Roses to:
• James Keyser, for jumping out of his parents’ car and running right over to me to carry a heavy box into the Exchange for the Health and Wellness Fair last month. Also to his dad Jeff, who also grabbed a box after parking the family car. What a great family!
• The outstanding Soldiers who man Patch Barracks’ K and K gate during the morning rush hour. These Soldiers stand in the dark, rain, sleet and snow without the benefit of spotlights, heaters or an overhead shelter. In four years, I’ve never heard a single complaint. This morning was an excellent example, the only comment I received about the rain from the soaked Soldier checking my ID was, “Hoooah!” Hoooah, indeed!
• Yesterday we had to make the tough decision to put our airdale terrier, Rocky, to sleep after 14 years. I would like to praise the veterinary clinic for their professionalism, support, understanding, and excellent guidance during this emotional procedure. They really made it as endurable as possible. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Thorns to:
• Those who run the garrison facilities. Last month I was stuck in the elevator in Building 2915 (Panzer Kaserne) for an hour. There was no emergency contact phone number posted in the elevator nor did the bell button work. Fortunately, my co-worker (who gets a rose) saw me locked in the elevator and immediately called the military police and the fire department.
Thorns and Roses is about recognizing those who do a good job or make life a little easier. It’s also about people who need to be a little more considerate of others.
This column is not about institutions, units or agencies. It’s not about situations that could result in legal action under military or German law. Nor is it a place to air management-employee problems or slander anyone. While we are happy to identify stellar service providers, we can’t and won’t identify under-performers by name.
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