Informations Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice (ITSA) Kevin C.
Burgoon
was among the servicemen and women honored at the USO Europe’s 17th Annual USO Service Salute at the Fruchthalle in Kaiserslautern, Germany on October 17, 2009.
Theannual USO Europe Service Salute was first established by the USO Council of Germany in 1992 as an event designed to honor a junior enlisted service member from each of the five branches of the U.S. and German forces. The ten honorees were selected by their respective branches of service for “distinguishing themselves in an exemplary manner.”
In conjunction with recognizing the achievements of the USO Europe Service Salute Honorees, the annual event also provided the opportunity for promoting understanding and strengthening the friendship that exists between Germany and the United States.
Rheinland Pfalz’ Minister President Kurt Beck and United States Ambassador to Germany Philip D. Murphy were the event’s German and U.S. patrons. USO President Sloan D. Gibson and Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command, Vice Admiral Richard K. Gallagher also attended the event.
The evening began with a champagne reception followed by dinner and a formal awards presentation. Approximately 400 guests representing all ranks of the U.S. and German Armed Forces as well as members of both countries’ business and diplomatic communities were in attendance. The United States Air Force’s Tops
In Blue
provided top-notch entertainment.
The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of numerous U.S. and German companies as well as donations by private individuals.
Burgoon, a 2008 graduate of Cook County High School, enlisted in the United States Navy in June 2008. He attended Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois and then attended Informations Systems “A” School in Pensacola, Florida.
In January 2009, ITSA Burgoon reported to Task Force 69 in Naples, Italy. Shortly after his arrival he qualified to stand several watch stations ahead of schedule, which provided much needed flexibility to an undermanned communication center.
In the announcement of his award, the USO wrote, “ITSA Burgoon immediately grasped the dynamics of submarine communications. He consistently provided vital feedback to staff concerning procedures associated with broadcasting intership messages.
“ITSA Burgoon recently participated in SHARKHUNT 09, providing broadcast support to U.S. and allied submarines conducting a multi-national anti-submarine warfare exercise designed to simulate North Atlantic Treaty Organization interactions in a wartime scenario. His superior day-to-day support of operations vital to national security is unparalleled.”
Burgoon is the son of Monica and Brian Houglum of Grand Marais.
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