Nov 13 2021

NATO Civilians' Long Service Officially Recognised

Brunssum, The Netherlands – Thursday 11 November the Brunssum Civilian Staff Association conducted its annual Long Service Awards Ceremony in the JFC Brunssum International Conference Centre. On this occasion Colonel Timotheus Beaufort, Commander of the NATO Communications and Information Agency's CIS Support Unit, based on the JFC Brunssum site, presented certificates.

In an insightful speech, Colonel Beaufort highlighted the importance of the support provided to military colleagues, both in terms of continuity and the availability of skillsets not normally found in the military, via civilian staff. Further, he stated that NATO functions 'stronger together' because of the robust bond between military and civilian personnel. On completion of his remarks, the Colonel toasted awardees and the broader civilian element present.

The total list of Awardees follows:

15 Years of Service

Mr José Barrocal
Mr Yildirim Basoluk
Mr Mark Blake
Mr Mario Cherchi
Mr Roger Deckers
Mr Maximiano Francisco (Retired 31 Oct 21)
Mrs Irina van Gilst
Mr Marco Grissen
Mr Stefan Haan
Mr Yvo Haelewyn
Mr Hendrikus Hopmans
Mr Yves Lamaire
Mr David Smeeth
Mr Jean Pierre Vandenhove
Mr Vital Vossen
Mr Mikel Ward

35 Years of Service

Mrs Margaret Freeman
Mr Roger Hament
Mr Johan Van Der Kolk (Retired 31 Aug 21)

40 Years of Service

Mr Johannes Vliexs

Of course, some awardees were unable to attend. Separate arrangements have been made to ensure their certificates are presented in an appropriate way.

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office