Archived Community News

GARMISCH, Germany – Artillery Kaserne in Garmisch dates back to a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 25, 1935, when it was established for what would become the mountain troops of the Wehrmacht, which the German armed forces of World War II were known as. Since then the buildings have been extensively modified during the past 73 years, including the installation and upgrade of offices, shops and warehouses.
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LIVORNO, Italy – Italian elementary students recently visited their young counterparts at the Livorno Unit School on Camp Darby. Some 20 Italian students and their teachers – from Carlo Collodi Elementary school in the city of Musigliano – toured classrooms, learned about the newest technology in teaching, ate at the school cafeteria and spent the afternoon bowling with their new American friends.
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DARMSTADT, Germany – Sixty-three years after U.S. military forces arrived in Darmstadt, the Griesheim Veteran's Memorial Museum held its final exhibit for generations of Germans and Americans associated with the Army installation. As visitors trekked from one room to another March 30, a veritable smorgasbord of U.S. and German military history came to life.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Each movement on the couch causes visible pain to Sgt. 1st Class Priscilla Simmons. However, a smile on her face tells the story of a warrior who has found the right place to rest and heal. “The walls were closing in on me,” she said, referring to her bedridden status before being assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit here in November 2007. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – Children of deployed servicemembers have until May 2 to apply for a summer program that ranges from attending space camp to exploring a German coastal island. The adventures are part of Camp A.R.M.Y Challenge, which provides for a select group of youth to participate in four events hosted by Installation Management Command-Europe Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – With barely 200 days left before the next U.S. president is elected, Americans living overseas can take advantage of their right to vote by registering for a federal absentee ballot. For example, 30 members of the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr community completed the federal postcard application during a recent voters registration drive here. Click here for more

DARMSTADT, Germany – Read a copy of the July 1943 edition of Transportation Magazine and you’ll get an eye-awakening look at that era’s gender beliefs. According to a 11-point “Guide to Hiring Women” article printed in the publication 65 years ago, male supervisors were encouraged to "give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day," and were informed that “general experience indicates that husky girls.
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CHIÈVRES, Belgium – The Benelux Warrior Transition Unit squad leader has bled for his country. He understands what wounded warriors go through, which is “why I was selected to (support them),” said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Bucher. “My mission is to make sure they receive optimal care. A warrior in transition’s mission is simple … to heal.”
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GARMISCH, Germany – Wonderful Wednesday, a program that teaches skiing and snowboarding skills to U.S. Army Garmisch children, concluded in a boisterous gathering here following a final day of racing. A total of 92 kids participated in the 2008 program, ranging from kindergarten age through eighth grade, with the youngest skier being 5 years old and the oldest 14. Every child children completed the series of lessons.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Know a teenager or young adult who needs a job during school break? If so, the Civilian Human Resources Agency Europe Region is accepting applications for the 2008 Summer Hire program. Applications are being accepted until May 16 for jobs that last from June 23 to Aug. 1.
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KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – As a mother of two, Sgt. 1st Class Norma Mejia was looking for answers and guidance when she attended the Adolescent Training for Parents class held at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Discussing teen trends in substance use, this class is a first in a series of awareness training, open to all community members and hosted by the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern.
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STUTTGART, Germany – Competitors of all ages are invited to an open martial arts tournament at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Patch Fitness Center May 17-18. This tournament will qualify participants for the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes World Championship tournament scheduled to be held at Castlebar, Ireland, August 16-17.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) respite care service received an important financial boost from funding provided to Installation Management Command- Europe’s Army Community Services under the Army Family Covenant. This is the second year funding has been provided for this program.
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GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – A Soldier assigned here is one of the first in U.S. Army Europe to return to normal duty standing after recovering in a Warrior Transition Unit. In fact, Sgt. Keith Gautreaux is the first Soldier within the Bavaria-East WTU to qualify for return-to-duty status, and is currently awaiting orders for his next duty assignment.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Following up on last year’s successful program, Installation Management Command-Europe will again host summer camps specifically designed for children of deployed servicemembers. Called Camp A.R.M.Y. Challenge – the acronym stands for Adventure, Resilience, Memories, Youth – the program offers not only a welcome break from the family stresses of deployment, but also a chance for “kids to meet other youth facing similar challenges. Click here for more

STUTTGART, Germany – Walk into any Stuttgart Army Air Force Exchange Service facility and chances are Dandy Young is watching you. If not Young, who manages the AAFES Loss Prevention Office, then another member of his staff is hovered over a quad-screen surveillance monitor looking for foul play. These days, you don’t shop alone.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – A representative from Defense Finance and Accounting System will be visiting installations in Germany to assist retirees and annuitants. “This is good news for those living overseas who do not have access to a toll-free number for DFAS’ retired pay operations, which can make it more difficult to resolve problems or concerns they have about retired pay,” said Mike Malone, retirement services officer for Installation Management Command-Europe.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – It was Mannheim’s day in Wiesbaden March 23. Both the men’s and women’s teams dominated the floor at the Army Europe Community-level Basketball Championships, claiming the 2008 crowns. However, in the first half of the men’s final at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center, it looked as if Wiesbaden might rally back to force an if- necessary game. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – To celebrate National Library Week, libraries throughout Army Europe are hosting special events April 13-19. The week is a time to recognize the contributions of libraries, librarians and library workers, and is “the perfect time to discover how you can join the circle of knowledge at your library,” said Meg Tulloch, Europe Region librarian.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – The U.S. Army Garrison Heidelberg re- designated to become the U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg in a ceremony March 27 on Patrick Henry Village. USAG Baden-Württemberg, under the command of Col. Robert Ulses, is now the direct report garrison responsible for overseeing the communities of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Darmstadt and Kaiserslautern. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – If the only thing you can remember about your vehicle registration certificate is that it looks like a bizarre bingo sheet with a bunch of numbers on it that you use to buy gas coupons, you will want to check it out again – soon. To ensure the transition to Germany fuel ration cards for authorized U.S. personnel goes as smoothly as possible, Installation Management Command-Europe officials are urging vehicle owners to take a look at their registration certificates. Click here for more

VICENZA, Italy – True to her belief that “life doesn’t happen to you, you happen to life,” Jordan Talbot didn’t put her two lives on hold when her husband deployed to Afghanistan in April 2007. “I’ve had two distinct lives: a student life and a snowboard life,” explained the 25-year-old native of Smithtown, N.Y., who is a full-time recreation programmer for the Bamberg, Germany, military community while working on her doctorate in public administration. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – U.S. military retirees in Europe are encouraged to take advantage of many services being offered April 12 during Retiree Appreciation Day at U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt. “RAD is a great opportunity for people to present their concerns personally to representatives from personnel, financial and medical organizations,” said Mike Malone, retirement services officer for Installation Management Command-Europe. Click here for more

WIESBADEN, Germany – After serving one’s country in the military, returning to civilian life can be challenging. For example, the time involved in researching potential careers, deciding how to write a first-rate resume and learning how to sell one’s self during the interview process are skills that might not come naturally to many people.
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HOHENFELS, Germany – Allison Billhardt, Brittney Hawkins and Susan Daniel are pulling 45-hour weeks to help the smallest members here. The three interns are with Camp Adventure – a not-for-profit educational program based out of the University of Northern Iowa – which provides college-age students with learning experiences while assisting communities.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – Bandits, birds, medics and aviators – none proved strong enough to stop the V Corps Generals at the 2008 Installation Management Command-Europe Unit Level Basketball Championships. Eleven teams battled for bragging rights at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center March 13-16, but “we showed up to win it,” said Robbie Rohren, V Corps coach.
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MIESAU, Germany – For the Global War on Terror to be successful, it’s going to take a worldwide effort. Therefore, warriors in this effort often interact as one fighting force. Accordingly, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Adams, a certification authority for U.S. Army Europe kennels, takes every opportunity for his dog handlers to train alongside servicemembers and law enforcement specialists from foreign countries.
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GARMISCH, Germany – A stroll through the winter wonderland of the Armed Forces Recreation Center campground here reveals a bucolic setting that seems straight out of a travel book. Patches of snow and ice shaded from the sun resist melting under thick stands of pine trees. Joggers follow a cleared hardtop that winds through campsites, as bundled-up children clamber about the playground.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – A U.S. Army Europe Band clarinetist from Heidelberg won the Wiesbaden Half Marathon March 15. Walter Johnston breezed across the finish line in a time of one hour, 20 minutes and 37 seconds to take first. Two Wiesbaden athletes ran hard over the 13.1 miles to place second and third. Click here for more

WIESBADEN, Germany – A week of hard work and plenty of fun was showcased in two recent theater performances of “Robin Hood” at Wiesbaden Middle School, all part a traveling theater program that reaches kids worldwide. About 60 youth, ranging from kindergarten to high school age, out of the more than 100 children who auditioned in late February, spent several hours each weeknight learning their lines.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Several Installation Management-Europe journalists were recognized as being among the Army’s best during the 2007 Department of the Army MG Keith L. Ware Journalism Awards competition. Overall, garrison public affairs shops in Europe earned seven awards, including the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr newspaper, Bavarian News, taking first-place honors in the tabloid-size publication category.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Several Installation Management-Europe journalists were recognized as being among the Army’s best during the 2007 Department of the Army MG Keith L. Ware Journalism Awards competition. Overall, garrison public affairs shops in Europe earned seven awards, including the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr newspaper, Bavarian News, taking first-place honors in the tabloid-size publication category.
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CHIÈVRES, Belgium – For more than 500 years, Chièvres residents have been extending the “Fat Tuesday” party by playing Crossage on Ash Wednesday. Every Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, area residents gather in the streets of Chièvres to play the golf-like, medieval sport of Crossage, or chole, as it’s also known. If it is a medieval ancestor to golf, it requires more Arnold Schwarzenegger strength than Tiger Wood finesse. In today’s terms, it is more like croquet on steroids. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – Cyclists are invited to join the three- day “Liberty Trail” ride to commemorate Soldiers and Allies who fought and died to liberate France and ultimately much of Europe during World War II. Members of the U.S. military community will join bikers out of France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg and Italy for this year’s demanding 360-kilometer ride. Click here for more

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – When measuring an impact of the Army Family Covenant here, one big number jumps out: $25,548. That is how much just one program – free respite child care hours – saved Schweinfurt families between Aug. 1, 2007, and Feb. 29, 2008. The Covenant was launched in October as a promise from Army leadership to its families. Click here for more

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany – Department of Defense affiliated motorists in Germany will begin replacing their Army and Air Force Exchange Service fuel coupons with a new fuel ration card this summer. Drivers will load a cash balance onto their fuel ration card, similar in appearance to a credit card, at any AAFES shoppette/gas station, post exchange, by bank allotment, online, or by phone transfer. Click here for more

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Don Breton, the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s Pulaski Auto Skills manager, lives by his motto, “safety has no price.” He put this into action last December when the garrison held its initial free winter-safety car inspections; and now he’s doing it again with a Spring Safety Day scheduled to be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 2 at Pulaski Auto Skills. Click here for more

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – The U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt Child and Youth Sports programs recently received more than $20,000 in grants from the Boys and Girls Club of America (BGCA). “We’re out actively trying to get money into the community to provide health and fitness options to our youth,” said Daniel Jones, Schweinfurt Youth Sports director, who submitted justifications to BGCA to be considered for the grants. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – Garrison leaders here found themselves responding to a hostage taking and explosions during a realistic exercise that assessed leadership reaction while under fire. The training was part of the Installation Force Protection Exercise, a new Installation Management Command program designed to test garrison staffs’ antiterrorism response and crisis management capabilities.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Last October, the Army Family Covenant was announced as garrison-level signings were held worldwide. The $1.4 billion service-wide program promised to improve the lives of military Families, especially those impacted the most by a high operations tempo that isn’t slowing down any time soon.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Hunting and fishing course fees have been reduced to enable more Soldiers to enjoy hunting and fishing in Europe. Installation Management Command-Europe Morale, Welfare and Recreation officials announced the change, adding that it is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008.
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SCHWEINFURT, Germany – The U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt is one of 14 garrisons in the Army and the only one in Installation Management Command-Europe selected to receive funding for the Warrior Adventure Quest. Warrior Adventure Quest is a pilot program designed to provide high adventure-type organized group activities – such as paragliding or hang gliding – for Soldiers returning from a deployment.
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VICENZA, Italy – The Vicenza Military Community hosted the first Europe-based Joint Services Family Assistance workshop for service providers recently. The workshop featured an Office of the Secretary of Defense team of subject-matter experts from areas such as relocation assistance, children and youth initiatives and counseling.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – Injured Wiesbaden warriors received firsthand assurances by the Army leader responsible for warrior care and transition that nothing has higher priority than their recovery. “Nothing gets in front of healing,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Tucker, assistant surgeon general for warrior care and transition, during a visit to Wiesbaden’s Warrior Transition Unit. “You’re getting paid to heal. Everything you do is healing.” Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – Spurred by increased funding received under the Army Family Covenant, your installation Army Community Service will now be fully staffed for the first time in recent memory, and better prepared than ever to serve the needs of commanders, Soldiers and Families. But ACS needs you to cast a vote … with your feet.
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ANSBACH, Germany — The Department of Defense’s Interactive Customer Evaluation system is the “voice of the customer” and management at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach is eager to hear those voices. “We need to hear from our customers — what they want,” said Willie Vigil, garrison ICE program manager and plans specialist. “And if areas need to improve, we need to hear that, too.
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ANSBACH, Germany —Separation is a fact of life for military families, and U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Army Community Service wants to help people get through it. Hearts Apart is a monthly program designed to do just that said Pam Thomas, Ansbach’s acting ACS deployment readiness program manager and coordinator for the program.
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VICENZA, Italy – Friends, yoga, a family support group, online courses, England and a toddler lifted Sam out of her funk when Chase went to war. “The first few months after my husband deployed were miserable,” admitted Samantha Windell, 24, from her home in Bamberg, Germany. “I wanted to stay at home the whole time.”
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Heidelberg soon will be home to two U.S. Army garrisons – USAG Heidelberg and USAG Baden-Württemberg. In a March 27 re-designation and activation ceremony, USAG Heidelberg will become an indirect report garrison – along with Kaiserslautern, Mannheim and Darmstadt – and will fall under the direct report garrison, which is to be re-designated USAG Baden-Württemberg. Click here for more

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – Last year, Shannon Fahy was Sherry Jackson’s student, but now they are two sides of one character in the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s latest production of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Jackson, who is a Kaiserslautern Elementary School fifth- grade teacher, is “Jean Louise” – the narrator and older version of “Scout,” portrayed by Fahy, 12, a Kaiserslautern Middle School sixth grader.
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STUTTGART, Germany – Life is a cabaret, or at least it was Feb. 14-16 at the Broadway Cafe when Jeanne Ragonese performed an evening of song in “What is This Thing Called Love?” The Stuttgart Theatre Center’s coffee shop on Kelley Barracks was transformed into a small, intimate, candlelit lounge for Ragonese and the premier performance of “Cabaret at the Broadway Cafe.” Click here for more

STUTTGART, Germany – Martha Buttrill is an agent of change. As a delegate at the 2008 U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Army Family Action Plan conference held Feb. 12, she and 73 other delegates examined issues affecting the community and searched for solutions. “I’m an FRG leader. I get a lot of feedback from spouses and Soldiers,” said Buttrill, Family Readiness Group leader for Stuttgart’s 554th Military Police Company. Click here for more

BAMBERG, Germany – The Bamberg Warriors Transition Unit is looking beyond the physical injury in addressing the mind, spirit and heart of each injured Soldier by incorporating part-time work into their daily routines. A WTU Soldier’s priority is his medical appointments with his primary care physician; then responsibility to his unit; and then to his vocational interests or even a job, said squad leader Staff Sgt. Ronald Chitty.
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LIVORNO, Italy – Italian students visited Camp Darby’s Casa Toscana Army Lodging Feb. 20, learning how American hotel management operates. The students, ages 18-19, attend Instituto Professionale Statale, studying hotel management and commercial tourism operations. With Camp Darby hosting more than 30,000 visitors yearly, Professor Giuseppe De Benedittis planned the visit to help his students study U.S. tourism and hotel management styles. Click here for more

GARMSICH, Germany – The daughter of a Marine Corps officer serving at the George C. Marshall Center here earned two honors during a recent German music competition. With a voice like an angel, Kassidee Kane, took first place in her age group and second place at the Jugend musiziert (Youths Making Music) event held in the Wetterstern room of the Garmisch- Partenkirchen Kongress House. Click here for more

BAMBERG, Germany – The renovated U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg JFK Gym is scheduled to open in March under a new name, the JFK Multiplex. The new multi-purpose program facility will transform the sports, fitness and recreation experience here for children and youth of all ages. “This will be a multi-purpose facility and not just a traditional gym,” said Liwliwa Markey, Bamberg Child and Youth Services coordinator. Click here for more

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – A member of U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt has been named as a recipient for the U.S. Army, Europe Commanding General’s Annual Incentive Award. Hal Snyder, the garrison Army Community Service director, was recognized for establishing the “I can do it series” while serving as Schweinfurt’s interim Morale, Welfare and Recreation director for six months in 2007.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Two members of Installation Management Command-Europe have been honored for continually improving the quality of life for Soldiers and Families through their extensive experience and knowledge in the morale, welfare and recreation arena. Dan Gasparino and Mary Schweitzer each received a White Plume Award from Russell Hall, director of IMCOM-Europe.
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FRIEDBERG, Germany – A walk through of Friedberg and Ray Barracks by a recent visitor brought back memories of time spent with fellow Soldier Sgt. Elvis Presley. The tourist, former Pfc. David Bailey, first came to Germany in March 1958 as a young draftee. He arrived in Bremerhaven on a troop ship and served in Friedberg for 17 months before returning stateside to be honorably discharged. Click here for more

VICENZA, Italy – Moving to a foreign country can be challenging enough; but add having a spouse on deployment, and it can seem to be a challenge of epic proportions for some. That’s where the Journey series – a U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza program – steps in. The combination of being afraid of getting lost, afraid to drive and inability to speak the language often keeps spouses from enjoying this beautiful country, said Catherine Hurst. Click here for more

WIESBADEN, Germany – Super heavyweight Steve Sollera had not boxed in almost two decades. But his Golden Gloves experience shined through as he retired Hanau’s Kristijan Markovic to take gold during Wiesbaden’s Black History Month Boxing Tournament Feb. 23.
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ANSBACH, Germany – While ongoing construction is causing some traffic challenges at Storck Barracks, the payoff will be big towards the end of the year. Not only will the construction put in the new lines to help with rainwater runoff, prevent flooding and keep quality drinking water flowing for the community, but U.S. Garrison Ansbach is taking advantage of the project. Click here for more

SCHWETZINGEN, Germany – A softball official’s clinic will be held at the Schwetzingen Workforce Training Center on April 15-19. Participants will have the opportunity to become certified officials, allowing them to provide follow-up clinics and to umpire games at their home garrisons.
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HOHENFELS, Germany – When most people hear about someone working on a green belt, they think of martial arts like karate or tae kwon do. But when Bridy Godwin earned her Green Belt Certification, the first person to do so from Installation Management Command-Europe, she did it on a computer, not a gym mat.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Department of Defense organizations located on Army installations throughout Europe were honored Friday in Heidelberg, Germany, for their support of the 2007 Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas. The top CFC honor, the Special Merit Award, was presented to two organizations.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – As the umpire bellowed out “play ball,” the Little Leaguer watched as the first pitch neared the strike zone. The next sound was that of a clean hit up the middle, accompanied by a few comments coming from parents sitting in the stands. Unfortunately, not all of the remarks were of the encouraging sort. Nothing can ruin the sheer fun of youth sports more quickly than overzealous adults.
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SCHINNEN, the Netherlands – “It’s a lot harder than it looks,” gasped 7th grader Quelon Hopkins, as he skidded to a shaky stop on his snowboard. It was only his third snowboarding lesson, but he showed real progress. “The first time we came out here, I couldn’t even stand up,” he joked. Hopkins is one of 34 students participating in the U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen Child and Youth Services after-school program.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – Wiesbaden’s wounded warriors now have a healing hospice designed by community caretakers to ensure their personal recovery takes top priority. The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Warrior Transition Unit officially opened during a ceremony Feb. 5 at Wiesbaden Army Airfield. However, Wiesbaden has been providing WTU services since last fall. Click here for more

WIESBADEN, Germany – Capt. Madalyn Melin was frustrated. Attempting to make yet another medical appointment, she was at the point of giving up. Then the phone rang. As she picked up, a voice on the other end said, “Hello, I’m Sgt. 1st Class Sonny Valdez, and I want to help you heal.” That attitude went a long way toward helping Melin recover during her stay at the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Warrior Transition Unit.
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BAMBERG, Germany – “Listen to your parents and teachers; they are the ones who love you and want the best for you,” said professional basketball player Derrick “Daddy Cool” Taylor. Taylor, a member of the 2004 German basketball championship team GHP Bamberg, recently spent time speaking with and inspiring approximately 40 children at the U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg library. Click here for more

ANSBACH, Germany – Once a World War II aircraft hangar, the Bunch Fitness Center here is in the process of getting a $775,000 facelift. During an open house to showcase progress on the three-phase renovation, Casey Malloy, chief of business and recreation for U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach Morale, Welfare and Recreation, pointed to finished improvements and forecasted things to come. Click here for more

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – When it comes to supporting youth here, the SKIES the limit. In fact, there are no boundaries to the creative types of classes offered by the School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration, and Skills Unlimited, a U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt program. Currently, people can now sign up through SKIES for horseback riding lessons at Seufert Ranch in Hambach. Click here for more

MANNHEIM, Germany – A group of local German police officials visited U.S. Army Garrison Mannheim Feb. 12 to gain insight into the lives of U.S. Soldiers and Families, and to observe military police operations. In Mannheim, home of the U.S. Army Europe Provost Marshal, the18th Military Police Brigade and 95th Military Police Battalion headquarters, the relationship with local law enforcement officials has been traditionally very close. Click here for more

VICENZA, Italy – Soldiers here are seeing considerable renovations on post that will play a major part in helping injured troops on the road to recovery as part of a Warrior Transition Unit that officially opens Feb. 22. “Building 9A is complete, and we are already moving Soldiers into their new rooms,” said Staff Sgt. Patrick Chaplin, WTU squad leader. “The other building will be complete by the end of this month.” Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – The Installation Management Command- Europe Morale, Welfare and Recreation golf program has announced new, standardized greens fees, including daily greens fee reductions that it hopes will spawn additional Soldier interest in the game. The announcement is part of a strategic effort underway that will also upgrade golf course facilities and equipment, and enhance the overall player experience. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – A group of 12th-grade students from a German technical school will contribute to a multimedia presentation called “The Other America,” focusing on American cultural issues and lifestyles, with the assistance of Soldiers from U.S. Army Garrison Heidelberg. Students from the Carl Bosch Technical Schule in Wieblingen visited Patton Barracks Jan. 31 as guests of the garrison equal opportunity office.
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STUTTGART, Germany – The Panzer Dining Facility on U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Panzer Kaserne claimed runner-up honors during the 2008 Department of the Army Philip A. Connelly Award competition. “To place at the DA-level is a huge honor,” said Frank Mottin, food service manager for USAG Stuttgart. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any cook.”
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BAMBERG, Germany – A U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg Child and Youth Services program is giving children and their deployed parents something to hold on to this Valentine’s Day … each other. “Project Sweet Dreams” gives children an opportunity to make and send a personalized pillow to their parents downrange and to receive one in return.
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LIVORNO, Italy – Currently deployed to Africa, in a sliver of a country between Somalia and Ethiopia, an education counselor from Camp Darby is assisting students beyond the fence perimeter. Alan Moses, normally a test examiner with the U.S. Army Garrison Livorno education center, spends his days in Djibouti helping U.S. troops with their schooling concerns, while spending his evenings meeting with Djiboutian students.
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GARMISCH, Germany – Leading up to 2008 U.S. Forces Europe Ski and Snowboard Championships, everything was perfect – except one crucial matter. Sponsors had provided their support. Outdoor recreation staff members had the event organized. Volunteers had set up the slalom course or arrived as administrators, ski patrols, score-keepers and judges.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany - The U.S. Army Europe/Installation Management Command-Europe culinary team will represent the theater during the U.S. Army Culinary Arts Competition being held at Fort Lee, Va., March 1-14. The competition is open to active-duty members of all services, Department of Defense civilians, and reservists.
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CHIÈVRES, Belgium – Thirty people die and another 1,500 are hospitalized in Belgium annually from carbon monoxide poisoning. Statistics? Yes, but the numbers becomes personal when friends or loved ones are involved. Three members of the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux family are among the lucky 1,500 survivors.
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STUTTGART, Germany – Renovations to U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart family housing on Robinson and Kelley Barracks will go a long way in improving quality of life for military families stationed here. “Once the Kelley project is complete, (every) home will have been renovated,” said Mary Scott, USAG Stuttgart Housing Office director.
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HEIDELBERG, Germany – Installation Management Command-Europe has unveiled a Web site to keep servicemembers, civilian employees and family members updated on the upcoming transition to the AAFES Fuel Ration Card that will begin for privately-owned, USAREUR-plated vehicles in June 2008. Click here for more

ANSBACH, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach invited 43 children from Walburgisheim Von Feucht Kinderheim (a children’s home) to Storck Barracks for a chance to experience American celebrations. Children from the home, located about 9 miles south of Nuremberg in the town of Feucht, have been annual guests of the Ansbach community during the holidays for more than 20 years, said Helga Moser, German-American liaison for the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
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WIESBADEN, Germany – A cooperative effort between the city of Wiesbaden, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden and private industry aims to save resources, decrease waste, address environmental concerns correctly and provide for sustainable development. Launched in October 2007, the Oekoprofit Wiesbaden initiative includes workshops, site visits and official certification after concerned parties meet standards and initiatives to improve operations. Click here for more

HOHENFELS, Germany – Teamwork is generally described as the cooperative effort within a group. It also expresses the relationship that exists between the military police of U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels and local German law enforcement officials. “We enjoy a very good, friendly working relationship with the Polizei,” said Capt. Derek Wilson, provost marshal and chief of the garrison’s Emergency Services Directorate.
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SCHWETZINGEN, Germany – Veteran umpires Jack Conway and Russ Ruslender are presenting this year’s Little League Baseball and Softball Officials Clinics in Germany and Italy. The Schwetzingen Training and Development Center is the site of the clinic in Germany, on Feb. 5-8. The Body Shop (Bldg 393) is the site in Vicenza, Italy, on Feb. 11-14.
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VICENZA, Italy – They say that fishing is good for the soul. Even renowned guitarist Eric Clapton is known to relax by wading the fly- fishing streams of Wales. For Soldiers of the Warrior Transition Unit on Caserma Ederle, a day trip to the waters of Laghi Verdi (Green Lakes) delivered a chance to unwind, while enjoying an angling tournament with friends under sunny skies. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – German cities are beginning to establish environmental protection zones, called Umweltzone, where motor vehicles that do not bear a decal certifying acceptable emission standards will be prohibited from driving. The cities of Berlin, Hannover and Köln implemented protection zones Jan. 1, and zones will go into effect in Mannheim and Stuttgart March 1. Officials predict a widening of the law in coming years. Click here for more

HEIDELBERG, Germany – Installation Management Command-Europe has announced its region-level winners for the 2007 Army Keith L. Ware Journalism Awards. The Keith L. Ware competition recognizes the journalistic excellence of Army military and civilian journalists. The competition is named in memory of Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware, a former Army chief of public affairs. Click here for more

DARMSTADT, Germany – Gustav Rupietta, a former German prisoner of war, is still fond of the Americans he encountered more than 60 years ago. And for good reason, since he had been fighting against them months earlier. "They were nice, friendly people," he recalls, "and because of them, we first got something good to eat."
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STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart has activated its Warrior Transition Unit as part of the Army’s new mandated Medical Action Plan. WTUs are currently being established on U.S. military bases throughout Europe, giving wounded Soldiers access to extended medical care locally. Click here for more

WIESBADEN, Germany – The Wiesbaden’s American Arms Hotel is now known as the Army’s premiere lodging facility of its kind. The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden’s lodging facility, managed by William Williams, earned the Army Lodging Operation of the Year award in the large category (100-499 rooms) for 2007. “It took a lot of hard work and having a great staff dedicated to providing the best service possible,” said Williams. Click here for more

LIVORNO, Italy – Camp Darby recently hosted a charity soccer tournament to assist an Italian organization that aids families of children stricken by cancer. Squads that played in matches for the support group – Association of Parents of Children Affected by Leukemia or Tumors – included Pisa Calcio, a professional team in the Italian series B league; Pisa Grande Cuore, a side formed by the city’s mayor and administrators; and a contingency from Camp Darby. Click here for more

SCHWEINFURT, Germany – Soldiers returning from a war zone often have difficulty adjusting to life at home. They are easily irritated, react suddenly and unexpectedly to loud noises, or become withdrawn and unwilling to communicate. Understandably, this can befrustrating for family members. But the situation usually improves with time.
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MANNHEIM, Germany – Nearly 400 German and American guests gathered Jan. 11 at the German Federal Academy of Defense Administration and Technology for a New Year’s reception highlighting the Mannheim military community. Mannheim’s Fasching City Princess, Jennifer I., presented her campaign medal to Lawrence as a German-American friendship token, along with Viernheim’s City Princess, Meike I., and her Fasching Club delegation. Click here for more

CHIÈVRES, Belgium – When it comes to accessing data in the information age, most people use the Web. The same can be said for folks wanting to learn more about living in Belgium; they too use a program tagged as the W.E.B. But there’s one big difference: the resource here is flesh and bone, not circuits and wires.
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