Home  /   News  /  2021  /  NCISG MEMBERS RECOGNISED WITH ACO AND NATO AWARDS

MONS, Belgium – At a ceremony held at SHAPE on 25^th June 2021, two NATO CIS Group personnel were presented ACO and NATO's highest awards: the SACEUR Recognition Award (SRA) and the NATO Meritorious Service Medal (MSM).

Major General Frank Schlösser, the NCISG Commander, presented the SACEUR Recognition Award to LtCol René Crepin, FRA A. LtCol Crepin is the Training Management Branch Head in the J7 Division and was granted this esteemed award for his exceptional service and outstanding individual achievement in strengthening the links between NCISG HQ and the NATO Communications and Information Agency and the NATO Signal Battalions.

Lieutenant Colonel Rene Crepin & Major General Frank Schlösser

I am proud to work with such an outstanding performer who has developed innovative processes in order to improve and facilitate the operational capability of NCISG personnel.

Major General Frank Schlösser

The SRA was established in order to recognize exceptional service and outstanding individual achievement in a way that may be career-enhancing for the recipient and stands below the NATO MSM but above awards and commendations by the individual Allied Command Operations (ACO) Commands, making it the senior ACO-awarded honour.

Major General Schlösser also had the honour of presenting the NATO Meritorious Service Medal to Ms Veneta Rusalova, a NATO International Civilian who is a Technician in the J2/6 Division. Ms Rusalova was awarded this prestigious honour for the major role she played in supporting NATO Response Force Exercises and for her excellent training skills, providing exemplary guidance to the NATO Signal Battalions' technicians during training workshops.

Ms Rusalova is fully deserving of this highest award and can be extremely proud of her achievements, which go well beyond the scope of her normal responsibilities.

Veneta Rusalova & Major General Frank Schlösser

The NATO MSM was established by the North Atlantic Council in 2003, for meritorious service in recognition of remarkable service in the interest of the Alliance. The award of the medal to individuals is approved by the Secretary General.

COM NCISG concluded by congratulating the recipients, thanking their families for their behind-the-scenes support, and wishing them continued success.