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The KMC recently honored its non-U.S. and U.S. civilian employees with a ceremony on Ramstein for their years of service to the Air Force.
About 90 of the 131 distinguished civilians were present to receive awards and tokens of appreciation Dec. 4 from KMC Commander Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon for their faithful service of more than 20 years and up to 50 years.
“Dear honorees, without any delay, I want to congratulate all of you and tell you how impressed I am with the dedication and loyalty displayed at Ramstein,” General Dillon said at the ceremony. “Employment and service in one place for 20 to 50 years is extraordinary.”
According to U.S. Air Forces in Europe Instruction 36-71, “Non-U.S. Citizen Honorary and Incentive Awards,” non-U.S. employees may be awarded for their length of service with the Air Force at a ceremony.
“In the German work culture, length of service is a highly recognized and celebrated milestone in a person’s career,” said Christine Murray, 86th Mission Support Squadron acting civilian personnel officer.
Mike Henry, 86th MSS training and resources section chief, added, “Germans value longevity in their employees tremendously, and we want to express that same admiration and gratitude toward people loyal to their employer (the Air Force) over a long period of time.”
U.S. employees were included as well to equally recognize their efforts, Ms. Murray said. During the ceremony, General Dillon spoke to the attendees to let them know how much they are a valued part of the base.
“It is clear you contribute tremendously to accomplishing our daily mission, and Team Ramstein benefits from your vast experience, knowledge and insight into how things are properly done in our host nation,” he said. “You add diversity to our work environment, you give your leaders another perspective with which to view their critical decisions and, quite frankly, you are absolutely critical to getting many jobs done within the KMC.”
By hiring host nation employees, Ramstein fosters the relationship between the United States and Germany and helps Ramstein lead the fight.
“I greatly appreciate your daily efforts to keep Team Ramstein out front,” General Dillon said. “Without your loyal, dedicated contributions, we simply could not accomplish and sustain the mission.”
Among the 131 civilians honored, 117 of them were non-U.S. employees, six of which have served 40 or more years, and 14 were U.S. employees, one of which served 40 years or more as a civilian.
A ceremony to honor civilian employees is held every six months. The next ceremony is planned for June 4, 2010.
