Ramstein, Germany / April 29, 2016
On Friday April 29th, the MDAA took our 2016 European Missile Defenders of the Year to the remnants of the Lichtenberg Castle in Thallichtenberg, Germany, which was built around the year 1200. This fortress served as a safe haven and was never overtaken for over 600 years protecting its people and allowing the surrounding community to flourish.
For thousands of years in Europe, castles were built using the latest technological advances and design improvements to deter attacks and defend their inhabitants from outside threats. These improvements and defensive measures came from charismatic leaders willing to adapt and use all available means to overcome the threat. This tradition continues today, as our leaders put defensive measures in place to protect against the latest threat.
It was near this historical place latter that day, that MDAA recognized 10 European Missile Defenders from 6 NATO countries including Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and the United States. These Soldiers, Airmen, and Naval Officers were honored for their outstanding performance and commitment to being the best missile defenders in Europe. The capabilities, expertise, and leadership of these men play a vital role in Europe’s missile defense mission and in deterring adversaries that pose a threat to the continent.
The winners of the 2016 MDAA European Missile Defender of the Year Awards are:
Captain Arnold Ansquer
France’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by Col Benoit Consolini; Strategy Division Chief, DACOS CJFAC, AIRCOM Headquarters
Master Sergeant Dustin Heise
Germany’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by BG Michael Gschossmann; Commander, Ground-Based Units Air Force Forces Command
Colonel Antonio Evangelio
Italy’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by Brig Gen Kevin Huyck; Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Headquarters Allied Air Command
Commander Fred Douglas
Netherlands’ 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by BGEN G.F. Koot, Deputy Director Plans at the Defence Staff
Captain Juan Jerónimo Villalón Carbellido
Spain’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by Col Juan Luis Cenarruzabeitia Achia-Allende; A7 Division Head, AIRCOM Headquarters
Sergeant Joseph H. Frey
U.S. Army’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by LTG Ben Hodges; Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin D. Miller
U.S. Air Force’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by Maj Gen John McMullen; Director of Operations, Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration at Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe
Lieutenant Commander John K. Mastriani
U.S. Navy’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by CAPT Kevin Hanson; Deputy Commander, Task Force Sixty-Four
Major Ignacio Galindo
NATO’s 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by Col Juan Luis Cenarruzabeitia Achia-Allende; A7 Division Head, AIRCOM Headquarters
Lieutenant Colonel Ralf Zwingmann
Career Achievement 2016 European Missile Defender of the Year
Award presented by BG Michael Gschossmann; Commander, Ground-Based Units Air Force Forces Command
