SCHINNEN, Netherlands -- Colleagues and family members gathered April 18, 2012 in U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen's Community Activity Center to honor 14 Dutch Ministry of Defense employees affected by the current reshaping initiatives and who have collectively served with the U.S. Army more than 300 years.
Those honored in the April 18 ceremony, and the approximately 10 others honored during Commander's Calls held here in February and March, reflect the changes going on throughout Installation Management Command Europe.
"People matter most and all of you have made it an honor for me and Command Sgt. Maj. Castillo to be part of Team Schinnen and have made it very much like a family," said Lt. Col. Chad Arcand, U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen Commander in his remarks following award presentations.
"We've been aware of the 'reshape' mission and have heard references to 'percentages' and 'positions' and we know it ultimately impacts people and families. This marks a specific change event in your life. Your family has been there for you… now you can pay back to them for what they have given and pursue your dreams. Today marks a new beginning and I sincerely wish you all the best," said Arcand.
The reshape of U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen's structure will result in the reduction of 6 U.S. military, 23 U.S. Department of the Army civilians, 20 Dutch Ministry of Defense civilians and approximately 59 U.S. family members throughout the tri-border community. U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen will be designated the Tri-Border Area Support Team under U.S. Army Garrison Benelux in July 2012 with Ms. Kimberly Wayland assuming the position as the Deputy Garrison Manager.
Honored in the April 18 ceremony were: Mr. Hans Hoedemaekers, Mr. Nico Vogelpoel, Mr. Theo Jetten, Mr. Rob Brauers, Mr. Alfredo Dorio, Mr. Silvio Dorio, Mr. Loe Gelissen, Mrs. Marion Ringens, Mr. Peter Scheilen, Mr. Harry Schiffer, Mr. Piet Schulteis, Mr. Jean Van Haen, Mr. Rob Verhaegen, and Mr. Wim Wouters.
U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen derives from the Allied Forces Central Support Activity based in Fontainebleau, France, which received orders to relocate in 1966 when France withdrew from the military structure of NATO. Making temporary homes in Heerlen, Landgraaf and Brunssum, Netherlands, the U.S. Army leased the Emma Mine Complex in Schinnen in 1969 and began consolidating operations there over its 43-year history.
By July 2012, U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen will have been realigned or redesignated eight times. After its' redesignation to Tri-Border Area Support Site July 2012, support operations will relocate from Emma Mine Complex to the NATO Industrial Complex next to NATO's Joint Forces Command Headquarters in Brunssum, Netherlands by 2016.
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