The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli began with a heartfelt speech said:
Today, we celebrate the extraordinary bravery, dedication, and service of our military and civilian staff members. Your sacrifices uphold the freedoms we cherish and the peace we strive to protect.
The ceremony honoured individuals and units from across NATO forces for acts of valour, leadership, and innovation. Among the awardees were three NCISG staff members:
- Mrs Claire Visockis recognized for 35 years of civilian service with NATO.
- Major Antonio Almeida recognized with NATO Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional contribution and exemplary leadership.
- Mr Jan Petersen recognized with SACEUR’s Recognition Award for delivering outstanding contribution to NATO CIS Group (NCISG).
As each name was called, the recipients approached the stage receiving their medals from General Cavoli.
Mrs Claire Visockis has worked in her field for 45 years. She joined SHAPE in 1989, and returned shortly to the UK to work at AFNORTHWEST before returning to SHAPE in 1998. Since 2004 Mrs Visockis has worked for two 3-star and five 2-star German generals for the NATO CIS Agency and since 2012 for the NATO CIS Group where she is currently the Principal Assistant to the Commander NATO CIS Group and DCOS Cyberspace, Major General Broetz. As Mrs Visockis marks 35 years with NATO, her service is one of unwavering commitment and outstanding contribution. She has been a mentor to countless colleagues, inspiring them with her dedication and vision.
SACEUR Award ceremony, from left: the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli; Mr Tony Visockis, Mrs Claire Visockis, ACOS CSEL, OR-9 Kevin Mathers, 05
December 2024, Mons, Belgium.
Then, the achievements of Major Antonio Almeida’s were presented secondly. His
efforts have significantly improved capability development as well as the management of NCISG's non-CIS assets. Major Almeida’s uncompromising commitment to excellence and operational readiness surpasses expectations as he expertly positioned NCISG to simultaneously support current Group's undertakings while strategically aligning with operational requirements and technological developments. His visionary leadership propelled the J4 Assets Management Branch to support development of non-CIS projects in collaboration with other NCISG's divisions, subordinated NSBs, ACO commands and NSPA, marking a crucial milestone in optimizing logistic assets to meet operational demands. His collaborative approach, ambition and clarity of vision are instrumental in maintaining and operating NCISG's non-CIS assets credibly enhancing Group's ability to enable SACEUR's C2 capabilities for different scenarios in a multi-JOA oriented environment. Major Almeida’s leadership ensured success, remarkably advanced the efficiency of logistic support within NCISG and assured SACEUR of NCISG's operational readiness. Major Almeida’s impact will extend far beyond his tenure as his strategic thinking has significantly enhanced NCISG's operational readiness and de-risked the NCISG's vehicle fleet renewal. His achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of sustained and selfless commitment, inspiring others to strive for excellence in their respective endeavors. Through his outstanding performance and innovative approach, Major Almeida has solidified his place as a beacon of leadership and a driving force behind the HQ's continued success. His ability to work with others, identify and articulate the most effective recommendations and pursue decisive actions has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and superiors alike .
SACEUR underlined that:
Major Almeida performance, dedication and commitment reflect extremely positively on himself, on NCISG and on his country.
SACEUR Award ceremony, from left: the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli; Major Antonio Almeida; ACOS CSEL, OR-9 Kevin Mathers, 05
December 2024, Mons, Belgium.
During the ceremony it was mentioned that Mr Petersen expertly contributed to the development and execution of various initiatives in support of the NCISG strategic Deployable Communications and Information Systems (DCIS) enablement; thereby contributing to the sustainment of SACEUR’s operations and missions through adapted NCISG workforce and equipment. Mr Petersen has been a key contributor in the NCISG Peacetime Establishment (PE) and Structure Transformation. He organized and led two NCISG Future Peacetime Workshops to develop PE and structure proposals. This initiative will lead to the functional optimization of the overall organization in support of SACEUR’s C2 enablement. Mr Petersen has been recognized for his an exemplary professional who embodies NATO’s professionalism, dedication and expertise, bringing great credit to himself, NCISG and ACO.
SACEUR Award ceremony, from left: the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli; Mr Jan Petersen; ACOS CSEL, OR-9 Kevin Mathers, 05
December 2024, Mons, Belgium
December 5, 2024, became etched in the memories of all present — a testament to the strength of NATO's alliance and the individuals who make it possible.