Former Cape resident receives incentive award for dedication

David L. Byrd recently received the European Incentive Award in Heidelberg, Germany. A former Cape Girardeau resident, Byrd is the son of Jean Byrd, grandson of E. Ross and Dorris Young, all of Cape Girardeau and brother of Daniel Byrd of Memphis.

The award is designed to recognize outstanding military and civilian employees throughout Europe in categories including security and force protection, logistics, human resources, public affairs and Army education.

Byrd is a 1981 Central High School graduate who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1983 and served three years. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1990, earned a master's degree from the University of Maryland in 1997 and graduated from the Army Management Staff College in 2004.

Byrd's recognition from the European High Command was for his distinguished dedication to duty, mission, attention to detail and outstanding work habits. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Walter Wojdakowski, who stated that due to Byrd's "tireless efforts in promoting the principles of lifelong learning, set the standards for the continuing education program of the garrison and made significant contributions to the war on terrorism."

Byrd serves as a Department of the Army Civilian in Darmstadt, Germany, serving 7,000 soldiers, military families and civilians. He and his wife, BŠrbel Jendrejak Byrd, live in Kefenrod-Binsachsen.