ULM, Germany - In an atmospheric Awarding Ceremony at the Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) in the Wilhelmsburg Barracks, Colonel Michael Meyer and Major General Gerry Ewart-Brookes were honored for their exceptional service to NATO. Colonel Meyer received the prestigious SACEUR Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions, while Major General Ewart-Brookes was awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for his distinguished service. Two staff members received the Commander's Coin.
You have demonstrated great qualities of professional competence, unwavering dedication, and remarkable leadership
In a momentous celebration of dedication and leadership, Colonel Michael Meyer was awarded the prestigious SACEUR Recognition Award. The event, attended by dignitaries, colleagues, and military personnel, was a proud moment not only for Colonel Meyer but for all those who have had the honor of working alongside him.
The SACEUR Recognition Award is an esteemed accolade recognizing individuals whose outstanding contributions have significantly advanced NATO’s mission. Colonel Meyer’s accomplishments reflect his immense dedication and leadership, underscoring his role as a vital asset to NATO’s continued success.
In his speech, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli, paid tribute to Colonel Meyer’s exceptional service: "Your excellent performance and contributions reflect great credit on you and Allied Command Operations as a whole. You have demonstrated great qualities of professional competence, unwavering dedication, and remarkable leadership."
With this recognition, Colonel Meyer’s contributions are acknowledged not just as extraordinary accomplishments in the present but as a testament to his potential for even greater impact in the future.
Colonel Michael Meyer (right) received the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Recognition Award.
(Pictures by OF-2 Simon Hofmann)
Lieutenant General Kai Rohrschneider (left) handed over the NATO Meritorious Service Medal to Major General Gerry Ewart Brookes.
Two JSEC staff members were honored by JSEC's Commander for their outstanding commitment at a rescue operation on the motorway.
Another highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the NATO Meritorious Service Medal to Major General Gerry Ewart-Brookes, Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, in recognition of his distinguished service while assigned to NATO duties. This prestigious medal is awarded to individuals who have provided exceptional service to NATO, demonstrating remarkable professionalism, dedication, and achievement. Major General Ewart-Brookes received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal Certificate, signed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, commemorating his significant contributions to the alliance's operations and goals.
“The NATO Meritorious Service Medal is one of the most esteemed honors bestowed by NATO. It acknowledges outstanding individuals who, through their service, have made significant impacts on the Alliance's military and operational success”, General Rohrschneider explained: “The medal is not only a token of recognition but a reflection of the recipient's tireless commitment to the shared values of peace and security that define NATO's mission.”
Additionally, two JSEC staff members were honored by General Rohrschneider with the Commander's Coin for an outstanding commitment, when they demonstrated leadership, professionalism and strength of character in our local community of Ulm. On the busy Stuttgarter Straße an oncoming vehicle lost a wheel, causing a traffic jam. Without hesitation, the two secured the breakdown site and took over traffic control until the police arrived. Being integrated members of our local communities is an important aspect of NATO service, and the two staff members demonstrated the trust and reliability our communities can place in NATO members.