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Bavarian News
Vol 3. Nr. 24 U.S. Army Garrisons Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweinfurt, and Garmisch
Understand customs rules before purchasing gifts
December 12, 2007
by DAVE MELANCON However, if she cooks that bird and gifts are customarily exchanged such used the item for at least six months.
USAG Heidelberg shares a turkey dinner with her German as birthdays, religious holidays, There are several steps to
friends, it’s okay. engagements, and farewells is completing the form. The agency’s
If a Soldier wants to give a German “Because U.S. Forces sales outlet allowed,” Evans said. “Gifts must be
friend something nice for Christmas, is it Web site lists the steps in detail.
purchases in Germany are free of duty, for personal or domestic use or
okay to buy something from the post giving gifts to local nationals and other consumption, and in noncommercial Expensive items such as stereo
exchange? people not authorized privileges has quantities. So, giving small presents equipment and cars are not considered
According to Army customs officials, certain restrictions,” explained Fred such as flowers, boxes of candy, or customary gifts, Evans said. “The
much depends on the Soldier’s pay grade Evans, U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army bottles of cologne is fine.” smartest thing a giver can do is give
and everyday standard of living. Customs Executive Agency. According to the agency’s Web us a call.”
Accordingly, if he wants to stay on Gifts must be for the recipient’s site, those wishing to give a “non- For a list of non-customary gifts or
GARMISCH the right side of the law, he should call
his community’s customs office.
personal use, cannot be given on a customary” gift must complete a for more information about gift giving
and customs regulations, call the
recurring basis, and cannot be used as “permit to transfer” document (Army
BEST KEPT SECRETS: If a family member gives her German payments for services or goods, he said. Europe Form 550-175B), which can Customs Executive Agency at DSN
neighbors a frozen turkey she purchased 381-7610 or stop by your community’s
SEAMSTRESS LOOKS from her community commissary, is she
Gifts cannot be given on a regular or
scheduled basis, and only on customary
be picked up at a military customs
office, and receive permission from military customs office.
BACK ON WORLD WAR II, honoring a family tradition? Maybe, but
she’s also breaking the law.
gift-giving occasions. German customs authorities. The agency’s Web site is http://
www.hqusareur.army.mil/opm/
“Giving gifts on an occasion where The giver must have owned and
57 YEARS OF AAFES
SERVICE
PAGE 8
ANSBACH
Stryker Soldier shares Iraq
SOLDIERS AND DODDS
STUDENTS FACE OFF IN
BASKETBALL
COMPETITION
deployment with brother by Spc. ELVYN NIEVES
PAGE 20 113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
BAMBERG Most American service members
are separated from their loved ones
JUNIOR SOCCER TEAM while in combat, but one U.S. Army
Europe Soldier was brought closer to
WINS IMCOM-E TITLE a brother who is also deployed.
Capt. Phillip Garner of the 2nd
OVER STUTTGART, 5-0 Battalion, 319th Airborne Field
PAGE 22 Artillery was already in Iraq when Spc.
Alex Lamont Garner of USAREUR’s 1st
Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry
SCHWEINFURT Regiment found out that he too would
be deployed for Operation Iraqi
COMMUNITY Freedom.
“When they told me about the
REMEMBERS TWO FALLEN deployment to Iraq, I learned we were
173RD SOLDIERS going to Camp Taji,” said Alex. “I knew
my brother had to go there frequently
PAGE 25 as part of his job, so I figured I’d be
able to see him once in a while.”
The siblings had that chance after
HOHENFELS about a year and a half of separation.
“We met up in Camp Taji a couple
NATIONAL HONOR of times,” said Phillip. “Our dad told
Alex, ‘When you see your brother, you
SOCIETY STUDENTS need to salute him and then give him a
HOST ‘COMBAT SANTA’ hug.’ And that’s what we did ... It’s a
small world.”
DRIVE TO SEND GOODIES Later fate and the U.S. Army
brought the brothers even closer
TO LANDSTUHL’S Photo by Maj. Kurt Luedeke together, when Alex was sent to
WOUNDED WARRIORS Spc. Alex Lamont Garner of the 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment (left) poses for a photo with his brother, Coalition Outpost War Eagle, where
Phillip was stationed.
PAGE 10 Capt. Phillip Garner of the 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery, at Coalition Outpost War Eagle,
Iraq. Phillip was already deployed when Alex found out he was headed for Iraq. See BROTHERS Page 27
BRO
INDEX
Culture: Learn the
differences between
Germany’s St. Nikolaus
and America’s Santa
Claus
PAGE 17
Medical Page:
The holidays don’t have
to mean blowing your
diet. Read insider tips to Photo by Paula Guzman
stay healthy this season Courtesy photo Yes, there is a Santa Claus
PAGE 18 Lucky YOU Community members gathered at their respective
2SCR Dragoons: Winner of the AAFES drawing for a Dodge Caliber, Sgt. Joe installations earlier this month for the garrisons’ annual tree
Bannister of the 702 nd Explosive Ordinance Division of
2SCR 4th Squadron lighting ceremonies. The events included choir selections,
Grafenwoehr, starts his new car. The drawing was held at the warm drinks and snacks, and a visit by Santa Claus. See
scout learns Arabic to Grafenwoehr PX Dec. 6, after six months of collecting nearly pages 4 and 17 for snapshots of garrison tree lighting
help platoon, mission. 4,000 entries. ceremonies.
PAGE 27
2 Bavarian News Opinion & Editorial December 12, 2007
Q&
A School attendance down, help
Who influenced your
life the most?
command reach out to families
L
SU and If that doesn’t work, the solutions become requirement to protect all our children and I
Ohio State very drastic. Not providing school is a form of strongly encourage parents to make this
in the child neglect. Identification of this child neglect happen before the start of the next school
National pushes the case into the social welfare arena semester.
Debby Pedroza Championship. I’m and if still not resolved, my choices are very
(Schweinfurt) Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
sure Georgia, limited. After some early challenges informing the
“The ‘who’ is easy. Oklahoma, and several All I can do is end up directing a command
That’s my mom, who community, the CFC program finished on a
other fans of highly return of the family to the United States high note. Particular thanks to the Garmisch
passed away almost ranked (at least in the because, after all, it is a privilege to accompany
two years ago. Her community (they now count as part of our
polls) universities are your sponsor to Germany. BUT, I don’t want to garrison footprint) for increasing their giving
faith and strength.” less than pleased. do that. rate by 1300 percent.
It’s time for a What is frustrating is that we have all kinds Hohenfels did well too, and as expected
change – bring on a of programs that can help. New parent courses, Grafenwoehr and Vilseck donations were
true playoff for the Mommy & Me, teenage courses, the variety somewhat down undoubtedly because 70
DonElla Thomas national championship like other sports … and and types of programs/courses, and some times percent of our community is deployed.
(Schweinfurt) off to the column. just a shoulder to cry on are available. We just All told, we committed almost $300,000 to
“I’ve had a lot of School Attendance have trouble getting the word out. the CFC program. I am confident the funds you
influences because Recently, many children are missing school. So please help me out. If you know of provided will make a major difference to these
I’ve had a broad Not just a little bit but a whole lot. While someone who is truly struggling, reach out. Tell organizations that help people in need
range of experience. agencies have different standards, one that I them there is help and follow up. Link them with throughout the year.
Everyone from my use is 25 percent. ACS or the school and we can help them As many of you know, I am involved in a
drill sergeant to my I think a child has missed a lot of school if through these troubling times. private organization. With proper accreditation,
first sergeant.” they have missed over 25 percent of school Immunizations we were allowed to conduct a fund raising
days for a grading period. Analyzing the Most of you remember the tremendous event in front of the main exchange. All I can
problem reveals children are missing school influx of new children into the schools this past say is: what an unbelievable turn-out and what
Dolores Davis for a lot of reasons. Perhaps it is a combination year. Many families did not have immunization great support from the entire community.
(Schweinfurt) of being overseas while a loved one is records or we could not get the required Many people who do not use our product-
“My mom is my role deployed, too many other children, maternal immunizations needed for entry into the donated funds and we are now able to send
model because of all (or fraternal) depression, or the malaise of the schools. more than $1,000 worth of our product to
the patience she had. holiday season but in any event this is a DoDDs allowed enrollment and directed the deployed Soldiers. I can only tell you thanks.
She raised eight kids problem in our community. families to get proper immunizations. As we You have made a difference for deployed
– all boys and one Unfortunately, ways to remedy the approach the end of the first semester, we still Soldiers this year, and thank you all for making
girl. She’s my idol for situation are limited or very severe. We do not have a lot of children out of tolerance. Parents, this the best place to live and serve in Europe.
that.” have truant officers overseas. That means we please talk to the school nurses.
do not have authority to go to homes and
force children to go to school. As a result, we
Working in conjunction with the clinics we
can get time set aside (in fact, we are already
Col. Brian T. Boyle
Pfc. Joy Rawlins
have to depend on the chain of command to doing that at Vilseck, but the usage of set aside Commander, U.S. Army
know the families that are having difficulty and times is pretty poor right now) to get these
(Schweinfurt) reach out to help them. immunizations done. Again, a family Garrison Grafenwoehr
“God has influenced
me the most in my
life because He has
saved my life on
more than one
Reflections: A mother and daughter’s
occasion, so I owe
Him my life.”
Pfc. Laura Cade
view of a German Christmas market
Commentary and photo by CHRISTINE JUNE husband drinking beer. And as I was able to part of the trip.
USAG Kaiserslautern Public Affairs do during my first visit, my daughter selected We stepped inside the Frauenkirche,
(Schweinfurt) her very own prune person. “Church of Our Lady,” which offers a beautiful
“My dad, because
O
ne of the many memories I have as Like all Christmas markets, most of the backdrop. From a vendor’s tip, we headed to
he’s always been an 8 year old is of the Nuremberg wares are handcrafted. In fact, my aunt says the Schoener Brunnen (beautiful fountain) to
there for me, been Christmas Market, or Nuremberger people visit these sites to see many crafts – turn the gold ring and make a wish.
a role model for Christkindlesmarkt, and what I called “the not to shop or eat. We also made it to the Kinderweihnacht, or
me. I joined the raisin people” more than 30 years ago. She may have a point, but the shopping Children’s Christmas, which can be considered
Army because he Last year, when my daughter was 8, I wasn’t bad, and the food was very good. I still a kid’s dreamland. It showcases a steam-driven
joined the Army.” thought it would be a fun family fact that she have fond memories of the little Nuremberg merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and train. There
and I first visited Germany’s largest Christmas roast sausages and Kartoffelpuffer, or potato is a Christmas bakery, candle workshop and
Market at the same age. pancake. I had mine with garlic sour cream, but handcraft stalls. Plus children can send letters
And did we have fun – the things we saw, applesauce also makes for a tasty topping. to Father Christmas via the post office.
Debra Gosinski the food we ate, the facts we learned and the We took a horse-driven carriage ride All in all, I have to say this was one of my
(Schweinfurt) people we met. It makes it hard deciding where through the entire market, singing Christmas best trips. I have a feeling that 30 years from
“Teachers and to begin. songs even if we didn’t remember all the now, my daughter is going to remember more
professors. Just by First of all, it’s crowded – a sea of people words. My daughter said this was her favorite than just the “raisin people.”
teaching and
no matter where you turn. Expect to be
bumped. And if you are too polite, you are not
leading by example,
going anywhere. My German aunt tells me that
that kind of thing.” no matter what time or day you go, it’s going
to be crowded. It’s said that by Christmas Eve,
when Christmas markets here close, more than
two million people will have visited the
Spc. Jake Brock Nuremberg Christmas Market. I think we were
(Schweinfurt) all there on the same day.
“My dad, because You will hear dozens of different
he’s my best languages; this is considered to be the most
friend, he teaches
famous Christmas market in Germany, with
visitors from around the world.
me stuff, and he’s
There are rows and rows of about 180
just a good wooden stalls, festooned with red-and-white
example.” cloth, giving this market its name of “Little
Town from Wood and Cloth.” You can buy
almost everything you need for the holidays:
ornaments, decorations, lights, candles, gifts,
1st Sgt. Hassan and traditional German articles such as the
Wilson Stufenpyramide (step pyramid).
(Schweinfurt) My memory almost served me well – the
“God. He has been “raisin people” are actually called the Plum
the most influential. People or Prune Men and originate from the
Without Him, I would Nuremberg Christmas Market. These favorite
not be living.” souvenirs are made out of prunes and come in
all kinds of varieties, ranging from Saint The Plum People are souvenirs made out of prunes and originate from the
Nikolaus to a wife not too happy about her Nuremberg Christmas Market, which ends Dec. 24.
Bavarian News
Bavarian News is an unofficial biweekly publication USAG G Commander Garmisch Correspondent Schweinfurt Correspondents
authorized by AR 360-1. Editorial views are not necessarily Col. Brian Boyle John Reese (440-3701) (354-1600)
those of the Department of the Army. The paper is an offset
publication prepared and edited by the U.S. Army Garrison- USAG G Acting Miranda McLean
Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels, Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweinfurt, and Garmisch Grafenwoehr Public Affairs Office. Bavarian News is printed Hohenfels Correspondent Kimberly Gearhart
Public Affairs Officer
by Werbeagentur und Verlag Roswitha Lehner and distributed Garry Barrows (466-4860) Sandra Wilson
Nick D’Amario (475-6417)
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency every other Wednesday. Circulation is 12,800 copies.
Bamberg Correspondents Ansbach Correspondents
Submissions are welcome. Send letters to the editor and Bavarian News Editor
Roswitha Lehner commentaries to PAO, Unit 28130, Attn: Bavarian News, APO Adriane Foss (475-7113) (469-2000) (467-1600)
Amy Bugala Jim Hughes, CI Chief
Zeilaeckerstr. 35 · 92637 Weiden · Telefax 0961-67050-32 AE 09114, or e-mail them to usaggnews@graf.eur.army.mil.
Assistant Editor
Telephone the Bavarian News at 475-7113 or fax to 475-7935 Nicole Karsch-Meibom Ronald Toland
Internet: www.milcom.de with story ideas and events. Katie Cowart (475-7775) Krista Browning
December 12, 2007
News Bavarian News 3
Engagement kits helping families Spotlight
on
Education
protect redeploying members
Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center died within one year of returning from safer choices and take fewer risks.” all-terrain vehicles.
deployments. Forrester added that the USACRC These Web-based tools are self-
Army officials are empowering Approximately 30 percent of the believes it is extremely difficult to look explanatory, self-supporting with
family members to take an active role deaths occurred within the first 30 a spouse or child in the eye and tell PowerPoint briefs containing
in implementing safety practices to days of post-deployment and 63 them you are not going to wear your associated talking points.
protect their families and loved ones percent within the first six months. Of helmet or a seat belt because you The Army’s goal is to put these
returning home from deployments. the 186 fatalities, 145 involved don’t care enough to stay alive for tools into the hands and empower
The Army recognizes that Army privately owned vehicles during off- them. Army Family Team Building trainers,
Families are a highly powerful group, duty hours. “The Family Engagement Kit Family Readiness Group leaders,
capable of positively influencing how Army safety officials are convinced features tools that family members can brigade-level safety professionals, Name: Chris Manzo
Soldiers and family members think. that oversight, control, and structure use to engage their loved ones in best BOSS leaders, parents, and individual
The Army’s new Family are beneficial to achieve an accident- safety practices in order to help family members to keep our Army team What grade / subject do
Engagement Kit raises families’ free environment. protect them,” said Forrester. “Many safe, Forrester added. you teach? I am
awareness of the leading indicators The USACRC’s collective take very little time or effort, and the Families are encouraged to currently teaching
in accidents while passing along the challenge is to formulate tools that payoff is huge.” embrace the Family Engagement Kit kindergarten at
“what” and “how” of best practices. target safety and risk management as In all, the kit includes six tools for as another tool supporting one Grafenwoehr Elementary
Armed with these newly created a “way of life” for application when post-deployment best practices. One common desire – safer Soldiers and
tools, family members are afforded
School. I have also taught
Soldiers are off duty. such tool is the Travel Risk Planning families. first and second grade. I
active involvement in their Soldiers’ “As leaders, we know that direct System, better known as TRiPS. The “Family involvement is essential,
safety. engagement with our Soldiers makes aim of TRiPS is to reduce the risk of so I ask for engagement with your like to work with the
The U.S. Army Combat a positive difference in their safety,” accidents when traveling by POV, the loved one,” Forrester said. “With your younger children.
Readiness/Safety Center study of said Brig. Gen. Bill Forrester, director No. 1 killer of Soldiers. help, we can better protect our
accident and associated statistics, Hometown:
of Army safety and commanding Another potentially life-saving tool Nation’s most precious assets – our
indicates when Soldiers return from a general of the USACRC. “No one included in the kit is the Motorcycle/ Soldiers.” Cambridge, Ohio - but I
deployment or controlled knows Soldiers better than their ATV Agreement. This tool encourages For more information about the have lived in Freihung,
environment, the rigors and oversight families and there are few families and their Soldiers to discuss Family Engagement Kit, visit the Germany, for the past 20
provided by leaders is diminished. organizations better positioned than the hazards and safety measures USACRC Web site at https:// years.
During fiscal 2007, 186 Soldiers Families to influence Soldiers to make associated with riding motorcycles or crc.army.mil/familyengagement.
How long have you
been a teacher?
Follow Christmas safety tips
2007 Bazaar
31 years
What do you like best
for a safe, sober holiday about teaching?
I love teaching young
U.S. Army Substance Abuse Program an impaired driving arrest. Some of the children and watching the
newer non-drowsy medications do not light come on when they
Holidays are a time when people cause this effect. put pieces together to
do more traveling. During the cheer of Three things make the holiday learn to read.
festivities, consequences of drinking season more dangerous on the road:
and driving are quickly forgotten.
Kindergarten children are
1) alcohol consumption increases, 2) so enthusiastic and love
Think of the adverse adverse weather/visibility conditions,
consequences before you see the and 3) the number of drivers on the to learn.
flashing blue lights in your rear view road. What advice can you
mirror. Army Center for Substance Abuse
Penalties for drinking and driving give students to help
Programs recommends the following:
on the installation include: 90-day When throwing a holiday party, them succeed in
mandatory suspension for BAC .5-.79, it is important to remember that you school? Read with and to
indefinite revocations with BAC .80 or have a responsibility to your guests your child every day. Instill
higher (person may petition for that they all have a safe evening at the magic of reading in
reinstatement after one year for first your party and afterwards. them from a very young
offense, after five for subsequent If alcohol is being served, it is age. Let them see you as
offenses). important to always offer your guests
Requests for restricted driving
a reader. Read the paper,
non-alcoholic beverages and food. read books, read
privileges will not be granted until the You should also have activities such
German suspension has expired. as dancing or games so as to not make magazines. This helps
In addition, as of Aug. 1, the zero alcohol the main-focus of the party. your child develop a
tolerance policy for drivers under 21 By offering your guests other lifelong love for reading.
years of age was implemented. activities, you are encouraging them
Drivers under 21 with any BAC to spend their time socializing instead
face a fine of up to 1,000 Euros, of drinking.
driver’s education courses and point As host of the party, be prepared
Photo by Paula Guzman
Visit
penalties. to help indentify safe and sober
Many medication bottles say “Do transportation for all of your guests. Spc. Joshua Windeny and Laurie Reineke, both of 2nd Squadron, www.milcom.de to
Not Drive While Taking This This can be accomplished by 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck make funnel cakes to sell at
Medication,” and there’s good reason identifying a safe-ride program in your the Crown Jewel Bazaar, held Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the Vilseck
place your free
for this. A person who has a BAC of
.06 and takes a traditional
area, providing your guests with the
telephone number of a local taxi
Memorial Fitness Center and the 2-2 motor pool. The bazaar was classified ad in the
antihistamine can raise their BAC to hosted by the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck Community and Spouses
.10.
company or by simply offering all of
Clubs as their annual fund raiser for various organizations.
Bavarian News!
your guests a good night’s sleep in
This is certainly enough to warrant your home. See the Jan. 16 issue for more on the bazaar.
The Joint Multinational Readiness Center formally honored Staff
Congraulations to the 2007
Congratulations to the 2007 Sgt. Eduardo Brown, JMRC Noncommissioned Officer of the Year,
and newly promoted Sgt. Jose Quinones, JMRC Soldier of the
Year, during a banquet at a local restaurant. Competitors in both
events were assessed on their depth of knowledge in 18 different
Solider
JMRC NCO, Soldier of Year areas including military leadership and courtesy, land navigation
and army history.
NCO of the Year: Staff Sgt. Eduardo Brown
Unit: Company C, 1-4 Infantry Battalion
MOS: 11B
Hometown: Sierra Vista, Ariz.
Time in service: 7 years
Favorite quote: “Two ways to reflect life...to be the candle or the
mirror that reflects it.”
Quote: “I’ve got to represent myself and by battalion better than
I have in the past. I have to set the example for everyone to
follow at all times.”
Soldier of the Year: Sgt. Jose Quinones
Unit: Company C, 1-4 Infantry Battalion
MOS: 11B
Hometown: Hartfort, Conn.
Time in service: 4 years
Quote: “My life has to change now because I have to be on my
toes everyday of the week 24/7. I have to expect the
unexpected.”
4 Bavarian News
Holiday Views December 12, 2007
O’ Christmas Tree
Photos by Paula Guzman
The Grafenwoehr Christmas tree lighting ceremony was held Dec. 5 in the PX and commissary parking lot. The ceremony included a visit by Santa Claus and St.
Nikolaus, singing of carols by both German and American choirs, and the official lighting of the tree.
The Encores German-American Choir of Grafenwoehr serenaded Evelyn Zeitler, age 10, of the German elementary school in
the crowd at the Grafenwoehr ceremony. Grafenwoehr, sang a solo and led the rest of the students in harmony. Laura, 2, daughter of Sgt. Jeremy
Natalie, age 2, daughter of Sgt. 1st
Class David Conn, Gavit, 7th
and Jamie and Amy7th Army
NCOA, shows her holiday spirit.
ATC, showed her holiday spirit.
Constantin Deinl, age 5, peeks at the traditional German Christmas
Lebkuchen, provided by the Vilseck Kontact club for the Vilseck tree
lighting ceremony that took place Dec. 6 in the Vilseck Health Clinic
parking lot.
Santa tells
Will Kubicz,
4, son of
Staff Sgt.
William and
Monica
Kubicz of
2SCR, that Photo by Amy Bugala
he better be USAG Bamberg Commander Lt. Col.
good “for Gary Rosenberg helps 5-year-old
goodness Shannon Keene flip the switch lighting
The Vilseck tree lighting ceremony kicked off with a sake.” the garrison Christmas tree during the
German instrumental band playing Christmas carols. annual tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6.
6 Bavarian News December 12, 2007
Recognition
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Vilseck High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Principal’s List – 4.0 High Honors: 3.5 – 3.99 AMBER HENDRICKS MICHELLE MORRIS DANIELLE JONES IVELISSE MONTANEZ MICHAEL WELCH
and higher BRYAN HOGG LARISSA CHAVEZ JENNIFER JOYNER JASON ROBERTS CHRISTIAN BORRERO
9th Grade DOMINIQUE SMITH TIMOTHY RAY MORGAN LAMBERT LEONARD RODRIGUEZ TIMOTHY BRUCE
9th Grade ERICKA JORDAN VIRGILIA TANNER DARA RODGERS PATRICIA JOHNSON JOSHUA DAVIDSON RODNEY FRYEL
ASHLIA HENDRICKS STEVEN LUCYNSKI KEVIN WATERS ANNA CARRIKER JIMMY NGUYEN WILLIAM HARGIS STEPHANIE GUZMAN
CHRISTINE ROBERTO MIRANDA AMANDA ZUMWALT CHRISTIAN JORGE RODRIGUEZ SAMANTHA JOHNSTON EILEEN JONES
RODRIGUEZ CHRISTOPHER ERIKA MARK KENDZIERSKI LINDSEY ELLIOTT JUSTIN MOODY- PHILLIP MANNING
ERIN TOOHEY NELSON MERCEDES JAMES HARTZ WALKER TRISTAN STEINMANN
DANIEL WILLIAMS LEYNA RATCLIFF 11th Grade MCLAUGHLIN INDIA JOHNSON SANSHON SANDERS
MAXIANNE VILLALON ANGELA BLEVINS STEVEN RYE ANNA MUZZY SEAN UNTIET 12th Grade
10th Grade ALEXANDRIA MILLS SHANE CALDER SHAQUANA HARMON DARIUS WHITEHEAD TONI ANDERSON FELICIA AVERY
KHYLE GRIER DANICA SCHOBIN ANNE GOHO DUSTIN BONTER EMILY BARNETT LASONDRA JOHN FASSETT
JOHN LEE SARA CARRIKER KARLY VELEZ ANGELICA MCKINNIS GARY BURNETT ARREDONDO NICHOLAS RISCASSI
SARAH DOUGLAS ERIK BIDINGER STEPHANIE MOONEY BRITTANY CONLEY LAUREN CARROLL ROBERT AHLERS
11th Grade BRIANA MITCHELL COURTNEY CORDER RAMON RAMIREZ CHRISTIAN LEE QUARTNEY COHEN REBECCA WOMACK
ANGELA PRATER SHEILA RIVERA TAMARIA HOLLIS NOLAN STARKS CHRISTY MANOOGIAN AMBER CORE JUAN AGOSTO
YASMIN COFER PATRICIA JOHSNSON PAUL CRUZ TROY WHITEHEAD CHELSEY TAYLOR NIKKI IGNACO EARL JEFFERSON
JANICA GUECO NADIA KASTNER WHITNEY KRAJCOVIC AARON WARE SEAN ANDERSON
TIERRA MCCLEOD 10th Grade SHNIECE ROSS 11th Grade MICKEY BRUNNER
AIDA MOUGAN-LEIS EMMA ANDREWS MARY SHOUP Honors List: 3.0 to 3.49 10th Grade JILL-ANNETTE AVILES LEA MCGAFFIN
TABITHA HOLZHAUSER KIMBERLY WILLIAMS KIELE ALLEN SHAMYRA COLEMAN MURRY CHI-KOBI
12th Grade ALYSSA MASSIE YVETTE YBAY 9th Grade COLT EDWARDS KEVIN TAYLOR KEVIN BRYAN
KELSEY LYNN DAVID WOOD JARROD ALSTON FELICIA PARRENO BENJAMIN BARRY JERI CALDER
KATHERINE SCHAFFER GARRATT YOUNG JACOB BONTER BIANCA SELDERS VALERIE HEINRICH ANNA FULGHUM
STEPHEN NEWBAUER CRYSTAL CLARK 12th Grade KAYLA COOK SOPHIE BAER HERNANDEZ YEIMARIE DEMARIO GALBREATH
LEMUEL LEE JACLYN FERRER ZACHARY GREEN JACQUELINE CORMIER LEAH BEILHART FABIAN WILLIAMS TARA MEIER
JASMINE NIXON LINDSEY FLOYD STEPHANIE KOZMA BRIANN SMITH MIREYA JONES ALLYSON BARNETT JALISA SANDERS
ESTELLE SNODDY PATRICK MOONEY RAYMOND KAITLAND TAYLOR VICTORIA KANDER STEPHANIE HOOD
ADAM SHAW LETORNEAU KARINA TOUZINSKY MICHAEL MANN AISHA MITCHELL
LUCAS GUTIERREZ DANIEL LONOWSKI THERESA TREVINO JOHN MCGAFFIN JESSICA RIDER
Garrison Grafenwoehr, JMTC employees lauded by
leadership for service, money-saving innovations
EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 45 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007 Mr. Guenther Birawsky, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Hans D. Bloch, 7th Army JMTC JMTED, Combined Arms Tng Ctr, Vilseck Mr. Georg Lauss, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Adolf Burggraf, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr
EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007 Ms. Ulrike Lindner, US Army Airfield Opns-EUR, Grafenwoehr ATC Tower
Mr. Josef Fraunholz, 7th Army JMTC, GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr Mr. Anton Grimm, US Army Airfield Opns-EUR, Grafenwoehr ATC Tower
Mr. Josef Herold, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Recreation Division, Vilseck Mr. Horst Zeitler, USAG Grafenwoehr Resource Management Office, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Richard J. Wargel, USAG Grafenwoehr HRD, ADCO Grafenwoehr Mr. Guenter Mueller, USAG Grafenwoehr Resource Management Office, Grafenwoehr
Ms. Gerlinde Markert, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Admin Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Carey Perks, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, ACS Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Gerhard Galler, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Admin Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Heriberto Ilarraza-Cruz, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Central Contracting, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Guenther Ringelstetter, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Supply & Services Division, Vilseck Mr. Hans-Peter Widy, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Kristall Inn, Vilseck
Mr. Johann Graf, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Supply & Services Division, Vilseck Mr. Reginald L. Womack, USAG Grafenwoehr HRD, Military Personnel Svc Div, Grafewoehr
Mr. Manfred Schaller, 6981st Civilian Support Group Ms. Gisela Heller,USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Transportation Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Hans Scharl, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Transportation Division, Vilseck
EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 35 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007 Ms. Annegret Mueller, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Engineering Svc Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Albert Fraunholz, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr Mr. Peter Sossalla, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Engineering Svc Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Johann Kraus, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr Mr. Frank-Rainer Scholz, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Anton Bosser, USAG Grafenwoehr Safety Office, Grafenwoehr Mr. Roland Schreglmann, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Siegfried Keck, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Georg Liebl, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Reinhard Hoessl, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Martin Seitz, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Dennis G. Turner, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Youth Sports, Vilseck Mr. Norbert Schober, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Ms. Christine Bodner, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Admin Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Gerhard Forster, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck
Mr. Berthold Armann, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Supply & Services Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Alexander Pawlow, 39th Transportation Battalion
Mr. Guenther Grafe, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Business Ops & Integ, Grafenwoehr Mr. Guenther Siegert, ASP 1, Vilseck
Ms. Veronica Mutch, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Housing Division, Vilseck Mr. Norbert Engelhardt, Maintenance Activity, Vilseck
Mr. Herbert Andraschko, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck Mr. Norbert Streng, USATMC-EUROPE IFMS Fleet Management Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Karl-Heinz Silbermann, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck
Mr. Josef Hermann, 69th Signal Battalion Network Service Center, Grafenwoehr EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 20 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007
Ms. Monika Arbogast, 7th Army JMTC Resource Management Office, Grafenwoehr
EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007 Mr. Guenter Arnold, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Teddy R. Henderson, 7th Army JMTC DOT, Opns & Plans Div, Grafenwoehr Mr. Herbert Kopp, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Vilseck
Ms. Anita Gebhardt, 7th Army JMTC Resource Management Office, Grafenwoehr Ms. Bettina Fitzgerald, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Police/PM Division
Mr. Wolfgang Walberer, 7th Army JMTC GTA Range Support Branch, Grafenwoehr Mr. Anton Braun, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Albert Alford, USAG Grafenwoehr DPTM&S, Plans & Operations Div, Grafenwoehr Mr. Johann Trassl, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Bruce E. Beck, USAG Grafenwoehr DPTM&S, Plans & Operations Div, Grafenwoehr Mr. Helmut Meyer, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Wolfgang Pueschel, USAG GrafenwoehrSafety Office, Vilseck Mr. John D. Ramsey, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Bowling Center, Vilseck
Mr. Karl Brand, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr Ms. Sigrid Ott, USAG Grafenwoehr HRD, Records Management, Vilseck
Mr. Karl-Heinz Sehnke, USAG Grafenwoehr DES, Fire Protection Division, Grafenwoehr Ms. Alexandra Arnold, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Housing Division, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Larry W. Horton, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Recreation Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Wolfgang Renner, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Howard L. Martin, USAG Grafenwoehr MWR, Kristall Inn, Vilseck Ms. Silvia Gaeck, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Housing Division, Vilseck
Mr. Daniel L. Houser, USAG Grafenwoehr HRD, Records Management, Grafenwoehr Ms. Christine Schoepf, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Business Ops & Integ, Vilseck
Mr. Hubert Kendzia, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Supply & Services Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Georg Rueppel, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck
Mr. Guenther Otte, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Transportation Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Georg Zeug, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck
Mr. Karl Bielmeier, USAG Grafenwoehr DOL, Transportation Division, Vilseck Ms. Evelyn Butter, Contracting Command Regional Contracting Office - Bavaria
Ms. Brigitte Rohrer, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Housing Division, Grafenwoehr Mr. Udo Meier, Maintenance Activity, Vilseck
Mr. Wolfgang Muehlbach, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr Mr. Martin Wismeth, Maintenance Activity, Vilseck
Mr. Thomas Kroher, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Grafenwoehr Mr. Martin Quandt, 6981st Civilian Support Group, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Uwe Woelker, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck Mr. Dwight A. Hall, USATMC-EUROPE Travel Services Office, Grafenwoehr
Mr. Peter Preibisch, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Opns & Maint Div, Vilseck
Mr. Peter Ott, BASOPS Maint Ctr-EUR Area Maint Manager - East SUGGESTERS
Ms. Rositta Dagner, DECA Commissary Grafenwoehr * Mr. Michael Kneidl, Maintenance Activity, Vilseck
Mr. Johann Witt, 27th Transportation Center BMCT, Vilseck * Mr. Peter Kohler, Maintenance Activity, Vilseck
Mr. Michael Radtke, ASP 1, Vilseck * Mr. Hans Ledwa, USAG Grafenwoehr DPW, Vilseck
Mr. Gerhard Schlicht, ASP 1, Vilseck
Mr. Hans-Joachim Koehli, ASP 1, Vilseck Employees who received suggestion awards are as follows:
Mr. Georg Retzer, ASP 1, Vilseck Mr. Michael Kneidl from the Maintenance Activity Vilseck receives $1000 for his suggestion
Ms. Angelika Mueller, USATMC-EUROPE Deputy Director for Operations, Grafenwoehr to place the mud flap of the M1074/M1075 2.5 inches to the side, so that the mud from the tires
Mr. Alfred Essler, USATMC-EUROPE CPPSO, Grafenwoehr will not endanger the following traffic.
Mr. Anton Scheinost, USATMC-EUROPE CPPSO, Grafenwoehr Mr. Peter Kohler from the Maintenance Activity Vilseck receives $250 for his suggestion to
Ms. Sigrid Kammerer, CPAC, Grafenwoehr change the technical manual, to list only one national stock number instead of two separate stock
numbers. $150 to change the technical manual to provide a stock number and the procedures for
EMPLOYEES COMPLETING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE: 20 JULY 2007 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2007 the rubber pad to be used for the brackets of the 105MM M199A2 Howitzer. $150 to change the
Mr. Franz Dietrich, 7th Army JMTC Regional Training Support Center, Vilseck technical manual to use locktite to secure a bolt that is used to hold the housing plunger of the
Mr. Richard Zeitler, 7th Army JMTC CATC, Command Training Branch, Vilseck 105MM M119A2 Howitzer. $100 to change the technical manual to use low grade locktite to
Ms. Joanne T. McCauley, 7th Army JMTC JMSC, Mission Support Division, Grafenwoehr secure the 10 screws holding the bearing sleeve of the 155MM M198 Howitzer. $100 to change
Ms. Paula J. Guzman, 7th Army JMTC Public Affairs Office, Grafenwoehr the technical manual to use a pin spring for holding the stowage gun.
Mr. Norbert Waletzko, 7th Army JMTC Military Personnel, Adjutant General, Grafenwoehr Mr. Hans Ledwa from the Directorate of Public Works Vilseck receives $25 for his suggestion
Mr. Adolf Schatz, 7th Army JMTC Organizational Maintenance Activity, Grafenwoehr to install a mirror at the intersection from the road coming from Tanzfleck Gate 4 and the Tank
Mr. Siegfried Reisser, 7th Army JMTC Organizational Maintenance Activity, Grafenwoehr trail.
8 Bavarian News
Garmisch December 12, 2007
Best Kept Secrets Series
‘Tailor-made’ for Garmisch: Employee serves half a century
by JOHN REESE Voerkel was a young schoolgirl of 16 when (Harrison) is a nice manager.” kept at her customer counter.
Bavarian News her family was forced to flee their hometown “In my two years of working with Frau “My daughter Christine went to school in
on the Black Sea. It was 1941 and Operation Voerkel, the impact she has had on this Valdosta, Ga., and now she lives in Florida
(This is the first in a series on Garmisch’s Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet community is quite evident,” said with my granddaughter.”
Best Kept Secrets.) Union, swept across the western edge the Gary Harrison, AAFES manager, Working for the Americans over nearly
T
ucked in a back corner of the USSR. The Ukraine was important for its Artillery Kaserne. “The six decades has been good, says
commissary next to the bank and agricultural and industrial base, and her town customer satisfaction, the Voerkel.
behind the crystal shop on Artillery of Nikolayev was occupied. personalized service and the “I’ve met a lot of nice
Kaserne is a small combination photo print- “We just left everything and lost warm and friendly families over the years,” she
tailoring-dry cleaning shop, where the open everything,” she recalls. “My school, my atmosphere are only a small said. “The world today is very
door and hum of a sewing machine in the back friends, from the needle to everything, but I part of what she means to international.”
signals that Frau Emilea Voerkel is busy at was lucky, so I’m glad.” the Garmisch residents,” “Customers from past and
work in her 57th year as an Army & Air Force Voerkel worked at the Bahnhofstrasse She married a German present make it a point to visit Frau
Exchange Service-Europe employee. location until it closed down four years ago painter, Gerhardt Voerkel, even if they do not have
Born in 1925 in the city of Nikolayev on and the location was moved to Artillery Voerkel, and together items to be altered, just to say hi and
the Black Sea, Voerkel’s mother taught her to Kaserne, a quiet spot compared to the early they raised their see how she is doing,” said Harrison.
sew when she was 18. She arrived in days, where she sews, and takes in dry daughter Christine, “Frau Voerkel has and will always be an
Garmisch in 1945, and five years later she cleaning and photo finishing orders that are who attended college important part of the Garmisch military
started working for AAFES at the old sent out. in the United States to community.”
Bahnhofstrasse PX, where she served for 53 “At the Bahnhofstrasse I did tailoring, and become a criminologist. After 57 years of friendly customer
years. I also worked for a rental service for “My husband passed away long ago,” service, Voerkel still enjoys tailoring and
“A shop is a shop,” she said, “but the televisions,” she said. “AAFES has changed said Voerkel, a touch sad as she reminisced. has no plans to quit.
Bahnhofstrasse shop was convenient to over the years, just like everything else, but I She immediately brightened up as she “It’s my job,” she said. “As long as I feel
everything downtown.” was always lucky to have good bosses. Gary displayed a recent family Christmas picture good I’d like to work.”
“We just left
everything and
lost everything,”
she recalls. “My
school, my
friends, from the
needle to
everything, but
I was lucky, so
Courtesy photos Photo by John Reese I’m glad.”
Emilea Voerkel just after WWII and today at her sewing machine, still clocking in after more than 57 years as an AAFES
employee. Customers past and present stop by just to say hello. (Above centered in text) Voerkel in younger days.
Community honors Native American Month with ‘Living Culture’
by ALEXANDRA COFFELT organizer of Living Culture’s
Special to the Bavarian News Garmisch visit, said she was
impressed at the younger children’s
Living Culture, a German group reaction to the jingle dress.
featuring Native American culture, “The smaller kids are usually
dance, and drum performed Nov. 28 afraid of Petra’s dress,” said
at the Garmisch Elementary/Middle Galloway. “The Garmisch students
School. were more involved. I saw more
Many traditional dances were excitement here than at the bigger
exhibited to the students’ extreme schools.”
pleasure. The group of two men and “I liked the man with the wolf on
two women has been dancing together his head,” said a kindergartner.
for over 10 years. The group’s The man was Eduard “Eddy”
narrator, Petra Heckel-Wiedemer, Stoltz, who wore traditional hunting
spoke fluent English. buckskins with a wolf-pelt headdress.
“I was raised in American The other members’ outfits evoked
schools,” said Heckel-Wiedemer. similar positive reactions. Moni Tkotz
Many of the children were wowed wore a deer leather dress with
by the group’s ornate regalia. Heckel- geometrical beadwork and a beaded
Wiedemer wore a traditional jingle shawl.
dress, which evolved over the years. When asked whose outfit was the
The legacy is that a woman’s favorite, one student replied, ‘the dude Photo by John Reese
granddaughter was sick, so she went that died,’ referring to Tommy Zunal Drumming and chanting, Living Culture performs a traditional Native American intertribal song for
to the medicine man for advice. He in his long wool-fringed grass outfit.
told her to do as he had dreamed and about 80 enthusiastic students at Garmisch American School. The all-German group visited Garmisch
Zunal opened the program with a
that she was to dance wearing a dress haunting native flute melody that to celebrate Native American Heritage.
ornamented with deer hooves. She did echoed in the school’s multi-purpose defeat, Stoltz sheathed his “weapon” “Usually the older students at the 13, is a Garmisch American School
this and the girl became well again. room, and later performed the calling and helped him to his feet for a hug. bigger schools just look at me like, 8th grade student in Mr. Terry
Heckel-Wiedemer’s dress is drums dance, a ceremonial dance to The students cheered this dance ‘Oh no, I gotta dance?’” said McClain’s creative writing class.
decorated with silver jingles made crush down the grass for pow-wows. and many said it was their favorite, Galloway. “This was great.” She plans to go to college after
from the lids of tobacco cans to give In the final dance of the program, although some of the younger All in all, it was a good experience graduation and hopes to get a
the same effect. Zunal fought a mock-combat duel children were frightened. for the entire school. For more about scholarship to attend Johns Hopkins,
Sgt. 1st Class Jacqueline Galloway, with Stoltz in which the opponents The students were invited to Living Culture, visit http:// Harvard, or Auburn University. Staff
Equal Opportunity NCO for U.S. struck drums instead of each other. participate in two of the dances and www.living-culture.de. writer John Reese contributed to the
Army Garrison Grafenwoehr and the When Zunal eventually submitted in enthusiastically joined in. (Guest reporter Alexandra Coffelt, story.)
Heavy USAG-Garmisch metal shop employee Roland Modes, left, says “Auf
Wiedersehen” to garrison furnishings warehouse manager Albrecht
Pecher.
Modes retires Friday after 44 years working of service to the U.S.
Metal Army, while Pecher marks 30 years and plans to carry the torch a bit
further.
Photo by John Reese Karl Hoerl, another metal shop employee not pictured, also retires
along with Modes after 22 years on the job.
10 Bavarian News Hohenfels Box Bulletin December 12, 2007
Hohenfel’s ‘Combat Santa’ project
comes to aid of wounded Soldiers
by GARRY BARROWS
Bavarian News
senior at Hohenfels High School and
now a cadet at the Air Force Academy
in Boulder, Colo., became aware of
“Combat Santa Wants You!” is the the Wounded Warrior Ministry Center.
slogan for a memorable holiday The WWMC is part of the Landstuhl
(From left)
campaign, sponsored by the Pastoral Services that cares for the
Hohenfels National Honor Society needs of wounded and ill service Hohenfels National
and the Hohenfels National Junior members medically evacuated from Honor Society
Honor Society. any front in the Global War on members Lucas
This campaign is designed to Terrorism. Hoss, Ryan
provide wounded Warriors small, yet Although the honor society Matheson, and
important, comforts of life such as members were intrigued by the
underwear, slippers, pajamas, and opportunity, they were not able to Allison Deane
more as they recover at the Landstuhl implement the idea before the end of review contributions
Regional Medical Facility. the school year. to the Combat Santa
When Soldiers are medically This year, Ruby Sell, sponsor of holiday campaign in
evacuated from the front after being both societies at the high school, and preparation to
wounded or falling ill, the move is HNHS President Shaun Redden, deliver them to the
generally done as quickly as possible thought the idea was perfect for their
and, in most cases, the Soldiers have holiday community project. Landstuhl Regional
only the “It was a Medical Facility
clothes on Friday.
‘
‘
great idea,”
their back. said Sell, “We
Once Photo by
Most of our wounded Sol- did a similar
t h e Sandy DeLaughter
project—Treats
Soldiers diers are young men and for Troops—
are out of several years
danger, women, far away from ago, so I had
the pro- home, hurt and scared. some experi-
cess of ence in involvement of the Hohenfels command, I visited several of our Sell, Redden, and Hoss are eager
recovery They are dependant on recognizing the Elementary School with her mother, Soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital. to see the donations in the right hands
immedi-
a t e l y
begins. to show up and prove to
‘
‘
people just like you and me need. to show wanted
our appreci-
We Jennifer Remoy, a fifth grade teacher.
“I have had teachers ask me to send
Combat Santa information
They asked nothing for themselves
and only worried about their buddies.
Visiting and listening to these
and are looking forward to going to
Landstuhl.
“I really think it will help support
Such a ation in an electronically so they can include it wounded warriors has had a profound the Soldiers because hospitals are very
recovery them that we care.... immediate and in their newsletters home to help raise effect on me and my idea of courage lonely places,” Hoss said. “I’ve gone
can be positive way.” support,” Remoy said. and sacrifice. to them long enough to know that by
made far Pe ery
Clarissa Petery Sell said the Clarissa Petery, a substitute teacher “Our donations of toiletry items, now. When people you don’t even
easier if Combat Santa volunteer students can at the high school, has joined in to socks, and candy may make a Soldier know or don’t know well come to visit
personal relate to the assist the students and Sell with the more comfortable, in some small way, you and hope you get better, it touches
items— w o u n d e d project. I hope so. I am very grateful for their you. You don’t expect some people to
day-to-day necessities—are readilly Warriors because Hohenfels High “Most of our wounded Soldiers are service, and I am thankful for the care, but in reality, they do.”
available. School graduate Adam Krouse was young men and women, far away from students of Hohenfels High School Petery envisions this year’s project
Necessities like toothbrushes, recently wounded in Iraq and treated home, hurt and scared,” said Petery. NHS that volunteered to participate in as the beginning of a Hohenfels
deodorant, phone cards, athletic at Landstuhl. “They are dependant on people just helping our Soldiers,” said Petery. tradition.
shoes, and socks are the kinds of “If a Soldier comes to Landstuhl like you and me to show up and prove Friday will be an exciting day for “Just as the Tree Lighting
things that are immediately missed in nothing but a gown and these kinds to them that we care about them and many of the people connected with (ceremony) is performed every year
when a Soldier begins the return road of things (personal items) are not their real life situations.” Combat Santa. in December, Combat Santa can carry
to health. there, it may be possible to think no “My father was a veteran and was “I really liked Shaun’s idea to on for as long as is necessary here in
Today is the last day donations can one cares about them,” Redden said. paralyzed from the waist down. I saw actually take the trip and deliver the Hohenfels,” Petery said. “Hohenfels
be accepted. “We didn’t want that.” first hand how difficult life was for donations ourselves,” Sell said. “We is a small post, but we are mighty. We
The idea for the project started late Katie Hoss, a Junior Honor Society him on a daily basis,” she said. don’t know all of the details; we’re have a lot of folks that care, and they
last fall when Lyndy Axon, then a member, has coordinated the “During my husband’s battalion fine tuning the trip itself right now.” really come through for our Soldiers.”
Photo by Garry Barrows
Capt. Samuel Fishburne enjoys a cup of coffee after the Brew in the Box Coffee Bar
grand opening ceremony in Hohenfels.
Read my hands
Courtesy photo Get your cup of Joe
at Brew in the Box
A toddler at the Hohenfels Child Development Center signs “thank you.” Hohenfels’
CDC has implemented the Baby Signs program in the infant and toddler rooms to
help the children develop both language and cognitive skills. Researchers have
found that using sign language with babies helps reduce frustration in infants who Staff report In addition to two large plasma screen
cannot yet verbally communicate. Nonverbal communication builds trust between televisions, wireless Internet will be installed
babies and caregivers and also jumpstarts intellectual development. For more The Brew in the Box Coffee Bar staff brought sometime near the end of the year allowing
out the bells and whistles as the store opened everyone to drop in for a great cup of coffee
information about the program, call the Hohenfels CDC at DSN 466-4707. for business in the main lobby of Bldg. 10 during and still be connected.
a grand opening ceremony Nov. 26 in Hohenfels. The menu is extensive with favorites such
The Joint Multinational Readiness Center as cappuccino, café latte, café mocha, vanilla
Look for the Bavarian News Commander Col. Thomas S. Vandal; Morale,
Welfare and Recreation Director Glenn Pietras;
and Army Community Service Chief Trevor P.
latte, caramel macchiato, and café Americano
available for $2 to $2.75. Espresso, a number
of iced, blended coffees, and hot chocolate and
online at www.milcom.de Jackman cut the ribbon that allowed the gathered
crowd to begin enjoying what promises to be a
tea round out the selection.
The Brew in the Box is open weekdays from
popular location. 7:30 - 11 a.m. and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
12 Bavarian News Hohenfels Box Bulletin December 12, 2007
Commander sends holiday greetings,
urges awareness of drug use, safety this program.
T
his is the last issue of the here are a number of issues that may over-the-counter drugs, and two of designated driver program, take
Bavarian News for the be of interest to you. these students were sent to the This year the Hohenfels public transportation, use your chain
year, and I wanted to take Over-the-counter drug use hospital as victims of an overdose. community raised $114,555, which of command or in an emergency,
the time up front to wish you and To help address this problem, the exceeded our goal and is a call the Garrison Ride Home
In the past two months we have
your families the happiest of Army and Air Force Exchange remarkable number for a community Program at CIV 09472-83-2819.
seen a serious increase in the
holidays and a Service and the Defense of our size. When road conditions are less
number of instances that our teens,
joyous and Commissary Agency have restricted Top honors for total than perfect, plan ahead, adjust your
primarily in the high school, are
prosperous sales of these products and products contributions by a unit go to speed to the road conditions, and
abusing over-the-counter drugs that
New Year. containing these ingredients by ITACSS (Griffins) followed by take your time on the roads.
contain the ingredients
Whether dependent children under the age of Company D, 1st Battalion, 4th At home, turn off holiday lights
Dextromethorphan as well as the
you or your 20. Restricting sales in our facilities Infantry Regiment, and Joint when they are not in use or when
product Dust Off.
spouse are will not solve this problem alone; it Multinational Readiness Center you leave the house. Have a great
These ingredients are found in
currently will take your involvement. Operations Group. Again, thank you holiday and be safe.
common cold medicines like cough
deployed or Please take the time to discuss to everyone who contributed to this Enjoy the holiday season and the
suppressants that you probably have
have been over-the-counter drug use with your year’s campaign. upcoming winter months and as
in your house.
working a Abuse of over the counter drugs families and be aware of the Safety during the holidays always, Command Sgt. Maj. Perry
rotational is an extremely serious issue that I products that you may have in your Unfortunately during this time of Clark and I look forward to seeing
schedule, the past year has been ask your support in helping to home and how they are being used. the year, we normally see a rise in you around the post.
busy for everyone, and I hope that prevent before a community Combined Federal the number of preventable safety
you will take the time to reflect member is accidently killed or incidents in and around post. Do not
upon all of the positive things in our seriously injured.
Campaign become a statistic this holiday
Lt. Col. Gary Bloomberg
community as well as those who are Congratulations to the entire
in need of support during this
In the past month, we have had
community and thank you for your
season.
If you are going out for the night
USAG Hohenfels
six students in the high school who
season. As we close out the year, have been sent home for use of generous outpouring of support for and alcohol will be involved, use a Commander
Cultural Exchange
Hohenfels celebrates
American Indian heritage
with performance
by Master Sgt. heritage with others,” said Guadarrama.
CHRISTOPHER MULVIHILL After demonstrating three ceremonial dances
JMRCE EO Advisor and two songs, both accompanied by traditional
drums and chants, Guadarrama talked about
Mario Guadarrama peers out from under his people’s relationship to the earth, the forest, the
elaborate Aztec headdress at the audience of sky, the ocean, and the animals.
more than 400 Hohenfels Elementary School He told the audience about their use of tree
students waiting with raised hands to ask him resin to make smoke to accompany their
questions at the post theater Nov. 27. ceremonies, which are an important part of their
“What are your clothes made of?” asked one culture.
student. “We are thanking nature for the goodness we
“Leather, mostly. Leather from deer, leather have,” Guadarrama said about the dances.
from cows, leather from pigs. Also, pheasant As the capstone event for the celebration, the
feathers, parts of animals,” Guadarrama said, Calli Dance Group was a fascinating learning
indicating the ocelot, coyote, and fox heads in experience for the community, but especially for
several of his companions’ headdresses. the elementary students.
“We also use seeds in our clothes to help In addition to the visit by Calli, the
make the sounds you hear,” he said. community observance also included two other
Guadarrama is a member of the Calli Dance components, both organized by American Indian
Group, a Native American Aztec dance group Heritage Committee Chairperson Pfc. Kalie
from a town just south of Mexico City. His Frantz, of the Cherokee and Lumbee tribes.
leather business brings the group to Germany Hohenfels’ middle and high schools
seven to eight months out of the year. participated in a poster contest, with 26
While in Europe, they use the opportunity to submissions that were on display in the theater
share their culture with Europeans and during the dance performance.
Americans. They especially welcome the chance The second event was a traditional food
to help celebrate American Indian Heritage tasting with recipes donated by Native American
Month. community members and prepared by the
“We very much want to share our culture and Hohenfels High School Culinary Club.
Dishes such as fry bread and corn soup,
The Aztec dance group Calli recreates mashed maple sweet potatoes, corn pones,
authentic ceremonies for American blueberry muffins, carne adobado (chili
Indian Heritage Month Nov. 27. marinated pork), and smoked salmon delighted
PX visitors while providing a lesson in diversity
Photo by Garry Barrows and cooperation for the culinary club.
Seattle SeaGals astonish Hohenfels audience
Story and photo by JOANNE LOVE
Special to the Bavarian News
Although the National Football League
Seattle Sea Hawks dance team performance in
Hohenfels was scheduled for the night after
Thanksgiving and on a four-day holiday, that
did not deter about 160 Soldiers and community
members from attending an energetic
performance by the SeaGals at the post gym
Nov. 23.
From the very first routine to the last, the
audience appeared to be entertained and
delighted for the entire evening.
The performance started with a regular
football half-time routine, moved into a musical
review of the 1950-60’s, then the 70-80’s, and The Seattle Sea Gals, the dance team for the National Football League Seattle Sea Photo by Elizabeth Mauldin
ended with a modern hip-hop routine. Hawks, performed in Hohenfels Nov. 23. Brandon Ruiz dressed the part for
In addition to the dances and the songs, the songs. Bloomberg with a Seattle Sea Hawks flag signed Thanksgiving. Hohenfels Elementary
performance included routines with children and U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels Commander by each member of the group. School second graders organized a meal
members of the audience. Lt. Col. Gary Bloomberg presented the dancers The flag will be on display at the 1 st for parents and staff at the school last
No military performance is complete without with Joint Multinational Readiness Center T- Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment’s Warrior month in appreciation for all they do to
ending the program with a medley of patriotic shirts, and the team, in turn, presented Sports Café. help students achieve success.
14 Bavarian News December 12, 2007
Community Spotlight
What’s Happening
below, contact Central Registration at taking a Spiritual Gifts test to see how This process allows us to provide a sending an e-mail to redcrosshohenfels
Grafenwoehr/ Vilseck DSN 476-2760, CIV 09662-83-
2760 or Grafenwoehr DSN 475-6656,
God has gifted us.
Join us at the Hilltop from 9:30 a.m.-
recess period that is most advantageous
to the greatest number of families during
@eur.army.mil, or stopping by the Red
Cross office in Bldg. 335.
CIV 09641-83-6656 or e-mail 1130 a.m., or come early for coffee and the holiday leave period.
Vilseck Briefs cysinfo@eur.army.mil.
CYS will open the CDCs and
fellowship at 9 a.m.
Child care is provided free at the APO, CMR extends
Checking German mailboxes
All residents at Leased Family Housing
Vilseck Clinic has new hours SASs on Friday nights until 9 p.m. and chapel annex for children 1 month- 5 operating hours for holiday Units are requested to check their German
The Vilseck Health Clinic’s new alternate opening two Saturdays a month years and opens at 8:45 a.m. Bring a mailboxes on a daily basis.
The Community Mailroom will be
operating hours are as follows beginning between the Vilseck and Graf communi- friend and learn a little about yourself! open on Saturdays for the holiday season The Housing Facilities Office is sending
Dec. 26: ties. The Teen Centers will also staff This event is sponsored by Protes- through Dec. 22. The window hours will important and recurrent information, such as
Monday-Wednesday: 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. “Open Gym” on Saturday afternoons in tant Women of the Chapel but women of be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. appointments from contractors for oil
Thursday: 1-6 p.m. both communities. all (or no) faith backgrounds are The CMR will be open on Christmas deliveries, annual heater maintenance,
Friday: 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m. welcome! chimney sweeping and other contractor
Lost your bike? Look here! Eve from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon (Urgent Care The POC for this event is Gwen maintenance.
The Vilseck City Hall and Vilseck MP For more information, contact Carol
Only) Eungard , e-mail bradandgwen@cs.com.
Station have an abundance of unclaimed James at DSN 466-2796/4398.
Closed all training holidays and The APO holiday hours are Monday Club Beyond Update
federalholidays. found property that is believed to belong Sort Facility operating hours through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it is Club Beyond is free. All youth (7th-
to American personnel. The operating hours at the Sort 12th grade) are welcome anytime.
closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Estate claim for 2nd Lt. Burks The found property consists of Facility during the holiday season are as If you have any questions about these
bicycles, wallets, and clothing. The point For more information, contact Walter
Anyone having any claims on or follows: Knight at DSN 466-2887. upcoming events or Club Beyond
obligations to the estate of 2nd Lt. Peter of contact at the Rathaus is Ms. Felkl’s Dec. 24 – 7 a.m. to noon Hohenfels call Chris Howard at DSN
Haskell Burks of 4th Squadron, 2d office which is located at #13 Dec. 25 - closed 466-4793 or CIV 0151-1494-3311 or e-
Marktplatz, 92249 Vilseck, her phone Dec. 26 - closed
ASC seeks volunteers with
Stryker Cavalry Regiment, should mail christopher.s.howard@eur.army.
contact the summary court officer: 2nd number is CIV 09662-9927. Dec. 31 – 7 a.m. to noon foreign language skills mil.
Lt. John Leitch at DSN 476-5301 or by The point of contact at the Vilseck Jan. 1 - closed. The Army Community Services is
e-mail at john.leitch1@eur.army.mil. MP Station is Staff Sgt. Buchanan, DSN The days not mentioned will be open looking to build a pool of volunteers
476-2903. with foreign language skills to assist CYS Babysitter Referral
as normal throughout the year. Call the
New Customs office Remember, if you don’t secure your DPW Sort Office at DSN 466 – 4967 for with the Warrior Transition Unit Soldiers Services
There is a new Customs customer personnel property, someone else will. information. and family members. Babysitters are Red Cross trained
service office in Grafenwoehr located in They are looking for people with teens willing to provide childcare
Bldg. 244, Room 240. Operation Hours AAFES sets holiday hours Counseling available skills in any language, not just German. services during non-school days and
will be as follows: PX and Mall Holiday Hours now in Counseling is available for individu- If you possess this skilll, and are willing weekends.
* Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. - noon / 1 - effect: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 als, couples or families on Mondays, to volunteer, contact Eva Garrett at the Child care services and rates are
4 p.m p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Family Army Community Services at DSN 466- negotiable with provider and include at
* Friday, 8 a.m. - noon and 1 - 3 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Life Center, Bldg. 743, across from the 2081. home or in-quarters care.
For more information, call DSN 475- Food Court Holiday Hours now in commissary. * Referrals are available to anyone
7249 or CIV 09641-837249 at effect: Monday-Thursday: 10:30 a.m.-8 Appointments can be made to see Red Cross gift wrapping requiring babysitter services.
Grafenwoehr, or call the Vilseck Office p.m., Friday-Saturday: 10:30-8 p.m. Chaplain (Maj.) Darin Nielsen by calling The American Red Cross is sponsor- * Visit the CLEOS office for referral
at DSN 475-2105 or CIV 09662-832105. (Charley’s, Subway & Baskin Robbins), DSN 476-3276 or counselor intern Beth ing the annual holiday giftwrap program, services, or contact us for additional
10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. (Popeye’s and Taco FitzGerald by calling DSN 466-1570 or a fundraising opportunity for private information.
Credit Union holiday hours Bell), Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. DSN 466-4795. organizations and FRGs on post through
All Service Credit Union branch Mainstreet X-presso! Holiday Hours All counseling is confidential and is Dec. 24 at the Hohenfels Main Ex- CYS registration free
offices will be closed at 1 p.m. Dec. 24 now in effect: Monday-Friday: 7:30 available for Soldiers, spouses, civilians change. Registration for Middle School/Teen
and Dec. 26. All branch offices will a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and family members. Participating organizations choose Services is free. Pick up registration
resume normal hours Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Sunday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. shifts and man the booth during those forms at the MS/Teen facility, tempo-
Service Credit Union would like to All facilities will close at 4 p.m. on Brighten a wounded shifts. All interested parties should rarily located in the Community
remind its members that Internet Dec. 24. contact the American Red Cross Activities Center, Bldg. 40, or register at
Soldier’s holiday immediately by calling DSN 466-1760, CLEOS.
banking, ATMs and the 24-hour Contact Remember our wounded warriors
Center are all available 24 hours a day, CMR hours extended
During the holiday season through during the holiday season. Take time this
seven days a week. holiday season to remember our
Dec. 29, there will be extended operation
wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army
Annual meter readings hours at the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck
Medical Center.
During the period beginning of Community Mail Room:
When you are making out your
November 2007 until end of January Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
holiday card list this year, include the
2008 the electricity supplier EnBW Saturday: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Closed: 25 Dec (Christmas) following:
(Energie Baden Wuerttemberg) will do A Recovering American Soldier
the annual meter readings in the c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Grafenwoehr and Vilseck GHRP and 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Leased Housing areas.
The personnel will have identification Hohenfels Washington, D.C. 20307
cards, which will show that they are School winter break policy
from the electricity supplier EnBW.
Please provide them access to your
Briefs Message for all Hohenfels Middle
High School parents winter break policy:
electricity meter. Free personality tests offered Parents must notify the administration, in
For information contact Barbara Puzzled by Your Personality? Ever writing, an acceptable explanation or the
Boesl at DSN 476-2207. wonder where you “fit”? Join the need for an extended holiday period by a
Protestant Women of the Chapel on family, the student may be excused from
Graf clinic announces Tuesdays in January to put the pieces school beginning Monday (five school
holiday hours together! Mark your calendars for the days prior to the Dec. 22 start date for the
The holiday hours for the following dates: winter break).
Grafenwoehr Health Clinic are as Jan. 8: Take the Myers-Briggs Type Parents must notify the administration,
follows: Indicator (MBTI) test free in writing, of this necessary alteration of
Dec. 24-25: closed Jan. 15: Get your MBTI scored the winter break schedule by Saturday.
Dec. 26: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. results and learn about the types. This will allow the administration to
Dec. 27: 1-5 p.m. Jan. 22: Take a different personality coordinate coursework with teachers for
Dec. 28: 7 a.m.-3 p.m. assessment based on the book “Why You the days the student will be excused from
Dec. 29-Jan. 1: closed Act the Way You Do” school. All assigned coursework must be
Jan. 2: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Jan. 29: We’ll wrap up the month by completed by Jan. 7.
Jan. 3: 1-6 p.m.
Jan. 4: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Jan. 5: 9 a.m.-noon
Garrison school update
Information is available at each school
Web site:
http://www.graf-es.eu.dodea.edu/
http://www.vils-es.eu.dodea.edu/
http://www.graf-ms.eu.dodea.edu/
http://www.vils-hs.eu.dodea.edu/
School contact information:
GES: DSN 475-7133
VES: DSN 476-2812
GMS: DSN 475-9500
VHS: DSN 476-2554
Transportation: DSN 475-8954
Dates
Through Jan. 18: Orders are being
taken for the full-colored Vilseck
Elementary School Yearbook. The
annual costs $20, payable by cash or a
money order made out to VHS SAF.
Purchase envelopes are available at VES.
Contact Mrs. Northam at DSN 476-2812
for more details.
Odyssey of the Mind Coaches for
VES: Coaches are needed to guide and
encourage teams of students to creatively
solve a problem that will be presented at
the OM Competition in Bad Kissingen.
VES is trying to get at least five teams
established. Volunteer coaches will
receive training. POC: Victoria Hennion
at DSN 476-2812 or CIV 09662-83-2812.
CYS news
For more info on the programs listed
December 12, 2007 Bavarian News 15
Community Spotlight
What’s Happening
Jingle Bell Jog Tue. Jan 1, 11 a.m. Mass Spend New Year’s in the Alps Auto Skills Center, Conn Barracks
Ansbach The Katterbach Fitness Center hosts a
Jingle Bell Jog 5-km fun run and walk
(Mary Mother of God)
Protestant
Enjoy an alpine adventure with
Outdoor Recreation while ringing in the
*Jan. 11-14 ski/snowboard class
In conjunction with Austria ski/
snowboard trip.
Briefs Dec. 22. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the
run starts at 10 a.m. at the fitness center.
Sun. Dec. 23, 11 a.m. Sunday service
Mon. Dec. 24, 5 p.m. Candlelight service
Church of God and Christ
New Year in Garmisch Dec. 30 - Jan. 2.
Call DSN 469-8659.
Travel with USO
Decorations in housing And congratulations to the winners of
the center’s Turkey Trot Nov. 24. There Sun. Dec. 23, 12:45 p.m. Sunday service Audition for hit musical Travel with USO to Dresden Dec. 22
Christmas and holiday decorations were 39 people that took part and the 5- Free Gospel for a day to take a historical city tour and
may be displayed throughout the housing The Stable Theater is looking for
158th Aviation Regiment took home the At Preston Hall Bldg. #7080 actors and actresses (older teen to adult) visit Germany’s oldest Christmas market
areas during the holiday season. When Sun. Dec. 23, 11 a.m. Sunday service dating back to 1434.
Unit Cup for most participants. to fill parts in the hit musical “Thor-
using holiday lighting, care must be Mon. Dec. 31, 10 p.m. Watch Night For more information, call USO at
The top male was Sterling Teall, the oughly Modern Millie” Auditions will be
taken to ensure safety and prevent DSN 354-6711 or CIV 09721-96-6711.
top youth was Brendan Teall, the top held at the Stable Theater Jan. 9, 10 and
damage to homes and barracks, said female was Kimberly Richards and the Get help with resume seminar
housing officials. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Here are a few simple rules to follow
top stroller runner was Lara Moore. The federal government requires The show is scheduled to run in early Kids perform for Christmas
For more on the Jingle Bell Jog or specific things in a resume and the March. For more information, contact Come to the Ledward chapel Sunday
when it comes to holiday lighting: application process is different from most
other fitness programs, call the center at the theater at CIV 0951-300-8647. at 9 a.m. to see children perform “Sing
Holiday lights may be displayed civilian employers.
467-2771 or 09802-83-2771. Noel.” The storyline follows children as
from now until Jan. 7. Lights may only ACAP is holding Federal Application Nominate youth volunteers they do the final rehearsal for a Christ-
be lit from 4 p.m. to midnight to help Seminar Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. mas play. Some are excited about the day
conserve energy. New Year’s in London Do you know a youth (14-18 yrs old)
Outdoor recreations offers a trip to Attendees should have already completed who has provided volunteer service in of performance and others, pushed by
Lights or other holiday decorations a two-day Transitional Assistance their parents to participate, take some
will not be stapled or nailed to door and London to bring in the new year Dec. 28 the past 12 months, displayed good
to Jan. 2. The trip features an overnight Program workshop prior to the Lab. character and academic achievement? time to warm up to the idea. The
window frames of housing or barracks The next resume writing lab is Jan. 7.
bus trip to the city, three overnights in a Nominate him/her for youth of the community is invited to attend.
structures. For more info, call DSN 469-8925.
Balcony decorations are allowed three-star hotel with breakfast included year! The winner may be selected to
for stairwells. Lawn decorations are and a city tour. receive scholarships ($1000, $10,000 Library offers shop-time
allowed for duplexes and single houses. Cost is $469 per person. For more, CMR extends holiday hours and $15,000). Call CIV 0951-300-8641. Send your kids to Ledward or
Exterior lights and extension cords call 467-3225 or 09802-83-3225. For your convenience the CMR Leighton libraries for a 30-minute story
should be designed for outdoor use and customer service window will be open on PWOC spring session Jan. 16 time while you shop for their gift at the
contain a factory label indicating Army Career Alumni Saturdays beginning this Saturday until PX on Saturday from 10 - 10:30 a.m.
Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bamberg Protestant Women of
For more info, call DSN 354-1740 or
Underwriter Laboratory (UL) approval. Program The package pick-up window will the Chapel will kick-off spring study
CIV 0931-889-1740.
Exterior extension cords should also be Upcoming ACAP events include a sessions Jan. 16 at the chapel 9-11 a.m.
heavy duty. also be open Dec. 24 from noon to 2 p.m.
federal application seminar Monday and Six new book studies await anyone
Routing extension cords through a separation brief Tuesday. The next job looking for fellowship, friendship, and Holiday basketball shootout
windows or doors is prohibited. Exterior search workshop will be Jan. 15-17 and
Holiday decorating contest fun. PWOC is open to women of all Sign up for a holiday basketball
lights should be plugged into existing Get in the spirit of the season by denominations. Free childcare is tournament Monday - Dec. 20. Tourna-
the next Veterans Affairs benefit brief
outdoor outlets, which are equipped with registering to participate in the holiday provided. Call DSN 469-8142. ment is open to all unit-level teams from
will be Jan. 23.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters. decorating contest. Yards, balconies and Schweinfurt, Wuerzburg, Bamberg, and
Soldiers and their spouses who are stairwells will be judged. Win an AAFES Ansbach, with a deadline for sign up
one year from a possible ETS or two gift card, a sign of recognition and more! Play BSCC bingo Jan. 16 Friday. Games will be played at
Turning in license plates years from a possible retirement are Judging will be Dec. 20. Participants Win big at the Bamberg Spouses’ and Leighton Fitness Center at 2:30, 3:30,
People applying for vehicle registra- eligible to attend all ACAP events. Civilians’ Club Italian Ceramics from
must register through Monday with Staff 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. each day.
tion renewal with an expiration date of Soldiers and their spouses in Nove bingo night on Wed. Jan. 16. Win
Sgt. Tyrone King at DSN 469-7946. There is no cost to participate.
Jan. 1, 2008, or later must turn in their Katterbach and Illesheim who are one prizes from a fine selection of Tiffany & Awards will be given to individuals and
old AF and AD plates for the new long year from possible separation from the Co. ceramics and more.
German-style ones. Army or two years from possible
Christmas Market now open Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at
teams. All participants receive a free T-
The Bamberg Christmas Market is shirt. Call DSN 353-8234 or DSN 350-
People who are moving to the U.S., retirement, should call the Ansbach 6:30. in the BHS multi-purpose room. $8
ACAP office to schedule their pre- open until Dec. 23, Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. to 6115 or e-mail tony.puskorius@eur.
Belgium, the Netherlands or Italy before or $15 packets available, including
separation counseling appointment. 7 p.m. and on Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. army.mil or williamcomeford@eur.
June 30 can keep their AD plates. playing cards and raffle tickets.
at Maxplatz (between the town hall and army.mil. The tournament is limited to
For more information on the new first eight teams to submit their intent.
Karstadt store). Visit www.bamberg.
policy, call the vehicle registration Holiday mailing deadlines army.mil for info on German markets. Holiday events for youth
headquarters in Mannheim at 386-7280 The U.S. Postal Service recommends
or 0621-718-7280.
Friday -Middle School Holiday Watch ice hockey
the following deadline to make sure your Garrison holiday hours Dance at Oasis Teen Center from 7-10 Come watch the Mighty Dogs play
holiday cards and packages make it to p.m. Event is open to 7th and 8th rival teams at the Ice Dome Sunday, or
Chapel holiday services The operating hours for some
the U.S. by Dec. 25: graders. Attire: Semi-formal to formal Dec. 21 or 28 in Schweinfurt . Games
garrison facilities and services may vary
The Katterbach Chapel hosts these * Express mail—Dec. 20. wear. Tickets are $5 before Dec. 12 and start at 6 p.m. Call DSN 354-1600.
during the holidays from Dec. 24 -Jan 2.
holiday services: Protestant Christmas Call ahead to confirm opening and $10 at the door.
Eve and candlelight service Dec. 24 at 7
p.m.; Anglican and Episcopal midnight
Mass Dec. 24 at 11 p.m.; and a Catholic
Bamberg closing times. Saturday -Teen Winter Ball at Oasis
Teen Center from 7-10 p.m. Event is
open to 9th - 12th graders. Attire is semi-
“Hello Dolly” on stage
Come to the Schweinfurt city theater,
Warner Club closing Friday Rossbrunnstrasse 2, to see the musical
community Christmas Day Mass Dec. 25
at 9 a.m. Briefs As of Friday, the Bamberg Warner
Club will be closed until further notice.
formal to formal. Tickets are $5 before
Dec. 12 and $10 at the door.
“Hello Dolly” Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Call CIV 09721-510 09721-51741.
The Illesheim Chapel hosts a Dec. 31 -New Year’s Eve Party at the
Catholic community Christmas Eve vigil For more information contact Juergen
Clinic holiday schedule Hagemann at DSN 469-7885.
Oasis Teen Center from 4-6 p.m. for Lingerers dine out
Mass Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and a Protestant The Bamberg Health Clinic will have grades 6-12. Admission is free.
Christmas Even and candlelight service Join the Leighton Lingerers, formerly
closures during the upcoming holiday For more info on SAS programs, call
Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. Post shuttle has new schedule CIV 0951-300-8641.
the spouses club, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at
season. Be sure to mark your calendars The Warner Barracks shuttle bus is the Waldhaus for a holiday dining out.
For more, call the Katterbach Chapel for these days. now running on a new schedule. Exchange gifts ($10/10 euro limit), enjoy
at 467-2785 or 09802-83-2785, or the
Illesheim Chapel at 467-4642 or 09841-
During closures all emergencies
should go to the Bamberg Klinikum.
The new schedule can be found at
www.bamberg.army.mil under the
Schweinfurt good food, and bring 2007 to a close
with a bang! Call June at 0931/299/5648
83-4642. Dec. 21—Closed at noon or email her at jimjunej@t-online.de.
Hook into Wi-Fi
Dec. 24-25 –Closed
Dec. 31-Jan. 1 –Closed
“Bamberg Services” menu.
Briefs
USAG Ansbach Morale, Welfare and For more information, contact 1st Lt.
Keep car clean for half price Estate claim for Sgt. Hike Free Schweinfurt boat cruise
Recreation offers Wi-Fi connections at The Bamberg MWR Auto Skills The Schweinfurt community has the
Jose Sanfeliz at DSN 469-8619. Anyone having claims on or
the Von Steuben community center, and Center is offering 50 percent off any car chance to take a free two-hour river
wash during the entire month of obligations to the estate of Sgt. Adrian cruise Saturday in honor of the Soldiers
the Katterbach and Storck Barracks Holiday concert set tomorrow December. Open Wed. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 7 E. Hike of 1-91 CAV should contact the and families serving in this time of need.
bowling centers. The Bamberg Middle/High School following summary court martial officer:
People can hook up their laptops and p.m., and Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Space is limited, so sign up today at the
music department presents their annual Closed Monday and Tuesday. 2nd Lt. Michael Preczewski at DSN Finney Fitness Center on Conn or the
wireless devices in the centers for holiday concert tomorrow at 7 p.m. in 353-8609.
various rate charges: $3.50 hourly, $9.50 Leighton Community Activities Center.
the high school multi-purpose room.
daily, $24.50 weekly and $39 monthly. A sweet treat for parents Free ride to Christmas market
This service is also available at other Support your Angel Tree Parents can enjoy three free hours of
Get a free bus ride with MWR to
Play women’s volleyball
installations in Germany and stateside. holiday shopping Dec. 21 from 6 - 9 p.m. Sign up for the three-on-three
There’s no better time for giving than popular locations this winter. Sign up for
while kids make cookies and gingerbread women’s volleyball tournament held at
the holidays. Share the magic of the the Erfurt Christmas Market Saturday.
Fitness for free houses at SAS. Register by Friday. Open Finney Fitness Center Monday.
season with a child by participating in Call CIV 0931-889-6305.
USAG Ansbach MWR recently made to all families who are registered with Participation is free and is open to all
the Chapel Angel Tree program. CYS. Call DSN 469-8698.
all of its fitness classes free of charge To participate, remove one or more Annual tree lighting I.D. card holders 18 years and older.
through February. The classes include angel tags from tress located at the Registration is 5-5:30 p.m. the day of the
Let your voice be heard Come to the annual Christmas Tree
Bottoms Up!, Body Blast, Buns and chapel and outside the PXtra and tournament. All participants receive a
Lighting in Andrus Garden on Ledward
Thighs, Circuit Training, Indoor Cycling, purchase appropriate gifts for the child The Presidential election is right free T-shirt. For more info, call DSN
Barracks Sunday at 4 p.m. Enjoy free 353-8234 or CIV 09721-96-8234.
Keichu Do, Muscle Pump, Pilates and described on the tags. Bring wrapped around the corner. Many citizens are
refreshments, sing carols, and bring the
Turbo Kickboxing. gifts to the chapel tree by Sunday. eligible to vote in the Primaries in their
kids to get a picture with Santa Claus.
For class schedules or more informa- home states, but you can’t vote if you Giving parents a break
tion on the fitness programs at USAG Spend Christmas skiing don’t register! Call DSN 469-8071 to
find out what you must do in order to
Ethnic food at the library CYS is giving you time off. Drop off
Ansbach, call 467-2771 or 09802-83- The Franconia International Ski Club Join Ledward library for food and your child ages 6 weeks to 5th grade at the
2771 on Katterbach and 467-4582 or invites you to St. Veit, Austria, for family vote in your district, or e-mail events below, and they will be cared for at
charles.schnepfe @eur.army.mil. gathering recipes tomorrow for an
09841-83-4582 at Storck Barracks. fun and Christmas skiing Dec. 22- 27. Islamic lunch or Dec. 20 for a Kwanzaa no cost to families. Both programs include
The package includes five overnights, lunch, both from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. one meal. Enrollment is limited and starts
Hit the slopes breakfasts, and dinners at a cozy three Attend SAS winter camp Call 354-1740/CIV 09721-96-1740. today. Children must be registered with
star hotel, four days of lessons, great Children can stay busy during the CYS and reservations must be made in
Outdoor recreation offers many
après-ski opportunities, babysitter holidays by attending the Bamberg SAS B.O.S.S. activities advance by phone or in person. Call DSN
weekend and one-day ski trips this
service for children under age 3, winter camp Dec. 24 through Jan. 4. 354-6517 or CIV 09721-96-6414 in
winter: Participate in Better Opportunity for
* Dec. 22 day trip to Feldberg entertainment program for both the The camp is open to kindergarten Schweinfurt or DSN 350-7762 or CIV
Single Soldiers events through the
* Jan. 5 day trip to Feldberg young and old plus a welcome party. through 5th grade for CYS registered 0931-889-7762 in Wuerzburg.
winter. All instruction, materials, and
* Jan. 10 free day trip with destina- The trip price is 383 Euro for adults youth. Events include field trips, crafts, Parents’ Night Out Dec. 28, 6:30-
music, cooking, games, and bowling. games are free of charge. Call DSN 354-
tion to be determined and it is a U-Drive. (For children 15 and 6270 or CIV 0170-725-6464 for info. 11 p.m. Sign ups begin Dec. 21.
under, please contact the trip captain.) Reserve by calling CIV 0951-300-8698. Super Saturday Respite Care Jan.
* Jan. 19-21 weekend trip to Kaprun *Tomorrow: This One’s For You 3-7 p.m.
* Jan. 26 day trip to Garmisch Single supplement is 40 Euro. Finney Fitness Center, Conn Barracks 12, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sign-up Dec. 12.
* Feb. 2 day trip to Feldberg Sign-up and payment is due by Ring in New Year with *Tomorrow bowling/drill a customized
* Feb. 9 day trip to Gross Arber Monday. E-mail candace.merritt@ masquerade party ball 8 p.m., Kessler Bowling Alley Calling all actors
* Feb. 16-19 weekend trip to Solden us.army.mil for more information. Ring in the New Year at the Moon- *Dec. 21 Classics Party 5 p.m. Try out for the next Schweinfurt
* Feb. 23 day trip to Feldberg light Cabin’s Black and White Masquer- Finney Fitness Center, Conn Barracks community theater play “Bus Stop” Jan.
Outdoor rec also has ski and Chapel worship schedule ade Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. This free party will *Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve in Berlin 9 and 10 at the Abrams Entertainment
snowboard equipment available. Catholic feature karaoke, games, food, and fun. *Jan. 8 construct your own mug shelf 6 Center at 6 p.m. No previous experience
For times, costs and more info, call Sun. Dec. 23, 9 a.m. Sunday service Win prizes for best costumes. Call CIV p.m., Frame Shop, Ledward Barracks is required. Call CIV 0162-296-2776 or
467-3225 or 09802-83-3225. Tue. Dec. 25, 11 a.m. Christmas Mass 0951-300-8423 for details. *Jan. 10 Auto shop safety class 6 p.m. e-mail garland.travis@us.army.mil.
17
December 12, 2007
Culture Bavarian News
Do our German neighbors
believe in Santa Claus?
by MARTINA BIAS You see, Nikolaus is far from the “jolly old Nikolaus is far
Special to the Bavarian News elf” Americans are accustomed to. Nikolaus from the “jolly
travels on foot through the woods (often
accompanied by his helper “Knecht old elf”
Do Germans believe in Santa?
The answer to this question is “Yes”, but Rupprecht” (male servant Rupprecht) with a Americans are
there is a different twist to the story. The sack in one hand and a broom made of twigs accustomed to.
German Santa Claus (St. Nikolaus, or just plain in the other. If the children were “good” Nikolaus travels
Nikolaus) does not bring gifts on Christmas during the previous year they will receive a on foot through
Eve. present from the sack; if they were “bad” they the woods
The Holy Night is reserved for the will be spanked with the broom and taken
“Christkind” (Christ child). Often portrayed in away in the sack by Nikolaus. (often
angelic form, the Christkind delivers the Although I remember trembling with fear accompanied
presents in the afternoon or evening every Nikolaustag and hiding when I heard by his helper
(depending on tradition and sometimes on the Nikolaus arrive, I always received a present. A “Knecht
age of the children) of Dec. 24. friend of mine, however, was not so fortunate. Rupprecht”
Nikolaustag (the day of St. Nikolaus) is She still has vivid memories of being
(male servant
celebrated on Dec. 6. Traditionally, the children forced into the sack and taken outside. She
will set out their boots on the evening of Dec. reports struggling like crazy to free herself. Rupprecht) with
5, and Nikolaus will fill them with nuts, Finally, she succeeded and ran home in tears, a sack in one
oranges, cookies, sweets, and small toys barefoot through the snow. hand and a
overnight. So now when you see a suspicious man in broom made of
I was fortunate to grow up during the 70’s a long, red coat, carrying what seems to be a twigs in the
when high shaft boots were common.Most squirming sack on the evening of December
the 6th, don’t be alarmed. Just smile and be other.
kids were not very happy when the fashion
switched to the lower cut versions, cutting glad that you were good last year. And if you Photo by
down dramatically on the amount of goodies weren’t, well, you better make sure that he Paula Guzman
they could hold. doesn’t see you. There is a lot of room in that
Another tradition many German families sack! You might also notice that the German
uphold is a personal visit from Nikolaus Nikolaus is a lot slimmer than Santa Claus.
(usually a male relative or neighbor dressed up Well, I guess long treks through the woods
in the traditional red coat) on the evening of carrying a sack full of presents (or kids) is a lot
Dec. 6. Just the mere mention of his name will more exercise than riding in a sleigh pulled by
turn children into very well behaved kids. reindeer.
German Christmas, New Year’s are unique celebrations always shows some of their best
by MARTINA BIAS that day or evening. For many Church service year and the enormous amounts of
Special to the Bavarian News families the ringing of a little bell family entertainment. I remember the money that is “blown up,” a charity
Many Germans will attend a
signals that the gifts have been “Circus of the Stars” and lots of old organization started the campaign
church service some time on
Don’t you sometime wish that delivered. movies. Watching the three-part “Brot statt Boeller” (bread instead of
Christmas Eve. Families with children
Christmas could last longer than just Holiday meals movie series called “Sissi” about the boom), which collects money to help
might prefer a worship service
one day? Well, in Germany it does. life of the Bavarian Princess feed the poor around the world.
Many families serve some kind of during the afternoon, while older
Germans actually celebrate for three Elisabeth who married the Emperor A Healthy New Year!
fish dish that evening, with trout or people would go at 10 pm or even
whole days. of Austria every year was an annual
carp being the most popular. To be wait until the Midnight Mass. It is a German tradition on New
Christmas Eve is the main event tradition for our family.
honest, that was the part of The distribution of the presents Year’s Day that you wish everyone
for the kids. This is also the day Christmas that I always liked least. I is the high point of the celebration New Years you meet “Ein Gesundes Neues
most Germans decorate their never liked the Blue Carp my mother for many. It often depends on the Germans celebrate the New Year Jahr” (a healthy New Year).
Christmas tree. always cooked. family tradition when this takes very similar to most Americans. They During my youth, the telephone
Often, the living room is off-limits For this dish, freshly slaughtered place. Some people open them get together with friends, have a nice system would often experience a
to the little ones that day. That will carp is boiled in spiced vinegar water before, other’s after dinner and still meal, or go to a party. Again, TV serious over- load in the first few
insure a delightful surprise when the (that produces the blue skin color) others wait until they get home from programs are offering their best hours and day of the New Year as
children see the beautifully decked- and served with creamed church. shows, movies, and other everyone would call friends and
out tree with its sparkling lights for horseradish and bread with butter. Dec. 25 and 26 are called entertainment for the families to family to bestow those good wishes
the first time in the evening glow. As soon as I was old enough to Weihnachtsfeiertage (Christmas watch together during the wait for on them.
It also makes it easier for the prepare my own food, I started to holidays) in Germany. Both are midnight. It is German tradition to take your
mysterious gift bringer, the cook myself some spaghetti with national holidays. This is when most The British classic “Dinner For Christmas tree down on Epiphany
“Christkind” (Christ child), to place tomato sauce (always met by my of the feasting takes place. One” is one of the annual New Years (Jan. 6), also called the “Day of the
the gifts under the tree sometime mother’s raised eyebrows). It is also the time for visits with Eve television favorites. Naturally, Three Holy Kings.”
relatives (and more eating). One of you will see many “the year in Note of caution: Please be aware
Private the typical Christmas meals (always review” shows as well. that under garrison and U.S. Army
fireworks prepared at lunch time, like a Fireworks Europe regulations, private fireworks
are traditional Sunday meal) is die Now, the one distinct difference are prohibited on post and in
prohibited Weihnachtsgans (the Christmas between a German and American government controlled off-post
goose). New Years celebration are the housing areas and quarters.
on post In our house, however, the Off-post non-government
fireworks that start at the stroke of
and in tradition was a little different. On the controlled quarters are subject to the
midnight.
government 25th my mother always served rabbit The loud noises and colorful German regulations regarding
controlled in cream sauce with a big bread display put on by just about each fireworks. German law allows
off-post dumpling and on the 26th we feasted and every German household serve fireworks to be fired only on New
on a roasted duck with potato the purpose of “scaring away all evil Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
housing dumplings. In the afternoons, we ghosts that might otherwise descend Most fireworks sold in German
areas and enjoyed coffee and Stollen or stores are labeled for adults use only
on the New Year.”
quarters. Christmas cookies with aunts, uncles This tradition, however, is not (18 years and older). Only special
Courtesy and god-parents. without controversy. Citing the “Kinderfeuerwerkskoerper” are
photo On these two days, German TV many accidents that happen every suitable to be handled by children.
QUALITY TIME: Jordan J.J.
Allen, 7, daughter of Pamela
Allen, USAG Ansbach
housing manager, gets some
all-important quality time
with Santa as Christmas
rapidly approaches. Jordan
and hundreds of other
Ansbach youth met with
Santa who showed up for
the community’s annual
Christmas tree lighting Dec.
4. (Far left) The USAG
Ansbach Christmas tree
shortly after garrison and
12th Combat Aviation Brigade
officials, along with Santa
A JOYFUL NOISE: Members of the combined Ansbach and community youth, “lit
and Rainbow Elementary School choirs point to help the candle” as stated by Lt.
garrison leadership figure out where Santa is—the Col. Guy Zero, 12th CAB rear
jolly fellow arrived with the help of the fire detachment commander.
department on a ladder truck shortly after the annual
USAG Ansbach Christmas Tree ceremony kicked off
Dec. 4 on Bismarck Kaserne. Photos by Jim Hughes
18 Bavarian News December 12, 2007
Medical
Strategize for a healthy holiday
by Capt. JULIE C. RYLANDER, RD/LD Limit your intake to one (women) or two (men) bad, or a little of both.
2. Have a plan and choose wisely.
Chief, Nutrition Care Division At a party buffet, browse the choices before drinks per day. Also, watch out for other high Taking a look at the Food Guide Pyramid;
you start filling up your plate to determine which calorie holiday beverages: fruit punch, eggnog, you’ll see that grain products, vegetables, fruits,
The holidays are upon us and here come the and sodas. low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry,
goodies! It seems as it’s almost expected for us foods you will indulge and which you can skip
without feeling deprived. 5. Be a good example. and dry beans all have a place and will encourage
to over indulge during the holidays and then a positive holiday spirit by providing constant,
make New Year’s resolutions that commit us to Instead of nibbling throughout the event, fill If you are the host, offer your guests healthy
up a small plate and eat in a location away from options. Tasty choices include veggies with stable energy; repairing and restoring the body;
improving our health. and assisting with stress management and
Seems a bit contradictory, huh? Don’t just the food tables. lowfat dip, fresh fruit bites, whole grain crackers
with lowfat cheeses, carved roast turkey, and preventing mood swings.
commit to being healthy for 46 weeks of the year 3. Pace, don’t race.
while permitting yourself to holiday indulgences Focus on enjoying the stir-fry veggies. What matters most
for six weeks; enter the holidays with an attitude foods you’ve selected Delicious desserts
that you don’t need to deprive yourself of special and savor them! Eating include fresh fruit, angel What matters most is the total amount and
holiday foods – but you don’t need to eat huge quickly easily leads to food cake, and lowfat types of foods you eat over several days.
portions to enjoy them either! getting second helpings. pudding and mousse. The Pyramid shows we should choose more
When it comes to enjoying special foods, Socialize with friends and 6. Get active. fruits, vegetables, and whole grains which are
keep it to just the holiday. family, putting the Turn up the holiday packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Parties and celebrations present a healthy emphasis on the people tunes and get moving to At the same time, we should limit our intake
eating challenge with ample opportunities to with whom you are burn extra calories. Rather of high-sugar and high-fat foods.
indulge and overeat. spending the holidays than retreating to the couch Excess weight gain during the holidays often
Here are some strategies to achieve balance instead of the food. after a large meal, gather a comes from eating too much of the foods that
and moderation in your eating habits: group and take a walk, the Pyramid tells us to limit.
4. Limit alcohol. Remind yourself daily why you want to be
1. Don’t starve. Mixed drinks may enjoying outdoor holiday
decorations and lights. healthy. Enjoy the holidays without regret.
Saving up calories during the day to indulge contain up to five
a little at the main meal is okay; however, don’t hundred empty calories. This also gets you away With strategy, foresight, and a plan of action,
starve all day in order to splurge later. Plus, alcohol tends to increase your appetite, from the view and smells of food that might you’ll come through in good health for the
Prevent overindulgence by eating lighter feeding the temptation to overeat. otherwise encourage more eating. coming year, able to focus on continuing to
meals during the day and have a healthy snack, If you drink, choose light wines and beers Choosing Wisely improve your health rather than undoing the bad
such as a piece of fruit or veggies, to curb your and use non-alcoholic mixers such as water or Remember, there are no “good” or “bad” habits and effects of overindulgence.
appetite before the main meal. diet soda. foods; it’s only our eating habits that are good, Happy and Healthy Holidays!
Post-deployment health re-assessment safeguarding Soldier health
Europe Regional Medical Command Vinette Gordon, who leads the U.S. the opportunity to speak one-on-one complete the mandatory demographic For more information or to view the
Army PDHRA program. with a health care provider. portion of the PDHRA online in AKO. Battlemind II training video, visit
To safeguard the health and well- Research shows that proactively The health care provider can refer Answering questions 1-18 is optional. www.battlemind.org
being of all Soldiers, the U.S. Army identifying these health concerns has Soldiers for further evaluation and Remember to submit the form once “Units with compliance rates below
implemented the Post-Deployment a huge impact on treatment, if necessary. complete, he added. 85 percent must take corrective action
‘
‘
Health Reassessment, the long-term Most Soldiers complete the As a immediately
or PDHRA, in January
2006. The U.S. Army has health and well- PDHRA as part of a unit-scheduled part of according to the
being of Soldiers event, or by going to the nearest p o s t - Soldiers who have Vice Chief of Staff of
A commander’s learned that as time and their Families. health clinic on their own. deployment
program, the PDHRA returned from a combat the Army,” said
gives Soldiers an passes, Soldiers may The U.S. Army To expedite the process, Soldiers r e - Newberg.
opportunity to
wants to help can log on to Army Knowledge Online assessment, deployment since March He urges
start facing health Soldiers address to check their PDHRA status under Soldiers commanders and
address any health
concerns that may
emerge following
redeployment. It is
concerns that they their‘
‘ concerns before
may not have noticed they develop into
health “My Medical Readiness.”
“Red indicates your PDHRA is
overdue,” says Maj. Scott Newberg,
a l s o
complete
Battlemind
10, 2005, must complete leaders to contact
a PDHRA. Soldiers should their supporting
health clinic or
available to all
serious problems. chief of plans and policies for Europe II training complete a PDHRA 90- medical unit to
before . Soldiers who Regional Medical Command’s Force t h a t arrange for large
Soldiers — active and have returned Health Protection Office. “Amber reinforces 180 days after groups to complete
reserve component — Lt. Col. Vinette Gordon from a combat indicates you are in the 90-180 window t h e the PDHRA.
who have returned Head of PDHRA Program deployment since and should fill out the DD Form 2900.” transition
redeployment If you have any
from combat. March 10, 2005, “Before entering the information f r o m questions regarding
“Returning home must complete the PDHRA. Soldiers on the form you should be able to see combat to home. the PDHRA program, please don’t
and settling back into a routine can be should complete a PDHRA 90 to 180 a healthcare provider with the next The video-based training shows hesitate to contact Dr. Joan Rubino,
filled with excitement and discovery. days after redeployment. Commanders seven days. This allows the Soldier Soldiers how to adapt combat survival medical deployment coordinator,
The U.S. Army has learned that as time notify their Soldiers to participate in and healthcare provider to focus on skills to overcome obstacles and ERMC at DSN 371-2629 or commercial
passes, Soldiers may start facing the PDHRA process. current concerns,” said Newberg. setbacks and to keep positive 06221-17-2629, or visit http://
health concerns that they may not To complete the PDHRA, Soldiers If you know that you will see a thoughts during times of adversity fhp.osd.mil/pdhrainfo for more
have noticed before,” explains Lt. Col. fill out a DD Form 2900 and are given provider within that timeframe, you can and challenge. information.
HE A LTHY
HEA
EMPOWERMENT
BY DEMETRIUS WILLIS
Look who’s working at the
Dear Demetrius, after they have completed them.
Grafenwoehr Pharmacy
The second exercise consists of
I have been working on my abs
trying to get the six pack. I am not
those from TV infomercials and
abdominal machines.
Sgt. 1st Class
just concerned with the look but
also the added benefits of having
stronger abdominal muscles.
I am a believer in the old Rocky
style abdominal workouts to attain Monica Primus
stronger abs.
My exercises focus on the
The key to developing stronger Hometown: Waterbury, Conn.
abdominal machines at the gym.
abs is through the supporting and
Are there any other exercises that
balancing of your own body weight Favorite Phrase: “Drugs ‘R’ Us”
you prefer for yourself and that you
which using a machine steals from
could recommend?
you. Likes: Food, sewing, crafts, video
.
My favorite abdominal exercises games, family
“Rooting for Results” are crunches (standard, physioball,
and side) and bridges. Dislikes: Invalid complaints,
Edward Each ab exercise should be inconsideration
done in three to five sets to ensure
Dear Edward,
you are targeting as many different Favorite Food: All food
Try not to focus on the “six pack”
aspects of the muscle that you can.
look. By looking so far down the
Good Luck! Dream: To be a positive force in society
road, we often times miss the
smaller results and short-term goal
victories we are attaining now.
There are two exercises I am not
Demetrius Description: Sgt. 1st Class Primus is
the senior enlisted advisor for Pharmacy
a huge fan of for abdominal strength Send your nutrition and fitness Bavaria. Though she is readily at the
development. questions to usaggnews@EUR. pharmacy on a daily basis, she is not
The first are full sit-ups which army.mil. Demetrius is a assigned to USAHC-Graf. She’s kind of
people often feel in their thighs while registered dietician and a certified like the roommate that doesn’t pay rent.
performing them and in their back personal trainer.
20 Bavarian News
Ansbach December 12, 2007
Soldiers, community team up on
the court to show support for youth
Story and photo by a little more competition might have been a good
RONALD H. TOLAND JR. thing.
Bavarian News “It was fun and all, but I think the Soldiers
should have played harder,” he said. “It was
Ansbach Soldiers and youth came together exciting and I hope we get the chance to do it
for a little community bonding on the hard court again.”
of the Katterbach Fitness Center Nov. 27. The school’s Junior Leadership Seminar
About 250 community members turned out students came up with the idea, Flagg said.
to watch volunteer Soldiers from many of “They were really crazy about it,” she added.
Ansbach’s battalions and local Department of However, it took community support from
Defense Dependent Schools middle and high many different areas to make it happen, Flagg
school students square off in a basketball said.
matchup put together by Dr. Eva Flagg, Ansbach “Command Sgt. Maj. James Esters was really
High School and Junior Leadership Seminar behind this whole thing—very supportive and
coordinator. instrumental in getting support from the Soldiers.
“This activity is a community effort to try “With a deployment and the absence of a
and fill the void that our community kids feel parental figure in the home, the household
since so many parents are currently deployed,” structure changes. In turn, the kids are exposed
Flagg said. “We—the community, school, and to other responsibilities and worries that they
military leaders—want to let our kids know that otherwise would not normally be,” Flagg said.
we care and this event is an effort to join forces, “This event fills that hole in at-risk children.
have fun, and let our kids know we are here for They can actually see, recognize, relate to, and Soldiers in white uniforms take on local Department of Defense Dependent Schools
them.” engage with a Soldier or parental figure, thus students in a community bonding basketball game Nov. 27 at Katterbach Fitness
Soldiers took on the students in five different filling the current void in their life, even if only Center. A school Junior Leadership Seminar initiative, the community turned out in
categories during quarter-length contests. for a moment.” droves to support the event to show support for local youth.
The Soldiers downed the junior varsity girls, The success of the event says a lot about the
9-2, while the varsity girls got revenge by community while doing a lot for the youth, said “Events like this prevent and reduce risk factors a challenge and the motivation that I need. It
winning, 20-6. The middle school boys won a Richard Petersen, Adolescent Substance Abuse for children who are in danger for alcohol and showed me that I have what it takes to make
tight one, 15-13; the junior boys defeated the Counseling Services at the high school. drug abuse.” it.”
Soldiers, 15-6; and the varsity boys closed things “This event was meant to build resiliency in But it was about basketball, too, said Sam Those words are music to the ears of Flagg
out with a 19-12 victory. our students while their fathers and mothers are Freeman, a high school junior. and other organizers of the event.
Of course, this was about much more than deployed. What better way of building resilience “Playing in the game against the Soldiers “These re-linking or reconnection events are
competition. Well, at least to some people— than to show that there is power in the was a lot of fun,” Freeman said. “Going up very rewarding for the kids—they really enjoy
Deavonte Bell, high school sophomore, thought community with positive activities?” he said. against higher level players gave me more of it,” she said.
12th CAB pilot, Air Force doctor join forces to help Iraqi child
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class
CHRIS SEATON
12th Combat Aviation Public Affairs
Thanksgiving 2007 was a holiday
to remember for Chief Warrant Officer
4 Keith Langewisch, the brigade
aviation maintenance officer and a
pilot for the 12 th Combat Aviation
Brigade.
It was the day he got an
opportunity he considered special.
Langewisch is one of 32 graduates
of the New Franklin, Mo., class of
1980. He joined the Army six years
later to become a helicopter pilot.
More than 20 years later, he found
himself at Logistics Support Area
Anaconda, Iraq, preparing for yet
another Thanksgiving holiday away
from his home and his family.
In early November, Langewisch Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Langewisch, the brigade aviation
picked up a “Stars and Stripes” maintenance officer for the Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade
newspaper and read about Maj. gives a tour of an AH-64 Apache helicopter to Air Force Maj. Connie
Connie Johnmeyer, an Air Force Johnmeyer, a psychologist for the 332nd Medical Group at Logistics
psychologist helping to treat traumatic
brain injuries at a hospital on LSA Support Area Anaconda, Iraq, Nov. 22. Langewisch and Johnmeyer
Anaconda. The article said that are both from the same home town in Missouri.
Johnmeyer was from Fayette, Mo.– Among the people on the ward was a climbed over, under and through the
just a few miles from his own young boy, recovering from injuries, aircraft—his expression, which had
hometown. who told the ward nurses he wanted been more solemn than any young
“The school district line runs to be a pilot. face should be, now was alive with
through the middle of my parents’ “I called her first, but when she the exploration and wonder of any
farm,” he said. “I’m actually from found out I was a pilot she thought I normal child.
New Franklin, but I got to know the could help out,” Langewisch said. “It was very cool to see him do
Fayette folks through 4-H and things So, Thanksgiving Day, Dr. this,” Johnmeyer said. “He was very
like that. Johnmeyer and a staff of hospital excited. He’d been pretty lethargic up
“I thought it was neat that she was workers brought the boy to meet till now. This is the most animated
from my area, so I contacted her just Langewisch and tour three of his I’ve seen him get.”
to see if she knew any of the same unit’s helicopters: an AH-64 Apache, On this one Thanksgiving Day,
people I know,” Langewisch said. “I a UH-60 Black Hawk and a CH-47 two people, thousands of miles from
even clipped the story out to send to Chinook. Missouri, had a chance to help–even
my parents to see if they knew her.” “Over the course of a rotation here if it was only for a day.
Johnmeyer, a 1970 graduate of (in Iraq) there are different kinds of “I just think it’s neat to put a smile
Fayette high school, works on a ward notable moments,” Johnmeyer said. “I on somebody’s face,” Langewisch
that sees Americans and Iraqis with bet this will be a very special memory said. “We don’t get the opportunity to Chief Warrant Officer 4 Keith Langewisch, a pilot for Task Force
head trauma. She primarily does for the staff and for him.” do this kind of stuff very often. It’s a XII lifts an Iraqi boy out of the seat of a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter
evaluations for traumatic brain injury. The staff watched as the boy great thing for all of us.” after a tour of the cockpit.
Teen center youth Courtney Grundei, Brianna Marianni,
Denise Rodriguez, Chris Gower, Alex Stephany Mills and
Brannen, Hakeem Camur, Stephany Mills, Maxine Pez make
Maxine Pez and Brianna Marianni present cornbread at the USAG
a certificate of appreciation to Pond Ansbach Teen Center
Guards (from left) Luis Torres and Kevin Nov. 21 as part of a
McGowan Nov. 21 after also delivering a Thanksgiving Day meal
Thanksgiving meal from the SMART Girls from the SMART Girls
Club, Torch Club, and 4-H Club. The meals Club, Torch Club and 4-H
were prepared for the Ponds Security Club prepared for Ponds
guards who were working the gates on Security guards working
Thanksgiving. the community’s gates.
Photo by Vincent Allen Photo by Vincent Allen
December 12, 2007 Bavarian News 21
Ansbach
Local student becomes Eagle Scout, known
by community for dedication, tender heart
Story and photo by JIM HUGHES Morris said he actually earned the coach to let her son and backup
Bavarian News honor about four months ago after quarterback, Dominic Barrale, go into
completing a community project— the game.
An Ansbach High School senior building three benches and tables for “Most athletes wouldn’t give up
recently joined the likes of Hank the Katterbach Chapel—and meeting their spot to let someone else go in
Aaron, President Ronald Reagan and an Eagle Board of Scoutmasters. and take up their playing time,” she
Steven Spielberg. As evidenced by the small said. “But the biggest part of that is
Yes, quite an eclectic group, but percentage of Scouts attaining Eagle, when John came off the field he’d find
John Willis-Morris, like the he said it’s a lot of work. me and tell me, ‘Hey, that’s your boy!
aforementioned, is an Eagle Scout. “I had to do a lot of stuff—go He’s in there—he’s in there!’ He knew
Hundreds of teachers, school staff, through all of the ranks, get certain it was important to me and that is just
community members, Soldiers and merit badges, a certain amount of one example of John’s tender heart.”
fellow students attended Morris’ community service hours, volunteer After the ceremony, Morris’
Eagle Court of work and all of mother agreed with Barrale’s tender
‘
‘
Honor Nov. 11 that.” heart theory.
at the Von
S t e u b e n He may be a big man on in All of that between
“John has a lot of people behind
him who love him and pray for his
Community campus, but he takes being a success,” she said. “He endears
Center on champion himself to people. John says ‘Hello,’
Bismarck the time to get to know quarterback, John opens doors, John makes people
Kaserne to pay student and feel good.
tribute to his everyone. He told me teenager—a “Another thing is those seventh
joining the when he was that age testament to and eighth graders out there—they
estimated 3
percent of Boy that he didn’t know any M o r r i and dedication
s ’ love him and John knows them,”
Willis added. “He may be a big man
Scouts who of the seniors--they ability to on campus, but he takes the time to
attain
organization’s
top rank.
The son of
the
never talked to him. I
think it means a lot
‘
‘ f o l l o w
through, said
guest speaker
Joann Barrale,
get to know everyone. He told me
when he was that age that he didn’t
know any of the seniors—they never
talked to him. I think it means a lot to Doris Willis pins the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Rank on her
Doris Willis, a to people . a family friend people.” son, John Willis-Morris, Nov. 11, during the Eagle Court of Honor
Department of and member of Morris’ Scoutmaster, Kevin Ceremony on Bismarck Kaserne.
D e f e n s e the football Jackson, said the Boy Scouts of
Dependent Dorris Willis team staff. America’s goal isn’t to make Eagle of others there to honor Morris can other people at all times and it’s even
Schools second mother of John Willis-Morris “You did Scouts. probably rest assured the newest in our oath. I challenge you other
grade teacher at something that “The goal is to make young men Eagle Scout will go on to do just that Scouts to do a good turn daily.”
A n s b a c h will change into better adults,” Jackson said. based on his words during his speech Morris was also presented a flag
E l e m e n t a r y, your life “John is an example of this. He didn’t during the ceremony. that deployed 12th Combat Aviation
Morris began his path to Eagle Scout forever,” Barrale said to John during make it on his own, though. He made “A great baseball player once said, Brigade Soldiers who are involved
as a Tiger Cub in 1996 in Okinawa, her speech. “You kept your promise it with the help of many people around ‘Any time you have an opportunity to with or who have children in Scouts
Japan. to do your duty to God and to country, him—Scoutmasters, teachers, make a difference in the world and flew on helicopter missions over Iraq.
Eleven years later, as a member of and obey the Scout law to help other coaches, and, of course, his mom. you don’t, you are wasting your time Morris said he was deeply touched
Ansbach’s Troop 97, he put on his people, keep physically strong, “John, as your Scoutmaster, I want on Earth,’” said Morris, quoting by the gesture.
Eagle rank. mentally awake and morally straight.” you to know the path doesn’t end Roberto Clemente who died in a plane “Wow! I can’t even describe how
“When I started Scouting, I didn’t Barrale said her primary here,” he added. “Hopefully we’ve crash while delivering relief supplies I feel about it,” he said. “They’re
think, ‘Oh, I could be an Eagle.’ But I observation on Morris is “he is very, instilled enough in you that you can to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in fighting a war and they’re thinking of
kept on doing it and doing it, and my very tenderhearted.” go on to make society better—we 1972. me also. It’s just a great feeling. I want
mom kept pushing me and pushing She said an example of this is charge you with that as you continue “This became a reality to me when to thank them again for everything
me, and I finally got my Eagle,” he during the past two football seasons, on with your life.” I became a Star Scout,” he added. “It they’ve done for and all of the help
said. he has on several occasions asked the Jackson, Willis and the hundreds began a call to service for me—help they’ve given me.”
5-158 transforms briefing
space into movie theater
by Sgt. 1st Class National Guard unit, which built it as popcorn bags are on their way to you.”
ERIC REINHARDT a briefing space. Its movie theater look Melot was a military aviator in the
Task Force 49 Public Affairs was designed to fit into the battalion Vietnam War, logging more than 200
area’s Main Street theme, complete flight hours over enemy territory as
After spending a little time in Task with a boardwalk and false store an Army Cessna O-1 Bird Dog crew
Force Ready’s newly renovated fronts. chief. He’s now a business owner, a
theater, you might think you’re in a While the basic framework for the private pilot and an ardent supporter
multiplex cinema back home. theater was already in place, it of troops overseas, according to his
With its plush stadium-style required a few improvements and niece.
seating, a booming surround-sound amenities to make it a full-fledged “I’m lucky enough to be related to
system, full-size movie screen and a entertainment facility. some great and generous people,”
real popcorn machine, the theater To make that happen, Capt. Seigel said. “It shows that there are a
offers Task Force Ready Soldiers Virginia Seigel, the battalion’s lot of people back home who are really
Courtesy photo
some much-needed respite from the
dust, noise and activity outside.
logistics officer, enlisted some help
from the home front, via her family’s
excited about helping out Soldiers and
want to show their support in a Talking Turkey
“Aviation is an inherently online message board. meaningful way.”
Sgt. 1st Class Rodney D. Sloan, Katterbach’s Headquarters
dangerous and detail-oriented Relatives, friends and supporters Soldiers of the unit’s renovation
profession, so it’s important that our responded with more than $4,000 and upgrade team handled the and Headquarters Company, 5-158 Aviation Regiment
Soldiers have as many places to worth of donations. Seigel’s uncle, carpentry involved in turning the dining facility manager, shows off the Thanksgiving
unwind as we can give them,” said Terry Melot of Phoenix, Ariz., fired space into a movie theater, adding a decoration display talents of his staff to Lt. Gen Ken
Task Force Ready Commander Lt. back with this e-mailed pledge of projector mount, installing the sound Hunzeker, V Corps commanding general, at the annual
Col. Jack Bone. “When you’re support: system and building a popcorn stand. Thanksgiving meal, Nov. 21.
watching a movie, you’re in a “It gives us great pleasure to be While the theater was primarily
different world–at least for that hour able to add a little something to the renovated for and by the Soldiers of
and a half.” enjoyment and morale of our troops 5-158 Aviation, other units can contact
Task Force Ready, 5th Battalion, abroad. One popcorn machine, four the 5-158 operations and training
158th Aviation Regiment, inherited the cases of snap packs (of oil, salt, and section to reserve it on a space-
theater from an Alabama Army popcorn) for the machine and 1,000 available basis. For more events around Ansbach,
The uncle of Capt. subscribe to the “On the Scene” and
Virginia Seigel “Cultural Calendar” newsletters by e-
donated a popcorn
machine, along with mailing jim.k.hughes@ eur.army.mil or
four cases of oil, salt, rabia.nombamba@eur.army.mil.
popcorn, and 1,000
bags. Seigel’s family
and friends donated
several items,
including more than To place a free classified ad in the Bavarian
200 DVDs. News, visit us online at www.milcom.de.
Photo by Sgt.
Dale Sweetnam
22 Bavarian News
Bamberg December 12, 2007
Q&
A Garrison CDC teachers
What are you thankful
for this Thanksgiving?
earn child care credentials
Bamberg Public Affairs news release extensive training and referrals.
The program includes a parental
says caring for children was a lot of work for
her when she first started.
Bamberg Child Development Center teachers questionnaire, in-class observations, and a “At first I didn’t know if I would be all that
Maricelyz Ortiz and written and oral good at it, then with years of experience and
Sabrina Schaefer have the examination by a CDA training it became easier and I established a
Capt. Michael credentials that build a representative. routine,” she said.
Hansen parent’s confidence when it “It really was time The nationally recognized endorsement not
(Bamberg) comes to the daily care of consuming,” said Ortiz only benefits the teachers who have gained a
“That my parents are their children. regarding her experience, valuable qualification for their professional
coming to spend it Ortiz and Schaefer “especially getting the portfolio, but the community as well.
here in Germany with recently completed an observations completed.” “The new credentials are a quality guarantee
us.”
intensive six-month Ortiz said she received to parents. They can be confident knowing their
program to earn their Child a lot of help collecting child will be receiving the highest level of care
Development Associate resources from other and that the teacher fully understands the needs
Credentials, raising the garrison organizations of the children,” explained Marriott.
accredited staff total in Ortiz like Army Community Schaefer
Bamberg to four. The accreditation council promotes improved
Service, Women, Infants performance and recognition of professionals in
Kimberly Augustine “The accreditation program is an in-depth and Children Overseas program, Education and
(Bamberg) and detailed process that looks closely at the early childhood care and education — the people
Development Intervention Services, and the who work with children from birth through 5
“That my husband is teachers interactions with their class,” said Parenting Support Group.
Elizabeth Marriott, Bamberg CDC training and years of age in early childhood centers, family
home and that we are
curriculum specialist. Ortiz who currently teaches at the part-day child care homes, and as home visitors. More
all healthy.” information on the CDA can be found at
To be eligible for accreditation, teachers are pre-kindergarten child care center located in the
required to have three years of experience and Central Registration and Enrollment building www.cdacouncil.org.
Dijon Holland
(Bamberg)
“I’m thankful to be in a
new place, to be alive,
and to have friends
and family that care
about me.”
Elizabeth Gonzalez
(Bamberg)
“For the friendship
and support of my
friend Gina and for
my husband who
makes sacrifices for
me and our country.”
Maricelyz Ortiz helps 2-year-old Alexis Photos by James Fredrick
Parker get ready for the Thanksgiving After waking from a nap Jordan Espino points out his favorite book to Sabrina
Jeffrey Jackson
luncheon at the CDC. Schaefer, Bamberg CDC teacher.
(Bamberg)
“That we are here
today and that the
troops are support-
ing our freedom.
Bamberg wins IMCOM-E junior soccer title
And that I get to see Story and photo by BRANDON BEACH
my dad after USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs
Thanksgiving.”
Like any soccer-playing teenager, Nick
Cuevas doesn’t like being stuck in goal.
“It’s boring,” said Bamberg’s back-up keeper.
“You just stand there.”
Khalil Matheney Boring was the last word to describe his play
(Bamberg) at the finals of this year ’s Installation
“My family. That my
Management Command Europe under-15 soccer
championship, held earlier this month in
dad will be here for
Stuttgart.
Thanksgiving.” Cuevas tallied 15 saves and blocked a first-
half penalty kick to help Bamberg blank tourney
host Stuttgart 5-0.
Chase Milhorn carded two goals, and Sean
Cuevas, Daniel Seamrin and Tesos Dones each
Staff Sgt. found the back of the net.
David Hernandez Despite a 3-0 deficit at half, Stuttgart kept
(Bamberg) up pressure in the second as forwards peppered
“To be able to Bamberg’s goal with shot attempts. Weather
spend the time conditions during weekend play didn’t make
here with family
Cuevas’ work any easier either.
and friends instead Snow flurries dampened fields on Friday. By
of in Iraq.” Saturday, temperatures had risen from 35
degrees to about 45, leaving many passes stuck
in the mud. Bamberg soccer players celebrate winning the tourney’s first place trophy.
During the two-day tourney, Bamberg he blocked an incoming shot. “but it’s the best he’s played all season. And look,
recorded wins over Mannheim, 4-2, and are champs.”
Athatansios Dones, Bamberg’s coach, had we Seven Child & Youth Services teams took
Regina Jeffries Landstuhl, 3-2, but dropped its opening round no choice but to tap Cuevas.
(Bamberg) game to Stuttgart 4-2. The team also lost starting part in the annual tourney representing U.S.
“I’m thankful for my keeper, Aaron Mumford, to a broken finger when “He gripes about it all the time,” said Dones, Army garrisons throughout Europe.
children and the
wonderful friends I
have here.” A Feast to Remember
Students and parents of Mr. Pinsky’s fifth grade class
enjoy a Thanksgiving buffet at the school Nov. 21.
CORRECTION: If you think you’ve
Students recited Thanksgiving poems, sang songs about
seen this Q&A before, you’re right! On
the holidays, and read essays about what they are
Page 2 of the Nov. 28 issue, we
thankful for before digging into the feast.
misquoted two of the people. We are
reprinting this Q&A to correct the The annual event has become a tradition in Pinsky’s
mistake. Thank you to those who classroom. Pinsky teaches at Bamberg Elementary
brought it to our attention. School.
The Bavarian News Staff
Photo by Krista Browning
24 Bavarian News
Youth & Education December 12, 2007
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Wuerzburg High School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Principal’s List 4.0 High Honors: 3.5 – 3.99 Austin Griffith Victoria McKernan Ruth Rivera Lisa Ledford Casandra Gonzales
and higher Kirby Eavey Miranda McConnell Boris Oros-Guzman Adrianna Archie Lisa Little Jamila Harvey
John Reynolds Katja Kennedy Ashley O’Rourke Melody Rogers Kayla Brown Randal Little Calvin Lau
Catherine Richardson Stefanie Montano Bernardus Pol Ariel Silkett Brandon Bryant Amber Manchester Lewis Mbote
Daniel Osgood Megan Norris Esscencia Rodriguez Isha Sumah Kayleen Covert Tesa Miller Jermaine McElroy
Chantel Barham Nathaneal OLear Sarah Sanchez Conner Truax Forte’ Cunningham Ann Kelli Montano Eduardo Quintero
Rebecca Bausum Madison Queen Shaun Simpson Ishawu Yahuza Dominic Dustin Courtney Quick Xanthus Schneider
Tanner Jacobi Daniel Reinwald Madeleine Wojack Matthew Clidas Courtney Hoskins Andrea Rivera Michael Seely
Hannah Richardson Carly Sipes Thomas Comeford Kutu Kollie Alexis Jennings Jordan Roberts Jessica Sweazea
Kristina Van Horn Tissia Smith Amanda Biggins Stephanie Vazquez James Robinson Joshuamil Torres
Olivia Teel Edwin Cadelinia Honors List: 3.0 to 3.49 Shanice Cunningham Joshua Simpson Hye-Lim Yi
Sallymatta Yahuza DeVante’ Cunningham Courtney Edwards Suzanne Davidson Benjamin Snyder
Ryan Barry Sarah Denman Gabriel Lavine Erika Davis Amanda Whitney
Andrea Bell Stephanie Huettner Samantha McConnell Rebecca Ewing Elizabeth Briskey
Chelsea Delaney Rachael Masset Kevin Page Yader Fletes Candice Garnica
Wuerzburg Elementary / Middle School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Principal’s List A-B Honor Roll Principal’s List A-B Honor Roll A-B Honor Roll A Honor Roll Rebecca Ford
A Honor Roll A Honor Roll 7th Grade Gillian Merkley
8th Grade 7th Grade Alexandria Delgado 6th grade 5th grade Shannon Mulligan
8th Grade Jacqueline Hatcher Tiffany Ford Kevin Ewing Genesis Figueroa Isaac Bacon Isaac Bacon
Megan Ahearne Emily Manchester Carolyn Pippin David Horton Melanie Simpson Jonathan Miles Krista Dallen
Taylor Knowles Emily Mann Bobbie Manchester Jason Simpson
Jesse Merkley Marina Wright Alexander Ruffalo Nolan Tucker
Zachary Ruffalo Kelly Ahearne
Schweinfurt Middle School 1st Quarter Honor Roll
Principal’s Korianna Purdin Christian Rivera Raechel McCormick Wilson Hall Kendric McIntyre B Honor Roll
Honor Roll -4.0 Alexandria Curry Florian Sovine Jackson Timmerman Charles Jacobi Chelsea Murdock 8th Grade
Marissa Rago Alice Rivera Torres Holly Crosthwaite Stephanie Miller Caleb Petersen Telly Brand
Austin Eubanks Devin McCree Alexis Mitchell-Dugan Alexandra Rosado Sam Carpenter-Lopez
6th Grade Ryan Whitcomb B Honor Roll Omar Torres Aldrin Natividad Maria Shimkus Ashley Carreras
Angel Lee Zachary Davis Maximillian Philbin Nelson Soto-Perez Carl Cook
Robert Miska A Honor Roll 6th Grade Garrett Meredith Angelica Rago Corinna Sweeney Alexusia Dickerson
Francesca McNeal Christopher Arriaga TiAnna Vaughn Gabriella Rago LaDonte’ Evans
Trent Mitchell 6th Grade Da’Jah Foy Abdullah Felton Bailey Reynolds Amanda Glaze
Christina Sharp Heather Arthur Elizabeth Murray Danielle Montano Daniel Reynolds A Honor Roll Caleb Isom
Brennan Booker Justin Beaty Ariecia Wallace Alison Sprosty Darren Martin
7th Grade Jewel Caruso Janie Glidewell Christopher Foster Brandy Woodson 8th Grade Jacob Martin
Peter Abbey Thomas Diaz Kanesha Scott Angelina Morrison Haley Carlsrud Shannen Maxwell
Rafael DeAlmeida Haley Downs Randall Behrendt Trevor Wright B Honor Roll Xavier Davis Alisha McRee
Kiersten Cade Khayree Files Lauren Jackson Jonatl Delgado Lopez Jordan Parise
Francis Negron-Miranda Kaitlyn Floyd Christina Sharp A Honor Roll 7th Grade Brittany LaBorde Nia Patterson
Ta’Jah Foy Jennifer Breault Christopher Bently Lauren McClaflin Celeste Ramirez
8th Grade Samantha Gray Brandon Lucas 7th Grade Sydney Clower Lucas Napier Forrest Reynolds
Edward Bagtas Cecilie Huettner Sidney Shippy Titus Choi Cesar Colon-Torres Krystle Suetopka Jessica Rychlik
Ryle Francisco Kiera Huiel Sierra Clower Jasmine Collins Janica Ecleo Connor Timmerman Danae Shreve
Haile Baker Jessica Hunt Justin Magrum Anna Duenas Xavier Lavine Avery Trujillo
Danielle Mitchell Hannah Nelson Derek Shreve Atavia Hagler Sofia McCormick Matthew Vanattia
Jacob Bautista Darien Newton Shayne Cook Marissa McCurdy Donnafel Wallace
Youth bowling association offers Saturday bowling for kids
Story and photo by “If you want to do other sports and come later,
SANDRA WILSON you can come play midseason,” said Akridge.
Bavarian News Kessler Bowling Alley hosts the games every
Saturday. There is a minimal $5 charge for shoes
Each Saturday brings a morning of bowling and three games for each participant which pays
for a certain group of kids in Schweinfurt. for the bowling and also for trophies.
Young American Bowling Association invites “I like bowling… because you can get your
kids between seven and 18 years old to participate name on the wall,” said sixth-grader Devonte
in a fun morning of bowling and even welcomes Lyons, pointing at the winners wall above the
the parents to have breakfast at the bowling alley lanes.
while watching. Whoever bowls the high score for the month
“(They come) to have fun… Most of them in their age group gets their name posted for
love to bowl and don’t get a chance until parents everyone to see.
bring them Saturday morning,” said Ernest While there can be a spirit of competitiveness
Akridge, coach and president of the Schweinfurt between the boys and girls, the bowling is really
YABA. just for fun, said Akridge.
Anyone can join the team at any time “This league is not putting pressure on them
throughout the season which runs from to do anything,” he said, encouraging all kids to Eric Meade, fifth-grader, warms up with some practice bowls before the YABA
September through May. come out and play. competition begins. He is one of the regular participants of the club each Saturday.
Schweinfurt band students: music a creativity booster, stress reliever
Story and photo by of them participate in the school band practice their own songs all at the
SANDRA WILSON and have fun learning their same time.
Bavarian News instruments. Out of the 105 who play “These kids are used to
in the beginner or advanced band, 15 distractions,” said Brashier, when
Nothing may calm the nerves more of them choose to spend time in asked how they concentrate with all
than music. Students at Schweinfurt Rebecca Brashier’s afterschool music of the commotion. “They are here by
Middle School say it does. program. choice.”
“(Music) takes away from the “Music is awesome… and it’s Many students use the afterschool
stress that I have from the school day. really fun,” said eighth-grader Telly program as their required practice
I like to let my mind wander around Brand who plays the alto saxophone. time for their instrument. They can
the music and notes,” said sixth- “When you have a great teacher, even play their choice of music or practice
grader Devin McRee. when it’s hard, you don’t want to for their band performances.
But relaxing the mind isn’t the stop.” “If you practice 20 minutes
only reason why these kids play. Most “For me, music is something that faithfully each day, you will see
really boosts my creativity, and I like progress,” said Brashier.
Sixth-graders Jewel Caruso drums. I like to make noise, so it really After practicing vigilantly, the
suits me,” said sixth-grader Brennan students performed in the SMS winter
(left) and Elizabeth Murray
Booker. concert Dec. 4.
practice the flute and clarinet in Walking into Brashier’s classroom Holiday tunes were played, and the
the SMS afterschool music on one of those days can bring a burst students were able to show off their
program. of sound to one’s ears as the students musical abilities to the community.
December 12, 2007 Bavarian News 25
Schweinfurt
Troop commander, gunner’s lives celebrated
by SANDRA WILSON “Our wives would always joke we of stress,” he said in remarks relayed Shadden, through remarks relayed by identified himself as a “Batman”
Bavarian News were cheating on them with one by Capt. John Opladen. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Smith. character, committed to protecting his
another,” Hutto said. Opladen personally remembered From childhood, Hike imagined fellow citizens.
Community members gathered But truly nothing could come how Boris cared so much about people himself serving in the U.S. Army, and Downrange, both men did their
Nov. 28 in the Ledward Chapel to between Boris and his wife. that he would always close his laptop his family members all agreed that he duty gallantly and through their
celebrate the lives of Capt. David “I don’t know if two other people when someone came to speak to him, was someone on whom people could sacrifices, their lives are celebrated,
Boris, commander of Anvil Troop, could have “Like you were the only person he always depend. said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Stevan
and his gunner Sgt. Adrian Hike. been more was talking to,” Opladen said. “He was Horning NOv. 28.
Both were assigned to 1 st perfect for one In the field, Boris chose Hike to ready and “On that tragic day, Anvil
Squadron, 91 Cavalry Regiment, 173rd another. Jaime be his gunner and everybody seemed willing to help performed like champions… Let us
Airborne Brigade Combat Team, and and Dave made to know exactly why. others in need. cherish how (Hike and Boris)
were supporting Operation Enduring the perfect “(Boris) could always count on It was not like touched our lives,” said Kolenda
Freedom when they died of wounds unity,” Hutto Adrian, and he always delivered,” said him to back downrange.
suffered when their vehicle was struck said. Kolenda. down from any
by an improvised explosive device Lt. Col. “Adrian was a professional challenges, but Boris is survived by his wife,
Nov. 12 in Bermel, Afghanistan. Christopher warrior. He was an expert in instead he did Jaime; parents, Albin and Diana; and
“This squadron with all its success Kolenda, everything he did. He was a creative what he had to his sister, Jennifer Possinger.
is due in large part to the wisdom and s q u a d r o n Boris planner, a tactician, and made smart do and always Hike Hike is survived by his mother,
insight of Captain Boris,” said Cpt. commander, decisions,” he said. gave a hundred Kimberly Bird; stepfather, Robert
Joey Hutto, in remarks relayed by recalled Boris’s humorous side. “Hike was one of those leaders percent,” they said in a group Bird; brothers, Robert Jr., Martin, Jon,
Staff Sgt. Patrick Potts. “With a commander like Boris, that when he had his hand on the statement. and Aaron Bird; grandmothers,
Hutto and Boris became best you can expect a lot of wise-cracking weapons system, you had a sense of He was remembered by his high Delores Bird and Pat Stout; and great-
friends, inseparable to the point that and back-slapping to reduce the level security,” said Staff Sgt. Bradley school friends as non-traditional, and grandmother, Daisy Hyland.
New mTBI testing program aids diagnosis, recovery
Story and photo by seeing stars or simply being temporarily
KIMBERLY GEARHART disoriented.
Bavarian News “Compared to those who reported no injury,
we found significant differences in reaction time,
This article is the first in a series about mild concentration, and short term memory” in
traumatic brain injury. Soldiers reporting at-risk incidents, Lopez
Mild traumatic brain injury, or mTBI, has explained.
been called the signature wound of the war on Results from the first groups to complete
terror. Identifying and treating that injury has mTBI screening were provided to the local
become a priority for Army medical commands medical command.
the world over. “Col. Lopez’s team was able to… let the
A pilot mTBI testing program, utilizing providers here know what they can expect to
Automated Neuropsychological Assessment see in Schweinfurt, so that we can channel our
Metrics (ANAM), has been developed to resources in the best way to help these Soldiers,”
identify affected Soldiers. Here in Schweinfurt, said Col. Theresa Schneider, Bavaria MEDDAC
the first ever post-deployment screenings are commander.
being conducted as part of the reintegration Once the pilot program is fully tested, Lopez
process for Dagger Soldiers. hopes to push it out to medical facilities in
“The screening is intended to take pre- theater, where Soldiers can be tested and their
deployment measurements for a baseline, then recovery tracked by the doctors downrange.
retest after the deployment to measure for “Soldiers (with mTBI), like football players
differences,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Duecker, on the field, look physically normal, but they’re
Schweinfurt Health Clinic commander. different. Their reaction time is off,
In the case of the Soldiers of the Dagger concentration is off, and in a war-time
Brigade, however, no baseline reading was taken environment, that’s very dangerous,” Lopez
prior to their deployment. As such, Col. Mary said. With the ANAM tool, doctors will be able
Lopez, project officer in charge of the testing Col. Mary Lopez, project officer in charge of the mTBI testing project, and Robert to monitor recovery in such a way as to insure
project, was unsure what kind of results, if any, Robinson, one of the IT managers helping launch testing, review equipment used Soldiers are not returned to the fight until their
her team would uncover. recovery is complete.
Lopez added that the range of results to screen Soldiers for mTBI.
“It is a treatable condition. They do recover
considered normal is broad, and of all the pre- What they found in testing Schweinfurt recommend follow-up through the Schweinfurt and improve,” Lopez said, noting that patience,
screenings performed, “we’ve not found anyone Soldiers, however, surprised Lopez and her Health Clinic. time, and understanding are keys to coping with
that legitimately fell below the norms.” This is team. The key factors in a case of mTBI include and treating mTBI. If Soldiers or their Families
why having a baseline for comparison is more Thanks to key questions imbedded in the an injury event—such as a blow to the head— have concerns or notice signs, contact the
precise, as it allows us to compare the Soldier’s ANAM tests, Lopez and her team were able to which causes an alteration of consciousness. Schweinfurt Health Clinic for additional
performance to his or her own norms. identify Soldiers at risk for mTBI and This “alteration” can be losing consciousness, assistance.
Commander looks back on Dagger Brigade mission in Iraq
Story and photo by difficult area of operations,” and
MARK HEETER succeeded at establishing stability on
Bavarian News dangerously violent streets, he said.
West Rasheed and Task Force 1-
Shortly before leading his staff and 18. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
about 200 other Dagger Brigade “We were effective in stopping
Combat Team Soldiers into Finney Shia extremist expansion out of the
Fitness Center for their welcome northeast of our area of
home ceremony Nov. 20, Col. J.B. responsibility,” Burton said.
Burton reflected with reporters on the While the 9th Engineer Battalion
brigade’s 15-month mission to and 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery
Operation Iraqi Freedom. were detached from the Dagger
“We’re coming home. Fifteen Brigade in Iraq, Burton still
months of
‘
‘
maintained a
h a r d watchful eye on
fighting. We leave with a sense them and their
F i f t e e n missions.
months of
of accomplishment, but
Meanwhile, the
positive and one that is extremely 2 nd BCT was
measurable supported by a
c h a n g e fragile. There’s got to be vast support
a c r o s s
everywhere
that a Dagger
some very difficult deci-
sions on the part of the
‘
‘ structure from
other units.
“We ended up
Brigade with five task
C o m b a t government of Iraq... forces from five Col. J.B. Burton, Dagger Brigade Combat Team commander, leads his formation into the Finney
T e a m brigade combat Fitness Center for their welcome home ceremony Nov. 20.
formation Burt
Col. J.B. Burton teams from five
was located,” Dagger Brigade Commander d i ff e r e n t American Soldiers that were part of the government of Iraq, and is bustling, ready for Soldiers, their
Burton said, installations in grounded in the United States Army we know that,” he said, noting that the Families and friends to be reunited
detailing a few of the the continental United States, all values,” he said. integration of all Iraqis into the after what I personally believe has
accomplishments of his subordinate working under the Dagger Brigade As the deployment wound down political and security solutions will been a decisive time in Operation Iraqi
battalions’ task forces. Combat Team,” he said. to a close, Burton pondered the further advance the work and Freedom. These great Soldiers have
Task Force 1-77. Ramadi. “The “You’re going in with formations difference that his Soldiers made in improvements left behind by the made a difference,” he said.
Anbar Awakening” that garnered you just didn’t know,” he said. “But all the corners of Iraq where they “put Dagger Brigade Soldiers. “They’re ready for a well-deserved
worldwide attention. Task Force 1-26. the integration went very easy.” their boots down.” Then he turned his eyes toward break. You can see it in their eyeballs
“They went into an area of One reason. “We leave with a sense of home. right now,” Burton said, before
Baghdad that hadn’t seen thick “A tremendous, tremendously accomplishment, but one that is “This great community in leading his Soldiers back to their
presence of Coalition forces in maybe capable brigade combat team was extremely fragile. There’s got to be Schweinfurt, this little community at Families on the other side of Conn
about a year. They went into a very formed because we had fantastic some very difficult decisions on the the end of the railroad tracks, I think Barracks.
26 Bavarian News
Schweinfurt December 12, 2007
Schools request departure notification
PCSing or going on vacation? Use student withdrawal forms
Story and photo by schools know about it. USAG Schweinfurt schools’ liaison if they leave Dec. 5, 6, 12, they get a “That (winter break exception)
MARK HEETER “We want parents to know that it officer. withdrawal grade,” Carpenter said. begins Dec. 17. That’s five days
Bavarian News would be very helpful to us if they DoDDS-Europe has made two Due to attendance policies, some before the start of the winter break,”
know that they’re going to be PCSing special considerations that apply to states do not recognize withdrawals which begins Dec. 22, Carpenter said.
Going somewhere? Don’t forget to or going on a family vacation, to let Schweinfurt schoolers. and would require students to repeat “Of course, parents must let us know,
tell the schools. us know as soon as they know,” said First, to accommodate PCSing the entire semester, according to in writing, that they plan to leave
With a community full of Soldiers Dr. George Carpenter, Schweinfurt Soldiers, schools are allowing Carpenter. before the break.”
and Families who are headed to the Middle School principal. students to finish the semester on an “It’s not consistent, and it’s not The bottom line, according to
airport for a permanent change of “They need to inform the schools acceleration program, whereby they always the same calendar,” he said. McGibboney and Carpenter, is that
station or who will leave for the if they’re going on block leave and can complete their first-semester The second special program allows parents ought to let the schools know
holidays in the weeks ahead, their kids are going to miss any days. coursework by Dec. 13 and depart children in this community to pick up as soon as possible if they plan to PCS
Department of Defense Dependents If they are PCSing, they need to come with complete grades for the semester. assignments a few days prior to the over the holidays or take an extended
Schools-Europe officials in into the school and get the withdrawal “If they stay here through the end of the semester and turn them break with their children.
Schweinfurt advise parents to let the forms,” said Damon McGibboney, (December) 13th, they get a grade. Say, back in Jan. 7.
Showcase helps families transition Learn to
Story and photo by
KIMBERLY GEARHART
Bavarian News
Community members also had an
opportunity to set up tables at a flea
market collocated with the
informational displays.
invest for
future
Approximately 300 people Interested browsers could buy
ventured out in the cold rain to pick clothes, bread machines, transformer
up information or second-hand and toys.
appliances during the Leighton Some of the seventeen people
Community Showcase Nov. 17. displaying their wares were not above
The event, held indoors next to the
movie theater, featured information
desks set up by agencies around the
community in order to help residents
making hard-sale cases for their wares
either.
“I’m saving up for a laptop,” said
wealth
Maeve Shumate, seven, after pitching by SANDRA WILSON
preparing to move as well as those still a Scooby-Doo book to a pair of Bavarian News
in the area. possible buyers.
Whether it was a list of upcoming Although Scooby-Doo didn’t sell, “There are no secrets to getting
ACS classes or information about Shumate’s mother, Marijia, noted that wealthy. If you invest, and invest
your child’s school enrollment, her daughter had already added $15 consistently, your money is going to
experts were on hand to offer advice dollars to her laptop fund. grow,” said Darryl Jones, Army
and information. For children not interested in Community Service financial
Representatives from Tricare were building a bank account, MWR had readiness program manager.
on hand with information regarding bouncy castles set-up in an adjacent Redeployment has brought home
the changes in coverage that can room. many Soldiers with extra cash on
accompany moves. Vet clinic If you missed the showcase, you hand, and instead of buying all of the
information focused on shipping pets. may always contact agencies directly electronics available on the market,
For those planning to travel with for information and assistance. Jones suggests learning how to invest.
school-age children, the garrison “I encourage people to contact the “Our future is uncertain because of
school liaison officer Damon school first, but I am always available the many things happening in the
McGibboney was there to help. to answer questions,” McGibboney world. It’s important to invest,” Jones
“If you have questions about said. said.
leaving the community, transferring to Community agency phone
another school district, or a PCS, I can The time is now
numbers can be viewed online at the
help,” he said. McGibboney’s Schweinfurt homepage, Community members gathered
resources include a worldwide list of Maeve Shumate, 7, had no problem using hard-sell tactics to show Nov. 27 at ACS for Jones’ class,
www.schweinfurt.army.mil, by
school liaison contacts in both the clicking on “Phonebook” at the top her wares during the Nov. 17 community showcase. Although this “Investing for future wealth.” It’s best
Army and the Air Force. of the page. sale was a no-go, Shumate had a successful day over all. to start when you’re young, he said,
but if you’re not in your 20s anymore,
the time to invest is now.
Youth groups serve up Thanksgiving “I want to save for retirement and
not have to work when I’m 65,” said
Sgt. John Barclay of Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion,
Story and photo by hours before the 6 p.m. start. with the Smart Girls Club, another 77th Armor Regiment.
MARK HEETER “Our youth actually provide all the mentorship program at the youth And that was Jones’ first piece of
Bavarian News service and entertainment during the center, said that, while they were there advice. Investing for the long-term is
event,” said Donna Hilley, youth to celebrate Thanksgiving, they also the first, most important step. Long-
The turkey arrived in Schweinfurt wanted to have fun.
a bit early this year, when the USAG center facility manager. term includes retirement accounts like
“And we just try to help out as the Thrift Savings Plan or Individual
Schweinfurt youth center and Club “They also help with cooking,
much as we can,” she said. “Actually, Retirement Accounts.
Beyond joined forces to host their cleaning, set up, decorating, and
it’s a lot of fun.”
second annual Thanksgiving dinner running the sound system. The event For the short term
Nov. 17 at the center on Ledward gives youth an opportunity to honor “I just like volunteering,” said After that is taken care of, the next
Barracks. their parents and our community Virginia Browning, Club Beyond step is to invest for the short-term in
While the food preparation began during the season of thanks” she said. member, between serving cups of Certificates of Deposit, mutual funds,
the previous day, the meat and juice to guests. stocks, and more.
For the youth, though, the event
potatoes of the dinner got hot several had a bit of a different meaning. “The Club Beyond and (Child and “The mutual funds market is doing
Youth Services) partnership has incredibly well and is a very popular
“We’re out here helping other
grown since our original meeting and choice,” Jones said.
Members of Passport to people,” said Diante Rigmaiden, who
now CYS helps host their weekly The question may remain of how
Manhood, a youth center joined his fellow Passport to Manhood
meeting at the Youth Center,” Hilley to get started. Many people delay
mentorship program, dish out members at the serving line, dishing
said. beginning to invest because of a tight
out the goods to partygoers.
the fixings at the Thanksgiving “We’re just making sure we serve “It’s a great partnership and we are budget. Jones recommends paying
dinner, hosted by the center and people and be polite,” he said. looking forward to more combined yourself first— investing— out of
Club Beyond Nov. 17. Sasha Whitlock, the junior leader activities in the future,” she said. each paycheck. If you spend
according to a prepared budget, pay
your debts on time, use credit only in
Know customs rules when separating, retiring in Germany emergencies, and learn how to
distinguish between needs and wants,
investing ten percent of your income
by MARK HEETER in Germany. property purchased off-post while away something like this, a non- should not be difficult.
Bavarian News “They can buy as much as they employed with the U.S. Forces in expendable item. They must sell it,
want to. But they have to make sure Germany, according to Marianne they must go through this process to Paycheck to paycheck
With a large number of Soldiers that those items are at least six months Boehm, also a customs representative transfer it. It’s a must,” Boehm said. “I have a baby on the way, I just
and Families expected to be leaving old, and they have to keep those items in Schweinfurt. “If you are planning to stay in got married, and (living) paycheck to
the Schweinfurt community in the a minimum of one year; otherwise Some of the more common Germany and have purchased a paycheck isn’t cutting it,” said Sgt.
coming months, local customs German taxes will apply,” Logan said. examples are privately owned vehicle from Military Car Sales or Steven Haesler of Company A, 1 st
officials offer advice about keeping, Local commanders may offer a 90- vehicles, firearms, or electronics from a German vendor with the Value- Battalion, 77 th Armor Regiment,
shipping, selling and transferring day extension of individual logistical equipment. Added Tax relief program you have explaining why he attended the class.
property. support in the case of an eligible “Everything that has a serial to be in possession of the vehicle for In addition to basic investment
“They can buy as much as they Soldier or civilian whose Family number is non-expendable. The other six months to clear German customs information, Jones frequently holds
want to. Going back to the States, they wishes to stay in Germany past the things that you cannot identify without paying tax and duty,” free classes at ACS about managing
don’t have a problem,” said Sonja permanent change of station date. anymore is an expendable item,” according to a customs official in a finances, home and car loans, dealing
Logan, customs representative with “If that’s not approved, that means Boehm said. recent release. with credit and checkbooks, and more.
the U.S. Forces customs office in their personal property, their POV, and And Logan and Boehm warn For more information, contact Call ACS to find out when the next
Schweinfurt. anything that they bought while they people against the pitfalls of offering Schweinfurt U.S. Forces customs financial class will be held. Jones is
The rules get a bit more involved were here has to clear German their items to non-eligible persons, office at DSN 353-8348, CIV 09721- also available for individual
for people who plan to retire or customs,” Logan said. friends or relatives. 96-8348 or at www.hqusareur.army appointments by calling 354-6933 or
separate from the military and remain This applies to all non-expendable “They are not authorized to give .mil/opm/customs.htm. 09721-96-6933.
December 12, 2007 Bavarian News 27
2SCR Dragoons
Scout learns Arabic to help platoon, mission populace has not only helped bring them a and snacks from local vendors.
Story and photos by Sgt. 1st Class KAP KIM
2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs cheese-and-bread breakfast during the mission, Now, as he and his unit live out of the
but also helped make their job of receiving Coalition Outpost Ramagon together in Karkh,
When Sgt. Jason Stisser, of Troop O, 4th information from the Karkh residents easier. Stisser spends more time speaking to Iraqi Army
Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment found “It’s such a big deal when you try to speak soldiers. His fellow scouts started calling him
out he was coming back to Iraq, he quickly their language,” said the Nashville, Tenn. native. “jundee,” which means “soldier” in Arabic.
brushed up on his Arabic. “Just like at our home station, I don’t think we He’s the closest thing we have to an IA,”
That prior preparation has been benefiting should be walking around Germany without joked Sgt. Kevin Baker, of Tampa, Fla.
both him and his platoon in their current duties. learning how to say ‘excuse me, please, and I’m Stisser, who refers to himself as a
Based out of Forward Operating Base sorry’ … just the basic stuff.” traditionalist, said he honors the Iraqi culture
Prosperity in central Baghdad, his unit, attached Although their platoons have Iraqi because he considered himself the same.
to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry interpreters with them, the anomaly of a “I tell everybody that all you have to do is
Division, covers the Karkh District. westerner who speaks Arabic seems to bring look at the Old Testament,” he said. “A lot of
In a recent clearing mission, dubbed about trust. their customs comes from their religion. I respect
Operation Saber Sweep, the white and blue His interaction with residents, merchants and those who are traditionalist. It’s just the little
platoons of 4-2nd SCR, along with Iraqi Army Iraqi Army soldiers makes it easier on the rest things. They’ll bring you in and have chai (tea)
soldiers, went from apartment building to of his unit. with you.”
apartment building gathering census information “There’s a stigma with what we do; they think Stisser is currently studying Arabic through
on the area residents. we think they are terrorists or something,” interactive computer software, but learns a lot
Recently, many of the residents complained Stisser said. “What I try to tell them all I need is by carrying index cards with a few vocabulary
of wrongful eviction notices. info.” words.
“Outlaw” Troop Soldiers went around Stisser started learning conversational Arabic “Right now, my grammar is like ‘Me Tarzan,
collecting data such as lease agreements or when he was deployed in Taji, Iraq with the 7th you Jane,’” he said. “Sometimes, I’ll get into a
ownership documents to make sure they would Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry conversation with an IA [soldier] and get in way
not be further harassed. Division (Mechanized), then at Fort Hood, over my head. So, I’ll have to bring an interpreter
As their Stryker vehicles rolled up to the Texas, back in 2005. He recalled learning simple over.
apartments before sunrise, the group of Soldiers, phrases through an embarrassing event. “I try to use each of these words in a
who deployed from Vilseck, Germany, cleared “I was taken off the line,” said the scout. “It’s conversation at least one time a day,” he said
each of the floors before waking up most one of the most embarrassing things for a scout pointing to the list of phonetically written words.
residents. Nashville, Tenn., native Sgt. Jason
to be taken off the line; it’s like punishment. So, “My goal is, by March, to go with my section
“We have to get here early before they head when I was put back on the line, I tried to be and see if we have a need for interpreters for Stisser, Troop O, 4th Squadron, 2SCR,
to work,” said Staff Sgt. Joaquin Reyna, of more valuable to my platoon.” certain missions. Sometimes, I feel like it’s not provides security along with Iraqi Army
Fresno, Calif. Back then, he learned simple phrases from helping out the platoon yet – which is my biggest troops during a clearing operation in
Stisser’s ability to converse with the local his interpreters to get children to go buy drinks priority.” Baghdad’s Karkh District.
Staff Sgt. Richard Edison, Troop O, 4th Squadron, 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment, An Iraqi Army soldier secures a floor of an apartment building during Operation
holds a child during a clearing operation of apartments in Baghdad’s Karkh District. Saber Sweep in Baghdad’s Karkh District.
First impressions are lasting ones Brothers
Story and photo by Sgt. “It’s a lot of stuff (Soldiers) need to know,
MARK MATTHEWS
27th Public Affairs Detachment
A new Soldier arrives with bags in his hands
but a lot of it is unit history,” said Denny. “It
instills a ‘Can Do’ attitude that comes with being
apart of a Stryker regiment.”
On the first day of the School of the Trooper
share Iraq
as he sits patiently, waiting for a representative
from his new unit to arrive and integrate him
into his new home away from home.
Hours go by and he begins to wonder if
anyone realizes he’s even here. From the
program new Soldiers are checked to make sure
they have all of the equipment they need like
weapons.
They are then taken to the range where the
Soldiers can properly zero their weapons. Also
deployment
beginning his first impression of the unit is one Continued from Page 1
on the first day, Soldiers are given a welcome “We’ve been to dinner a couple times;
of doubt. brief from the regiment commander and
One unit in Iraq, with a rich history in whenever our schedules match up, because I
command sergeant major where they are also work nights and he works different schedules,”
properly welcoming Soldiers with open arms told some of the rich history that comes with
continues the tradition and leaves no Soldier left Phillip said. “I work as a night battle captain
being in a Stryker regiment. and he as vehicle commander in the Stryker
waiting. The following days new Dragoons are given
The 2d Stryker Cavalry Regiment cavalry regiment.”
important information and courses that range Despite their differing duties, the Garners
“Dragoons,” continues the long-standing from a chaplain’s brief, legal, and escalation of still manage to see each other every day. Alex
tradition of the “School of the Trooper,” which force training to counter improvised explosive says he stops in to see how Phillip is doing and
properly greets and integrates new Soldiers into device classes and a an in-depth first responder’s chat about work.
a unit. course. The brothers agreed that seeing each other
The program began in 1836 and has now Eventually the Soldiers are taken to their is great, but added that watching their children
made its way to Iraq and is ensuring no new specific units and have hopefully gained a grow up through pictures and video is their
Soldier is left in the dark. positive first impression of the regiment. biggest family challenge.
“Once (new Soldiers) get here everyone is a They can then immediately begin functioning Yet while the Army has distanced them from
Dragoon,” said Oxford, NC native Lt. Col. as a well integrated and fully mission capable family, family brought the Garners to the Army.
Bryan Denny, 2SCR, Special Troop commander. Dragoon right from the start. “It’s pretty much a family tradition, because
“This is just our way of integrating new troops “What we have here is very rare,” said Plano, we grew up with our dad being in the Army,
into the regiment. Texas native Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Hamm, and he’s still (on) active duty,” Phillip said.
The Soldiers all come from different places 2SCR, STS sergeant major. “We want curb side Phillip said much of the brothers’ motivation
in their military career yet everyone is given the service for every Soldier that comes to our unit.” Hesperia, Calif. native Spc. Jenny comes from family – not just their father in
same hardy welcome and introduction. The unit recently received the commanding uniform, but also thinking of their loved ones
Etheridge, medic with the 6th Squadron,
“Most Soldiers come straight out of general’s retention award and Hamm said it is and focusing on their jobs to help keep them
(Advanced Individual Training) and a lot of partially due to the since of pride that comes 2SCR, demonstrates the proper way to
going until they are home again.
(non-commissioned officers) have never been from being in the unit that starts the day the new insert a nasopharyngeal airway on The brothers said they also get a sense of
in a Stryker regiment before,” said Denny. Soldiers arrive. Houston native Spc. David Bailey, a new purpose from helping the people of Iraq.
The three-day integration program covers a “Stetsons and spurs go along way,” Hamm “Dragoon” with the 4th Squadron, 2SCR, “I like to see the Iraqi people out there. You
variety of instructions and information all said. “There’s a lot of pride that comes with during the First Responders Course see them happy; you see the kids waving, and
Soldiers in the unit need to know. being a Stryker.” it’s kind of motivating to see that,” Alex said.
portion of the School of the Trooper.
