The White Falcon - 19.05.2004, Side 8

College schools the competition, wins EUCOM COQ
Story and Photos By J02 Jeannette Bowles
She is described by one of her co-workers as
a dedicated professional, a hard worker, and a
multi-faceted individual. In November 2003, Debi
College joined the Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO)
as their civilian staff assistant and her job not only
put her into the customer service spotlight, but
also in direct contact with the Icelandic govern-
ment. Recently, College’s dedication to her job and
her customers earned her recognition as European
Command’s (EUCOM) Civilian of the Quarter.
“Lt. Colonel Rick Combs submitted me and the
guys from the office, Tech. Sgt. Williams, Tech.
Sgt. Kozel, and Chief Shenefield helped me put the
package together,” said College.
Chief Master-at-Arms(SW/AW) Ed Shenefield
said College was submitted for the award because
of the excellence of her work.
“We also submitted her because of her work ethic,
quality of work, and the services she provides,”
said Shenefield. “She reaches across every branch
of service and impacts their lives. Also, she’s had
excellent interactions with the U.S. Embassy and
State Department, and the government of Iceland
with the customs and immigrations and the law
enforcement agencies here in the country.”
College said part of the package consisted of the
things she does for her job.
“I take care of all of the passports (no fees/tour-
ists/officials),” said College. “I also take care of
all the Shengen cards, all the newborns, all the
marriages, all the off-base residents, all the cars,
and social security cards. Just about anything that
comes through. I’m also responsible for all the
customs that goes off base. For the people who live
off base, all their stuff has to go through customs so
I take care of all that.”
Shenefield said that College’s job capability and
the State Department course she recently
also went into the package.
The other part of the package was a question that
College had to answer.
“My question was, what could the Iceland Defense
Force do to improve relationships with the Icelandic
host nation?” said College. “I had all kinds of
answers. One was to be upfront with them about
everything that’s going on so that they know what
to expect and we know what to expect so that we
can all work together instead of working against
each other. Also, try to sponsor more things so that
the people downtown can come up here and we can
relax together and become friends.”
This was the first time College had been submit-
ted for the award and she said she was shocked that
she won.
“I never done one of these before,” said College.
“I was the only one here when they called. I started
crying, I was so excited. I had lots of help though.
The guys helped me write a good package.”
Shenefield said he wasn’t surprised that College
won.
“She’s the perfect package and I knew that’s what
EUCOM was looking for,” said Shenefield.
For her award College will receive a coin, a
plaque, a certificate, $300, and 16 hours off.
“I’m just thrilled,” said College. “The Colonel
thought enough about me to do it and the guys were
good enough to help me. They were really great.”
CfiapeCM^ws
I will be leaving Keflavik the end of next month
and wanted to share my thoughts on Iceland and
say goodbye. I have enjoyed my time here at
Keflavlk very much. The island has many beautiful
waterfalls, rivers, and many places to visit. It has
been a great place for my family and an opportunity
to make friends. Have you taken the time to see
Iceland and the people?
One of the events on the base that I have enjoyed
is the “Hail and Bless.” I have thought of the word
bless which is used to say good bye here in Iceland.
I asked two of the Icelandic folks I know where the
word came from. One emailed me the following:
“Bless” simply means “God bless you,” and “Bless
bless” is kind of a colloquial phrase, just doubling
the remark. The more formal good-bye is “VeriQ
jru blessad/ur” which also simply means “Be you
blessed” or “Verid |du sael/11” which means “May
you fare well”..a longer version of our “farewell”.
The other said: “Bless” comes from Ancient
English which would have been used after some
type of sacrifice. When the Christians came to
Iceland they used it to give a blessing over some-
thing or to wish someone prosperity, welfare, and
blessing. It was shortened to “Bless.” It is a general
call to well being. Historically it has been danger-
ous traveling by boat from Europe to Iceland. To
say, “Bless” was wishing someone well on their
way over the ocean.
In the Gospel of Matthew Jesus speaks to the
crowd what is called the Beatitudes. He said,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.” Here Jesus is saying they are
to be happy or joyful.
As I leave Iceland I wish to say to you all, “Bless,
Bless”.
Worship Services
Catholic Mass
5:30 p.m. (Sat.)
9:45 a.m. (Sun)
Church of Christ (Chapel Annex)
11:30 a.m.
Protestant Services
Liturgical 8:30 a.m.
General 11:00 a.m.
________Gospel 12:30 p.m._________
Moms In Touch International. Would you like to
be part of a group of praying mothers meeting one
hour per week to pray for our children and their
school? We know our kids face pressure at school
- and to "stand in the gap" through prayer is one
of the best gifts we can give them. We meet each
Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Bldg 1005C. Contact Anne
Richey at 2648.
MCYM Club Beyond Monday Noon Lunches
continue in Fellowship Hall, Mondays at 11:40 a.m.
Senior High students are invited and encouraged to
stop by the Chapel for a noon meal alternative.
Ask "El Padre". If you are interested in the
Catholic Church in general, or in specifics: bap-
tism; marriage; RCIA; __________(you fill in the
blank), by appointment or via e-mail at vincent.
salamoni@naskef.navy.mil
Thursday Bible Study and Praise is conducted
each Thursday in the Multi Faith Chapel at 6:30
p.m. All of the Kefiavik community is welcomed
and invited to attend!
Chaplain Information can be found on NASKEF
Computers: data on ‘file’ (G:) drive, CHAPLAIN.
Page 12
The White Falcon
May 19, 2004