USAG Benelux MWR, MWB leaders break ground on new track

By Ms. Kristin Ellis (Europe)June 8, 2018

Garrison, MWR and MWB leaders break ground on new synthetic turf field
Command Sgt. Maj. Samara L. Pitre, Col. Kurt Connell, USAG Benelux commander, Lt. Col. John Vann, SHAPE Morale and Welfare Branch director, and members of the Benelux community break ground on the new field and running track June 4, 2018, at SHAPE, B... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CHIÈVRES, Belgium -- U.S. Army Garrison Benelux and SHAPE leaders broke ground on a joint project June 4 for a new synthetic turf field and running track for the SHAPE community. Through USAG Benelux Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Installation Management Command has invested $1.173 million dollars for this project which will be complete by Sept. 30.

"People frequently ask us what happens to the revenue generated by Family and MWR programs when they pay for things like rental equipment at Outdoor Recreation or services at the boarding kennel," said Kelly Sarles, Family and MWR Support Services Division chief. "The answer is: it comes right back to our community in the form of projects like this."

All profits generated by Family and MWR programs worldwide go toward the Capital Purchase, Minor Construction program and get re-invested at all Army garrisons around the world. The SHAPE community and the greater Benelux community have directly benefited from this program through past projects such as the large stage used at communitywide events, equipment in auto skills, entertainment, arts and crafts, and Outdoor Recreation facilities, and a much needed renovation of the Chièvres kennel, Sarles explained.

"CPMC is not the only way USAG Benelux invests in the well-being of the U.S. service members, families, civilians, and our partner nations," she said. "Family and MWR has a long history of supporting the NATO community, such as providing the SHAPE Fest Tent each year, investments in fitness equipment in the SHAPE Fitness Center, funding for U.S. language books in the SHAPE International Library, and community-wide events such as the Independence Day celebration and Trunk or Treat."

Related Links:

U.S. Army Europe

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux

U.S. Army Family and MWR: Chièvres Facebook

USAG Benelux Facebook

U.S. Army Installation Management Command