your ACS provided deployment information to more than 150 people from nine NATO nations," he said.
"As a matter of fact, I'm continuously impressed with all of our garrison ACS programs and how they successfully implement the Army Family Covenant," he continued.
"I'm not the only one who notices your successes, your victories. You overcome many obstacles to make this a community of choice, and you are rightfully recognized," he said pointing out national honors such as USAG Schinnen's Army Community of Excellence Award and Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers award.
During the ceremony, the command team acknowledged 30 U.S. and host nation civilians who have given more than 20 years of service to the U.S. government and six host nation civilians who are retiring under the Voluntary Early Retirement Plan. The 36 employees have served for a combined total of 1,000 years.
"I'd like to thank our civilian employees who bring their breadth of Army knowledge to our small community to make it even better," said Drago. "And to our host nation employees, your service to our Alliance, some of which has spanned more than 40 years, is the continuity in our partnership. Thank you for your dedication."
Four other civilians were presented individual awards, and the Benelux Soldiers and noncommissioned officers of the past three quarters were called forward and recognized.
While focusing mainly on the successes of the Benelux, the commander also referenced the challenges that lie ahead.
"We are in the midst of fighting two wars, and we are operating under tight monetary constraints," he said, referring to Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch's December announcement that resources are being reduced throughout Installation Management Command in 2010.
"While working with limited resources will be tough, based on what you've already accomplished, under similar challenges, I'm confident we'll move ahead through this, and we will remain IMCOM's community of choice," he said.
Some examples of working more efficiently include the Benelux Maintenance Office and Directorate of Public Works streamlining key making operations and Maintenance working with Morale Welfare and Recreation to repair fitness equipment.
"$2,000 here, $10,000 there, it all adds up," he said. "No savings is too small to forego."
Drago also addressed the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, and reassured the community that the garrisons continuously perform risk assessments and adjust force protection measures to meet any perceived threats.
"The safety of our Servicemembers, employees and family members has always been a top priority, and we will continue to make it a priority, including the prevention of insider threats," he said.
"Today, we are here as a new generation gathered together as coworkers striving to strengthen our Alliance and as friends, who exchange ideas and cultures and everyday experiences.
"I want to thank you for a great year," he concluded. "I have been so impressed with what you have accomplished, and I'm looking forward to the next year here and the road ahead for the USAG Benelux. Sharpen the Sword!"
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