Col. Shawn Fritz adds a EUCOM coin to a ceremonial time capsule placed in the foundation of the new three-bay garage with Lt. Col. Peter Wisti.

On Monday, Judy Garber, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia; members of the U.S. Embassy in Riga and EUCOM; the Latvian Ministry of Interior (State Fire and Rescue Service) and National Guard members; and local government officials broke ground on a EUCOM Humanitarian Assistance project modernizing eight fire and rescue stations in Latvia.

This project is a sterling example of the whole of government approach taken by both of our countries to build essential service capabilities that Latvia can employ not just within its own borders, but to benefit Europe as a whole. As we saw from the recent spate of natural disasters across Europe in the last two years -- wildfires in Russia, flooding in the Balkans, earthquakes in Turkey, extreme winter weather in central and eastern Europe -- there’s certainly a need for robust emergency response services in the region. Effective essential services help contain and mitigate the impact of disasters and thereby contribute to maintaining security and stability in the affected areas -- a EUCOM core mission.

This groundbreaking was part of a multi-year EUCOM HA effort that started in 2010 to renovate Latvia’s national fire and rescue stations and enhance their emergency response capability. Latvia leveraged these renovated stations by reaching out to the European Union for new fire trucks, which, combined with updated emergency facilities, enabling a speedier response to emergencies. As a result of this improved capability, Latvia was able to send firefighters and equipment outside the country to tackle catastrophic forest fires in Russia and severe flooding in Poland and Moldova. Thanks to innovative thinking by EUCOM and Latvian project team members, this project delivered a “bigger bang for the buck”.

Much like NATO’s “Smart Defense” concept, EUCOM’s HA effort with Latvia is “Smart Civic Engagement”--a joint project with one of our smallest NATO allies and one of the poorest countries in the European Union precisely crafted to deliver significant security benefits. We are truly Stronger Together!

Ambassador Lawrence Butler
Civilian Deputy to the Commander
US European Command

Just last week, I visited the Krakow School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, which was heavily damaged in the spring floods of 2010, to deliver furniture and pianos donated by the U.S. Government.

The pianos, desks, chairs and shelves – which replaced equipment destroyed in the flood – were excess items from Department of Defense schools in Europe. The Krakow school trains the students in music and piano tuning, so the pianos are invaluable in the Polish students' education and training.

Maj. Gen. William L. Enyart, Adjutant General Illinois National Guard, meets students from the Krakow School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The gratitude expressed to me for the contributions of the school equipment was nothing short of overwhelming. The good will engendered among local and provincial officials, school administrators, students, parents and the public at large cannot begin to be measured. This was truly an example of American "soft power" at its best.

During the visit, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with several local dignitaries and community leaders, including the deputy governor of Malopolska Province, Andrzej Harezlak; the commander of Maloposka Province fire brigades, Col. Andrzej Mroz; and his deputy, Col. Jozef Galica; professors Jozef Danko and Rafal Danko, engineering professors at the AGH University of Science and Technology; as well as Director Barbara Planta of the school. U.S. Deputy Consul General Jeffrey C. Vick also attended the ceremony with several consular staff. 

This event, in my opinion, clearly burnished the American military image in this important area of Poland. 

Mr. Vick took the opportunity to increase military contact by inviting the school to participate in the consulate’s program for school children to make and send Christmas cards to Task Force White Eagle, the Polish battle group in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan. When Polish military aircraft pick up the cards in Krakow, the school children are allowed to tour the aircraft and meet the crews. 

Since the Illinois National Guard has a long-standing relationship with Poland through the State Partnership Program, this was not my first trip to the country. I attended the state funerals last year, which Mr. Vick said had a very positive impact on public opinion toward the U.S. in general and the American military in particular.

The Illinois National Guard has been developing its partnership with Poland since 1993.  It has developed over the years from a basic military exchange program to a bilateral relationship that enhances regional security and has assisted in the transformation of Poland’s former Soviet-bloc conscription force to the current all volunteer, professional military.  Since the initial entry of Polish forces into Iraq, Illinois National Guard forces have deployed with the Polish Task Forces, a relationship that continues today. 

Currently, 18 Soldiers from the Illinois National Guard are embedded with and filling critical leadership and support roles with Task Force White Eagle. 

At the Illinois National Guard, we believe the single greatest contribution we can make to the long-term security of the U.S. is the relationship we have forged with Poland, which not only leads to a stable central Europe, but also adds a valuable ally in our long-term commitment to fight terrorism and instability throughout the world.

William L. Enyart
Major General, The Adjutant General
Illinois National Guard

Since Fall 2008, the US Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC Latvia) and the State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia (SFRS) have identified and submitted 10 civic engagement (Humanitarian Assistance) projects for renovations of fire stations all over Latvia. These are fire stations in the cities of Limbazi, Madona, Aizkraukle, Gulbene, Ķeipene, Liepāja, Līvāni, Strenči, Valka, and Ventspils. This year has been a true success for the cooperation between the ODC and SFRS -  two projects have been completed and contracts for the remaining 8 projects have been awarded and work has begun.

In July 2010, U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Judith Garber; Rear Adm.William "Andy" Brown, EUCOM J4 (Logistics); and deputy chief of SFRS, colonel Intars Zitāns, participated in a ground breaking ceremony in Limbaži. It marked the start of a nearly $130,000 project that involved a renovation of a fire station that was built in 1970. Previously, all six fire trucks of the fire station were deployed through one gate at the end of the building. During the renovation, the gate was sealed and 3 new gates were installed in the wider wall of the station. Additional works included general patch and paint of the facility and paving the road in front of the new gates.

"This project was very important for us," said Limbaži fire station commander maj. Gvido Kins.  “The main focus of SFRS in last decade was renewing the equipment we had inherited from USSR, and often the situation with the facilities was put aside. Now, when we have our garage replanned and renovated, Limbaži firefighters can respond to calls more quickly”.

The other project completed in 2011 was the renovation of Madona fire station. The main focus there was to build a garage for a new fire truck, which would not fit into the existing garage due to height limitations. The new garage was built in the yard of the existing fire station. Additionally the existing gates of the old garage were replaced. Total cost of the project was more than  $131,000.

These projects help SFRS provide the services more efficiently, especially in view of constant threats our world is facing. State fire and Rescue service highly value ODC Latvia and EUCOM input, which helped Limbaži firefighters reduce response times and Madona firefighters receive a new fire truck.

Staņislavs Ļisovenko
Department of European and International Cooperation
Latvian State Fire and Rescue Service
 

Dobar dan!

Earlier this week I had the honor of attending two great events in the northwestern region of Bosnia & Herzegovina. It was a winding mountainous five-hour drive through a beautiful countryside to the first ceremony a ribbon-cutting at the main primary school of Drvar with Mayor Anka Papak-Dodig, Principal Jelka Danic and 500 students with their accompanying parents.  Upon entering the school you could feel the joy and excitement of the children as they were performing their traditional dances and greeting our delegation. 

Children from the main primary school of Drvar in Bosnia and Herzegovina perform a traditional dance during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the renovated school Sept. 20.

Prior to the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Drvar was largely populated with Bosnian Serbs.  However, due to the ethnic divisions and tensions during the war, the majority of the Bosnian Serbs from Drvar sought refuge elsewhere.  One of the goals of the U.S. Embassy is to ensure that BiH has a vibrant, tolerant, multi-ethnic democracy supported by a robust civil society and the renovation of this school assists this goal, facilitating the return of Bosnian Serbs to their pre-war homes. 

 U.S. European Command provided $450,000, which allowed the Office of Defense Cooperation to renovate the Drvar school.  These renovations were done by the local contractor, Jelen, and included the exterior façade, roof, windows, painting the walls and replacing the floors.

The second event was the Bosanska Krupa water system ground-breaking ceremony attended by U.S. Ambassador Moon, Lt. Gen. Milojcic, Chief of Defense Armed Forces Bosnia & Herzegovina, Armin Halitovic, Mayor of Bonska Krupa, and Hamdija Lipovaca, Prime Minister of the UNA-SANA Canton. 

This water project will provide water connection to the suburbs and villages around Bosanska Krupa again supporting a vast number of Serb returnees.  This area is considered to be one of the most successful refugee returns in Federation Bosnia & Herzegovina. Upon completion of this project there will be two reservoirs, approximately 10 km of new pipeline and water pump stations, which will be connected to the existing water system in Bosanska Krupa.  This project will in the short-term provide water to about 3000 people who have returned to the area. Additionally, it will provide the preconditions to connect more villages to this system in the future, which will further encourage refugees to return to their pre-war homes.  

Children from the newly renovated main primary school in Drvar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, practice their English during question and answer time with the American representatives from the U.S. European Command and Office of Defense Cooperation after the ribbon cutting ceremony for the $450,000 renovation project.

The funding for this project and the actual work will be accomplished through the combined efforts of the ODC, Armed Forces Bosnia & Herzegovina engineer units, Bosanska Krupa, and the UNA-SANA Canton; thus showing commitment and service by the AFBiH to the civilian population.  It will further strengthen Bosnia & Herzegovina’s position as useful contributors to EURO-ATLANTIC community. 

 In summary, these outreach projects are outstanding examples of Amerca’s commitment to improving security by improving living conditions.  The tireless research and vetting done by the ODC Team and Humanitarian Assistance program, reaching out touching young hearts and minds one school and community at a time.  As these younger generations grow up, they will be strong partners in a better more tolerant, multi-ethnic world.

  A heartfelt thank you to the ODC Team for letting me witness and be a part of these two great memorable events -- mission accomplished!

U.S. European Command recently invested $170,000 to upgrade a kindergarten in Erseke, Albania, but based on the turnout for the ribbon cutting Sept. 14, you would have thought the town won a million dollar lottery. 

The school, formerly used to house Kosovo refugees in the late 1990s, received only minimal maintenance funding since it was built in 1978.  With EUCOM funding, upgrades were made to the floors, walls, electrical and plumbing systems and an emergency egress stairway was installed.  What was once a building in a severe state of decay became the pride of this town of approximately 8,000 residents. 

U.S. Ambassador to Albania Alexander Arvizu dances with the children of a kindergarten in Erseke, Albania, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony signifying the completion of a $170,000 renovation project.

The school is attended by 95 children between the ages of 3 and 6, but nearly every parent, teacher and member of the Erseke community could be found at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The townspeople’s respect and appreciation for the U.S. and DOD investment in their community was clearly evident. 

An investment of $170,000 in a U.S. school probably would not have covered the cost of renovating one room, but in Albania it resulted in a new foundation in education for an entire community. Director Shega, the school’s principal, and I discussed the need to sustain the building, but, more importantly, discussed the need to sustain the children through education, the children who are Albania’s future. 

EUCOM partners with Albania to help the government provide essential services and, in turn, build a partnership to support US/NATO regional security and global missions. The small investment in Erseke will pay dividends towards our partnership with Albania for generations.

We have all heard the adage “it takes a village to raise a child,” but I recently experienced this first hand when I had the privilege of participating in the Ochakiv School #2 ribbon cutting ceremony in the Ukraine on the first day of school Sept. 1.

This school renovation project was selected by the Ukrainian Embassy, funded through the U.S. European Command Civic Engagement Branch, and executed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command with a local construction company. 

Students celebrate the first day of school in the newly renovated Ochakiv School in the Ukraine.

I knew I was involved in something special when I arrived for the ceremony and more than 200 parents and family members were standing in the school court yard. All of those who were in the military were in their uniforms. I did not realize that in the Ukraine there is a hold-over tradition from the Soviet time period that school across the country will start Sept. 1 and it is expected that parents will come to the first day of school; especially those of the first graders.  This instills the importance of education into the first graders while reinforcing these ideas to the other students. 

Students celebrate the first day of school in the newly renovated Ochakiv School in the Ukraine Sept. 1. The $600K project replaced the roof, windows and siding with energy efficient material; completely renovated the school indoor gym and locker rooms; and renovated the two English language classrooms. This school renovation project was selected by the Ukrainian Embassy, funded through the U.S. European Command Civic Engagement Branch, and executed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command with a local construction company.

The first day of school is treated as a very big deal in the Ukraine. The focal point of the opening day ceremonies is the new first-grade students, but, in this case, we had the added attraction of a renovated school making this a truly memorable first day. The first graders parade into the school court yard dressed in their Sunday best wearing sashes identifying them as starting their first critical sets in the education process. They are all announced by name and take turns delivering short “speeches” about the importance of education. Then the other students perform a regional dance for the new students culminating with each member of the senior class welcoming all the new first graders to school and presenting them with “gifts” to help make their first day memorable. Finally the oldest student in the school leads the “first bell” procession, where the eight youngest first graders accompany him in the ringing of the “first bell” of the school year to announce the school is now open for the year. Then the senior class members form an archway for the first graders to walk through and enter school for the first time.

So on this very special day, the students, new and old, entered a facility that had undergone a major facelift. The $600K project replaced the roof, windows and siding with energy efficient material; completely renovated the school indoor gym and locker rooms; and renovated the two English language classrooms.

What makes this renovation project unique is the partnership between the local community, local government, regional government, and local military unit coming together to make it a combined effort, thus maximizing the impact of everyone's effort. As is evident by the first grade class being more than 40 children (while the average in the city is only 18) because everyone wanted to be at what was now viewed as the “best” school in the city. 

The city government and local military unit (mostly special forces) removed the old roofing material and took away construction waste. The military unit also donated a new computer for the school’s computer lab. The city government worked tirelessly with the regional government to fund and execute paving of the road to the school, playground area, and new sidewalks; additionally, the city government funded renovation of the principal's office and replaced a large number of text books in the school. The regional government funded the $100K for the paving and sidewalks. Additionally, the regional school administration worked daily with the school and contractors during the project to ensure the highest quality. As an added bonus for the first graders the regional governor provided each of them with a signed letter and all the school supplies they needed for the first grade.

Local government and military officials attended the ceremony along with more family members than I have ever seen at a first day of school. Aside from being selected to walk one of the first graders to her first class, my most memorable moment came from a conversation with the deputy regional governor. His statement that the regional governor sees school renovation projects like this one as a model which they will continue. He said they have already selected several other schools and are in the process of working joint projects where the local and regional governments pay the bulk of the costs while incorporating the parents and local residents in the work. 

It was great to see that our efforts are setting the conditions for the educational development of future generations.

COL Leon Parrott
Deputy EUCOM Engineer

Our Office of Defense Cooperation team left rainy and gloomy Sofia for a trip that had us traveling 2000 km in 5 days.  We were scheduled to travel throughout northern Bulgaria to inspect 15 potential Humanitarian Assistance projects. We were a little worried because we will also had a ribbon cutting to one of our larger HA projects: a kindergarten renovation in the town of Montana.

All worries disappeared, though, when we reached our destination a couple of hours later and I saw the children dressed in white, red, and green (the colors of the national flag) traditional folk outfits.  The environment was spectacular -- children holding balloons, the happy faces of their parents, the smiles of the teacher.

This June day turned sunny in Montana as the townspeople celebrated its annual city holiday.  The city center was abuzz with bustling crowds enjoying traditional singing, dancing and games with a carnival-like atmosphere.  It was impressive to see the amount of people flooding Montana’s expansive, tree-lined pedestrian zone.  Montana’s Mayor Zlatko Zhivkov said that 9 other foreign delegations had also come to partake in the festivities.

We were warmly greeted by a very large turnout of young children ages 3 to 6 along with their proud parents and teachers and supportive local citizens and municipal government officials. Many of the children, and even some adults, were dressed in vibrant traditional Bulgarian attire.  Several age groups performed time-honored Bulgarian dances and songs, and one group even recited a rhyme in English.  Those of us presiding over the ceremony were overcome by the children’s wholesome energy and joyousness.

Mayor Zhivkov gave a speech as part of the festivities and mentioned was no better time for the US Government to present this gift to the children of Montana and actively contribute to the excitement of the day.

The ribbon cutting was for the kindergarten “Zdravets”.  The word “zdravets” (здравец) in Bulgarian means geranium and is derived from the root word “zdrave” (здраве) for health.  The kindergarten’s name suggests prosperity, longevity and well-being.

CDR Imblum, the ODC Sofia Chief, and Mayor Zhivkov cut the ribbon and then performed a good luck ritual with a vessel decorated with crane’s bill.

There were more symbolic (and fun) Bulgarian customs after the ceremony, too.  First, representing Bulgaria’s rich tradition of hospitality, we were welcomed as special guests with bites from a freshly baked loaf of bread that we each dipped in salt.  Then a young girl handed Mayor Zhivkov a small copper pot filled with zdravets plants and water.  The Mayor kindly handed the plants to the girl, and then he and I took the pot together and poured it away from the school door entrance leading to the outer gate.  This is a common tradition that Bulgarian parents do for their children when they leave home for an important event, such as an exam or the first day of school.  As you walk over the flowing water, you will be blessed with smooth sailing and good fortune. The children performed songs, poems, and dances, then white, red and green balloons flew up in the sky followed by three white pigeons, symbols of the peace, purity and hope for us and our children.

The US Embassy team and other guests visited the renovations which will provide safer and more joyful environment to 120 children and 30 staff. A Bulgarian firm did an excellent job installing new windows, framing and paneling throughout the kindergarten; and the colorfully painted facades tellingly reflect the bright future of these very talented children.

Witten by: CDR Imblum, Sofia ODC Chief, and Ms. Vesela Terzieva, Sofia HA Program Manager

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic talks with the Mayor of Slunj, school officials and the parents of children who attend Slunj Primary School during his visit . (Photo credit: MAJ G. Lee Sepulvado)

The town of Slunj, Croatia, was not far away and Diana and I were traveling there by car to participate in the Croatian President Ivo Josipovic’s visit to Slunj Primary School. For months prior, Diana had worked closely with the US and Croatian military representatives, as well as with the civilian authorities in the town of Slunj, to ensure the availability of the necessary construction materials for a renovation project at the Slunj Primary School. Today, she too could celebrate. The joint Croatian-US military exercise Immediate Response 2011 had just finished and President Josipovic was visiting the Croatian military base where the exercise had taken place. He was there to thank the Croatian and US military members who had participated in the exercise and to view several joint military construction projects that had taken place concurrently with the exercise.

One of these projects was the complete renovation of the boys’ changing and restroom facilities in Slunj Primary School that Diana had worked. More than 400 students attend Slunj Primary School and the boys’ and girls’ bathroom facilities were in need of complete renovation. With nearly $25,000  provided by US European Command’s Humanitarian Civic Assistance program (HCA) to purchase construction materials for the project, a joint US- Croatian military engineering team worked to complete the renovation. An extremely functional and beautiful changing and restroom facility was the result. The City of Slunj provided matching funds and labor to renovate the school’s girls’ changing and restroom facilities simultaneously.

Croatian President Ivo Josipovic posing with representatives of the Office of Defense Cooperation, US Mission Croatia, the Minnesota Army National Guard and US Army Europe representatives during his visit to the Slunj Primary School.(Photo credit: MAJ G. Lee Sepulvado)

Until it is absent or not available, the basics are sometimes easy to take for granted. A working restroom, a functional primary school, passable roads, responsive and capable civic and military institutions, and security are things not taken for granted by most in Slunj as the evidence and memories of its absences are still too near and remain in memory. But, at least for the current and future students of Slunj Primary School, a working restroom can now begin to be taken for granted.

MAJ G. Lee Sepulvado, US Army Reserve,
Civic Engagement Branch, Logistics Directorate

June 6 is a special day, but probably not for the reasons normally associated with the U.S. military in Europe. I was in Odessa, Ukraine, on the Black Sea coast. The weather was gorgeous, and I was with Ambassador Tefft and his wife, to celebrate the successful completion of facility improvements at Lastoshka Tuberculosis Children's Rehabilition Center.

Arriving sharply at 10 a.m., we were escorted to the ceremonial stage by the Chief Doctor Stepanchuk, the Center's director, and his deputy Mr. Chumachenko, at one of the completed projects -- a +250 square meter playground in the shade -- where the children, staff and media all anxiously awaited our arrival. On the way, the director stopped to allow us the opportunity to admire the children's artwork on display. Brightly colored balloons, ribbons, lace and music created a near carnival atmosphere as we met the community leaders, Vice Mayor Pavlova, Mr. Kalinchuk, and Mr. Kalinian in front of the showpiece project: the outdoor basketball court.

The Lastochka Center was built to help children recuperate and build up their immune system after contracting tuberculosis, a potentially deadly disease. The typical stay here is about 3 months as they work through the regimen of treatment. They are here without their families, but thanks to the wonderful staff they are happy -- they know they are cared for and loved, and you can see it through the smiles on their faces and the spring in their steps.

Photo courtesy US Embassy, Kiev

After the speeches, the children performed dances, skits and songs -- they are all very talented and amazingly self-confident, and put on a wonderful show. And the best part of the day, the Sixth Fleet Band Ambassadors played a mix of rock and pop, while some of the kids broke out onto the basketball court to give a test drive with a dozen basketballs donated to the center. The chairs are quickly piled up to make room on the dance floor as the kids moonwalk to Michael Jackson.

June 6 was a great day, not only for the picture postcard weather on the sun-kissed coast of the Black Sea, but because today we celebrate a partnership between the US Embassy, EUCOM and the Lastochka Children's TB Rehabilitation Center which is all about providing a second chance for children who, without this center, would not have that chance. It's about making the world a better place for the benefit of the kids who represent the future, and a partnership that will last well into that future.

Greg Zielinski,
CAPT, CEC, US Navy

U.S. European Command
J-4 EN Division Chief

Normally, I spend most of my time behind a desk fighting the administrative battles while my director handles the travel.  Recently, I had the opportunity and the distinct honor to cut ribbons at three EUCOM Humanitarian Assistance (HA) projects in the Tulcea (Danube Delta) region of Romania.  We held opening ceremonies for a renovated kindergarten, clinic, and a special needs orphanage; all unique projects, but the appreciation of the recipients and dedication of the directors, local government officials, and the people were the same.

Romanian children at kindergarten

In the town of Ceamurlia de Jos, we opened a newly constructed kindergarten that supports more than 50 students from the local “commune.”  This school replaced one built in the early 1900’s that had a reed roof, mud based interior walls, with no electricity, heat, or running water – it had been condemned.  The new school corrected all these deficiencies and provided a great facility from which to teach and learn.  One of the teachers came up to me and stated she was getting ready to retire, but stayed to see the project to completion just so she could finally teach “her children” properly.  It was great to see the smiles of all the children and their families – all thanking the Americans for coming.

During the opening of the clinic, the mayor of Maliuc, a remote island village in the Danube Delta, told me an interesting story.  His grandfather told him that in the weeks and months following WWII all the people were excited because the Americans were coming and that when they arrived things would be better.  The Mayor stated that by opening their newly renovated clinic, which serves approximately 1,500 with a staff of one doctor, he could now tell his father that the Americans have arrived and have made things better, bringing to fruition his grandfather’s promise.   This project and the others have provided the people of the region with increased confidence in the goodwill and spirit of the U.S., while at the same time building the capacity of the regional government to take care of their people.

Orphanage in Tulcea City

The final project I visited was a special needs Orphanage in Tulcea City.  This project was a direct result of the partnership between the Romanian military and the Alabama National Guard.  Since 2008, the National Guard has been supporting the city’s efforts to provide a safe and educational environment for over 100 special needs orphans and outpatients from the region. What started out as personal donations and time spent with the children developed into a complete renovation of the three-story building, including a much needed elevator for children unable to walk.                                                

EUCOM is able to do these types of projects thanks to our close partnership with the Romanian military.  These projects, like all EUCOM humanitarian assistance projects, were nominated by the country team through the Office of Defense Cooperation. In the case of Romania, the projects promote continued support for U.S./NATO basing and access.  After seeing the excitement of all the people I met during the trip, I’m confident we accomplished this mission.  Through our efforts to improve the quality of life in the region, we have gained the support and appreciation of the regional government and from generations of families. 

This trip provided me with proof that with each project, we continue to grow, “Stronger Together.”

Army Colonel William R. Stanley
Deputy Director, Logistics and Security Assistance (J4)
U.S. European Command

I feel like I am dreaming and could wake up any moment...

Comparing to the old dormitory this renovated one is like a castle from a fairy tale!

When I first came to this dorm and laid my eyes on the old building, I panicked – old walls, cracked windows, doors that wouldn't close, and the interior... it's better not to mention it! My first reaction was to run away, but there was something about it, something that wouldn't let me go.

At that moment I wasn't aware what it was, but now after having spent 4 years in the dorm, I realize that it was the good spirit of the dorm. I will always treasure its spirit and the people I lived with, both my fellow students, and the great dorm staff who helped us through those challenging adolescent years.

The dormitory kitchen staff.

You cannot imagine our joy now, in this new renovated dorm, in this paradise.

We can forget things that seem funny now – queueing to take a shower, freaking out when we would see bugs on our beds, chasing bats away, and I shouldn't even mention toilets!

We will continue to be good kids, and good students, and promise that we will get better and better each year, in the spirit of our motto – Life is an art of finding beauty and joy in everything.

The exterior of the renovated dormitory.

I said it so many times during the ceremony, but want to say it once again…Thank you for all the good you have done for the current, and all subsequent generations who will live and enjoy this dorm, thank you so much ... When I lived here it was both a paradise, and a calvary for me, but, I think, life here made me what I am now…..a young, but mature person ready for life ahead of me.

When I returned to my apartment after the opening ceremony, I cried like a child. Director Hincak is like a father to me, and every happy tear he shared with all of us feels as if I shared them with each and every one present there that day. You have returned that man a smile on his face, and not only to his, but also to all dorm students, both present and former… God has answered our prayers, and because of that: thank you :)

P.S.-sorry for my grammar mistakes :)

Marina Barić – Pinky
Vukovar Dorm Manager/Principal

What makes a Humanitarian Assistance (HA) project a success? There are many factors that impact the process; it is no longer just a triangular relationship between the project scope, available funding and allocated time.

You probably have heard it: “They [clients or the recipients of assistance] have to want the project more than you do!” You cannot impose your help on someone for their own good. Well, of course you can, but it will likely be a miserable experience both for you and for the one you are helping not to mention a waste of time and money.

During the past two years we have seen a positive change in the attitude in Latvia towards our Humanitarian Assistance projects. We have found that people tend to invest time, energy and resources to things they create and support; therefore we have learned to share the responsibility, as well as success of this program with our Latvian partners.

One example for this shift in the mindset is the renovation project at Liepaja Children and Youth Center. The Center was re-opened on Dec. 10, 2010 after extensive common access area renovation work.

To put it briefly – the center keeps local teenagers and children away from the dangers of the street by offering quality after-school activities, such as work in hobby groups and workshops to develop their skills and talents. Each day about 300 children (of whom 48% are ethnic Russians) participate in activities at the Center. Approximately 20% of the students come from socially disadvantaged families and 40% from poor families. The building used to be a Soviet Army barracks and is located in a region of the city traditionally called War Port.

Nominated by the local education department, this project stood out from the first day we met with the director of the Center and her staff. We saw dedication, determination and enthusiasm from the municipality education department, the center’s staff and even the children who attend the classes to make this renovation happen. What a difference this made! It resulted not only in a successful project with long-term impact, but also a pleasant experience for our office. We were delighted to work with a team that had set a goal and was determined to go beyond what is usually required.

Yes, they wanted it more than we did! As a result, we saved our time, our resources and avoided a great deal of frustration. More importantly - we partnered with the Latvian Government in its effort to provide a safe environment for children, rather than trying to tell the host nation how it should be done.

During her speech, the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Judith Garber, said, “Renovation projects like these are yet another example of the very strong U.S.- Latvian relationship. The close friendship between our two countries extends from membership in NATO and partnership in military operations abroad, to our commitment to vital community projects. I am proud that such a robust partnership contributes to the safety, security and welfare of people here in Latvia and in the wider region.”

Gunita Migliniece
HA Program Manager
Office of Defense Cooperation - Latvia

There are often times where you see headlines of stories but they don’t explain some of the behind the scenes work that goes on with major events. I wanted to share some of the efforts that occurred at U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and specifically the Logistics Directorate that explains our support to Israel during their recent wildfire disaster. I think it serves as a great example of our commitment to our partner nations.

The Mount Carmel region of Israel was being ravaged by wildfires creating the greatest natural disaster in the country’s history. The US Ambassador to Israel declared a disaster and on Dec. 2 the President gave verbal authorization for the United States to provide support to the Government of Israel (GoI). Headquarters, US European Command (EUCOM) assembled an operational planning team (OPT) early the next day. The OPT considered options for support ranging from firefighting equipment to humanitarian assistance to evacuees.

Airmen at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, load pallets of firefighting equipment onto a C-130 at bound for Israel Dec. 4. EUCOM routinely provides foreign humanitarian assistance in times of crises. (Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett)

The OPT, through discussions with the Israeli Defense Attaché’s office, determined the best way to support the GoI was to provide aerial dispersed firefighting foam. The EUCOM Logistics Directorate, (ECJ4) immediately began researching availability of firefighting foam within the EUCOM area of responsibility (AOR). A query of EUCOM components quickly found foam available in Naples, Italy. Unfortunately, they type of foam identified did not meet GoI’s needs.

The ECJ4 Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC) cast a wider net to identify stocks of firefighting foam from other US agencies and commercial sources. The JLOC contacted the Fire Protection office at Installation Management Command-Europe (IMCOM-E) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for assistance. IMCOM-E was able to provide a commercial source in Hamburg and DLA identified stocks in their warehouse in Germersheim, Germany. Now that stocks were identified, it was a matter of purchasing and transporting the foam to Israel.

The EUCOM commander, Admiral James Stavridis, looked for ways to help Israel as the fires had already claimed more than 40 lives and consumed thousands of acres. There is authority under Executive Order 12966 to provide disaster assistance “in emergency situations in order to save human lives, where there is not sufficient time to seek the prior initial concurrence of the Secretary of State.” Clearly meeting these criteria, the EUCOM commander directed the immediate transfer of firefighting foam to the GoI.

The time between the Commander in Chief giving his verbal order to the first shipment departing for Israel was less than 36 hours. This shipment was the first US Government cargo to arrive supporting the Israel firefighting effort. SECDEF authorization was granted for continued support and the JLOC coordinated and synchronized movement of more than 60 short tons of fire fighting foam to Israel. United States Air Forces Europe purchased and moved the foam on 5 C-130 cargo aircraft missions over a 3-day period.

Through a whole of government approach the JLOC employed reached beyond normal EUCOM supply sources to procure the required products. The JLOC coordinated with EUCOM staff, USAID, Joint Staff, DLA, IMCOM-E, commercial sources, ANG, AFRC, and GoI. EUCOM’s forward location allowed rapid assimilation of information enabling EUCOM to provide the right product, in the right quantity, to the right place, at the right time.

Maj. Collin S. Gilbert, US Air Force
EUCOM J4/Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC)

EUCOM recently renovated a three story school in the northern mountain village of Kalivac, Albania. The school director, Ms.Ditra Gjoni, was so overwhelmed with joy to cut the ribbon on the $590K renovation, a woman fluent in English and Albanian was left speechless. She attended the school as a girl and has been teaching there for the past 17 years. To see the newly painted exterior, 33 refurbished classrooms, new water well and sewage system left her feeling the words, “Thank you”, were just inadequate but she could find no others.

For the past few years, the American Embassy in Tirana Office of Defense Cooperation has focused on Humanitarian Assistance projects in some of the more remote villages. These projects build partner capacity by helping Albania provide essential services. Kalivac is located in a northern prefecture where 30% of the schools have no access to clean water, indoor plumbing and have broken doors and windows without any means to repair them. The Kalivac School serves a population of 12,000 from three different districts. Previously the school served 250 children, but now many more children are expected to attend this local school because of the vastly improved learning environment. The repairs are valued at over $500,000 and were completed in just over a year by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

I joined Major Kevin Bosch and Mr. Artian Dautaj from the Office of Defense Cooperation as well as Mr. Paul Poletes, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Embassy in Albania for the Kalivac School ribbon cutting. What Ms Gjoni struggled to express was evident everywhere on the faces of the children and parents as they combed through their new school for the first time and realized they had new windows, doors and working bathrooms for the first time in many years.

In the future we expect to do more regional projects for Albania and the Balkans by investing in Disaster Preparedness and Telemedicine, but I’m sure the occasional school renovations will remain on our schedule. There really is no better grass roots opportunity for us to reach out and impact the next generation.

For me, it is always an honor to represent EUCOM at events designed to further U.S. priorities such as helping our partner provide sustainable education. However, when you consider Albania’s contribution to ISAF, recent end to conscription and many other great strides in becoming a valued NATO partner, this school renovation becomes our expression of “thank you”.

Lt. Col. Amy McCall
Civic Engagement Branch
ECJ4, Logistics Directorate

For much of our Army careers, defining security involved calculating the size of the military force that could be moved to and sustained in a particular area of the world on short notice; the larger the force equating to proportionally more security. However, attendance at two elementary school rededications in Vares and Fojnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), lead us to believe that perhaps this definition is far too simple.

LTG Miladin Milojcic, Chief of Defense of the Armed Forces of BiH, thanks those involved in the interior renovation of the Vares Elementary School.

Vares and Fojnica villages are each about an hour Northwest of Sarajevo, BiH. Scars of the conflicts of the 1990’s are still clearly hammered into the facades of many buildings lining the roads to these schools and in the neglected factories around the towns. Remaining unrepaired as perhaps are many native memories and souls are today still. In stark contrast, the Vares and Fojnica elementary schools now stand recently renovated. The renovations the result of the combined efforts of the BiH military, the US Embassy and its Defense and Office of Defense Cooperation team, US European Command, and the elected, municipal, school and religious authorities in Vares and Fojnica. These two elementary schools stand now not only as symbols of cooperation, but as powerful symbols of hope, understanding and compassion for these communities.

These projects highlight the power of a simple Humanitarian Assistance project. There are few occasions where you bring together the instruments of national power (Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic – DIME) in such a positive way for two countries but these school projects did just that. They were incredible opportunities for both the Unites States and BiH to engage each other through their full range of instruments of national power while “planting a seed” with the youth of BiH for future partnership.

Children, parents and teachers of the Vares elementary school anticipate the cutting of the rededication ribbon.

After being involved in these school openings, it makes us think about how many other non-military focused initiatives are being done on regular bases to improve security and cooperation within the EUCOM AOR. It really is naïve to imply that security can only be achieved with the presence of military power. The joyful and hopeful expressions on the faces of the children, parents, and teachers of Vares and Fojnica elementary schools leads one to consider that security’s definition may also include a measure of hope, understanding and compassion.

MAJ Lee Sepulvado, Humanitarian Project Manager and
LTC Leon Parrott, Deputy, Engineering Division
Logistics Directorate, US European Command

September 15 is the first day of school in Azerbaijan and I was fortunate enough to attend the opening ceremony for Barda school #2 located about 400 KM west of the capital Baku. It was a great honor to join the Deputy Minister of Education, Cabinet Minister for Internally Displaces Persons & Refugees, Regional Mayor and US Embassy Charge D'Affaires, Adam Sterling, in opening our 16th new or renovated school in Azerbaijan.

School children flowers in hand, excited about their brand new school.

This $670,000 school, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in cooperation with a local contractor, is simple by US standards with outdoor latrines, a small boiler and water tank. Each of the classrooms had 3 rows of 2-person desks and a chalk board at the front. But, if you could have seen the joy of the parents, children and local community you'd have thought we'd built them the Taj Mahal.

When this community absorbed some of the 1 million IDPs in Azerbaijan they lost their school. The old dilapidated school is now filled with blanket walled shelters that serve as homes for the IDPs living there. This forced the children to attend school in shifts using small temporary shelters with no windows. So while the simple 13-room school house donated by US Department of Defense might seem basic to the average American, it was a drastic improvement for the children of Barda.

Students perform a dance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony as the U.S. Chargé D’Affaires to Azerbaijan, Mr. Adam Sterling, Deputy Minister of Education, Regional Mayor, local media and myself observe.

And Sept. 15 was all about the children of Barda school #2 and the ability to provide a healthy environment for them to learn. I was, at once, impressed with the turn out of the local and national media, the kids in their sharp uniforms, the parents and teachers all so grateful for making a dream come true. This is more than just building a comfortable learning environment, but about partnering with Azerbaijani people to build a future.

On the wall of the media room, were only two maps: one of Azerbaijan, the other of the United States of America. It is clear to me that our caring gift of a schoolhouse has helped shaped a positive US image for these students, parents and teachers of, at least, this school. The principal was presented a book of images of the USA. She told me, glancing through the photos, that she was inspired by a country that represents freedom, democracy, and equal opportunity for all...and that she would leave the book in her office to inspire others as well. We are making a difference-one schoolhouse at a time.

Me testing out the new basketball hoop donated by the Peace Corps.

Greg Zielinski,
CAPT, CEC, US Navy
“HA all the way…for the Love!”

U.S. European Command
J-4 EN Division Chief

Have you been to the beautiful mountainsides of Northern Albania? It was my first time to this land called Shqipëria, and as it is known by its inhabitants the "Land of the Mountain Eagle," hence the two-headed eagle on their uniquely distinguished national flag.

MAJ Kevin Bosch with the students in front of their newly renovated Kastriot High School

Such beautiful breath-taking purple mountain peaks and quaint rustic rural valley towns! We arrived at the “Gjergj Kastriot” High School, aptly named for the Albanian national hero, where more than 315 students eagerly awaited the inauguration of their newly renovated school. When we arrived, one could sense the kids’ excitement, energy, and enthusiasm about their school. They came up to us to practice their English and to catch up on recent Hollywood movie releases, such as “The Karate Kid”. This is what makes long hours in the staff office worthwhile. Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces and to know they will be the future engineers, lawyers, doctors and teachers of Albania…to me, that is absolutely and gratifyingly priceless!

U.S. Chargé D’Affaires to Albania, Mrs. Deborah Jones, greets the Mayor of Kastriot, Mr. Hamza Leshi, and in background ODC Chief MAJ Kevin Bosch and Mr. Artian Dautaj HA Program Manager

Our program supports the basic humanitarian needs of civilians. The U.S. Chargé D’Affaires to Albania, Mrs. Deborah Jones, put it best, “... Americans believe that education is the foundation of a democratic society. Education helps young people find good jobs. Education leads to a stronger economy. Education allows citizens to become involved in their community.”

The municipality of Kastriot is 9 km northwest of the town of Peshkopi in the District of Diber Northern Albania with 7,800 residents living in this area. This school hosts students from the Kastriot commune, Fushe Cidhen, Arras and Sllove communities.

Mr. Qamil Neziri, the School Director, said there is a steady increase in enrollment “60 more students from last year. 53% of the students were able to attend different universities across Albania. This indicates the interest of our community towards the school and education.”

The EUCOM Humanitarian Assistance (HA) office provided $534,000 to help renovate the high school in Kastriot. Mr. Artian Dautaj, the HA Program Manager from the Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation, played a pivotal role in the last 11 months meticulously ensuring project success. The renovations included a new roof, electrical wiring, plumbing, gutters, tile flooring, windows, painting and plastering damaged areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Europe District provided engineering, contracting and construction oversight as this project was completed by the contractor, SKE, and local subcontractors.

Finally, the Mayor of Kastriot, Mr. Hamza Leshi, captured the essence of the ribbon cutting ceremony at Kastrioti High School best with a traditional Albanian saying:

If you think on what would you do within one year's time frame - work the land,
If you think on what would you do within one century time frame - plant the olive trees,
If you think on what would you do in your life - you better educate young generations.

Me laughing with the students.

LCDR Dúc “Duke” Nguyen
“HA all the way…for the Love!”

U.S. European Command
J-4 Civil Military Operations – Humanitarian Assistance

As we learn time and again, Mother Nature demands our respect. Although the core competency of militaries is not humanitarian work, we are sometimes called upon to help respond to natural disasters, providing life-saving support to affected communities.

During the past couple of weeks, I’ve been focused on two very different disasters: the flooding in Pakistan and the wildfires raging in Russia. Each is a case study in the complexities of delivering security in the 21st Century.

A member of the Pakistan military helps civilians unload from the back of a U.S. Army helicopter in the town of Khwazahkela, during the evacuation of civilians,as part of the disaster relief effort to help the flood victims of Pakistan, Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.

In the case of Pakistan, 20 million people have been affected by the flooding – nearly a fifth of the country. The need is tremendous. The U.S. has pledged substantial assistance, along with many other nations and international organizations. From the NATO side, we have sent an assessment team to determine what help the Alliance can provide, pending authorization from the North Atlantic Council (NAC). I am anticipating an effort using an air bridge to help move desperately needed supplies. Pakistan is, of course, a key strategic partner in Afghanistan. At SHAPE, we are engaged heavily in planning so that if the mandate comes from the NAC, we are ready to spring into action.

Sergeant Terrill Wright, 37th Airlift Squadron, pushes a pallet of firefighting and humanitarian supplies on to a C-130J at Trondheim Airport, Norway, after an official request from the government of Russia to the US.

In the case of Russia, we are pushing assistance via U.S. European Command in concert with and under the lead of other U.S. federal organizations (State, USAID, and so on) and, of course, in full coordination and at the request of the Government of Russia. Russia is, without a doubt, an important and complex partner; there is real need, from a humanitarian perspective, to provide assistance. We have a lot of military capabilities that can be helpful, from aircraft to specialized equipment to knowledge from our own U.S. experiences in battling wildfires on the West Coast. A USAF C-130s relief support mission from Ramstein to Russia took place over the weekend, loaded with equipment. We’re ready to provide additional support if requested by Russia.

It’s heartening to see the international community come together to respond to these tragedies. And although we hate to see these disasters occur, it’s an honor to be a part of military organizations which are so quick to respond and capable of providing much needed assistance.

Adm. James Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe

See more stories about the international response at:
http://bit.ly/9z4j8r and http://bit.ly/9RaYJP

CAPT Ed Buclatin is EUCOM's Director of Public Affairs

In the last three years, social media revolutionized the way we communicate with each other across the globe.  Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and thousands of other social networking sites allow people with shared interests to form communities on the web regardless of location, background and beliefs.  EVERYONE can participate.

One aspect of social media that's received a lot of attention in recent months is its ability to share and collaborate, also known as "crowdsourcing", or the forming of communities based on shared interests.  The humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR) in Haiti, following the Jan. 12, 2010 earthquake, is a classic example of its effectiveness to compile real-time situational awareness of conditions on the ground (text updates and photos) and provide actionable information to rescue and relief workers.  All-Partners Access Network, CrisisCommons and Ushahidi were just some of the sites that allowed contributors around the world to share info and help the Haitian people.  In a recent blog, Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, Joint Task Force-Haiti Commander, redefined C2 as "coordinate and collaborate," and what was responsible for the successful US response in Haiti.

One of the thousands of geo-tagged "mashups" used in Haiti.

During normal steady-state operations, crowdsourcing is a great way to stay connected with people with similar interests, exchange ideas, build relationships and ultimately trust.

EUCOM is taking a close look at the power of crowdsourcing.  Specifically, we're taking a look ways we can jump start collaboration with interagencies, public private partners and partner nations during a contingency operation or the early stages of HADR ops to provide situational awareness of the effected area or region.

Some of the questions that have come up in our discussions include:

• Who should lead the crowdsourcing effort during an international crisis response? Government? Non-government organization (NGO)? Public private organization? Others?
• Should a government agency spearhead this effort initially before the global community takes over?
• Should the US military get involved with crowdsourcing for HADR ops?  If so, which directorate should it fall under (Operations, Intelligence, Interagency or Information Systems)?
• Who will take on the huge tasks of validating, managing and disseminating the data?

Crowdsourcing is a huge  endeavor for any one organization to take on alone.  It's worth looking at developing a way to unify the international effort to build relationships now and better synchronize our efforts for the next HADR crisis to come.

I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.

FW: After Facebook and Twitter               Inbox   X                         Navy/EUCOM   X               Reply to all | Buclatin, Ed D. CAPT ✆ to me show details 1:27 PM (9 minutes ago)   CAPT Ed Buclatin, US Navy EUCOM Director of Public Affairs +49-711-680-8341 DSN 314-430-8341 ed.buclatin@eucom.mil http://www.eucom.mil Connect with us on: www.Facebook.com/EUCOM www.Twitter.com/US_EUCOM www.YouTube.com/EUCOMvClips www.Flickr.com/EUCOM www.EUCOM.mil/english/blog.asp --- "Stronger Together!" -----Original Message----- From: Stavridis, James G. ADM Sent: Monday, May 10, 2010 1:26 PM To: Buclatin, Ed D. CAPT; Nagelmann, Sarah E. CIV Cc: Foggo, James G. RDML; Perry, Kenneth M. CAPT; Silveira, Jorge L. COL; Gonzalez, Elizabeth M. CIV; Prewett, Robert W. LT; Julian, Gregory S COL MIL USA; Gradeck, Jeffery D. CIV; Gardner, John D. LTG; Martoglio, Charles W. RADM; Tomassi, John V. CIV; Beckman, Kristi L. Maj; Ritchie, Michael G. SES; Maddocks, Roy M. FLTCM Subject: RE: After Facebook and Twitter Thanks and concur all -- keep thinking this through.  We need to lead the way ... Best, Jim Admiral, USN Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Commander, US European Command "Stronger Together" Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter! Follow my blog on www.eucom.mil or www.acositrep.com -----Original Message----- From: Buclatin, Ed D. CAPT Sent: Sunday, May 09, 2010 7:20 PM To: Stavridis, James G. ADM; Nagelmann, Sarah E. CIV Cc: Foggo, James G. RDML; Perry, Kenneth M. CAPT; Silveira, Jorge L. COL; Gonzalez, Elizabeth M. CIV; Prewett, Robert W. LT; Julian, Gregory S COL MIL USA; Gradeck, Jeffery D. CIV; Gardner, John D. LTG; Martoglio, Charles W. RADM; Tomassi, John V. CIV; Beckman, Kristi L. Maj; Ritchie, Michael G. SES; Maddocks, Roy M. FLTCM Subject: Re: After Facebook and Twitter Admiral, My Social Media team has been keeping their ears to the ground looking for new players in the SNS arena.  For the next year, Facebook and Twitter will continue to dominate, and is worth EUCOM/SHAPE's on-going engagements. However, one area that we're taking a closer look at is the "sharing/collaboration" piece of Social Media or "crowd sourcing" that has been taken for granted.  Haiti is a classic example of its effectiveness to provide real-time SA (by NGOs) on conditions on the ground (text updates and photos) during contingency ops.  What's been under-utilized are the non-.mil collaboration sites and web 2.0 apps/tools that can be used to share info and ideas on a steady-state basis with interagencies, public private partners and partner nations. APAN.net and real-time group chats are some of these. We're looking at how we can fold these tools into EUCOM.mil or leverage succesful established partnering sites like APAN, in collaboration with J9, J3, J6, Marshall Center and others across the staff, to help establish dialogue, build relationships and enhance enduring trust. This is a lot to take on, and much bigger than PA/SC, but it's definitely worth pursuing to enhance our strategic communication and relationships with our European partners. More to follow. Vr, Ed CAPT Ed Buclatin, US Navy EUCOM Director of Public Affairs +49-711-680-8341/8574 DSN 314-430-8341/8574 ed.buclatin@eucom.mil http://www.eucom.mil Connect with EUCOM on: www.Facebook.com/EUCOM www.Twitter.com/US_EUCOM www.YouTube.com/EUCOMvClips www.Flickr.com/EUCOM www.EUCOM.mil/english/blog.asp --- We are "Stronger Together!" ----- Original Message ----- From: Stavridis, James G. ADM To: Nagelmann, Sarah E. CIV Cc: Foggo, James G. RDML; Perry, Kenneth M. CAPT; Silveira, Jorge L. COL; Gonzalez, Elizabeth M. CIV; Prewett, Robert W. LT; Julian, Gregory S COL MIL USA; Buclatin, Ed D. CAPT; Gradeck, Jeffery D. CIV Sent: Sun May 09 12:04:32 2010 Subject: After Facebook and Twitter I love both and will continue to use. But so is everyone else.  Where are we going in social networking? What's next?  How can we get out in front of the herd?  What are the cool new sites?  Where are the demographics driving us, both on the EUCOM and NATO side? Sarah, your lead -- everyone else contribute your ideas. Best, Jim Admiral, USN Supreme Allied Commander, Europe Commander, US European Command "Stronger Together" Connect with me on Facebook and Twitter! Follow my blog on www.eucom.mil or www.acositrep.com Reply   Forward

Maj. Kristi Beckman is the Chief of Social Media for European Command Public Affairs

Happy Twenty Ten from U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany!

I’m sure everyone had some great time off with family and friends and is now recharged and ready to experience 2010s challenges and opportunities!

We’ve been pushing forward in the social media realm here as you can see from the new additions on our Web site. And I’m happy to say that our conversations in the cyber realm have increased as we continue to tell our story and develop relationships with you all.

It’s pretty amazing to realize just how far EUCOM has come in 58 years. This command has been part of many amazing events and will surely witness many more to come.

Let’s hope this year brings good news as we press forward with our mission of conducting military operations and building partner capacity alongside our 51 partner nations.

My recent trip to Macedonia showed me first-hand the relationships we’ve developed and are continuing to develop with our partner nations. I wrote two stories on that visit that can better tell you about some of the things we’re doing there. Also, catch Chuck Brady’s blog. Chuck is our Civil Military Operations chief who gets to be a part of this great stuff every day.

You might be wondering why EUCOM works so hard to establish, build-upon, and keep these relationships? Simply put, it’s about working together toward a better life for everyone.

There are so many ways we do this. We help train partner nation militaries so they can better protect themselves and their people. We help through humanitarian assistance when our partner nations call upon us for support. And we help through civil military operations, building stability and security, and are currently working alongside 19 of our partner nations in this arena.

For 58 years EUCOM has been here, working hard toward security and stability for all.  And together, with our partner nations, we will continue to work toward this endstate.

Keep tracking our blogs as we start to write more on our partnership in these countries. And, please, continue to be actively involved in the conversation.

Happy New Year!

As Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation in Bulgaria, I recently attended two ribbon cutting ceremonies in the towns of Zherevna and Kermen to celebrate the completion of renovations for their health centers funded by the DoD Humanitarian Assistance Office.

LTC Hartmnan and Vesi Terzieva, Governor Kavrakov and LCDR Daystar speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony Nov. 10.

We are fortunate that Task Force-East is located in-country which allows us to coordinate support from units like the 409th Contracting Support Battalion to make these projects reality. In this case, the 409th contracted with SKE to resource local contractors and renovate the floor, and to provide a new ceiling and new roofing for the health center in Zhereven. At the health center in Kermen, local contractors replaced dilapidated wooded windows and refurbished the downstairs lavatory as well as refinished the interior walls. These two centers provide service to a rural population of 7,000.

LTC Hartman tries the traditional welcome bread as the first guest to enter the newly refurbished health center.

The ribbon cutting ceremonies attracted large crowds including the regional governor of Silven to celebrate completion of the projects with the contractors and U.S. Embassy. Locals provided entertainment which included cultural dancing, singing, and food. These sort of shared events and cross-cultural interaction are what I find particularly rewarding as an ODC Chief - both professionally and personally.

That said, we do try to use these events as much more than a local one. We often try to incorporate the embassy PAO in order to engage with the press in order to hit strategic messages and themes to a far broader audience. In keeping with that goal, on this occasion I did a press interview, and affirmed that the goal of these projects and similar projects is to bring our two nations and two peoples together in ways that benefit both societies. Given the recent concern over the spread of the H1N1 virus, I also emphasized that well functioning health centers are essential as local communities support critical needs of their population. It is an honor to engage with communities like Zhereven and Kermen who help us assimilate our military presence in a responsible and enduring way.

LTC Eric Hartman
Chief, Office of Defense Cooperation in Bulgaria

Riding down the bumpy dirt road with a semi–truck trailing behind, a smile appears on my face. We approach several cows standing in the middle of the road that are in no hurry, of course. I honk the horn twice and they finally begin to amble on their way, except for one. He slowly raises his head, looks directly at me, and I swear I hear him say, “What’s your hurry?” I get the hint, sit back and relax as he wags his tail and slowly moseys along.

This paints a familiar picture of rural life in Armenia. Things are slower, simpler. I quickly forget the hustle and bustle of the capital, Yerevan, and settle into what I love about my job as the Bilateral Affairs Officer for the European Command State Partnership Program; getting to meet the unique, genuine, and hospitable people of this beautiful country, Armenia.

Furniture being offloaded at the Chambarak School in Armenia.

On behalf of the United States Embassy in Yerevan and the European Command Humanitarian Assistance office in Stuttgart, Germany, we were able to supply over $4000 worth of much needed furniture to Chambarak School Number Two. The U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) has provided several such shipments in the past year, adding up to $15,000 worth of material donated to schools and orphanages in rural Armenian and several more are on the way. Many of these projects would not be possible without the many Non-Governmental Organizations and governmental organizations working together, sharing information, and coordinating their efforts to support the development of Armenia.

For instance, Save the Children completed the renovation of the Chambarak School in early 2009. To assist in furnishing the school, Armenian Relief Fund donated desks, and the United States Embassy’s ODC provided additional desks, chairs, and bookcases for the teachers. Although the donations are often small in monetary value, the impact is enormous. We could see the sincere gratitude of the local population from the look in their eyes, their vigorous handshakes, and their heartfelt, “shnorak’alutsyun,” (translation: “thank you”).

Captain Robert Sanders
Bilateral Affairs Office
U.S. Embassy Yerevan, Armenia

Happy Veterans Day to all of those who are serving and who have served!

Maj. Kristi Beckman is the Chief of Social Media for European Command Public Affairs

I am proud to call myself a Veteran. From setting up a base in Kyrgyzstan, evacuating Americans out of Liberia; providing humanitarian aid throughout the Horn of Africa, and even providing aid to the victims of Hurricane Katrina in our own country; I can truly say I’ve done some amazing things and been around some incredible people all fighting for what we believe in and helping those who need it the most.

That’s what it’s all about, right? It’s about love of country, love of people, and love of freedom. It’s about helping those in need and protecting the weak from those who want nothing more than to destroy them.

There are many Veterans today who have given so much, not only for the price of their freedom, but incredibly for the price of others’ freedom. When service members come home to their families missing arms and legs because they’ve been blown up in another country while trying so desperately to bring change and hope to that country, THAT is selflessness.

And THAT is what being a Veteran is all about. Veterans face fear and trudge forward. Veterans give their last breath so others might go on breathing. Veterans fight those who would kill innocent civilians without pause. Veterans protect those who cannot defend themselves. Veterans are the most noble of creatures on this Earth.

On this Veterans Day, take a moment out of your busy day to pause and reflect on these brave men and women. Take a moment to listen to the stories of some of the Veterans who have given so much for so many. Wounded Warrior Diaries

And PLEASE, if you know a Veteran, tell me how that Veteran has touched your life or the lives of others.

On Oct. 22, I had the most rewarding day since being assigned as the Bilateral Affairs Officer to the U.S. Embassy, Vilnius, Lithuania. That day, I was in charge of organizing the delivery of hygiene and medical material donated as part of Project Handclasp, the Navy’s space available program for shipping humanitarian donations.

That morning, myself along with sailors from the USS John L Hall and Ambassador Anne Derse with other staff from the U.S. Embassy spent several hours on the Baltic shore cleaning up the beach as part of a U.S. Navy Community Relations program. After that, we all traveled to Caritas Elderly Care center to where earlier this summer, service members from the USS Mount Whitney and the Lithuanian Navy made desparate repairs on an aging building that was a donated elementary school turned home for the elderly. We had a wonderful visit and donated some more supplies to help them with the care of the residents.

Everyone was in great spirits and it was so wonderful to see the administrators, Father Vilius Viktoravicius and Rasa Senkiene, again. It’s nice to see the reaction from our friends that we’ve made a difference in their lives. We hope that our continued efforts provide peace of mind that this elder community has not been forgotten and they look forward to continued efforts with the U.S. as well as Lithuanian Navy.

Ambassador Anne Derse passes out items as part of Project Handclasp to children at the Rytas Orphanage, Oct. 22. Sailors from the USS John L. Hall refurbished the Orphanage\'s kitchen and bathroom facilities and replaced aging windows throught the whole building.

What a great morning, but the highlight of my day was our final stop at Rytas Orphanage. There are currently 68 children between 4-18 years of age at the orphanage and they are not strangers to the U.S. generosity and friendship. In 2006, we helped refurbish their kitchen and bathroom facilities as well as replaced the aging windows throughout the building.

So, when we arrived their eyes got big and they began clapping with excitement because they knew we came to bring needed supplies. Everyone, including the ship’s commanding officer and Ambassador Derse unloaded boxes of shampoo, soap, mouth wash and other basic healthcare items. The U.S. Embassy added a collection of books to the Handclasp donations which only raised the level of excitement for the children. Then, the Lithuanian children surprised us by singing and dancing for us. It was such a great experience! It’s amazing to me what an impact these contributions and this assistance can make.

Once the celebrations were over and the distinguished visitors left, I stayed behind with five sailors. We had so much fun just hanging out with the children. We taught each other silly dance steps and laughed and giggled for close to two hours. Having the reason to come is one thing, but to actually connect and make dreams become a reality is what I found most rewarding.

U.S. Navy sailors from the USS John L. Hall, myself and children from Rytas Orphanage joke around here Oct. 22 after a Project Handclasp donation was provided to the orphanage.

The HA program allows us to reach out and make a difference and we really did make a difference. After meeting with the orphanage administrator, Regina Milasiene, I found that she too finds our continued visits bring HOPE, not only for the kids but for her and her team. These are the connections we make as citizen soldiers in countries where relationships can make a difference. In Lithuania we can help make dreams become a reality through sustained humanitarian efforts. I will not soon forget this amazing experience!

LtCol Stephen Timmons
Deputy ODC Vilnius

A U.S. Army engineer from the 15th Engineering Battalion and a U.S. Navy Seabee from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE install new windows in the Vela Peeva Elementary School.

Пъдарево or Padarevo, was just a name to me until recently. It was the name of one village of the many where my humanitarian assistance projects take place across EUCOM’s AOR and one that I track on a spreadsheet from the confines of my office in Stuttgart. The opportunities to see these projects are few. On September 17, 2009, however, I got the opportunity to go to Padarevo.
The village of Padarevo lies in south-eastern Bulgaria in the northern part of the Upper Thracian Valley. It has served as a gateway between east and west and been a place of human settlement since prehistoric times. For several millennia, this region has also produced many notable wines.

The EUCOM project in Paderevo consists of renovating the Vela Peeva Kindergarten which is being undertaken in conjunction with the deployment of Task Force East near the training area of Novo Selo. This project is unique because it is a combined effort between the U.S. Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 (NMCB3), U.S. Army engineers from the 15th Engineering Battalion, and Bulgarian military engineers. This HCA project provided a unique opportunity to cross train techniques cross DoD services, work with new materials, and most importantly, working collaboratively together in an international context.

A U.S. Navy Seabee from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE lays tile in the Vela Peeva Elementary school in Padarevo, Bulgaria.

On Sept. 22, 2009, this project will be completed and will benefit about 25 kindergarten age children and their supporting and administrative staff. One can see the obvious benefits in having an improved facility at the earliest educational development of children and the improved working conditions for the adults. It is nice to see the ascetics of freshly painted walls, new flooring, new tile work and fixtures in the bathrooms. But this project also involves replacing doors and windows which will no doubt shield the children and workers from the harsh winter months.

Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see the beneficiaries of this project. It is always nice to see people proud and content in their new surroundings. But I take comfort in knowing that this winter as children are playing and learning, they will be doing so in a warm and inviting environment, all made possible through the international military partnering of Bulgarian military engineers, U.S. Seabees and U.S. Army Engineers!

Major Eric Tramel
Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program Manager

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Amy McCall greets children at the school opening in Kucova, Albania.

We traveled to Albania Sept. 14, 2009 to witness the grand opening of the newly renovated Kucove (Ku-cho-va) Elementary School. Along with the U.S. European Command’s Office of Defense Cooperation and U.S. Charge d’Affairs, we made our way to Kucove and after a 2 ½ hour drive arrived to the sight of 200 young students waving U.S. and Albanian flags in the yard of their newly renovated school. As we toured the grounds and met our Albanian hosts we immediately became aware of the deep admiration Albanians feel for the United States. More than admiration- to use their words- “love” for the United States and all Americans.

What we learned during our 2-day visit is that Albania feels indebted to the U.S. To a person, they cite President Wilson’s support for Albania’s independence in 1919 at the conclusion of World War I. His staunch determination in the face of attempts by other countries to divide and annex this seaside and mountainous land and its people has not been forgotten. Albanian’s remain eternally grateful to the U.S. for this momentous decision and its continued support.

We were honored to represent our country and the U.S. European Command at this event. After the speeches and ribbon cutting by the school director, the Mayor of Kucove, and the US Charge d’ Affairs, the children entered the beautiful school with a new roof, playground, plumbing, heating, and fire escapes (one of only three schools in Albania with such safety provisions). The project was nominated by the Office of Defense Cooperation and U.S. Embassy in Tirana, approved and funded by the U.S. European Command, and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers using local Albanian contractors and locally purchased materials.

After gaining an appreciation for the strong ties that bind Americans and Albanians, we believe that this school is a wise investment in the future of our relationship and will serve the educational needs of Kucove’s children for years to come. Generations of families attended the school opening including many who were previous graduates from the elementary school and who now have children attending the school. Both the School Director and the Mayor who were in attendance at the ceremony are graduates of the school.

The real measure of success for the U.S. European Command is our ability to reinforce President Wilson’s message from many years ago and to make Albania’s youngest generation aware of this commitment. US support for Albania’s accession to NATO and projects such as the renovation of this school in Kucove communicate this message. We believe in the strength of Albania as a nation state, a NATO ally and value their partnership as we work to become stronger together.

Mr. Chuck Brady and Lt. Col. Amy McCall
EUCOM Humanitarian Assistance Program

In response to changes in the 2006 Quadrenial Defense Review and the U.S. European Command’s new Strategy for Active Security, engagement has moved to Building Partner Capacity. Medical engagement is an excellent venue to execute this mandate.

This is all about ‘teaching a man to fish.’ Like any quality engagement, it must be built on proper awareness of Host Nation goals, assessments, cultural sensitivity and efficiency through coordinated action. Building this capacity works best when built through sustainable development using local resources and talent. Additionally, quality end states come through measures of effectiveness and reinforcement of transparency and accountability.

Under the State Partnership Program, the North Carolina Guard leveraged local resources and talent to renovate this burn hospital resulting in local doctors saving local lives as well as promoting the legitimacy of the local government.

Medical engagements following this type of approach will involve public health, sanitation, education and facility repair. These have maximum population impact and set the conditions for further development and self sufficiency.

U.S. direct care of host nation civilians - also known as MEDCAPs or MEDRETEs - has long been the main stay of medical engagement. However, it does not build capacity. Though fun to do while generating great photos and happy commanders, it often has many unintended second and third order consequences that include discrediting the local government and medical systems or fostering dependency and mission creep that will later prevent empowerment or self sufficiency.

The State Partner Program is a vital resource in building partner capacity engagement. This program has a 15 year history of success. The tactical advantages come from:

- Long term relationships that last for years – not weeks or days

- Specialty skills through National Guard member’s civilian occupations

- The ability to engage via a military-to-military or military-to-civilian mission, which transforms into a civilian-to-civilian project that partners home-state civilian organizations with the host nations.

We are committed to using medical engagement in building partner capicity and stand ready to help medical mission planners transition from old school MEDCAPs to the new BPC focus.

Lt. Col. Mark Hubner

U.S. European Command

ECJ4 and Office of the Command Surgeon

I have a story to tell of my visits to several U.S. European Command humanitarian assistance projects in the Republic of Serbia.

The projects I visited involved the renovation and rehabilitation of Serbian elementary schools in the municipalities of Lapovo, Trubarevac, Pirot, Blendija, and Prokuplje. These municipalities are all in Southern Serbia near Nis, the third largest city in Serbia, and the largest city in Southern Serbia. Planned and coordinated by the staff of the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, the Republic of Serbia’s State Partnership Partner, Ohio, provided construction staff from the Air National Guard’s 200th Red Horse (Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers) Squadron from Port Clinton, Ohio, and the Army National Guard’s 1194th Engineering Company from Chillicothe, Ohio, to help execute three of the projects. A detachment of U.S Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE, Port Hueneme, CA, provided construction staff for the school rehabilitation in Blendija.

Nis, an ancient and storied city, is the largest in Southern Serbia and for centuries has been considered one of Europe’s gates to the East and a cultural crossroad between East and West. Nis, situated on the Nisava River, was originally a Celtic settlement that was later colonized by Greek settlers. It was used as a base of operations by the Roman Army during its Balkans campaigns and is not far from where the Romans turned back a Gothic invasion of the Balkans at the Battle of Naissus in 268 AD. In 272 AD, the future Constantine the Great was born in Nis, and in 443 AD, Attila the Hun sacked Nis and massacred all its inhabitants. Skipping several centuries of intriguing history to the modern, the municipal government of Nis was the first to stand against the government of Slobodan Milosevic when Zoran Zivkovic, the head of a coalition of opposition parties was democratically elected as mayor of Nis in 1996. And in May 1999, NATO aircraft attacked Nis airfield with cluster bomb munitions with one of the bombs failing to operate properly and landing in several populated sections of the city killing several civilians.

U.S.-Serbian relations in the 1990s, and earlier this decade, have been difficult but are an important backdrop for understanding the significance of current U.S.-Serbian military cooperation, including humanitarian assistance. The results of humanitarian assistance projects are important, i.e., renovated or refurbished schools; improved health facilities; school supplies for children; and enhanced local emergency response capabilities. However, what may be as important, if not more, is that we are cooperating with the military and government of Serbia at many levels; a clear and positive achievement supporting the continuing improvement of relations between the U.S. and Serbia.

There were four projects in progress when I visited. Yet, these projects had been the subject of over 40 positive local, regional and national written news articles. In Blendija and Prokuplje, on the day I attended a U.S. Embassy organized press event, there were many Serbian newspaper, radio, and TV reporters and camera teams on hand for the event. I found it curious that the uncompleted projects were of this much interest?

It occurred to me on the long drive home that the reporters were there to tell stories of the positive relationships forming between American and Serbian people. The cameras were taking pictures and videos of Americans and Serbians sharing experiences, breaking bread together in the traditional Serbian manner, playing basketball and soccer together, shaking hands, laughing and working together, trying to communicate in each other’s language, swapping unit patches, showing pictures of each other’s families and loved ones. These were the activities shared by people wanting to build positive relationships with one another.

I now have a new set of experiences and images of Serbia and Serbian friendship that are transforming my understanding of Serbia and its people, and which gives me hope for the continued improvement of the U.S.-Serbian relationship.

MAJ G. Lee Sepulvado, U.S. Army Reserve
Assistant Operations Officer, Civil Military Operations
U.S. European Command

I just returned to Patch Barracks, Germany from Knin, Croatia where I had the unique opportunity to spend time with a few of the Airmen deployed from the 435th Construction and Training Squadron (CTS), stationed at Ramstein AB, Germany. They function as a rapidly deployable construction unit with capabilities such as: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, pavement and road construction. After seeing them in action, I know that the previous list is just a portion of their skills.

The Airmen are there to support infrastructure initiatives and humanitarian assistance projects that encourage refugees to resettle in the local area.

When the Chief of the Office of Cooperation in Zagreb, LTC Chuck Davis, and I caught up with the Airmen, they were in the middle of a refurbishment project to the hospital in Knin which serves the local population of 15,000 and the surrounding communities. Now with the help of the U.S. European Command and United States Air Forces in Europe, this hospital and the local population are seeing tangible results and have another reason to take pride in this beautiful mountain town.

This project has garnered attention from the press. Scarcely an hour after our arrival, the press arrived to interview the director of the hospital, the Brigade Commander of the Croatian Guards Motorized Brigade - Brigadier General Fuzul, the Mayor of Knin, and LTC Davis.

Media interviewing hospital director in Knin, Croatia

All emphasized the importance of the project to the people of the area. A half hour after leaving the hospital, while we shared a lunch at a local restaurant, our Croatian hosts at one point quieted the table and asked the restaurant staff to turn up the radio - the story was being broadcast on local radio with the voice of the translator replacing that of LTC Davis. Their report was positive. I have been told that the newspaper coverage the following day was equally positive.

Fourteen members of 435 CTS have worked hard to improve the sanitation of the hospital by repairing and painting the walls throughout the hospital - this is not the kind of paint job that you or I would do on a weekend at home, but rather the complete sealing of the walls with a high-gross paint on a well prepped surface that can be easily cleaned and kept sanitary. As well, they installed reinforced steel edges on the walls to resist the erosion from the bumping of gurneys when transporting patients. Walking in the children's ward I rounded one of these corners destined for steel reinforcing, only to find two airmen with masks and sledgehammers making small work of the pre-existing bathroom: the new bathrooms will include rugged, commericial faucets that will conserve water, a precious commodity.

Two airmen suveying ventilation system of hospital in Knin, Croatia

The ventilation system is being brought back into function, allowing the system to circulate fresh air into the building and remove potential microbes in the air. The Airmen are also replacing radiators which had ceased to adequately heat because of rust and sediment build-up. The new ones will function better and have clearance from the wall to allow forquick and effective cleaning.

Two airmen from the 435th CTS offloading new radiators

This project is especially important because its focus is primarily the hospital's children's ward. It is a focus that the Airmen were proud to highlight by painting the ward in bright, cheerful colors, the kind of colors they would want their own children to have around them while they recuperate.

As this project winds down, I know that our airmen will leave with heavy hearts.

LTC Davis and BG Fuzul

Our thanks goes to the hospital staff, the people of Knin and our local military hosts for their hospitality throughout the visit of the professionals of the 435 CTS.

Hvala! Dovidjenja, vidimo se opet! "Thanks! See you soon!"

Major Eric Tramel, USAF
HQ US European Command
Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Program Manager