At her farewell ceremony Ambassador Sands received the Department of Defense Distinguished Public Service Award – the highest recognition for non-career civilians – for her vision and leadership in strengthening US – DK, FO, GL security cooperation in the Kingdom of Denmark. Building on a pivotal time in the United States-Kingdom of Denmark bilateral relationship, Ambassador Sands served as the catalyst for resolving key issues involving Thule Air Base in partnership with the Greenlandic and Danish governments.