DARMSTADT, Germany - Mary Beth Turner is known around U.S. Army Garrison Darmstadt as "M.B." She's been referred to by 22nd Signal Brigade commander Col. Frederick A. Cross as "my quarterback," and is known to Soldiers here as "mom."
The most recent honor bestowed on Turner is the Felteus Edwards Award for Morale, Welfare and Recreation excellence to the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program. Turner, the garrison special events coordinator and BOSS adviser, was recognized last month at the BOSS conference in Lansdowne, Va.
Turner was nominated by Darmstadt BOSS president Spec. Gene Brown, who wrote that Turner "is one of the brightest, most talented MWR BOSS advisers I have encountered in my (career)."
Darmstadt's Command Sgt. Maj. Harold Littlejohn wrote that Turner "is a dedicated, hard-working ...individual. Her initiative and innovative approach towards BOSS is the best I have seen in my 29 years of service."
Littlejohn and Brown attended the BOSS conference with Turner, saying they were thrilled when her name was announced.
When he heard Turner's name called, Littlejohn said: "I was totally excited. I jumped up. I believe I yelled, 'Yes, that's my MWR Boss representative'."
Littlejohn recalled that Turner was completely surprised.
"She stood up, caught her breath in disbelief, and found a way to the stage," said Littlejohn. "When she (returned), she approached my table before she got to hers. I could see tears starting to come down her face. I just grabbed and hugged her and congratulated her," he said.
"She truly deserved it," the command sergeant major said. "If anyone deserved it, she does. Not just because of what she does for Darmstadt, but for the entire Army BOSS program."
"The Soldiers believe I am making a difference in this community because they are the ones that recommended me," Turner said.
Master Sgt. Terrence L. Hamil, first sergeant of the garrison's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, says Darmstadt troops adore Turner, "because she fixes everything. She is our adviser, she is our confidant, she is our friend."
"This is what I do and this is what I love," Turner said. "I like taking care of the Soldiers and the family members in this community."
(Amy Buenning Sturm is a member of the USAG Darmstadt Public Affairs Office)
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