Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I
n the past, energy has been a side conversation strategic document directing our actions, includes a October, describes Army programs and initiatives that
for the Army. It tended to be an area of section focused on energy efficiency and security; this help installations realize their energy goals.
concern for some experts and specialists, but section, Line of Effort 6, was developed in support of One example is metering. Housing units on 45
many of us did not give it much the Army Energy Security Implementation Strategy. Army installations are metered to measure whether
thought. The keys to success for LOE 6 focus on reducing the occupants of each unit are using above or below
However, with changing energy and water consumption, increasing energy the energy usage baseline every month. Provided
security concerns and increased and water efficiency, modernizing infrastructure, with the meter data, occupants have steadily reduced
demands on finite financial and developing renewable and alternative energy their energy consumption so that 80 percent now
and natural resources, we must supplies. receive money back for using less than the baseline
We have continued to work on LOE 6, in each month.
proactively address today’s
particular refining the keys to success and developing Other programs and initiatives include efforts
energy challenges for the sake of Lt. Gen. Lynch
meaningful metrics to measure our progress. Version to improve the Army’s energy grid security and
ourselves, our mission and our 2 of the Campaign Plan will be released in October, management, to track and offset utility costs, and to
nation, as well as for future generations.
which is national Energy Awareness Month. I did not require that new military construction and renovation
I intend to keep the issue front and center. plan for the two events to coincide, but it is fitting. meet rigorous energy efficiency standards.
The Army depends on a reliable, safe, cost- The revised LOE 6 will show us the way ahead for The Energy Portfolio also highlights several
effective supply of energy to accomplish its mission, achieving the energy security and efficiency that is a projects in which installations are making creative use
as well as provide a good quality of life for Soldiers, critical part of achieving and maintaining installation of all these resources to save and produce energy.
civilians and families on installations worldwide. readiness.
To the extent that energy supply and distribution While the Campaign Plan is the driving force See Energy issues on page 4
New $5 million
CDC opens on
Kelley Barracks
Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, U.S. Africa
Command commander, takes a moment
to engage with Jackson Boyle (from
left), 22 months, Anthony Richards, 2,
and Arianna Wilson, 2, after the Kelley
Child Development Center ribbon-cutting
ceremony on Aug. 23. The Kelley CDC
provides full-day care to 86 children, from
6 weeks to kindergarten age. The old CDC
on Kelley now offers hourly care and part-
day care.
See page 3 for the complete story.
Susan Huseman
Page 6 Page 15
Inside Back to school: New Bods of steel
This friends, books, faces
More than 2,600 students arrived at U.S.
compete for trophies
They’re hot! Competitors in the 2010
Commander’s Column
S
uicide is a subject that we,
as members of the military
members with quality care. when you’re feel- Health clinic, will address the social
To emphasize this commitment, the fitness dimension through several in-
community, do not really Army is joining the nation in observing ing distressed is terviews on AFN Heidelberg through-
talk about on a daily basis. Perhaps National Suicide Prevention Month in out the month.
it is because it September. The Army’s observance will
a sign of strength Resiliency training for families
typically does not
happen to people
use “Shoulder to Shoulder: I Will Never and courage. will address the family fitness aspect
Quit on Life” as its theme this year, to of CSF, while our chaplains will offer
we know. emphasize the Army’s commitment and special prayers and homilies in their
But that’s not the responsibility we all have to reach when we see warning signs, we can help services to enhance spiritual fitness.
exactly the case. out and help our fellow Soldiers, family reduce suffering and emotional pain. Assist-Care-Escort training for all
The Army has members and civilian employees. We must continue our efforts to Soldiers and civilians will touch on
lost 170 Soldiers The Army recently released the create an environment where it’s OK emotional fitness.
to suicide so far Col. Bird Health Promotion Risk Reduction Sui- to ask for help. The Army is a special family. There
this year, and al- cide Prevention Report, which offers a The perceived stigma associated is always someone there to listen and
though you may not have known comprehensive look at one of the most with seeking behavioral health treat- help, whether it’s a battle buddy, chap-
them personally, they were not total troubling issues Army leaders face. ment represents a very real barrier as lain, or a behavioral health specialist.
strangers. The report is indicative of the Army’s the Army strives to care for its people. Army Family members can also
They may have served under your willingness to hold itself accountable Here in U.S. Army Garrison Stut- turn to the Military One Source and
command, shared your military occupa- for our shortcomings and our commit- tgart, our team of behavioral health the CSF program websites for more
tional specialty, worn the same combat ment to overcoming them. and health care providers, chaplains information, or talk with Military
patch or served on the same Forward The report is clear. Leaders and and substance abuse professionals have Family Life Consultants for free and
Operating Base. NCOs absolutely must do a better job at scheduled activities to address the five confidential counseling.
They were part of the Army Family identifying our Soldiers who are at risk. dimensions of strength as outlined by It’s not a symbol of weakness. Seek-
— our brothers and sisters in arms. By taking the time to get to know our the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness ing help when you’re feeling distressed
The Army’s commitment to the Army Family members and stepping in program. is a sign of strength and courage.
Citizen
The
Contact Information
Telephone: 431-3105/civ. 07031-15-3105
Fax: 431-3096/civ. 07031-15-3096
E-mail: stuttgartmedia@eur.army.mil
Web site: www.stuttgart.army.mil
Office Location: Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne
U.S. Army Address: Unit 30401, APO AE 09107
German Address: USAG-S PAO, Panzer Kaserne,
Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 71032 Böblingen
This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of
the Department of Defense. Contents of The Citizen are not neces-
sarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or
the Department of the Army. All editorial content in this publication
is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the USAG Stuttgart
Public Affairs Office. Private organizations noted in this publication
are not part of Department of Defense.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including
inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the
products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Everything
advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase,
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is confirmed, the printer shall refuse to print advertising from that
source until the violation is corrected. The Citizen is a biweekly
offset press publication published by AdvantiPro GmbH. Circulation
Correction
In the photo cutline for “MPs receive deployment awards” in the Aug. 26 issue of The Citizen (page
is 6,000 copies. For display advertising rates, call Anna-Maria
Weyrough at civ. 0631-3033-5530, or e-mail ads@stuttgartcitizen. 1), we wrote that Lt. Col. Roger P. Hedgepeth, 709th Military Police Battalion commander, pinned on the
com. For classified advertising rates, call Sabrina Barclay at civ. awards in the photo. The story should have read “Col. Thomas P. Evans, commander, 18th Military Police
0631-3033-5531, e-mail class@stuttgartcitizen.com. Brigade, pins an Army Commendation Medal on Sgt. Edward Hinsberger ... .” The story also said that four
www.stuttgart@army.mil Soldiers received the Military Service Medal. It should have read “Meritorious Service Medal.”
The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 News Page 3
O
ptions for child care in U.S. Army Gar- age groups.” For more information, call the Customs
rison Stuttgart have expanded, thanks Hourly care in the annex is available from 6 a.m. Office at 431-2731/civ. 07031-15-2731.
to the new Kelley Child Development to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Kinder Time, for children
Center on Kelley Barracks. ages 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten, runs from 7:30
EUCOM All Hands Call
The $5 million facility is the first of four specially U.S. European Command will hold an All
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Strong Beginnings, the CYS Services
funded child care centers to be completed in Europe. Hands Call at the Patch Barracks Fitness Center
kindergarten readiness program, is offered from 8 a.m.
Similar projects at the Landstuhl, Wiesbaden and Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. All EUCOM personnel are
to noon and follows the local school schedule.
encouraged to attend. There will also be an
Ansbach military communities are expected to be Children at the old Kelley CDC began the transi-
awards ceremony.
completed in the next several months. tion to the new center on Aug. 16.
The emphasis on proper child care facilities is part “The children were so excited by the toys, the Rate garrison services
of the Army Family Covenant, a promise to Soldiers new environments and the playground,” said Robin U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart community
and families to ensure excellence in child, youth and Reed, a training and curriculum specialist with CYS members are invited to rate garrison services
school services. Services. such as housing, transportation and recreation in
“This facility represents the Army Family Cov- “It’s a beautiful facility,” she said. “Things are Installation Management Command’s Customer
enant’s commitment to standardizing funding and well stocked and attractively displayed. It’s a very Service Assessment survey, available at www.
increasing the availability, quality and affordability inviting environment for children and adults.” mymilitaryvoice.org. The survey runs through
of child care,” said Col. Carl D. Bird, USAG Stut- While children and adults are happy with the new Sept. 26.
tgart commander, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for CDC, so is the garrison’s energy manager.
the center Aug. 23. “We are required to reduce our energy use by 3
New fee for ESTA registration
percent every year ... and are continuously looking The Department of Homeland Security has
U.S. Africa Command Commander Gen. William
at ways to save energy and operate more efficiently,” announced a new $14 travel authorization fee
E. “Kip” Ward joined Bird in opening the center.
said USAG Stuttgart Directorate of Public Works’ for Visa Waiver Program travelers. The fee
Ward said that while the need for a child develop-
Werner Kienzle. went into effect Sept. 8 and applies to U.S.
ment center was driven by the influx of AFRICOM
personnel, “the entire Stuttgart military community With solar panels on the roof, double-paned win- military dependent family members from any
benefits from this facility.” dows, well-insulated exterior walls and energy-saving of the 36 VWP countries, including Germany,
The new Kelley CDC provides full-day care for light bulbs throughout, Kienzle said the building who intend to travel under the Visa Waiver
children 6 weeks to 5 years of age. will go a long way in helping the garrison meet its Program. Applicants will be required to pay
It “allows us to offer approximately 25 more full- energy goals. when they complete the Electronic System for
day slots than the old facility,” said Suzanne King, Travel Authorization registration, required of all
the acting director of USAG Stuttgart Family and To make an hourly care reservation, call 421-2541/ VWP travelers. ESTA clearances are generally
Morale, Welfare and Recreation. civ. 0711-729-2541, or make a reservation online at valid for two years and can be used for repeated
It also allows Child, Youth and School Services www.stuttgartmwr.com. For more information, call trips, provided you are travelling on the same
to expand its hourly care and part-day preschool Parent Central Services at 430-7480/civ. 0711-680- passport registered in the initial clearance.
program at the old CDC, now dubbed the “Kelley 7480 or e-mail StuttgartCYS@googlemail.com. For more information, visit the Department
CDC Annex.” Editor’s Note: Justin Ward, U.S. Army Corps of of Homeland Security’s website at http://cbp.
“This is the first time we’ve offered a five-day, Engineers, Europe District Public Affairs Office, gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta.
part-day program,” said Hyacinth Smith, direc- contributed to this story.
Page 4 News The Citizen, September 9, 2010
Energy issues. . . . . . . . . . . .
can be serious. During the last election, a federal
employee used his government computer to
e-mail co-workers and solicit funds for a par-
ticular political candidate. He was suspended
from duty and pay for 120 days. A different Continued from page 1 utility bill, which includes electricity, steam, water
federal employee under similar circumstances and natural gas. The Army spent $4 billion for fuel
was terminated. These projects include a 12-acre solar power array
and utilities. That is a large price tag for resources we
None of this is to say, however, that federal at Fort Carson, Colo., a vegetative roof project at
do not control and that will run out eventually.
employees may not participate in the political Tobyhanna Army Depot in Pennsylvania, a methane
Focusing on our energy programs is truly non-
process. They may register and vote as they gas project at Fort Knox, Ky., the first wind turbine
on an active Army installation at Tooele Army Depot negotiable. We have to look to our programs to
wish. They may also assist in voter registration
in Utah, and solar walls at Fort Drum, N.Y. generate savings that will help with the Army’s part
drives, contribute money to political organiza-
The revised Energy Portfolio will expand on of the $23 billion in efficiencies that the Secretary of
tions, attend and participate in political rallies,
and distribute campaign literature, among other this last section in particular, to provide ideas and Defense is requiring from all the services.
things, so long as they do so outside the scope inspiration to other members of the Installation We have to look to them to more securely position
of their employment. Management community. ourselves to accomplish our missions, to provide an
When we look at the energy projects around our even better quality of life for Soldiers and families,
This column is not intended as individual installations, we can see we’ve made a solid start and to help address some critical environmental
or specific legal advice. If you have specific in addressing energy issues. However, when we issues, so that we do not pass them on to our children
issues or concerns, you should consult a judge consider those issues, we can also see how far we and grandchildren.
advocate at 421-4152/civ. 0711-729-4152. still have to go. Getting our energy programs right is the right
Last year we spent $1.3 billion for the installation thing to do.
The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 Features Page 5
F
loods in Pakistan, earth-
Families who have spent the time
quakes in Haiti, wildfires in
Russia — natural disasters creating and exercising emergency
can happen anywhere, to anyone. plans are better prepared to respond to
That’s why Americans are encouraged and recover from an emergency.
to take simple steps to prepare for A plan spells out how you will com-
municate with your family members
emergencies in their homes, businesses
and where you will reunite with them.
and communities during September,
An online application to help
National Preparedness Month.
create your family emergency plan is
This year, the focus of National
available at http://ready.adcouncil.org/
Preparedness Month is on getting
beprepared.
everyone actively involved in U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jack Braden Preparedness begins with being
emergency preparedness. informed of potential hazards.
Residents of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wait at a checkpoint to hear if they will to be
In fact, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart
allowed to return home after massive flooding overwhelmed much of the city, The Ready Army website includes
has become a member of the 2010 National downloadable hazard fact sheets on
on June 15, 2008. Make sure you’re prepared to deal with emergencies.
Preparedness Month Coalition. weather, natural disasters, diseases and
USAG Stuttgart joins more that knocks out power for five days emergency situation, it’s best to think man-made hazards.
than 2,700 private and 50 military or a tornado, like the one in July that first about the basics of survival: fresh The USAG Stuttgart Emergency
organizations in pledging support to killed three people in Lower Saxony, water, food, clean air and warmth,” Management Office can provide
building communities that will work Germany — do you have an emergency according to the Ready.gov website. information on the potential hazards
together to take action during an plan should a disaster strike? The website recommends having that exist in the Stuttgart community
emergency. Knowing what to do can save time, enough basic supplies on hand in order to families and organizations.
Emergency preparedness is much property and lives. to survive for at least three days if an
more than having smoke detectors, emergency occurs. For more information, call the USAG
dead bolts and a fully stocked pantry. Get a kit While the website includes a printer- Stuttgart Emergency Management Office
Consider a severe winter storm “When preparing for a possible friendly list of basic emergency supplies, at 431-2035/civ. 07031-15-2035.
advertisement
Page 6 Features The Citizen, September 9, 2010
Birgit Thompson
Susan Huseman
Para-educator Robert [Left] Anne Scalise gives
McGonigle points her son, Jack, 6, a kiss
John Watson, 14, in goodbye inside his first-
the direction of his grade classroom at Patch
eighth-grade class. Elementary School.
[Above] Austin Templin,
14, poses for a yearbook
photo at Patch High School
on the first day of school,
Aug. 30.
Brittany Carlson
Susan Huseman
[Above] Kris German (from left), 15,
Firdevs Collins, 16, and Alee Stenzel,
15, check out their new planners on
the first day of school at Patch High
School.
Emma Wells,
6, meets Patch
Elementary
School Music
Teacher Rayanne
Bowker, with her
parents, Petty
Officer 1st Class
Larry Reilly
Terry and Beth
[Above] Cheryl Plonka Wells Aug. 30,
addresses her first-grade on her first day
class Aug. 30 inside one of first grade.
of Böblingen Elementary/ This year, 2,621
Middle School’s four children will
new portable classrooms. attend the four
[Right] Leslie Rosengren schools in U.S.
directs her first-grade Army Garrison
class, led by Gabriel Reid, Stuttgart.
into BEMS.
Larry Reilly Brittany Carlson
The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 Features Page 7
W
hen a deployment ends, service mem-
National Police
bers and families may feel like their
class with Sgt.
troubles are finally over.
Noel Gerig, a
However, it takes time to recuperate from spend-
ing months to a year in a combat zone. And, the team leader, at
adjustment isn’t always easy. an ANP station
“I liken it to taking a rucksack off,” said Chaplain during a recent
(Col.) Randall Dolinger, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart deployment
command chaplain. “It feels really good to take a which ended
rucksack off ... but you’re still really tired. You still in May. It was
have to recover from that time.” Hatfield’s fourth
Service members and behavioral health experts deployment.
say seeking support from others is the best way to Each reunion
mitigate or avoid problems after returning home. brought its
Phases of reintegration own share of
The “reintegration” period is the first few months challenges, but
after a service member returns from a deployment, ac- Hatfield shared
cording to Dr. Eric Leong, chief of behavioral health how he and his
for the Stuttgart Army Health Clinic. family handled
During this time, they are reintroduced to their them.
family, a garrison job and life outside of work.
Photo provided by Lt. Kami Irlmeier
The first month or so is called the “honeymoon
phase” of reintegration, in which time the service ployment to Iraq, the stress built up over the two tal, again though myarmyonesource.com, and contin-
member and his or her family are just excited to be deployments spilled out. On top of that, his wife ued to do so for two years. Sessions are confidential
together again, Leong said. had given birth to their first child, Brianna, while he for all service members, unless they pose a danger to
But by the third month, deployment issues start to was away. themselves or others, Hatfield added.
surface, according to Leong. “If you are going to have “It was hell,” he said. “I resented coming home. “It was probably the best thing for us,” Hatfield
problems, that’s when they peak,” he said. I had an almost 1-year-old daughter there, needing said. “We had made agreements as to behavioral
attention. All I wanted to do was be left alone.” changes, and we stuck to it.”
A tale of four deployments Hatfield didn’t want to talk to his wife about what They also started to communicate regularly.
Staff Sgt. Greg Hatfield, a military policeman he had encountered down range, which put stress “If something is bothering you, it’s important you
with the 554th Military Police Company in USAG added on the marriage. tell [your spouse],” Hatfield said. “[Your] wife or
Stuttgart, has deployed four times during his 12 years “She always felt so left out,” he added. “I just felt husband can’t help you if you don’t open up.”
of service. Every time he’s come home, there have so exhausted all the time. I was just so distant.” Since Hatfield returned from his fourth deploy-
been different hurdles to confront. Arguments became more frequent. ment in May with the 554th MP Co., things are very
His first three deployments were almost back-to- “I’ve never been an angry person,” he said. “I different than they used to be.
back: Kosovo for nine months in 2001, then Iraq for would lash out.” “We change how we address [issues],” he said.
a year in 2003 and again in 2005. Everyday noises would startle him. One night, “We don’t yell; we talk. This time, there’s more peace
“It was a brutal time for me and my wife,” he said. when he was doing the dishes, his wife walked in and at home.”
“For five years, we saw each other for 19 months. It said his name, which sent him into high alert. He attributed this to the counseling programs he
was kind of a blur.” “I would drop to the floor, my heart pounding,” has taken advantage of.
After his first deployment to Kosovo, there were he said. “There were signs of PTSD and I didn’t “The Army’s come a long way since I first went
not many programs in place to help him and his family realize it.” for help,” he said. “My last unit made it so easy for me
readjust, he said. “There were a few classes. Then, His family encouraged him to see a counselor, so to get the help I needed to save my family and myself,
they threw me back to my family,” he said. he visited a website he had on a refrigerator magnet, because we were on the road to divorce.”
“It was very rough on everyone I know,” he said of www.myarmyonesource.com, and was referred to a
fellow Soldiers. “A lot of families didn’t make it.” trained PTSD counselor at the local Veterans Affairs Trouble sleeping
When Hatfield came home after the 2003 de- hospital. However, he soon had to deploy again. Besides marital issues, the most common prob-
While on his third deployment in 2005, Hatfield lost lem Dolinger and Leong see in service members is
trouble sleeping.
‘
some friends and saw others get injured, which made his
symptoms worse. He decided he needed to see a coun- “About 70 percent of people coming back from a
My last unit made it so selor, despite discouragement from his commander. deployment have a serious sleeping disorder,” Leong
easy for me to get the “I took heat from my commander,” Hatfield said. said. These can range from simply not being able to
“He didn’t want me to go,” because he thought other sleep to having vivid nightmares, thrashing or even
help I needed to save Soldiers would follow suit, he added. choking a spouse during sleep.
Hatfield went anyway. “A lot of times, they can’t sleep,” Leong said.
my family and myself, “Once I went, several other Soldiers stepped “Symptoms worry about things all the time. They
because we were on the forward and said ‘Sgt. Hatfield, because you had the worry about friends, they worry about their families.
courage to do this, I have also.’ It’s one of the things If they [lost] anybody down range, they feel personally
road to divorce. that stuck with me in my career,” he said. responsible for that, and a lot of them can’t let it go.”
Seeing the counselor helped Hatfield, but he and Lack of sleep can lead to other issues, including
Staff Sgt. Greg Hatfield his wife still had issues to address from previous de- irritability and hyper vigilance, Leong said.
Military Policeman, 554th MP Co. ployments when he returned home again, he said. “It’s affecting their home life. It’s affecting their
After moving to USAG Fort Hamilton in 2006,
they started seeing a counselor at the local VA hospi- See Home again on page 8
Page 8 Features The Citizen, September 9, 2010
Home again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Continued from page 7 transitioning from working non-stop to During a recent
having free time again, is tough. deployment, Sgt.
ability to do their job,” Leong said. “What tends to happen over time 1st Class Todd
Leong encourages service members is the Soldier goes out in theater and Parsons often
who can’t sleep to get professional help gets exposed to a lot of combat things, worked 18 hours
right away. learns to think in a different way,” a day configuring
“If I can fix the sleep problem, a lot Leong said. servers for the
of other stuff goes away,” Leong said. Redeployed service members may new International
“A lot of people feel so much better, they experience a variety of side effects Security Assistance
can manage the rest.” during this time, including decreased Force Joint
The worst thing to do is self-treat sexual drive, hyper vigilance, and the Command
the problem with alcohol or over-the- desire to be alone, he added. Headquarters in
counter sleep aids, he added. Afghanistan. When
Dolinger noted that most service
“It will start to destroy your health,
members experience a constant feeling of Parsons returned
family, finances, career,” Leong said. home, it was hard to
unease after a deployment. “They haven’t
A change in tempo figured out how to unwind,” he said. get used to having
In addition to causing sleep issues, Dolinger experienced this himself, free time again.
Staff Sgt. Shedrick Durden
after returning from a 12-month tour of
up to go, go, go. Sometimes I felt guilty have a 30 percent chance of having
‘ Sometimes I
felt guilty on the
weekend; it was
Iraq in 2004.
“It took several months before I
could truly be at ease,” he said. “I did
not have a real sense of peace. You’re
just bouncing from one thing to another,
and your mind’s racing.”
on the weekend; it was hard to relax be-
cause I felt like I was wasting time.”
The truth about PTSD
Though certain symptoms of PTSD,
including hyper alertness, or sleep is-
PTSD, and those who witness severe
combat have a 50 percent chance. Those
at the highest risk are prisoners of war,
with a 95 percent change, he added.
An individual’s risk for having
hard to relax be- Sgt. 1st Class Todd Parsons, detach- sues, are common in redeployed service PTSD is affected by: “the more personal
ment sergeant for the Headquarters, members, the odds of having full-blown something is, the more times it happens
cause I felt like I Headquarters Detachment, 52nd Signal PTSD are extremely low, Leong said. and the more horrible it is,” he said.
Regardless of whether or not they
was wasting time. Battalion, stationed in USAG Stuttgart, “People say, ‘If you deploy, you’ll
have PTSD or just need help adjusting,
said he felt guilty for spending time at get PTSD,’” Leong said. “No, you
Sgt. 1st Class Todd home, after spending six months in Af- won’t. It depends on what the deploy- service members can always receive
ghanistan as an individual augmentee ment was like.” help, he added.
Parsons Only 7 percent of service members “As bad as problems might be, there
until February 2010.
Detachment Sergeant, “It was tough coming back, coming who watch a friend get killed down is help out there, and they can get treat-
HHD 52nd Signal Bn. off working every day, sometimes 18 range will have PTSD, Leong said. ment,” he said. “And, the earlier they
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The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 Community Announcements Page 9
practice or game.
S FETY
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Page 10 Features The Citizen, September 9, 2010 The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 Features Page 11
W
hile there are hundreds of Ryba, and the English “Christmas Carols,” meetings, they help plan them. “I’ve co-
ways to get involved in the firehouse), on Waldbergstrasse, just outside “I normally do the 10K. I’m working my While the sports programs within USAG than €107,000.
by John Rutter. sponsored a potluck dinner, and this fall will
German community, here are of Panzer Kaserne. The next meeting is set way up to the 20.” Stuttgart are top notch, budding athletes may A side benefit to belonging to GAWC,
“We go from masses to musicals and be sponsoring a tour to the Landwirtschaft
a few ideas. for Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. He appreciates walking because it is desire a more competitive environment. according to Menzel, who has belonged to the
It’s an easy way for newcomers to the spirituals,” Carter said. in Hohenheim,” he said.
something his family can share together. Nick and Matt Ashley did. They play club for eight years, is making connections
Friendship Stuttgart military community to make The chorus meets every Monday night Pettaway, his wife and grandson go to as football with Child, Youth and School with local Stuttgart women who are happy to In addition to the activities, the club
The U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart friends, said Deb Miner, the guild’s American from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the Stuttgart-Münster many weekend events as his work schedule Services. For basketball, however, they explain how to use the train system or where holds a monthly meeting in downtown
Outreach Kontakt Club is a German and president. “One of the greatest things is, if Vereisheim (club house). will allow. play on an under-14 team at Böblingen’s to go for a good meal. And volunteering at Stuttgart.
American friendship organization. you’re already a quilter, you can plug into Singers of all skill levels are welcome. There is also great camaraderie in the Hermann-Raiser-Halle. the bazaar, she said, is a good way to meet For more information, visit www.
“Germans and Americans [come] the community.” For more information, call Carter at club, especially after a walk. “You get to “We’ve played with the Germans for two women from the military community. metclub.de.
together to exchange ideas and build Meetings include guest speakers, 0141-835-0359, or visit www.sgacc.de/ break bread — have a wurst, share a glass years,” Nick, 11, said. For those who are interested in joining, a
friendships,” said Birgit Thompson, the refreshments, “show and tell” and raffles. usmenu.html. of beer or a glass of wine. I’ve made some Last season, the boys’ team made it to the welcome event is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 10
USAG Stuttgart liaison to the Kontakt “It’s really a fun way to meet people Public speaking great German and American friends through Baden-Württemberg state championships, a.m. in the Swabian Special Events Center on
Club. who live here in Stuttgart who have the Studies show that the one thing people the club,” Pettaway said. placing fourth. Patch Barracks. A €15 fee includes lunch.
Monthly activities include a same hobby as I do,” said Aby Dolinger, an fear the most is public speaking. The Stuttgart German-American Playing with and against Germans is more “You can learn about the club, our
“Stammtisch,” or dinner reservation, where American member. For the rare breed who enjoys it — or for Wandering Club meets the first Tuesday of challenging, according to Matt, 13, because special interest groups and sign up to
club meets to talk (in German Guild members also visit quilting shows those who need to improve their oratory skills each month at the Gaststätte Schwarzbach they are focused on improving their skills. v o l u n t e e r a t t h e P f e n n i g B a z a a r,
throughout Europe and go on retreats. — the Stuttgart International Toastmasters in Vaihingen. “We’re the youngest on our team. It makes me Menzel said.
“You don’t have to be an expert quilter Club may be the perfect venue. For more information, visit the website push myself so much more,” he said. For more information on joining or
to join,” Dolinger added. The Toastmaster process takes the fear at www.sgawc.org. The brothers are very athletic, and their volunteering, contact Menzel via e-mail at
For more information, visit www. out of public speaking, according to long- mother, Joanna, wanted to make sure they lmenzel@att.net.
blackforestquilters.com.
History, culture had the opportunity to excel at their athletic
time member Dr. Howard Krout, USAG The 1948 Club allows Germans and Social, cultural
Singing Stuttgart’s Employee Assistance Program endeavors. “We decided to try what’s in our
Americans to meet and share their culture, Navy Capt. Greg Stephens was looking
The Stuttgart German-American coordinator. neighborhood,” she said.
history, language and customs. “It’s been a to join an active group that offered a wide
Community Chorus was founded Members prepare and deliver speeches They found there were no language
great experience,” said Ann Reed, a EUCOM variety of social and cultural activities, such as
in 1977 by singers in USAG in front of the club, and receive almost- barriers. “Lots of the kids spoke English.
employee, and a club member since 1999. concerts, museums, cycling trips and potluck
Stuttgart who wanted to perform immediate feedback on how they can The coach spoke excellent English,” Joanna
The club, with 200 members — about 70 dinners. He found what he was looking for
H a n d e l ’s “ M e s s i a h ” f o r improve their presentation skills. “Once said. The boys were also able to practice their
of them American — hosts a cultural outing
you get started, you’ll find it’s not nearly as German.
Christmas. German singers each month. “Last month we visited some
intimidating,” Krout said. Athletes will find
were invited, and the result
The club normally meets on the first German sports clubs
was the German-American
offer just about every
Community Chorus,
according to the website.
D
uring World War II, Lt. Col. For his actions, he was recommended
Robert T. Frederick com- for the Bronze Star with Valor.
manded the First Special On the morning of May 19, 2010,
Service Force “Black Devils.” He person- when Taliban fighters conducted a sud-
ally selected recruits who were strong, den, well-coordinated, complex attack
relentless and independent thinkers. on Bagram Airfield, Dickinson and four
Today, Frederick’s namesake award members of his team engaged the insur-
is presented to both Canadian and gents to repel the attack. Dickinson then
American Special Forces operators ran 25 meters across a potential mine
who exhibit the qualities Frederick field to provide life-saving medical
sought. This year’s American recipient treatment to a wounded Marine.
is Master Sgt. Joe Dickinson, a Green Dickinson was recommended for
Beret from 1st Battalion, 10th Special the Silver Star Medal. However, garner-
Forces Group (Airborne). This is the ing medals is not something for which
second consecutive year the award has Dickinson and his team strive.
gone to a 1/10 SFG (A) Soldier. “It was a very difficult situation and
Dickinson accepted the award dur- we moved very quickly,” Dickinson
ing the 63rd annual First Special Service said. “We were not thinking about valor
Photo illustration courtesy U.S. Army
Force reunion, held Aug. 13-16 in Helena, Master Sgt. Joe Dickinson of 1st Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), or awards, just that we had each other’s
Mont., but viewed it as a team honor. depicted in this photo illustration (center) was awarded the Frederick Award. back if one of us was taken out.”
“The Frederick Award is an indi- Dickinson’s company commander
vidual award, but you don’t do a lot of rotations in the history of Task Force-10 in developing critical relationships with sees the award recipient as symbolic
the things you do without strong people in support of the International Security local and regional Afghanistan govern- of what it means to be a Special Forces
on your team,” Dickinson said. Assistance Force Afghanistan.” ment officials, Afghan National Security noncommissioned officer.
Dickinson earned the award for his Having deployed into theater without Forces and ISAF senior leadership. “Joe never took unnecessary risks
performance as the operations sergeant a team leader, Dickinson expertly man- He was significantly praised for and always had the interest of his team
for Special Forces Operational Detach- aged not only his team of U.S. Special actions on Dec. 27, 2009, in which he members, while at the same time inflict-
ment-Alpha 0112. In the award nomina- Forces Soldiers, but also the integration led his ODA on a mission through an in- ing high numbers of enemy casualties
tion, he was praised for leading “one of of 12 Romanian special forces soldiers. surgent stronghold, while enemy forces and protecting the local Afghan popu-
the most successful detachment combat Dickinson was able to lead his men attempted to overrun his team. lace,” the company commander said.
Advertisement
The Citizen, September 9 , 2010 Culture Page 13
B
ad Cannstatt is Stuttgart’s largest and old-
est city district and holds centuries-old
relics of Swabian culture and tradition.
Visitors to Bad Cannstatt will find a small piece
of history on every corner of the city, including
Roman settlements, medieval sites, fine wines and
mineral baths.
Bad Cannstatt’s history dates back to A.D. 98 and
is one of the largest Roman settlements in Baden-
Württemberg. The Romans built a solid fort in Bad
Cannstatt, which became the most powerful mili-
tary unit between the Roman legions in Mainz and
Augsburg. Today, visitors can still visit the historical
Römerkastell.
The Romans also cultivated Cannstatt’s bathing
culture. Bad Cannstatt has the second biggest mineral
water source in Europe, after Budapest’s city district
of Ubuda. Locals refer to Bad Cannstatt as the “Sau-
erwasserstadt” (sour water city) because the mineral Visitors walk past the Rosensteinschlössle, one of Bad Cannstatt’s historical landmarks, adjacent to the
water is sulfurous. The mineral water originates in the Rosenstein Park, which leads into the Schlossgarten. Locals also refer to this area as the “green lung”
Neckar riverbed. To this day, visitors and residents of Stuttgart. Bad Cannstatt is Stuttgart’s oldest and largest city district.
can enjoy the healing water at MineralBad Cannstatt,
in 1463 and was home to the religious order of the is modeled after a classic English garden.
the Leuze mineral bath, and Bad Berg.
Beginen nuns. The Klösterle is the only Beginen “Bad Cannstatt has so many stories to tell. I was
The Romans also planted the first grapevines in monastery in Europe. amazed by its vitality and rich history,” said Ingrid
Bad Cannstatt. “The Klösterle is the oldest building in Stuttgart,” Foxall, who recently came from Tennessee to visit
“The Romans brought the grapevines all the way Jakob said. “To this day, Bad Cannstatt has kept its Bad Cannstatt. “Personally, I really enjoyed the hearty
from Tyrol to Bad Cannstatt and placed them along the special medieval charm. Cannstatt has many timbered Swabian food at Cannstatt’s wine restaurants, as well
hillside surrounding the Neckar River,” said Thomas houses, and, with the Klösterle, the historical town as the Rosenstein castle and the park. It’s precious to
Jakob, Bad Cannstatt’s district mayor. For centuries, hall and the city church, we have the oldest buildings find a green oasis in the middle of the city.”
the city lived off its wine cultivation, Jakob added. in the greater Stuttgart area.” Bad Cannstatt is also the home of the Cannstat-
The most delicate and popular wine is the Cannst- Bad Cannstatt also witnessed the creation of the ter Wasen fest grounds, where the annual Volksfest
atter Zuckerle. This light, red wine received its name first automobile. Gottlieb Daimler, engineer and in- (people’s fest) is held every year. The Volksfest was
from the Zuckerberg (sugar mountain), which spans ventor of the first gas engine and the first automobile, celebrated for the first time in September 1818. King
along the Neckar River between Bad Cannstatt and worked on his projects in a small greenhouse at Bad Wilhelm I sponsored the event as an “agricultural
Hofen. The area, with its steep terraces covered in Cannstatt’s Kurpark (park area). Back then, the local fest” for his subjects after a three-year period of bad
grapevines, is ideal for growing wine. Stone walls Polizei suspected Daimler was producing counterfeit harvesting. This year’s fest will run from Sep. 24
hold the terraces and store heat from the sun. The money. Today, visitors can follow the success story through Oct. 10 at the Cannstatter Wasen.
mild climate at the Neckar gives this wine its mineral of Gottlieb Daimler at the Mercedes-Benz museum From Roman-era baths to modern-day fest fun,
component. in Bad Cannstatt. Bad Cannstatt has had something to offer the Stuttgart
Almost a century after the Roman era, Bad The city is also a destination for nature lovers. community — and the world — for centuries. Today,
Cannstatt was first officially mentioned in a docu- The Wilhelma Zoo, a botanical-zoological garden, visitors can walk along its path of history, and enjoy
ment: the “Canstat ad Neccarum” (Cannstatt at the was built in the 19th century as the private “pleasure traditional Swabian culture along the way.
Neckar River), in the year 708. In 1330, Bad Cannstatt garden” and “love nest” for King Wilhelm I. The
received its city rights from the Emperor Ludwig the Rosenstein Castle in Rosenstein Park has a museum For more information, visit www.stuttgart.de/bad-
Bavarian. for natural sciences and is another historical land- cannstatt. For Bad Cannstatt city tours in English,
Bad Cannstatt’s Klösterle (monastery) was built mark. The surrounding park area, Rosensteingarten, call Stuttgart Marketing at civ. 0711-2228-237.
T
his year, bodybuilders and fig-
ure competitors in U.S. Army tion Stuttgart Chapter will hold
Garrison Stuttgart wanted to its 8th Annual Golf Classic Sept.
get an edge on their competition with 17 at the Stuttgart Golf Course
more than lifting weights and practicing in Kornwestheim. For more
poses: they needed a support system. information, call 434-5244/civ.
That’s why they created the USAG 0711-68639-5244.
Stuttgart Bodybuilding and Figure Team
— just in time for the 2010 Annual Eu- Join Sitzmarkers
ropean Bodybuilding and Figure Cham- The Sitzmarkers Ski and
pionship, held in U.S. Army Garrison Board Club, aimed at students in
Stuttgart’s Kelley Theater Aug. 28. grades seven through 12, will hold
Their strategy worked. an information and membership
The Stuttgart team still walked [Above] The top
meeting Sept. 20 at 5:30 p.m. in
away with eight awards, including the bodybuilders from
the Religious Education Center
overall men’s and women’s bodybuild- each category
on Patch Barracks.
ing trophies. compete for the overall
For more information, visit
Competitors came from all over men’s and women’s
trophies at the 2010 www.sitzmarkers.org.
Germany, including Landstuhl, Darm-
stadt and Vicenza, Italy. Annual European Kudos to martial artists
“Year by year, we get more com- Bodybuilding and Two young Stuttgart military
petitive,” said Anja Langer, one of Figure Championship, community members took
the competition judges and 1988 Ms. held in U.S. Army top honors at the 2010 World
Olympia runner-up. Garrison Stuttgart Aug. Organization of Martial Arts
“This competition is very hard to 28. The winners were Athletes World Martial Games,
judge,” she added. “It’s very impressive Naomi Ludan (right) held Aug. 20-22 in Killarney,
to see the willpower people have.” and Spc. Vashaan Ireland.
Bodybuilders were judged on their Johnson (second from Cole Cruickshank, 7, won
muscularity, symmetry and propor- right). [Right] Tech gold medals for beginners in
tions through 90 seconds of free pos- weapons forms and empty hand
Sgt. Travis Welborn
ing, followed by mandatory poses for forms. Jordan Thigpen, 12, won a
displays his muscles.
comparisons with competitors. Figure silver medal for junior black belts
For more photos,
competitors were judged for poise and in empty hand forms.
visit www.flickr.com/
facial beauty, in addition to muscularity, Tee off at Fall Golf
photos/usagstuttgart/.
during a “T-walk” to both sides of the
stage, and in comparison poses. out her music with cheers when she took
Scramble
The competition was sanctioned by
the International Natural Bodybuilding
and Fitness Federation. Guest posers
included Justin Houstin, World Natu-
ral Bodybuilding Federation pro, and
‘ This bodybuilding
challenge was my
40th birthday gift.
the stage, showing off muscle striations
that rivaled her male counterparts.
Likewise, Vashaan Johnson, a spe-
cialist with the 52nd Signal Battalion
who took first in men’s middleweight
The Fall Golf Scramble at
the Stuttgart Golf Course in
Kornwestheim is scheduled for
Oct. 2. The shotgun start begins
at 10 a.m. Sign up as a team
(preferred) or individually.
50-year-old Reinhard “Hucky” Maier, Stepping on that
local national and International Federa- and overall bodybuilding, called training All golfers must have a valid
tion of Bodybuilding and Fitness pro. stage is a mission “a part-time job.” handicap, or see the a golf pro
Training for both bodybuilding and But his work paid off: Johnson took before the tournament. For more
figure competitions involves intense
accomplished. home a pro card. information, call civ. 07141-
workouts and very strict diets. For Charmaine Valmonte, another 879-151.
“When you get to the point where you Charmaine Valmonte first-time bodybuilder, her dedication On your mark, get set,
’
are weighing your chicken and counting First-time bodybuilder paid off in other ways.
your almonds, you know you have dis- Since Valmonte started training, Pumpkin Run!
cipline,” said Nelanie Hamilton, a first- she lost 23 pounds, and her uniform — The 2010 Great Pumpkin
category. “We mentor each other; we
time figure competitor from Stuttgart. Run, sponsored by the U.S. Army
help each other from diet tips to ... pos- which she says used to fit like skinny
For figure competitors, it gets even Garrison Stuttgart Directorate for
ing and practicing.” jeans — now hangs off of her.
harder: they have to demonstrate their Family and Morale, Welfare and
Besides supporting each other, com- “This bodybuilding challenge was Recreation, will be Oct. 30 at
strength in four-inch heels.
petitors still had to spend a lot of time my 40th birthday gift,” said Valmonte, Husky Field on Patch Barracks.
Hamilton joined the Stuttgart team
and effort working on their physiques, an Army major who works for EU- Both the 5K and 10K races will
for extra support. “It allows you to tap
into the experience of others,” she said. as evidenced by Stuttgart’s top male and COM J6. start at 10 a.m.
In fact, helping others through the female bodybuilders. She added that she couldn’t do Participants must be age 6 or
training is one reason why Travis Wel- Naomi Ludan, women’s heavy- it without encouragement from her older for the 5K, and 15 years
born started the team. weight bodybuilding and overall win- teammates. “We look to each other for or older for 10K. Registration
“It’s a team concept: people help ner, attributed her success to two things: motivation,” she said. opens Oct. 1. No entries will be
you out,” said Welborn, a technical “dedication and sacrifice.” “It’s a challenge. Some days it’s pain- accepted after Oct. 24.
sergeant who works for U.S. European It was Ludan’s first time competing, ful,” she added. But in the end, it was For more information, call
Command J2 and the third place winner although she has lifted weights for sev- worth it all. “Stepping on that stage is a 430-7136/civ. 0711-680-7136.
in the men’s lightweight bodybuilding eral years. The audience almost drowned mission accomplished.”