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Almost everything went exactly as planned, except that the weather was almost too nice to stay indoors.

Europe Region Workshop a Blast

By Danny Brannon and Tammy Hanesworth

Europe Region held a successful and enjoyable Professional Development Workshop (PDW 2008) starting the evening of May 5th. More than 200 housing professionals from the Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard enjoyed a short week of learning, listening, comparing and networking at the Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch, Germany.

Regional President Geert-Jan Hendriks kicked off the week with the Regional Chapter President’s meeting, where almost every European Chapter was represented. Special achievements of Chapter Presidents Tammy Hanesworth (Barbarossa), Efren Amores (Royal) and Herman Goldsmid (Benelux) were recognized.

Geert-Jan welcomed attendees and guests at the Bavarian Icebreaker, where a smorgasbord of Bavarian foods was the first treat. Diners were entertained by a local Bavarian youth group who performed traditional Bavarian folk dances in traditional outfits.

Retired Admiral Michael W. Shelton, PHMA International President, celebrated “PHMA in Europe: Shaping the Next 20 Years” by recognizing PHMA’s support of the European Region since 1988.

Featured speaker Dr. John P. Rose, Director of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, fascinated attendees with an inside look at the mission and purpose of the Marshall Center. U.S. Air Forces in Europe hosted the event, and featured speaker Colonel Robert Moriarty discussed organizational changes and challenges facing the Air Force in Europe.

Other classes covered topics of particular importance to Housing professionals working in Europe–Overseas Furnishings; Housing and Travel Allowances; German Rental Law (in English and German); Family Housing Facilities; Centralized Dormitory/Barracks Management; as well as Customer Service and Microsoft Office Software training. All Services had at least one full day just for meetings with their Regional and Headquarter’s staffs.

Special thanks to the exhibitors ABC TEAM Playgrounds, ADM International, Inc; All Star Maintenance; Blockhouse DQ/UNICOR; Creative Outdoor Designs, Inc.; ECOLAB Deutschland; New England Woodcraft, Inc and King Koil; Pessotto Reti Sas; Thomas W. Raftery Inc/Thomasville; and Yardi for their participation and sponsorship of many social events and meals in the exhibit hall.

Europe Region also owes a lot to each Service’s “chalk person” – Joe Cardenas (Air Force), Lynn Swisher (Navy) and Geert-Jan Hendriks (Army).
Almost everything went exactly as planned, except that the weather was almost too nice to stay indoors. After really good talks, collaborations, and workshops, students could bask in the sunshine and rest their eyes on the beautiful sun drenched, snow capped Alps.

You can find more about our workshop in the next issue of Defense Communities. We plan to hold the Regional workshop every two years and select different places in Europe. Can’t wait for 2010!

Ginger Speake and Judi Teague take a moment to smile for the camera during the closing ceremony.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM PDW EUROPE!

Calling All Chapters!