Brunssum, the Netherlands – today General Riccardo Marchiò, Commander JFC Brunssum, took the opportunity to address his staff prior to the Christmas break. In a thoughtful and inspiring speech the Commander expressed his appreciation for the dedication of his personnel, and the steadfast support of their families, throughout a period of increasing tempo and continued change.
Focussing on the headquarters the General said: "I want to express up front that I am proud of all of your work. I want to thank you for your dedication. You are doing a good job and I believe we are stronger together. John F. Kennedy, in a speech given not far from here in June 1963 said – ‘change is the law of life. Those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.’ NATO and JFC Brunssum will continue to change. We will evolve as appropriate to meet the demands of a continuously evolving security environment.”
General Marchiò underlined: "we are going to invest in our people and rely on them. You build relationships, implement processes, find new ways to interact and improve outcomes. I am counting on you to ask hard questions and take initiative as we incorporate new structures and develop relationships across new ACO entities.”
On completion, the Commander presented commendations to: Lieutenant Colonel Rashad Ahmadov, Commander Pablo Alvarez, Major Bart Bams, Chief Petty Officer Francisco Bermudez, Mr Jǿrn Brink (NATO Civilian), Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Bvlgari, Lieutenant Commander Warren Clough, Major Filip Cousaert, Lieutenant Colonel Emanuele De Luca, Major Momchil Dimitrov, Dr Gary Harless (NATO Civilian), Staff Sergeant Hàvard Heskestad, Captain Matthew Horton, Lieutenant Colonel Ugo Proietto, Lieutenant Colonel Grzegorz Remiszewski, Lieutenant Colonel Colin Richardson, Adjutant Leo Roos, Lieutenant Colonel Lothar Struck, Major Marius Tincu.
Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office