August 25, 2006

Inside:
Bamberg
residents
mourn four
Soldiers
killed in Iraq.
Page 16
Vol. 14, No. 16
August 25, 2006
Ansbach • Bamberg • Illesheim • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
12th CAB activates in USAG Ansbach
‘Tomorrow starts today and we are ready’
Wuerzburg
freshman
Chris Oaks and
teammates suit
up for the 2006
season.
Page 23
New student vaccines
Parents registering children in Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe for the 2006-2007
school year must meet additional immunization requirements.
DoDDS-E has added three required inoculations:
Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4);
Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (TDAP – adolescent preparation); and
Hepatitis A.
An updated version of the immunization form is
available on the Department of Defense Education
Activity website at www.dodea.edu/communities/
medical.htm
Parents should bear in mind the additional immunizations are age-specific and not all students will require them. Parents should contact their child’s
school nurse for information and guidance.
Lunch prices unchanged
AAFES has announced that overseas school lunch
prices for the 2006/2007 school year will remain at the
current levels. Kindergarten through sixth-grade student meals cost $2.05, and seventh- through twelfthgrade meals are $2.20.
Assigned by the military services as the School
Feeding Authority for DoD Overseas Schools, AAFES
provides USDA-approved meals to students on Army
and Air Force installations throughout Europe and the
Pacific. Last year, this program served 24,000 USDA
lunches daily or 4.4 million lunch meals in 110 schools.
AAFES has implemented Horizon “Fastlane” school
payment system in the Pacific and at enduring locations
in Europe. Parents or students can place a desired
amount of money into their account and can set daily
spending limits. Once an account is established, deposits can either be made at the school (during cafeteria
hours) or at an AAFES cashier cage. At other locations,
meal coupons remain available at the AAFES cashiers
window.
Students will continue to see popular menu items
like pizza; however, some old standbys are being replaced with lower fat, whole grain varieties.
Military families can review AAFES daily menus at
www.aafes.com. Parents and students can also forward
comments and suggestions by completing a survey on
the website that is sent directly to the staff dietitian,
Maj. Sarah Flash, or call her at (214) 312-2238 or DSN
312-967-2238.
Calendar
Community, cultural events of note
Aug. 26
– Ansbach Showcase, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Katterbach Fitness Center.
Aug. 28
– School begins!
Aug. 30
– Military Idol competition, Abrams Entertainment Center, Schweinfurt, 7 p.m.
Sept. 1–3 – Fall Harvest Bazaar, Finney Fitness Center, Schweinfurt
Sept. 1–10 – Garden show and flower market, Hassfurt market square, near Schweinfurt
Sept. 6
– Military Idol competition, Abrams Entertainment Center, Schweinfurt, 7 p.m.
– IKEA Shopping Trip, Bamberg. Contact
the CAC, 469-8659
Sept. 7
– Elida Reyna Latin music performance,
Conn Community Club, Schweinfurt
– Tour Under Bamberg. Contact the CAC,
469-8659
Sept. 9
– Art exhibit with Gabriele Müller at the
CAC. Call 469-8659
Sept. 13
– BSCC Polish Pottery Bingo, Bamberg
High School multi-purpose room. Card
sales begin at 6 p.m., first game is
7 p.m.
Sept. 14
– Girl Scout registration and activities,
Ansbach Elementary School, 3 p.m. Info:
gsansbach_info@yahoo.com
Sept. 15–16 – Würzburg Stadt Fest, call 0931-35367
for info.
Sept. 15–17 – Basket market, Lichtenfels (about 25
miles north of Bamberg off interstate
A73 toward Coburg). Visit
www.korbmarkt.de or call 09571-7950.
Sept. 17
– Theater festival opens new season at
the Wuerzburg’s Mainfranken Theater.
Starts at 7:30 p.m.
by Jim Hughes
tion is the 5-158th Aviation Regiment, and the 601st Aviation Support
Battalion is now the 401st ASB. The 3-158th Aviation Regiment is
also now headquartered in Katterbach.
The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade made its debut Aug. 7 in cereMore than names have changed, however, as CH-47 Chinooks have
monies on Katterbach Kaserne, becoming the latest manifestation of
joined the AH-64 Apaches and
Army transformation in EuUH-60 Blackhawks on the
rope.
flightline to create a more effiThe ceremony featured the
cient aviation force, Edens said.
casing of the 4th Aviation
“The CAB, unlike its predeBrigade, 1st Infantry Division
cessor, is a largely self-sufficolors and unfurling the blue
cient, self-contained formation
and gold 12th CAB flag.
that can provide all aviation
“Tomorrow starts today and
support–combat, combat supwe are ready,” said Col. Timoport and combat service supthy J. Edens, 12th CAB comport–to whatever command
mander.
we’re attached to,” he said.
“Today marks both an end
With more than 3,000 Soland a beginning here in the
diers, the 12th CAB is training
Ansbach and Illesheim areas,”
to become fully combat ready
he said. “The proud colors of
sometime next year, but getting
the 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry
to its current state was no easy
Division are cased and will join
task, Edens said.
the rest of the Big Red One at
“From Colonel Edens’ view,
Ft. Riley, Kan. But unlike the
it was smooth,” he said. “But if
majority of Big Red One Solyou grab Private Edens, he
diers and families, we have the
probably had a rough go of it.
luxury of remaining here in
Jim Hughes
This is a great effort by great
Germany.”
The activation ceremony Col. Timothy J. Edens and Command Sgt. Maj. Hector G. Marin young Americans and German
kicked off a weeklong celebra- unfurl the colors of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade Aug. 7 on nationals to make this happen.
There are far more rewards to
tion that included a military Katterbach Kaserne.
this than detractors.”
spouse day, sports competiThat fact was also recognized by Maj. Gen. Fred Robinson, 1st Artions, a chili cook-off, an Illesheim-to-Katterbach bike/run relay, and
mored Division commander.
a community fest.
“I am honored to count you as ‘Iron’ Soldiers. This new unit will be
The standup of the CAB also cements the union of Illesheim and
the centerpiece of the Army,” Robinson said.
Ansbach tactical aviation units into one brigade.
Keeping with that line of thinking, Edens ended his ceremonial
Under the 12th CAB and 1st Armored Division, the 2nd Squadron,
comments with the unit’s new slogan, “Iron Soldiers, Wings of Vic6th U.S. Cavalry is now the 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment,
tory.”
6-6 CAV is now 2-159th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 1st AviaThe Point
Dagger Brigade ready to deploy
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
Schweinfurt Soldiers, bearing rifles and in full combat gear, moved
in ordered ranks behind their unit colors at the 2nd Brigade Combat
Team’s (2d BCT) departure ceremony on Conn Barracks Aug. 9.
Dagger Brigade, as 2d BCT is also known, received orders to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though their departure
date has not been released for security reasons, the Soldiers stand
ready.
“Those great Soldiers are trained, they are ready and they are every
bit as magnificent as they look,” said Col. J.B. Burton, brigade commander, as he surveyed the Soldiers arrayed on the Conn Barracks airfield.
A large gap in the formation was eminently noticeable.
“That gap is intentional,” Burton said. “It’s the spot that the Blue
Spaders hold in this formation. It’s their turf.”
The Blue Spaders are 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, who
have already deployed to Kuwait as an advance party called Task
Force Spader.
2d BCT is the last 1st Infantry Division unit remaining in Europe,
and currently falls under the command and control of the 1st Armored
Division (1st AD). Maj. Gen. Fred Robinson, the division commander,
presided over the ceremony as the reviewing officer.
“Although you wear the patch of our sister division, I still consider
each and every one of you ‘Iron Soldiers,’” Robinson said, referring
to “Old Ironsides,” that graces the 1st AD patch.
Families and community members came out for the ceremony, prepared to support the Soldiers through their deployment.
“It’s different here than in the States. Here, you’re closer to the action, more involved. You can’t be isolated,” said Diana Choudhri,
whose husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Israr Choudhri will deploy with
1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.
“The support of Dagger Brigade families and friends is an incredible asset to this formation. Your presence here today honors us,” Burton said.
Their training complete and ceremonies behind them, Dagger
Brigade Soldiers stand ready to deploy.
“No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great. Duty First!” Burton said at the ceremony’s end.
Kimberly Gearhart
A booming cannonade of artillery fire honors Schweinfurt’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team during Aug. 9 departure ceremonies.
2
Team of Teams!
The Point, August 25, 2006
Have you
heard the
latest
news?
There is so much buzz on the streets about what’s going to
happen to Leighton Barracks and other Wuerzburg installations
that I thought I’d better take a few minutes to address them.
Have you heard the latest rumors?
How about the one that a Special Forces unit is looking to relocate to Leighton Barracks?
Or how about the one that Leighton Barracks has become
“first alternate” to become the future home of USAREUR head-
quarters should anything go wrong with its planned move to
Wiesbaden?
Did you hear that the Europe Regional Medical Command is
moving into the former Wuerzburg hospital?
The truth is none of these statements have any validity.
They’re just rumors.
As I hear myself dispelling many of your hopes for a continued Army presence in Wuerzburg, let me add this: There is no
projected timeline for the closure of Leighton Barracks.
But, to use a cliché, the writing is on the wall. Leighton Barracks has not been identified as an enduring location for the U.S.
Army in Europe.
Many changes are taking place as the Army in Europe continues to transform. In October, U.S. Army Garrison Franconia will
case its colors and those of us remaining here will become members of the European Transition Group (ETG). The day-to-day
garrison operations will be performed by USAG Schweinfurt.
Area garrisons – Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt – will
later next year become direct reporting units to the Installation
Management Agency-Europe, relieving USAG Franconia of that
role.
I know rumors will continue to flourish. They always do during periods of change like we are undergoing.
Thumbs
Thumbs up to Stefan Wenner who helped me after I was
stung by a bee and had an allergic reaction. After being
stung I got dizzy and started blacking out. Mr. Wenner, who
was on duty, sprang into action. He laid me on the floor, got
me ice for my hand and water to drink, then called the ambulance, fire department and military police. He also tried
to calm me down which was not an easy task. Thanks also
to Staff Sgt. Newman and Anna Engel from the Harvey
Military Police Station and the Harvey Fire Department. Thank all of you for comforting me in this scary situation.
Sgt. 1st Class Vera McKenzie, Wuerzburg
❋ ❋ ❋
“Thumbs” is about people who do a good job. It’s also about people
who need to be more considerate. It is not about institutions, units, agencies or situations that could be subject to legal action under the Uniform
Code of Military Justice. Submissions must be brief and include the
writer’s name and telephone number, and must include the first and last
name of the person(s) being recognized. The identity of the submitter will
be published along with the comments. Send comments to “Thumbs”, The
Point; USAG Franconia PAO; Unit 26622; APO AE 09244-6622. Or bring
them to room 216, building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg. Phonein submissions are not accepted.
Capt. Mike Gourgues, HHC, 2159th Aviation Regiment, Stork
Barracks, Illesheim
“It hasn’t affected me at
all. It just makes me
cringe a little bit when I
fill up at the pump.”
Don’t believe everything you hear on the street. I assure you
that you will be informed of all impending changes that affect
you and your families as soon as they are available.
Team of Teams!
RUSSEL D. SANTALA
Colonel, Air Defense Artillery
U.S. Army Garrison, Franconia, Commander
Who still reads newspapers anyway?
Commentary by Roger Teel
The Point
One of the pioneers of Army public affairs recently reported
that he was heading to pasture.
Gary G. Beylickjian, a retired sergeant major, a veteran of the
Korean War and Vietnam, and a charter member of Army Public
Affair’s Hall of Fame, announced this summer he was resigning
from his post as the dean of Army newspapers.
In an Army career that spanned more than 50 years, he was the
one tuning fork that newspaper editors and Army journalists
could always rely on. Former chief of Army public affairs Maj.
Gen. Robert Solomon once said Beylickjian had “single-handedly changed the face of Army newspapers.”
Beylickjian created and produced a monthly professional
journal called Post 30 expressly for Army print journalists. In it
he addressed every aspect of Army journalism, from common
grammatical errors and poorly worded headlines to instilling
professional and ethical values and inspiring Army writers to address tough, contemporary issues. His aim was always to help
Soldier/journalists better communicate with their readers.
“Always think of the reader first,” Beylickjian would say. He
also knew the importance of running a Soldier’s picture; the
morale boost it provided the individual and the credibility it
added to the publication.
Beylickjian informally rated Army newspapers in Post 30, and
gave by-name recognition to journalists who deserved it. He also
sent newspaper critiques directly to editors in the field. I received
my first in 1974, when Beylickjian was still on active duty and I
was a fledging, wet-behind-the-ears Army journalist (he would
chastise me for using such a clichéd expression). He would also
phone editors and give them an earful of unsolicited advice
whenever he had something to say.
While Beylickjian’s retirement may seem like “no news” for
many readers, what you don’t know is that today’s Army journalists would not be where they are without having had his tutelage, mentorship and counsel. Every Soldier and civilian who’s
spent more than 20 minutes in Army public affairs has been
touched by the profound dedication and professionalism of Gary
Beylickjian. He will be sorely missed by many of us.
I mention this because this newspaper,
The Point, is apparently on its last legs. The
Army’s transformation is realigning communities in Europe and the Bavarian News,
published by USAG Grafenwoehr, will
soon serve readers in Ansbach, Illesheim,
Schweinfurt and Bamberg.
As I look at the plaques and awards this
newspaper has earned over the years, I
sense the ghosts of journalists who have
come and gone. Many of them still stay in
touch by reading The Point online.
Beylickjian
And there’s the rub – the real enemy of
newspapers – the Internet. Commercial newspapers are financially challenged because they don’t sell nearly as many copies as
they once did, and most have moved on to electronic publications.
With so much information available in cyberspace, why do we
continue to publish community newspapers?
There are several viable reasons. First, a freshly printed newspaper is alive. It is vibrant with new material. Second, you never
know what’s in a newspaper until you look inside. And, third,
you can take it wherever you go, like home to share with your
family and friends.
The Point I’m making, and if I learned anything from my longtime association with Gary Beylickjian, is that Army newspapers
are living, breathing documents that invigorate and entertain
readers with news and features that they need and want.
How has the cost of gas affected your driving practices?
Mary C. Owens, CYS administrative assistant, Bamberg
“I still have to go where
I am going and I live off
post, so I don’t have a
choice. Besides, as long
as we are in Europe,
there are so many opportunities and things to
see that I think it’s worth
it.”
Sgt. Michael Romero, Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, Schweinfurt.
Bennie Howse, Equal Employment Opportunity manager,
Wuerzburg
Michelle Miller, Yellow Ribbon
Room Coordinator, Stork Barracks, Illesheim
“I just drive to work and
back, and we just live
over in Askren Manor. If
we go anywhere further,
we rent a car.”
“I’ve cut down on driving and utilize public
transportation more.”
“It really doesn’t affect
me because I appreciate
the AAFES gas prices
compared to what the
Germans have to pay.”
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency
Roswitha Lehner
Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 Weiden
Telefax 0961-67050-32
Internet:
As we discontinue USAG Franconia and implement the ETG,
we are tasked, first and foremost, to maintain quality support to
Soldiers, civilians and family members during the force structure
and basing changes. I am very proud of the hard work that our
garrison employees have accomplished to date and remain confident that Franconia will continue to be a great place to live and
serve for Soldiers and their families as we continue the transformation process.
What’s The Point?
Thumbs up to EVERYONE who went out of their way
to assist in this year’s Vacation Bible School. The behind the
scenes people make this program such a success for the children of our community. Particular gratitude goes to “Doc”
Golliday and his staff from Outdoor Recreation for their efforts to supply tables and benches, and to Dennis Sullivan
from S&K sales for his generosity in donating drinks and
foods to the children. Great appreciation is also extended to
Liz Herms and the staff of the commissary, the PX sales
people, and the Leighton Chapel staff who graciously endured the noisy preparation before, during and after VBS.
Thank you all for supporting the community’s largest outreach program.
Pat Wiedemer, Wuerzburg VBS Director
Street talk:
Rest assured that we will continue to keep the community
and the garrison workforce informed of future changes in our
area.
www.milcom.de
Free classifieds 0931-2964397 · Fax The Point 0931-2964626
Photos by The Point staff
Spc. Joseph Brents, 240th
Quartermaster, Bamberg
“I guess. I have not really noticed the rising
gas prices. It doesn’t affect me, because I have
a steady income and
even if they go up further, I would still take
the car.”
THE POINT is an authorized unofficial Army newspaper, published every two weeks
under provisions of AR 360-1, for members of U.S. Army Garrisons Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweinfurt and Franconia. A commercial enterprise, THE POINT is printed by
MILCOM Advertising Agency, a private firm in no way connected with the United
States Government or Department of Defense. The contents of THE POINT do not
necessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. government, the
Department of Defense, or the U.S. Army.
The appearance of advertising, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense. Everything advertised in THE
POINT shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap,
political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic of the purchaser, user or
patron.
Editorial content is provided, prepared and edited by the Public Affairs Office of the
U.S. Army Garrison Franconia. Editorial offices are located in building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg, Germany, telephone DSN 351-4564 or CIV 0931-2964564. Mailing address: Editor – THE POINT, USAG Franconia PAO, Unit 26622, APO
AE 09244-6622. By e-mail: roger.teel1@us.army.mil or scott.rouch@us.army.mil
Circulation is 12,000 copies per issue.
Staff Sgt. Elliot Bingerman,
HHT, 9th Engineer Battalion,
Schweinfurt.
Ward Nichols, strategic planning and integrations officer,
Bamberg
“Honestly it hasn’t affected me too much, because I own a Ford Focus. I’ll be looking into
buying a hybrid rather
than an SUV or truck in
the future, though.”
“This is an incentive for
me to ride my bike to
and from work. And indeed, I have even started to do so for a couple
of months now.”
Col. Russel D. Santala
Donald Klinger
Commander
Public Affairs Officer
Roger Teel
Scott Rouch
Editor
Assistant Editor
USAG Franconia – Building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, 351-4749 or 0931-296-4749
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Larry Reilly
Journalist ...................................................................................................
USAG Ansbach – Building 5257, Barton Barracks, 468-7649 or 0981-183-649
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Jim Hughes
Volunteer Journalist.................................................................................. Emily Gourgues
USAG Bamberg – Building 7089, Warner Barracks, 469-7581 or 0951-300-7581
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Cheryl Boujnida
USAG Schweinfurt – Building 354-6381, CIV 09721-96-6381)
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Mark Heeter
Journalist ................................................................................................... Kimberly Gearhart
Focal Points
The Point, August 25, 2006
3
Who ya gonna call?
Stress
Busters
by Scott Rouch
The Point
USAG Franconia teens relaxed at the 2006 Army Community Service Teen Stress Buster Breakout at the Cantigny Club
Aug. 4. The event also marked the end to the summer hire work
program.
In addition to the popular karaoke and games, including the
tug of war, three-legged race and egg toss, the ACS staff held
seminars designed to teach teens how to find peaceful solutions
and some relaxation exercises.
Tables staffed by various agencies offered information on local programs. Represented were Alcohol and Substance and
Counseling Service, the Wuerzburg Education Center, and units
from the Wuerzburg Medical Activity.
Scott Rouch (3)
Josh Simpson, Patrick Mooney, Shaun Simpson, Mike Kolenda and Heath McKay tug their way to victory.
Jenn Holmes, Stephanie Mendez, winner Tamika Caldwell, Jasmine Tipton and Peter Trevino see who can be first
to blow the whistle.
Andrew Clidas cracks under pressure during the egg
toss.
Storck people ‘party hearty’ at block party
by Emily Gourgues
The Point
Residents establish physical dominance during the tug-of-war contest.
A static AH-64 Apache helicopter display drew a lot of attention.
Emily Gourgues (3)
People in Illesheim got together
Aug. 19 for a day of family fun,
making friends and feasting at the
annual Storck Barracks block party.
“The block party is a chance for
people to get together and have
fun,” said Sgt. 1st Class James
Beck of the community’s area support team.
A number of organizations –
Girl Scouts, education center, the
Illesheim Spouses’ and Civilians’
Club – set up booths and passed
out information about themselves.
A static helicopter display, face
painting, raffles and games were
the biggest hits. Beck said about
400 people attended.
For those who missed the block
party and want information about
Illesheim organizations, contact
the AST at 467-4515 or 09841-83515.
Ryan and Michael Mitchell and others funneled their energies
into water games at the block party.
6
The Point, August 25, 2006
Cav spurs its leaders, preserves tradition
by Kimberly Gearhart
sion,” Crawford said.
The Point
Spur candidates were put through the paces beginning Aug. 17 with an early morning Army Physical
Fitness Test, followed by a written evaluation, and
tests of physical endurance, marksmanship, and reconnaissance skills.
Schweinfurt’s U.S. Cavalry unit has survived a year
of change. The formerly mechanized 1st Squadron, 4th
U.S. Cavalry traded out their tanks and Bradleys for
jump wings to become a light airborne reconnaissance
unit – the 1st Squadron, 91st U.S. Cavalry.
But the more things change, the more they stay the
same. And in the U.S. Cavalry, tradition is paramount.
The annual spur ride is part of that grand cavalry
theme.
“It’s all about troopers on their horses, in Stetsons
and spurs,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Crawford, who for
the past six years has been a scout with the Schweinfurt cavalry.
Stetsons abound at any cavalry function, but spurs
aren’t as numerous. Spurs must be earned, and a
trooper must show mastery of the skills that make him
cavalry to earn them.
Staff Sgt. Mark Linden
The purpose of a spur ride is to certify that new leaders, non-commissioned officers and above, understand, assess, and react in high stress situations, and
draw on their skills as cavalry troopers.
A weary Capt. Peter Gilbert, escorted by his unit guidon bearer, Pfc.
Christopher McLeod, gives the thumbs-up as he trudges through the last
leg of the spur ride Aug. 18 in Schweinfurt.
“This ride focuses on the dismounted aspect of the
cavalry. We are on the light side of the house now, and
they will have to focus on the light reconnaissance mis-
Army launches podcasts
The Army has launched two new podcasts: “Army Today” and “Soldiers’
Forum.”
“Army Today” is a daily, two-minute
audio-visual feature produced by Soldiers
Radio and Television. “Soldiers’ Forum” is
a weekly product through which Sergeant
Major of the Army Kenneth Preston addresses issues concerning enlisted Soldiers.
“This is a great way to keep Soldiers in
the U.S., and those deployed to some 120
countries, informed on issues affecting
them,” Preston said. “So far, we’ve produced spots on motorcycle safety, the
BOSS program and the Wounded Warrior
Program.”
Podcasts can be viewed on the user’s
computer, or downloaded to a portable
media player such as an iPod, MP3 or cell
phone capable of storing and playing
audio/video media.
To download podcasts users must have
RSS-recognition (Real Simple Syndication) software on their computers. Free
podcasting software includes: iTunes at
www.itunes.com, Juice at juicereceiver.
sourceforge.net, Happy Fish at thirstycrow.net/happyfish.
After installing RSS software, Soldiers
can subscribe to Army podcasts at
www.army.mil/rss.
Kimberly Gearhart
Idols in Schweinfurt
Sgt. Christian Thomas performs during the second round of competition
for the 2nd annual Military Idol competition at Abrams Entertainment
Center August 16. Sixty installations
worldwide hold similar competitions, the winner earning a cash
prize and a shot at the finals in the
U.S. Thomas, from Headquarters
and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, didnʼt
make the cut, but the show goes on.
The next competition is Aug. 30.
The ride lasted through the night and into the next
day, ending with a ruck march to the finish line on
Conn Barracks.
After two days of physical hardship, the last few
miles of the march are the toughest. Candidates, moving in teams, keep each other going.
Pfc. Christopher McLeod, guidon bearer for the
Forward Support Troop, heard tales of woe that his
new commander, Capt. Peter Gilbert, was having a
rough time on the march, and asked to be taken to him,
guidon and all.
“Everyone was talking about how he was smoked
and tired. I wanted to show him the kind of support we
show everyone. He’s our commander,” McLeod said.
McLeod walked with Gilbert for the last six miles of
the march, an extra bit of support that led to a celebration with the rest of the FST at the finish line.
“We’ve changed the way we fight,” said Crawford,
“but we haven’t changed the way we work – together
as a team.”
17th Signal Battalion cases colors
by Scott Rouch
The Point
The 17th Signal Battalion ended its 13-year
run in Kitzingen Aug. 17 when it officially inactivated in a ceremony in the Larson Fitness Center.
The unit, initially activated in Missouri in
1942, had as many as 644 Soldiers when it returned to Kitzingen from Operation Iraqi Freedom III in January 2006. The 40 or so remaining
members stood tall as Lt. Col. Glenn Kennedy,
battalion commander, and 1st Sgt. Enesi Mulitauaopele, acting command sergeant major,
cased the colors.
Kennedy paid tribute to the selfless service of
those who volunteered to remain behind to see
the unit through to the end and talked about what
they stood for.
“The Soldiers you see before you are just a
small representation of what was the 17th Signal
Battalion,” Kennedy said. “They represent the
battalion as it was, and it was truly the best there
was. I’m eternally proud of the accomplishments
of this great organization and will forever cherish the memories of our service together.”
In recent years, the battalion participated in
Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Deny
Flight, Provide Hope, Joint Endeavor, Enduring
Freedom and deployed three times in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Scott Rouch
Battalion commander Lt. Col. Glenn
Kennedy and 1st Sgt. Enesi Mulitauaopele case the 17th Signal Battalion
colors.
Prevent pollution
‘The good, the bad and the idling…’
by Barb van der Smissen
Pollution Prevention Manager
USAG Franconia
Ozone is a gas that occurs
both in the earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground
level. Ozone can be ‘good’
or ‘bad’ for your health and
the environment, depending
on its location.
The ‘good’ ozone layer
extends upward from about
6 to 30 miles above the
earth’s surface. It protects
life on earth from the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet rays.
At ground level ozone is an air pollutant that is harmful to breathe and damages crops and other vegetation.
The ‘bad’ ozone at ground level forms indirectly when
other air pollutants from vehicles, paints and solvents,
unburned fuel, and industrial sources ‘bake’ in hot,
sunny weather.
Unhealthy ground level ozone concentrations can
cause a variety of respiratory problems, including
coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, chest
pain, and decreased lung function. Because ozone forms
in hot weather, anyone spending time outdoors may be
affected, particularly children, outdoor workers, and
people who exercise.
“Bad’ ozone also damages vegetation and ecosystems. It leads to reduced agricultural crop and commercial forest yields. It also damages the foliage of trees and
other plants, affecting the landscape of cities and countryside.
There are a variety of ways people can contribute to
reducing the ‘bad’ ozone during ozone season (May –
September):
• Avoid excessive idling and ‘jackrabbit’ starts. Turn
your engine off when idling for more than 30 seconds.
• Take transit or share a ride. If you must drive, try to
combine your trips.
• Postpone refueling until evening and don’t ‘top off’
the tank.
• Postpone using gas powered yard equipment until
late afternoon or evening hours.
• Barbecue without using starter fluid.
• Use water-based paint, instead of oil based, when
painting.
Scott Rouch
Pollutants from vehicles “bake” in hot weather, creating bad ozone at ground
level that contributes to a number of health problems and concerns.
10
U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach (Illesheim, Katterbach)
The Point, August 25, 2006
Jennifer Smith and another spouse compete in the low crawl during the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade’s Spouses Combat Day Aug. 9.
Jim Hughes (2)
Down and dirty
Spouses combat challenges as they become Soldiers for a day
by Emily Gourgues
The Point
August 9th started out as a fairly routine day for a Soldier.
I woke up with the sun, made coffee, got dressed in the dark,
loaded my Kevlar and rucksack in the car, and kissed my stillsleeping spouse goodbye. A familiar scenario except for one
minor detail – I’m not a Soldier!
I took part in the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade’s Spouses
Combat Day as part of Griffin Rally, a weeklong celebration for
the activation of the new aviation unit in USAG Ansbach.
About 80 fellow military spouses joined me at Urlas Training
Area near Katterbach for the one-day experience of being a Soldier.
After arriving and meeting my four teammates, we joined 15
other randomly put together teams with spouses from Katterbach
and Illesheim.
Our team connected quickly, quelling each other’s nerves and
commiserating about the prevalence of rabbit poop in the area.
We named ourselves SCARE, an acronym of our names; Sarah
Tipple, Claudia Perez and Amy Luekenga of Katterbach, and Rebecca Lara and me, Emily Gourgues, of Illesheim.
The brigade’s Sgt. Phillip Paniagua prepared us for the day
ahead.
“Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to gather your
teammates and work on strategies to eliminate the threat by overcoming all obstacles the enemy may throw at you,” he said. Each
team was handed a scorecard that listed these obstacles with their
designated point value.
We used the buddy system to get our faces “cammo’d up” and
then we were off to a trivia challenge where teams faced off for
points and bragging rights.
A Soldier fired off questions, such as: “What does AFTB stand
for?” “What’s the Brigade’s motto?” “What year did the 12th
Nuernberg hosts
fests, history
by Rabia Nombamba
The Point
Whether it’s a good time in a party atmosphere or some
cultural history that you’re looking for, Nuernberg is the
place.
It’s again time for Nuernberg’s annual Herbstfest at the
Volksfesplatz, Dutzendteich. The fall fair is set up at the
Festplatz now through Sept. 10. Every year carnival rides,
vendor booths, a huge beer tent, live entertainment and a variety of food and beverages are offered at the fest.
Wednesdays are family days with rides offered at half
price. The fest is open Mon, Tue and Thu from 2 to 11 p.m.,
Wed from 1 to 11 p.m., Fri and Sat from 2 p.m. to midnight
and Sun from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
If it’s history you’re looking for, you might want to head
to the former house of Albrecht Duerer, a famous German
Renaissance artist from 1471-1528. His house can be visited in Nuernberg at Albrecht-Duerer-Strasse 39.
To recognize his contributions to the German renaissance, the city of Nuernberg converted the house into a museum honoring Duerer’s life and works.
Telling the tale of Duerer’s professional and private life
are displays of his artistic career and live demonstrations as
well. To help visitors appreciate the 15th century artist’s
work, a room is set up where the old techniques he used are
demonstrated.
As a special treat, an actress portraying Agnes Duerer, the
artist’s wife, gives guided tours of the residence. Wearing a
bonnet typical of the 15th century and with her key chain always in hand, Frau Duerer tells her husband’s story and also
gives insight into her everyday worries and dealings.
Tours by Frau Duerer are offered in English every Saturday at 2 p.m. and cost €7 per person. Audio tours in English, German, French, Italian and Japanese are also available
throughout the week. For more information, call the museum at 0911-231-2568.
Aviation Brigade form?” Teams did their
best to answer first.
Then we got physical. A muddy low and
high crawl relay race got our sweat flowing.
After a litter carry obstacle where we took
turns carrying each other on a stretcher, we
road marched to our final destination,
yelling cadences and pumping each other
up for our imminent and painful doom –
paintball.
We competed against another team in a
game of capture the flag, and managed to
complete the task unscathed. But as we
watched other teams, we realized not all
were quite as lucky.
Asked what she thought about the day,
Novisha Rivera said one word – “Motrin.”
As events drew to a close, we could see
that a transformation had taken place. In the
morning everyone had been nice and genteel. But at the end, competitive beasts from
within had been released, most evident dur- Emily Gourgues, Claudia Perez, Rebecca Lara, Sarah Tipple and Amy
ing paintball where spouses became Luekenga, calling themselves SCARE, were pumped after capturing their
muddy, gun-wielding, smack-talking assas- opponent’s flag in the paintball competition.
sins.
points out of a possible 1,000, were the Princesses of Power with
That enthusiasm was exactly what event organizers wanted,
team members LeeAnn Swartz, Betsey Brannen, Amber Chrissaid Cassie Cruz, family readiness support assistant.
tensen, Melinda Giordano and Clairissa Mitchell.
Leslie Edens agreed, adding that mixing team members
Other awards included: most team spirit – the Hell Cats, most
helped bring Ansbach and Illesheim communities closer.
competitive and the Picasso award – the Sadistic Sisters, most
And we, the spouses, gained an appreciation for what our Solsportsmanship – the Fly Girls, best team effort – the Dixie Troop,
diers go through. We worked together as a team, built new friendEinstein award for trivia – 12th CAB, the pigpen award – Marina
ships and had a great time.
Ginos, and the best team name was SWAT: Soldiers Wives All
After careful calculations, winning teams were announced the
Tactical.
following day in Katterbach. In first place, with a score of 940
Girl Scout makes artistic ‘state’ment
by Emily Gourgues
The Point
An Illesheim teen was recently honored by the Girl Scouts for
a community service project she completed this summer at her
community’s elementary school.
Lindsey Blohm-Kelly,
13, from Troop 132 in
Illesheim, received the
Silver Award for Community Service Aug. 2 for
having painted a large,
colorful mural of the
United States on the
school’s playground.
The mural is about 20
feet wide and each state is
marked with its abbreviation. It took four weeks to
complete in the sweltering
July heat, Blohm-Kelly
said.
With the help of an encyclopedia, the teen drew
the mural in chalk and then
went back over it in paint.
She admitted Texas was
especially challenging to Lindsey Blohm-Kelly, 13, sits
replicate, as were the an- Illesheim Elementary School.
gles of Maine and Michigan. But her artistic talent toppled the challenges.
“I hope everyone enjoys it,” Blohm-Kelly said. “I thought it
would be a fun and easy way for kids to learn about the U.S., and
two of my favorite subjects are geography and art.”
Angela Smith, overseas committee chairperson for the Girl
Scouts, said the project, “will help fourth-graders, especially, because they have to learn the states and capitals” in their studies.
The Silver Award is an exceptional honor, Smith said, as it is
only given to a Girl Scout who completes a minimum of 60 hours
of community service.
“She had to come up with the idea herself, how to do it, how
to execute it and how it would benefit the community,” Smith
added.
Blohm-Kelly is no stranger to volunteering and serving her
community. She is described as extremely active in her troop and has
participated in many projects, including book drives, clothing drives, and
volunteering
at
the
Kinderheim and Fisher
House, said Jean Kelly,
her mother and troop
leader.
“If she continues her
community service she
will be eligible for the
Gold Award one day,”
Kelly said. Her daughter
can also benefit from her
work as these awards and
recognition are important
in terms of college scholEmily Gourgues
arship opportunities.
Girls interested in folon the project she created at
lowing in Blohm-Kelly’s
lead should check out their
local Girl Scouts. September is the start of a new scouting year
and registration is underway. The minimum age is 5 years old
and membership costs $10 a year.
Smith said this is a small investment considering the friendships, experiences and skills girls get from being a part of the
program.
The Girl Scouts are also looking for leaders and volunteers.
For more information contact Smith at 09841-682965 or e-mail
charleshenrysmith@hotmail.com.
Garrison Roundup
The Point, August 25, 2006
13
USAG Ansbach
New plates
piano lessons for community youth. Regine Poeflinger, an experienced musician and vocalist, has
taught private piano lessons for more than 30
years. Lessons are available to youth ages 9-18.
For more information, call SKIES Unlimited at
467-4703 or 09841-834-703.
Vehicle registration on Barton Barracks has
the new German-like license plates for USAREUR privately-owned vehicles. USAREUR
also raised the price of vehicle registration to $30,
up from $15. For more information, call vehicle
registration at 468-7892 or 0981-183-892.
German lessons
Women’s Equality Day
SKIES Unlimited offers German lessons to
youth in Illesheim. Elke Lewis, who has a linguistics degree from Sorbonne in France and is an interpreter and translator for the Bavarian Court,
offers German classes for youth ages 5-18. For
more information, call SKIES Unlimited at 4674703 or 09841-834-703.
Learn how to enhance your military and civilian careers by attending USAG Ansbach’s
Women’s Equality Day Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at Katterbach Dining Facility. Cost is
$3.05 for dependents of E-4 and below and $3.55
for everyone else. The presentation features a
panel of senior female leaders who will address
professional development and hold a question
and answer session. Topics include: getting on
the education course for success, having a mentor, balancing family and career, strategic planning for career development, and mobility and
career progression. For more information, call
467-2820 or 09802-83-2820, or 468-7733 or 0981183-733.
Get into Scouting
Cub Scout Pack 97 is gearing up for another
year of fun and adventure. Children in first
through fifth grades can call Marcie Cozad at
0175-444-0603 to join or learn more about the
local pack.
Girl Scout gathering
Paintball Saturdays
USAG Ansbach Outdoor Recreation offers
paintball on its brand new field in the Urlas Training Area near Shipton Kaserne Saturdays from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. Outdoor Rec has guns, masks and
other gear for rent. For more information, call
467-3225 or 09802-833-225.
Dental exams
Katterbach Dental Clinic offers dental exams
with cleaning appointments. To schedule these appointments, you must be an active duty Soldier
and in the 60-day window for a dental exam. To
Showering residents with info
Jim Hughes
A girl tries to get a ball through a hoop with a fire hose with the help of a Katterbach
firefighter during the 2005 USAG Ansbach Showcase. This yearʼs showcase is Aug.
26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Katterbach Fitness Center. For more information call Patti
Bentley or Barb Powell, Katterbach Army Community Service, 468-2883 or 09802-832883.
schedule, call 467-1720 or 467-2806 or 09802-832806.
Piano lessons
at 469-7747 or 0951-300-7747 or e-mail mwrmarketing@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil
the opportunity to record a story during the
month of September. All necessary supplies will
be provided at the library. Encourage your child
to read while you are away. Contact the library at
469-1740 or 0951-300-1740 for more information.
USAG Ansbach’s SKIES Unlimited offers
Local Girl Scouts offer games and fun Sept. 14
at Ansbach Elementary School as part of a membership drive. Registration for Scouts starts at 3
p.m. and activities begin at 3:30 p.m. For more information, send an e-mail to gsansbach_info@
yahoo.com.
VA benefits
The Army Career and Alumni Program hosts
Veterans Affairs benefits briefings Sept. 6 from 9
to 11:30 a.m. in the theater on Bismarck Kaserne.
For more information or to register, call Clare
Sowinski at 467-3312 or 09802-833-312.
USAG Bamberg
Audition for Annie
Bamberg’s Stable Theater holds auditions for
the musical “Annie” on Sept. 11 and 14 at 6:30
p.m. The theater is looking for men and women of
all ages and children age 8 and up. Volunteers are
needed for the stage crew as well. Call the Stable
Theater at 469-8647 or 0951-300-8647 for more information.
Get connected at EXPO
Looking for crafters
The Bamberg Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club is
looking for crafters to consign their wares for the
2006/2007 fundraising season. Consigning with
the BSCC is an avenue to showcase crafts and
make money in the process. Ways and Means merchandise is sold at every BSCC function and at the
Thrift Shop. For more information, stop by the
Thrift Shop or e-mail dianemcmullen@tksnet.com All crafters must be military ID card
holders.
Oktoberfest with CAC
Visit the largest beer festival in the world with
the Community Activity Center. Two trips to the
Munich Oktoberfest are offered – Sept. 23 and 30.
Cost is $35 per person. To sign up call the CAC,
469-7747 or 0951-300-7747.
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call to make an appointment
for consignment at 0951-32408.
Attend open house
New and returning parents and students are invited to attend Bamberg Elementary School’s
Open House Aug. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Catholic picnic
Read to your children – even when downrange.
The Bamberg Community Library offers parents
Find great deals on gently used and new merchandise at the Thrift Shop. The shop is open Tue.
and Wed. from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thurs. from 11
a.m. to 5 p.m., and the first Sat. of the month from
Join the Catholic Congregation for Mass Sunday, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a parish picnic
at Friendship Park (inclement weather location is
Bamberg Elementary School). Hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks and paper items will be supplied.
Each family/Soldier is asked to bring one side dish
to share. Contact Anne Munns for more information at 469-1760 or 09131-933-1131.
Chapel services
gen commissaries is Thursday, Aug. 31.
Ski Club kickoff
Housing relocates
All services will be held on Leighton Barracks.
Jewish services are the second and fourth Friday
of the month at 6:30 p.m. – call 350-6334. Seventh
Day Adventist services are Saturdays at 10:30
a.m. – call 0151-1754-6314. United Pentecostal
services are Saturdays at 5 p.m. – call 350-4332. On
Sundays, Catholic services are held at 9 a.m. (3502465); Protestant services at 10:30 a.m. (350-1570)
and Lutheran services are held at noon (3507117).
Case lot sales
The Wuerzburg International Ski Club holds
its annual kickoff party at the Cantigny Club Sept.
6 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy the festivities
and find out about ski and social outings planned
for the coming year. For more information go to
www.wskiclub.org or e-mail wskiclub@hotmail.
com.
The Housing Information Office is now in
building 13 on Leighton Barracks. The office is
open Mon-Wed and Fri, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to
3:30 p.m. Thursday hours are from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
For more information, call 0931-889-6702.
Find out what Warner Barracks has to offer at
the Bamberg Community Expo Sept.7 at 2 p.m. at
the Basics Building. Local activity representatives
will answer questions and provide information
about their products and services. It’s a chance to
get connected and win prizes too! For more information contact MWR Marketing and Advertising
Record a story
Thrift Shop deals
USAG Franconia
Area commissaries will hold case lot sales the
third week of September. Wuerzburg, Bamberg
and Ansbach commissary sales are Sept. 23-24.
Illesheim’s sale is Sept. 22-23.
Get a new mailbox
Central Mail Room (CMR) 476 on Faulenberg
Kaserne will cease operations Sept. 15. People
with mailboxes there should go to CMR 475 on
Leighton Barracks (behind the post office) to
arrange for a new mailbox.
Be prepared
Military Idol
09721-96-6793.
Cheer for your favorite Soldier as the Military
Idol competition continues Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at the
Abrams Entertainment Center. Judges scoring
and audience voting determine who moves on to
the next round. Winners receive cash prizes for
themselves and their units, and move on to compete in the Military Idol finals in the U.S. For more
information call 354-6270 or 09721-96-6270.
ABCs of FRG
fifth grade and is free of charge. For more information call 354-6281 or 09721-966281.
Commissaries close
The last day of sales at Giebelstadt and Kitzin-
The Cub Scouts are looking for volunteers to
assist with various programs. Call Laura Bell at
09334-970-975 or e-mail RRunner31@aol.com for
information or to sign up.
Get fit
USAG Franconia Civilian Fitness Program assessment dates are Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon
and Sept. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at Leighton Fitness Center. Participants are enrolled for six
months. For information call 350-2202 or 354-6796
or e-mail wellness@wur.amedd.army.mil.
USAG Schweinfurt
Fall Harvest Bazaar
The Schweinfurt Community Spouses’ Club
conducts their annual Fall Harvest Bazaar Sept. 13 at Finney Fitness Center, building 64 on Conn
Barracks. Enjoy tax-free shopping with more than
50 vendors offering a variety of goods. There will
be a raffle for fun prizes! Open to U.S. ID card
holders only. For more information call 354-6141
or 09721-96-6141.
Civilian Fitness
The Civilian Fitness Program open enrollment period for USAG Schweinfurt is Sept. 14
from 9 a.m. to noon, and Sept. 15 from noon to 2
p.m. at Finney Fitness Center on Conn Barracks.
The Civilian Fitness Program offers DA civilians
and local nationals an opportunity to get fit on
government time. Enrollees are granted up to
three hours per week of paid time off to take part
in the program. Enrollment is for a six-month period and is available only once during your career. For more information, call 354-6793 or
Army Community Service Center wants you to
know the basics of being in a family readiness
group (FRG). The ABCs of the FRG class is Aug.
29 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Yellow Ribbon
Room on Ledward Barracks. Class is designed to
provide the purpose, mission, and scope of an
FRG, and help you learn your place in it. Learn
what the FRG can do for you and your family, and
what you can do for your FRG. For more information call 354-6751 or 09721-96-6751.
Texas Hold ‘em
Live Latin music
USO goes to Paris
USAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Welfare, and
Recreation division presents the vibrant rhythms
of Elida Reyna’s music Sept. 7 beginning at 7 p.m.
at the Conn Club. Reyna, an award-winning Tejano artist, is bringing a Latin beat to Schweinfurt
with Operation Ajua (pronounced hoo-ah). Ajua
translates as “a good time” and that is what
Reyna’s performance promises to be. For more information call 354-6715 or 09721-96-6715.
Schweinfurt’s United Service Organizations
(USO) office announces a Paris Express trip Sept.
1-3. The trip departs at 9 p.m. Cost is $169 and includes transportation, a tour, and one overnight
with breakfast. Add a stop to Disneyland Paris for
an additional fee. For more information call 3546711 or 09721-96-6711.
Parent’s night out
Child and Youth Services (CYS) in Schweinfurt invites parents to take an evening off without
the kids Sept. 2 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Children
must be registered with CYS and you must register in advance to reserve your slot. Space is limited to the first 50 children and registration is now
open. This service is for children aged six weeks to
Ante up! USAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division invites everyone to a
Texas Hold ‘em poker tournament Sept. 9 at the
Conn Club. Doors open at 9 a.m., and registration
fee is $30. The winner will walk away with $1500
and bragging rights–until the next tournament.
For more information call 350-6305 or 0931-8896305.
Aerobathon is Sept. 9
USAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Welfare and
Recreation division offers fun and exercise at an
aerobathon at Finney Fitness Center Sept. 9 from
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scheduled are intense yoga, body
sculpting, step aerobics, and more. Get a workout,
meet new people and learn a new exercise. For
more information call 350-7378 or 0931-889-7378.
Get fit!
Kimberly Gearhart
Workouts pay big dividends. Sign up for
the Civilian Fitness Program in your
community.
The Point, August 25, 2006
15
Club Beyond, a faith-based ministry activity that reaches out to military teens worldwide, escorted nearly 1,000
high school and middle school youth on separate trips for a week of spiritually-oriented fun in the Italian sun in
June.
The group was able to slide in a trip to a water park during its visit to Italy.
Going beyond
Club Beyond takes area youth on an Italian holiday
The scenic seashore of Cinque Terre was a good jumping off spot for visitors.
For new and unique looks, shaving cream became a fashion accessory. The styles were obviously better received by some more than
others. Activities were held every evening at the Club Beyond campsite on Camp Darby.
Photos provided by Joey McCloskey
One of the seven wonders of the world, the Leaning
Tower of Pisa lends itself to being creatively photographed.
Some singers went wild at karaoke time – often with frightening results.
Then there are youthful eating habits.
Some invented ways to fend for themselves.
16
U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg
The Point, August 25, 2006
Bamberg mourns loss of four Soldiers
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
Four 54th Engineer Battalion Soldiers were
honored at memorial services at Warner Chapel
in July.
Staff Sgt. Omar Flores, Spc. Troy Linden and
Spc. Joseph Micks died in Ramadi, Iraq, while
conducting route clearance patrols and counter
improvised explosive device operations July 8.
Sgt. Alkaila Floyd died at Landstuhl Regional
Medical Center July 13 from injuries during the
July 8 roadside bomb attack.
About 200 Soldiers, family and friends
attended memorial services July 12 for the Soldiers. Family readiness groups placed single
roses near photos of each of them.
“We will never know why these four incredible people were taken from us,” said Brian Pugh,
54th Eng. Bn. rear detachment commander. “All
of them had qualities that made them special and
unique individuals.”
Originally from Mission, Texas, Flores
served as a combat engineer with Company C.
He had been promoted to staff sergeant and
assigned as a 3rd Platoon squad leader in January.
“He had a smile that could light up any room
and his family meant everything to him,” Pugh
said of Flores at the July 12 service. “He loved
being in the Army, loved his job and mostly he
loved his Soldiers.”
Linden, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minn.,
whose first position was as a rifleman in 2nd Platoon, later became an AVLB (armored vehicle
launching bridge) operator in the A&O (assault
and obstacles) Platoon. In Iraq, he performed
duties as an RG-31 and M1114 operator and
gunner for 3rd Platoon.
Spc. Brian Babcock, who served with Linden,
spoke about his comrade.
“I am honored not to talk about the death of
Carrying a rose, a spouse pays her respects to the 54th Engineer Battalion Soldiers
honored at a July 12 memorial service in Bamberg.
Cheryl Boujnida (2)
Friends sign in at the memorial service
Spc. Troy Linden, but rather to talk about his
life,” Babcock said. “He was not only the Soldier
who lived across the hall, but he was a friend
who I spent many days with pulling quick reaction force duties together. Not only did the Army
lose a great Soldier, but many of us lost a great
friend.”
Originally from Michigan, Micks was a combat engineer assigned to Headquarters and
Headquarters Company who served in the fuel
section of the Support Platoon. In July, he was
assigned to Company C’s A&O Platoon as the
platoon sergeant’s driver.
“He was a skilled Soldier who was mission
focused and stood out as a leader,” Pugh said.
“He cherished his wife of 18 months, Ramona,
and touched the hearts of all in their family.”
Floyd entered active duty in 2002, and served
as an ACE (armored combat earthmover) operator and combat engineer during the initial invasion and occupation of Iraq. He was assigned to
A&O Platoon as a squad leader. In Iraq, he performed duties as a HMMWV and RG-31 (vehicle) gunner and vehicle commander.
“He was the type of Soldier who, when faced
with a difficult mission, smiled and threw on his
gear and motivated his peers to do the same,”
Pugh said.
Floyd’s death is the fifth that 54th Eng. Bn.
has suffered during its current deployment to
Iraq. The unit is expected to return to Bamberg
the end of October.
Pugh said the unit will band together and pull
through hard times, drawing upon its strengths.
He also addressed the spouses attending the service.
“It is a special bond you share with others
when you send a loved one into harm’s way, and
we could not succeed without you,” he said.
Chaplain (Maj.) Thomas Cox, who performed
the invocation and prayer, said the Soldiers died
in a battle to secure freedom for an oppressed
people. He mentioned the significance of walking among tombstones at the American Cemetery in France, where the remains of nearly
10,000 servicemen who died during the Normandy campaign are interred.
“At some time in the future, when you look at
a servicemember’s gravestone because you knew
them or because you are a Soldier, I am sure
you’ll contemplate the price of freedom more
intently,” Cox said, stressing that this is a most
arduous time and death can heighten anxiety.
“Let me encourage you to ask God for peace
in your lives and in your heart to protect it in difficult times.”
Health professionals unite
Annual G-A barbecue brings
medical community together
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
Bamberg Health Clinic held its annual barbecue for American
and German physicians on Warner Barracks July 19.
Dr. (Maj.) James Stein, clinic commander, addressing about
100 attendees, stressed the significance of the informal gathering
as an opportunity to talk about patient services.
“I appreciate the hard work and compassionate care that you
provide for our Soldiers and their family members,” Stein said.
“With the closure of the Wuerzburg Hospital, we will have to rely
on our German providers for more primary care services.”
Stein praised the German doctors for their cooperation with
the Bamberg Health Clinic.
“Our patients are certainly aware that this partnership provides them with the best health care possible,” he said.
Renate Nagan, patient liaison, said health practitioners spend
endless hours working and rarely have the opportunity to meet
their counterparts.
“This event allows doctors to meet many German providers
who they have referred patients to, and fosters future relations,
too,” she said.
Lt. Col. Mark Gatto, USAG Bamberg commander, said Bamberg Soldiers and family members depend on receiving quality
health care from health clinic staff and local
German health care providers.
“Many Soldiers choose to be stationed in
Bamberg because medical care here is at the top
of what’s offered throughout military communities in Europe,” he said.
Health clinic doctors stressed the importance
of host-nation contacts.
“It’s critical to have close associations with
our German counterparts,” said Dr. Mary Laxton, physician’s assistant. “Those relations will
become even more crucial to our mission since
medical services in Wuerzburg are closed,”
Dr. Burkhard Truson, a pediatrician at the
Bamberg Klinikum, said the cooperation has
led to many positive results.
Cheryl Boujnida
“I was impressed when Major Stein, who had
referred a patient to me, came by my office to Sgt. John Braley, Bamberg Health Clinic combat medic, explains how
check on the child’s diagnosis. It shows that we to apply tactical combat casualty care
can work together to provide patients with the
clinic first sergeant, said developments in the Army medical field
finest and optimal care that they deserve,” Truson said.
have impacted the Soldier’s ability to save lives.
Sgt. John Braley, combat medic, demonstrated tactical combat casualty care (TCCC-3) to German doctors.
“The new trauma bandage, which replaces the old field dress“Combat medics can’t be on every convoy. In the event that
ing, can be applied as a regular pressure dressing, tourniquet and
something happens, Soldiers need the skills to perform life-savbandage,” Cruze said. “The combat application tourniquet
ing techniques until a medic arrives or the patient is evacuated to
allows Soldiers to apply self aid with one hand or perform buddy
higher care,” Braley said.
aid. These advancements can make a difference to Soldiers on
Sgt. First Class Steven Cruze, senior combat medic and health
the battlefield.”
Vehicle registration
eases plate transfer
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
Soldiers relocating to Bamberg
from Italy must register privatelyowned vehicles (POV) within 30
days of their reassignment. The
local vehicle registration office is
making the transfer as smooth as
possible.
The following documents are required: Italian registration, valid ID
card, double white insurance cards
and a $30 registration fee to be paid
by check, money order or credit
card.
“It’s a simple process if the Soldier and/or family members have
their paperwork in order. It’s a formality of relocating to a new duty
station,” said Michaela Hausdorff,
vehicle registration clerk.
The vehicle registration office
will issue temporary license plates
for 30 days to pass inspection. Once
the inspection is complete, permanent license plates will be issued for
one year.
“Soldiers who have POVs less
than two years old (2005-06) can
receive permanent plates without an
inspection for one year,” Hausdorff
said.
Soldiers with accompanied family members are authorized three
POVs and two motorized or nonmotorized recreational POVs.
Unaccompanied and single Soldiers
are authorized one POV and one
motorized or non-motorized recreational POV. Unit commanders
must approve waivers from Soldiers who want to register another
POV.
The form (AE 190-1AG-R) is
available online and can be downloaded under forms at www.
rmv.usareur.army.mil or pick one
up at the vehicle registration office.
“Those who need a USAREUR
driver’s license must contact the
driver’s testing office,” Hausdorff
added.
The driver’s testing office is next
to Stable Theater and at 469-8600
or 0951-300-8600. Vehicle registration is at the military police station
and is open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 3:45
p.m. For more information call 4607580 or 0951-300-7580.
Good, clean fun
Cheryl Boujnida
Bamberg youth cool down as the Bamberg fire department delivers some soothing foam in the heat of
July during Child and Youth Services’ Wacky Water Week. CYS offers child care and youth programs for
children aged 6 weeks to 19 years old at the child development center, school age services, hourly day
care facility and Oasis middle school and teen centers. Enroll your children in sports programs such as
soccer, cheerleading, tackle football, basketball and baseball. Youth taking part in sports activities need
a physical exam. For more information, call CYS central registration at 469-8660 or 0951-300-8660.
18
U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt
The Point, August 25, 2006
New leadership takes helm in Schweinfurt
by Kimberly Gearhart
the freedom that we bring to this world. That’s
why supporting the family is so important.
The Point
USAG Schweinfurt officially welcomed it’s
new commander July 20 as Lt. Col. Anthony
Haager took the reins from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Feldman in ceremonies in Andrus Gardens on Ledward Barracks.
“I thank God for having blessed me with the
wisdom, patience, perseverance, and energy to
have given my very best as your community
commander,” Feldman said in his parting remarks. “Serving others is what it has all been
about.”
Feldman will serve at the Pentagon in his next
assignment.
Haager accepted the leadership challenge,
taking the garrison colors from Col. Russel D.
Santala, USAG Franconia commander.
A newcomer to Europe, Haager thanked the
Feldman family for their support during his transition from his previous assignment as professor
of military science at Georgia Military College.
Speaking in both German and English,
Haager thanked guests at the ceremony, and announced what he will bring to USAG Schweinfurt.
“I pledge to build on the relationships that
(Feldman) has forged, and ensure that our community remains the top-notch community that it
is,” he said.
Haager faces more than maintaining the status quo in his new role. He takes command of an
installation in transition and that will soon be responsible for activities and facilities formerly
under the USAG Franconia umbrella.
More importantly, with the impending 2nd
Brigade Combat Team deployment, the garrison
will soon support families whose Soldiers are at
war.
Haager wished for blessings on “the servicemen and women walking point right now, allowing us the freedom to live our lives the way
we do today.”
Q: What do you look forward to while in
command?
A: Having fun. New experiences are always
welcome. I have a diverse background: company
commander, strategic intelligence officer,
brigade operations officer, college professor,
and I’ve spent time in special operations jumping out of planes. But this is my first time as a
garrison commander. This is a side of the Army
you really don’t see until you are involved in it.
In all my jobs, supporting the Soldier and the
family were key. Being the garrison commander
allows me to take that support to the next level,
to leverage more assets to support the Soldier
and family.
Kimberly Gearhart
Lt.Col. Anthony Haager returns the garrison guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Keith McMullen after accepting it from USAG Franconia commander Col. Russel Santala, left,
in a July 20 change of command ceremony. Former commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Feldman is on the right.
Q&A with Lt. Col. Haager:
Q: How do you feel about taking command?
A: Excited and honored. My family and I are
excited to be here. Commanding this community
with such a large and diverse population will be
a challenge, especially in light of us expanding
and taking on the responsibilities of Wuerzburg.
This is my first assignment here in Germany,
though I have visited many times and have family in Fuerth/Nuernberg. This is still such a new
experience. The military community of Schweinfurt has a long history with the German community, and I hope to continue and add to the
good relations we enjoy.
Q: What do you want the community to
know about you?
A: I’m a family man. For me, the family represents all the reasons that civilians raise their
hands and vow to be Soldiers. The men and
women on the frontlines fight so that you and I
and our families can live our lives as we do, in
Q: Is there one thing you would like to focus for the community?
A: The concept that we are a community and
that we all have responsibilities to our community. The garrison staff and I can only do so
much; we need help from everybody. I want
everyone to take ownership for how good
Schweinfurt is.
I would also like to focus on the family support programs available here – programs like
SNAPS and GUTS make us a top-notch community and I would like to see us focus on similar programs, especially now that our Soldiers
are deploying. Families need that kind of support, now more than ever.
Q: What are the challenges now that
Schweinfurt is to be a direct reporting unit?
A: The biggest challenge will be the paradigm
shift that the center of gravity is now in Schweinfurt, not Wuerzburg. Our biggest customer
base, 11,000-plus, is in Schweinfurt and a little
over 1,100 customers are in Wuerzburg. We will
do our best to ensure services stay at the same
level as before. That does not mean services will
be available at their current location, but they
will be available, one way or another.
Airborne Cav FST activates
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
Kimberly Gearhart
Capt. Peter Gilbert, left, and 1st Sgt. Eric Curless, center, uncase
the colors of the newly activated Forward Support Troop, 1st
Squadron, 91st Cavalry.
The transformation is complete for the 1st Squadron,
91st U.S. Cavalry.
The Forward Support Troop, 1-91 Cav’s activation
during a ceremony on Conn Barracks Aug. 16, marked
the completion of the unit’s transformation into a light
airborne reconnaissance outfit.
“The activation of the Forward Support Troop is the
final step in the transformation of our organization,” said
Lt. Col. Christopher Kolenda, squadron commander.
A forward support company provides support personnel, and is attached to combined arms battalions as part
of the modular fighting force that is a brigade combat
team. In the cavalry, they call it a forward support troop,
or FST. Their mission is to provide nearly every kind of
support for the squadron, including field feeding, fuel,
ammunition, organizational and direct maintenance, as
well as transportation and logistical support.
Before the formation of integrated support troops,
units would often have several companies or groups from
outside attached to them before they could be combatready.
The FST brings what Kolenda called “an order of
magnitude increase in the effectiveness of our
squadron,” greatly enhancing the cavalry’s ability to effectively, efficiently, and successfully accomplish their
wartime missions.
“We must not forget that our nation is still at war, and
soon it will be our turn,” said Capt. Peter Gilbert, the new
FST company commander.
“Change is occurring at every level. We have tailored
our support package to a more light and agile force,” he
said.
Gilbert and newly promoted 1st Sgt. Eric Curless uncased the colors of their new company and marked the
beginning of a new era for the Cav as a self-sufficient
warfighting force.
It is a challenge Kolenda feels his troopers are ready
to face.
“These are no ordinary Soldiers, and this is no ordinary unit,” he said.
2d BCT commander stresses communication to leadership
by Kimberly Gearhart
Col. J.B. Burton, 2nd Brigade Combat Team
commander, adding that every family in the
brigade is informed, supported, and prepared for
the challenges that deployment will bring.
“It’s about keeping an open line of communication that deals with facts,” Burton said after
meeting with family readiness group leaders,
“Our jobs are to safeguard this nation’s treacompany command groups, and rear-detachsures, and our families are that treasure,” said
ment in Ledward Theater
Aug. 15.
Burton knows his Soldiers are the best trained,
best outfitted, and best-led
in today’s Army, capable of
accomplishing any assigned
mission. He wants no less
for the families of the Dagger Brigade.
Attendees were briefed
on mission updates and
given rough timelines for
the brigade’s deployment in
support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Burton stressed
that exact dates are not under his control and acknowledged that although it is
frustrating for families, they
should focus on what they
can control.
“We own our readiness
Kimberly Gearhart
level,” Burton said. “That
The formation of 2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers parades during departure ceremonies Aug. 9 in includes how prepared and
informed the family is for
Schweinfurt.
The Point
the road ahead.”
Information packets with coping tips, Army
Community Service program offerings and
recreation opportunities were distributed. Burton urged families to maintain their routines, focus on the positive, and stay connected to one
another and the command. He said information
is the best weapon in the struggles of having a
deployed family member.
Families are not alone in their battle to remain
informed. For the families of 2nd BCT, there is
Task Force Guardian.
Task Force Guardian isn’t your average rear
detachment command.
“Task Force Guardian is deliberately formed,
trained, and certified (group of) experts – an empowered command,” Burton said.
Guardian will serve as the link between the
FRGs and the command and Soldiers downrange. Guardian members have been trained to
handle issues that may arise when a Soldier is
deployed.
They also support day-to-day issues such as
FRG funding questions and communications issues between families and their deployed Soldiers.
Maj. Robert Whittle, Guardian commander,
hopes that by insuring families are supported, he
can help Dagger Soldiers focus on their mission
and come home safely.
U.S. Army Garrison Franconia
The Point, August 25, 2006
21
AAFES venues shift in Wuerzburg
by Roger Teel
Facility hours:
The Point
Scott Rouch
Spc. Walter Riley relaxes at Café Italiano, located – for now – in
the Leighton Barracks BookMark. In October, Café Italiano will
move to the Cinnabun location in the main store.
As previously announced, Army and Air Force Exchange
Services on Leighton Barracks in Wuerzburg will continue
to reorganize in the coming weeks.
“Changes are based on studies made on traffic flow at all
the locations and on sales trends we are seeing,” said Stan
McGhee, AAFES regional general manager.
In August, the TKS outlet and optical shops were relocated into the main store. By October, several service
venues will have a much different look.
The BookMark will be consolidated into the main store.
The furniture store will move into the former BookMark
area. Cinnabun will cease operations and Café Italiano will
move into the Cinnabun location in the main store. Baskin
Robbins will also close and Café Italiano will begin selling
Italian ice cream selections similar to those on the economy.
“Once the moves and consolidations are in place, our
customers will enjoy the shopping experience more as all
major AAFES operations will be in one location and we will
truly have a one-stop shopping,” McGhee said.
“This will also help us provide better customer service
with a more efficient and smaller work force,” he added.
McGhee noted that concession operations, such as the
barber shop, beauty salon, dry cleaning, wellness spa, and
gift shops are operated by local business people. AAFES
contracts for these services.
“Like any small business, they can only operate so long
as they see foot traffic and sales,” he said. “If they don’t
have this, they cannot survive in these types of downward
transformations. I expect we will see some of these businesses fold in the next several months. We will try to get
new contracts as this happens, but it will be challenging.”
McGhee said providing the best possible customer service remains a priority in Wuerzburg.
“We will continue to make adjustments in the upcoming
year. As always, our moves will be based on ensuring the
best customer service based on demographics, traffic flow
and sales. All changes will be coordinated with the area
command,” he added.
Effective Sept. 2, the following hours will be in effect at
AAFES facilities on Leighton Barracks:
Post Exchange – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m, Sat 10 a.m.8 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Hours on American holidays
are 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Reeltime Theater – Tue-Sun, closed Monday.
Barber and beauty shop – Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.,
Sat 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed Sunday
BookMark – Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
and Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Café Italiano – Mon-Sat 9 a.m -7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.7 p.m.
Car care center – Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Furniture store – Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.6 p.m.
Laundry/dry cleaning alterations shop – Mon-Fri
12:30-5:30 p.m, Saturday noon-4 p.m.
Military Clothing Sales Store – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sixt Car Rental – Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9:30
a.m.-12:30 p.m.
New Car Sales – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Day Spa – Mon-Tue, Thur-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Two-Hour Photo – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Kaethe Wohlfahrt – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat-Sun
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nachtmanns – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Willi Geck – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,
Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
ACS remains viable, vital in Wuerzburg
by Scott Rouch
The Point
While merged with USAG Schweinfurt, the USAG Franconia
Army Community Service is keeping its programs going in
Wuerzburg.
One of those is the Newcomers Orientation and Welcome
(NOW) program, although newcomer takes on various forms
these days.
On Aug. 8, Cindy Gonzalez led a group that included a newcomer to Germany – Becky Sousa, who arrived just a few weeks
ago – and transplants from inside Germany: Diane and Elizabeth
Davis, recent arrivals from an 11-year stay in Hanau, Maryann
Williams and her 11-month-old daughter Eliana, who moved to
Wuerzburg from Giebelstadt, and Jennifer Holmes, who was visiting from New Jersey.
Gonzalez, a 23-year Army spouse, shepherded the group from
the ACS office on Leighton Barracks to the bus stop just outside
post. Then their six-hour adventure began.
After spending five years in Wiesbaden, Gonzalez came to the
area in January, took the NOW program – and subsequently
every class they offered – and was offered a job. The orientation
program is one she highly recommends.
“I got oriented, went to the NOW program and got to know
the area,” Gonzalez said. “Even if you’ve been in Germany, there
is a lot to know about local neighborhoods and you can learn
something new every day.”
Just learning to ride the bus was going to make a difference to
Sousa, who doesn’t have a car and lives off post.
“It was informative,” Sousa said. “I thought we’d just ride the
bus into town, ride around and turn around. Learning to ride the
bus was helpful because I’m looking at a house about 15 minutes
out of town and she (Gonzalez) says the bus goes right by there.”
After arriving at the bus station, the group took to the streets
with Gonzalez pointing out places of interest including places to
shop, a last-minute travel office, the Rathaus (city hall) and
churches.
“We’re doing lots of walking and there are lots of things to
come back and see,” said Diane Davis. “It’s been nice and comfortable. She’s got us on a leisurely pace. Learning to take the bus
was the most important thing; it’s the key to getting around the
city.”
Getting out for the day and learning about the city was something Williams was going to share.
“My husband doesn’t get to do all these fun things,” Williams
said. “Now I can show him where to go.”
Scott Rouch
Cindy Gonzalez leads the NOW participants on a tour
of downtown Wuerzburg.
Schweinfurt SAS shifts gears for upcoming school year
gram to a before and after school service.
But don’t think the fun and learning are over.
The School Age Services summer program
“We’ll be doing more club activities during
the school year,” said Bobbie Jones, SAS assiswas full of activities for children in Schweinfurt.
tant
director.
“The regularity
of enrollment
during
the
school year is
more conducive
to regular club
meetings.”
Students will
be able to join
clubs where they
can explore art,
computers, and
even digital photography, as well
as participate in
dramatic play,
group bonding,
and something
called
“The
Power Hour.”
“The Power
Hour is a homework lab. We
Larry Reilly
Cantigny Club hosts Showcase
work together
with the school
This yearʼs USAG Franconia community showcase is set for Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Cantigny
and
children
Club. The showcase is an opportunity to gather information about services and agencies in Wuerzburg.
earn points for
Smaller agencies or private organizations, such as boy and girl scouts, church organizations and others
participating,
will also be on hand. For more information, call 351-4125 or 0931-296-4125.
which they can
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
They learned to ride horses, visited Legoland,
and went swimming every chance they got.
Now that school is starting, SAS is switching
modes and moving from an all-day summer pro-
redeem after report cards come out for schoolrelated prizes like notebooks or pencils,” Jones
said
With the deployment of the 2nd Brigade
Combat Team, children at SAS will begin facing
new and troubling challenges. The staff is prepared for that as well.
“We have deployment-related activities
planned throughout the year to help the children
stay connected with their deployed parents,”
said Jones.
SAS is open from 5:45 to 8 a.m., and after
school from 2:20 to 6 p.m. Parents can enroll
their children for either program, or opt for both.
“We are not at capacity, so enrollment stays
open throughout the year,” Jones said, also recommending contacting the facility at least a
week before you need to begin bringing your
children.
Children must be enrolled with Child and
Youth Services to enroll in SAS, and parents
must complete an orientation prior to bringing
their children to the facility for care.
Tomoko Gates, SAS director, said orientation
will be held every Tuesday morning from 10:30
to 11 a.m. for parents who find themselves in
need of SAS services.
Hourly care is also available for registered
children for $3 per hour, for parents who may
have occasion for child care services.
For more information, call 354-6974 or
09721-82181.
Sports
The Point, August 25, 2006
23
Area teams prep for 2006 football season
by Scott Rouch
The Point
This is the time of year when hope springs
eternal, every team begins with a clean slate and
all of them have a shot at the title.
Break out the clichés if you must, but it’s time
to get excited, sports fans – the 2006 high school
football season begins Sept. 16.
The Point’s coverage of the three Department
of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS)
schools in our coverage area begins with a preview of each team:
Ansbach Cougars
Head coach Marcus George thinks his Ansbach Cougars are decided underdogs as they vie
for the 2006 DoDDS-Europe Division III title.
Of course, he likes casting his team as the underdog.
George had similar preseason sentiments in
years’ past as the Cougars
won
three-consecutive
championships
(20022004). But he may be right
this time.
In 2005, the Cougars
saw its record 27-game
win streak halted by the
Hohenfels Tigers in the
Marcus George regular season. They finished with a 6-2 record
after falling to the Tigers 37-20 in the Division
III championship game.
2006 presents its own challenges. The
Cougars will not only face a Hohenfels squad
that returns most of its championship team, but
will also play 2005 Division II champion Hanau
that became a Division III school this year.
“We’re basically developing younger players
to see who’s going to move in and, at this point,
we’re definitely a dark horse,” George said. “We
don’t have the people coming back like Hohenfels or Hanau. We were looking really, really
sound with a major portion of the team coming
back, but we’ve lost five starters since April that
we thought were coming back.”
George will look for leaders on his young
team, on being senior Baraka Waweru, a returning all-conference lineman.
“We normally just tell everybody to stay focused, and whether you’re starting or not, everybody’s position is important. Whether you’re
holding the dummies or the person hitting the
dummies, we need everybody to be able to get to
where we were,” Waweru said. “(Last year) felt
like a big letdown because we were representing
all the people who came before us, and we had a
tradition to keep up,” Waweru added.
Senior lineman David Zumbach was of similar mind.
“I want to make everybody work hard enough
to get it,” he said. “Last year I thought we had it;
it was those key moments when we didn’t come
together. That’s what I want to work on. I’m kind
of excited, kind of nervous. I want to get in there
and finish it now.”
No matter what the situation, George has at
least one intangible working in his favor.
“Our tradition will help us because we’re used
to winning, and I think we’ll do the things that
we need to do to get better. Our work habits are
good and our standards are good,” George said.
“I think we’ll get a lot of mileage out of our kids.
It depends on how much we’ve got.”
Scott Rouch (6)
Kaiserslautern coach Jesse Hipes works with Ansbachʼs Jacob Burnside during a
drill for linemen at the 2006 DoDDs-E Football Camp in Ansbach Aug. 16-18.
Wuerzburg running back Anthony Miles
He had players at the three-day DoDDs-Europe played?’ and, ‘Did you play as hard as you can?’ goes through the paces at the DoDDs-E
football camp in Ansbach.
If you answer yes and yes to those things, not camp.
“I brought 11 to the camp – 11 more than I only in football but in life, you’ve probably done
brought last year,” Davis said. “I started out the a successful thing.”
first game (in 2005) with 13 players, so I think
Wuerzburg Wolves
that’s a positive to start off with that many kids.”
After their first practice with 27 players on the
The Barons were 3-3 in 2005; their losses on
the road to three-time champion Ansbach, to field, Wuerzburg head coach Eric Mead had
eventual champion Hohenfels and in the play- some initial impressions.
“We’ve got a lot of kids who haven’t played
offs at London Central. Davis knows the road
football before,” he said.
isn’t any easier in 2006.
By the time school starts Mead expects close
“Hohenfels looks just as strong as they did
last year. We have Hanau, the defending Divi- to 40 players on the field for practice.
sion II champs, moving down and Ansbach’s alIt will be a new feel for the Wolves who
ways going to be a contender,” he said. “Add in slipped from Division I to Division II for the
Giessen and Sigonella and that could drop any- 2006 season and did away with junior varsity
body’s hopes of getting to the playoffs. Yeah, it’s football. Mead, who coached the Wolves to the
going to be a tough road to hoe, definitely.”
Division I title in 2002, may be the perfect perHelping get down that son for the job.
road will be a pair of tal“I’m looking forward to working in a small
ented returners.
school. I prefer a small school to a big school,”
With the addition of Dil- Mead said, having also coached six years at Allon Baker at quarterback, conbury in England.
Davis plans to move Mar“Last time I coached we
vin Gholston back to wide were Division I and had
receiver. Gholston was a about 80 to 100 kids come
wide receiver in 2004 and out. It was difficult beplayed quarterback in cause we were short on
2005. The defense will coaches most of the time. I
also return tough Adam expect to have a fewer
James Davis
Worrell.
problems – not that we had
“I only have one first team all-conference a lot before – but it’s going
back – Adam Worrell at linebacker,” Davis said. to be a lot easier to run and
“He probably put on 10 pounds of muscle over you can get a lot more done
in practice.”
the summer and he’s ready to go.”
Eric Mead
Returning for his third
While the goal is to win a championship,
year at running back for the Wolves, Anthony
Davis knows there are first steps to take.
“Obviously we want to build a team to com- “AJ” Miles sees the good and bad sides to havpete with some of the teams that have been ing a small squad.
Bamberg Barons
“We’ll have more time to focus on individuaround; programs that have established themHead coach James Davis already has his team selves,” he said. “I think depth is going to be a als, which is good, but it’s bad because we’ll
off to a better start this year than he did in 2005. problem for us against teams with more players have a lot of new players playing positions
but I think we’ll still field a they’re not used to,” he said.
competitive team.”
Though the team will be inexperienced, Mead
Davis doesn’t judge his saw enough good things at practice to keep him
players just on wins and upbeat.
losses.
“We have more speed than Wuerzburg has
Rattlers lose, advance
had
in the past three or four years,” Mead said. Bambergʼs Dillon Baker is the front run“I
ask
my
kids
two
quesThe Kitzingen Rattlers men’s softball team fell 11-10 to
“We
look good in the skill positions and the of- ner to start at quarterback for the Barons
tions
at
the
end
of
every
game:
Stuttgart in the championship game of the 2006 U.S. Army,
fensive
line has got some decent size.”
‘Are
you
proud
of
how
you
in 2006.
Europe Softball Championships in Grafenwoehr last weekend. Despite the loss, Kitzingen advances with Stuttgart to
the 2006 U.S. Forces Europe tournament also in Grafenwoehr Aug. 24-27. Teams will be matched against U.S. Air
Force, Europe squads Ramstein and Spangdahlem.
by Scott Rouch
bach airfield were being conducted about a football field’s length
Soccer Academy
The Point
away from the training area.
Enroll in the Kabuye Soccer Academy running from
“Sometimes I think these helicopters wait until I start talking
Even
with
the
continuing
drawdown
of
forces
across
Europe,
Aug. 28-Nov. 24 on the Child and Youth Services sports
then land over there,” George said. “I’m coming out with a bullthe 2006 Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe
field near the Leighton School Age Services. The cost is
horn in the second half (afternoon session). I won’t have a voice
Football Camp in Ansbach Aug. 16-18 had nearly 500 partici$150 per season. For more information call 350-7762 or
otherwise.”
pants.
0931-889-7762.
For the coaches, it was a good way to evaluate talent before
“It’s
the
largest
ever,”
said
Ansbach
head
football
coach
MarGo volksmarching
they began official team practices the following week.
cus George. “We do so much preparation that basically we got a
Explore the city of Dettelbach am Main Sept. 2-3. Volkshigher percentage (because) more people know about the camp.
“We only have 17 kids in camp, and we expect to have about
march either six, 11 or 20 km both days. The 20K march beIf we’d done the administrative effort we do now, there’s no
40 out for football,” said Wuerzburg head coach Eric Mead.
gins at noon Sept. 2 while the six and 11K marches begin at
telling how many we’d have had before.”
“We’re missing a few key seniors here. The kids that are here
4 p.m. All marches begin at 6 a.m. Sept. 3. To pre-register
The first day, coaches and campers faced their own unique
look pretty good and they’re getting a lot of extra work that the
or for more information, call 09324-2861 or 0171-907challenges.
The
players
were
run
through
drills
while
coaches
other kids don’t get. In the beginning of the year that’s real valu4478. Registration closes Aug. 28
had to work hard just to be heard. Flight operations on Katterable.”
Roundup
Huge turnout for DoDDs-Europe camp