The Citizen - July 2019 by AdvantiPro GmbH

Vol. 48, No. 9, July 2019

Serving the Greater Stuttgart Military Community

www.stuttgartcitizen.com

Photos by Larry Reilly, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Robert Massey, Housing Office, Directorate of Public Works, addresses community members attending the second Housing Community Town Hall of the year, June 27.

Stuttgart hosts second Housing town hall on RB By Holly DeCarlo-White USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Community members gathered online and in-person at the Robinson Barracks Chapel to participate in the second Housing community town hall of the year, June 27. Despite the heat wave in Stuttgart, approximately 50 people arrived to the non-air conditioned chapel to engage with Col. Neal A. Corson, commander, USAG Stuttgart, and representatives from the Directorate of Public Works and Housing office, the Directorate of Emergency Services, Family & Morale, Welfare and Recreation and Child & Youth Services, and the Defense Commissary Agency. The meeting was also available to watch and comment live through the garrison Facebook page. Corson reviewed updates to projects and concerns that arose during the previous town hall to include emergency response times on-post; the status of Wi-Fi and 24/7 access at the RB Fitness Center, which is still on hold for the foreseeable future due to lack of cable installment funding; the service order process and priority for repairs in on-post housing; and expired items at the commissary. Community members submitted questions in advance as well as

With community members to his front and the directorate leaders at his side (from left, DPW, DES and MWR) in the RB chapel, garrison commander Col. Neal Corson responds to questions and concerns regarding the Housing Office and other issues.

throughout the event online. The topic of parking enforcement and speed on-post was another reoccurring concern. DES clarified, “Housing gives the spots, we make sure that people are parking in the right spots.” It urged community members to use the “Report to MP” button on the USAG Stuttgart mobile app to send the

details of an improperly parked or speeding vehicle, or upload a photo so the Military Police can track and enforce. Visit www.stuttgartcitizen.com for a full recap of questions and answers, as well as due-outs the command team is working on from the community provided feedback. The next Town Hall is scheduled at the Panzer

Chapel, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. Community members can always contact the garrison using the Feedback button on the USAG Stuttgart mobile app, which sends an email to the garrison Public Affairs Office. ICE comments are also reviewed directly by the command team for feedback and suggestions.

NEWS

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The Citizen, July 2019

Outgoing garrison commander reflects on his time at USAG Stuttgart As Col. Neal A. Corson, garrison commander, USAG Stuttgart, nears the end of his tenure here, the Stuttgart Citizen newspaper staff caught up with him and asked if he would reflect on his two-year tour.

worked over the past two years to get the Army to establish funding programs to provide predictability to our mission partners in facility funding. We are starting to see the fruits of that work as the Department of the Army is working to define our requirements and then build predictable funding.

Public Affairs Office USAG Stuttgart

What was you initial overall thought after taking command of the garrison in 2017?

What did you find was the most challenging and satisfying aspects of the job?

The most challenging part of being the garrison commander is the slow pace at which change and progress occurs in the garrison. Every improvement takes a long time to complete and that slow pace can be frustrating. The greatest satisfaction comes from serving and engaging with the members of our military community. It is a great thing to be able to help people with issues that they face each day. Being the garrison commander is about serving and that is what I joined the Army to do.

What a wonderful opportunity to serve the service members stationed in USAG Stuttgart; expand the amazing relationship between U.S. Military Forces in Germany and the citizens of the greater Stuttgart metropolitan area. I was also very excited to be given the opportunity to learn the enterprise of installation management.

What were the top areas of the garrison’s internal operations do you believe needed your attention most and why?

Col. Neal A. Corson

I saw many areas that needed my attention. However, I focused on three areas. First was the internal structure and capacity of Directorate of Public Works (DPW). USAG Stuttgart benefits from the resources that our mission partners can provide to help sustain the installation, however these resources require DPW to manage them. We looked very closely at the structure of DPW and the number of engineers we had on staff and determined that we need addition personnel and minor changes to our structure to better manage the projects we were being asked to execute. Second, I focused on how we deliver mail. Our great postal professionals were being asked to process enormous volumes of mail while being severely undermanned. We

UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART Commander Col. Neal A. Corson Senior Enlisted Adviser Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia Public Affairs Ofﬁcer Larry Reilly Command Information Chief and Editor John Reese

successfully changed the way mail is delivered and freed up professionals from eliminated tasks to process mail more effectively. Third, I saw a need to refine how we communicate with our community and help them access our services. This was the reason for creating an installation app.

How were you able to balance the daily operations of running the garrison team and your role as a husband and a dad? How has your family viewed their time in Stuttgart?

I am a big believer in work– home balance. I work very hard. However, when I walk through my front door, I focus on my family and spending time with them.

I think anyone who spends a tour in Europe and does not travel and see the amazing places and people Europe has to offer has thrown away an enormous opportunity. Service members and civilians need to take time to travel and spend quality time with their families.

At the midway point of your time as commander, what were some of the good ideas too hard to complete, but that you needed to lay solid groundwork on?

One of our major objectives of the garrison and our mission partners was laying the groundwork for the establishment of a funding program for COCOM facility revitalization. We have

Contributors Angelika Aguilar Holly DeCarlo-White

Web: www.StuttgartCitizen.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ USAGarrisonStuttgart/

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Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne Army Post Ofﬁce Mailing Address Unit 30401, APO AE 09107 German Mailing Address Panzer Kaserne Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 70032 Böblingen Telephone:

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AdvantiPro GmbH Europaallee 3 67657 Kaiserslautern Telephone: +49 (0) 631-30 3355 30 Web: www.AdvantiPro.com Managing Director Bret Helenius ADVERTISING IN THE CITIZEN Display Advertising Contact Jaqueline Samad Telephone: +49 (0) 631-30 3355 37

The garrison’s motto is: “I am glad I live here.” If you believe that to be true, what would be the number one reason for that belief?

I believe a community is a great place to live when your kids believe it’s a great place to live and they are happy living here. My kids have loved their time in Stuttgart and that make me glad I live here. Corson and his family will officially bid farewell to the Stuttgart community during the USAG Stuttgart change of command ceremony on July 10 at 10 a.m. on Patch Barracks’ Washington Square. The Corson family will then travel to Fort Eustis, Virginia, where Corson will be the deputy chief of staff for the Futures and Concept Center.

Email:Ads@StuttgartCitizen.com The Stuttgart Citizen is an authorized newspaper, produced in the interest of the U.S. Army community in Stuttgart by the U.S. Army-Garrison Stuttgart Public Affairs Office. Contents of the Citizen are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. The Stuttgart Citizen is printed by AvantiPro, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Govt., under exclusive written agreement with U.S. Army Stuttgart. It is published monthly using the offset method of reproduction and has a printed circulation of 5,000 copies. Everything advertised herein

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 factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The appearance of advertising herein, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Dept. of the Army, or AvantiPro, of the ﬁrms, products or services advertised. Unless otherwise indicated, all sixdigit phone numbers in The Stuttgart Citizen are DSN numbers and all longer numbers are civilian.

The Citizen, July 2019

NEWS

Page 3

July 2019 fests in and around Stuttgart

Story and photos by Bardia Khajenoori USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

The Stuttgart region loves its festivals, but when it comes to frequency and diversity, there’s no time quite like the summer. Most local towns and villages will have their own events, including each neighborhood of Stuttgart. From music festivals to food and world culture, the options are endless. Bürgerfest, Esslingen, July 6-8 Located along the banks of the Neckar River, the beautiful and historic city of Esslingen celebrates its citizens (not hamburgers; note the umlauted “u”) in an annual threeday festival dating back to 1973. Multiple stages throughout the city center host concerts, performances, and other entertainment, with some activities especially for children. Vendors will be on hand to offer culinary specialties, and shoppers can rummage through flea markets. Sunday morning is highlighted by a race, the Esslinger-Zeitung-Lauf, which attracts runners from far and wide. Afrika Festival, Erwin-SchoettlePlatz, Stuttgart, July 6-8 The annual Africa Festival celebrates African cultures with food, fashion shows, concerts, and more. The festival’s central location is a great place to enjoy the live music and dancing, African bazaar, and dishes from local restaurants. For a schedule of activities and concerts, visit www.afrikafestivalstuttgart.de. Events at Ludwigsburg Palace and Gardens, July 7-8 One summer highlight of the baroque palace at Ludwigsburg is the Grand Musical Fireworks Display on the evening of July 7, when the gardens are filled with thousands of lights and the sounds of classical music. A 20-minute firework display, synchronized to the music, rounds out the night. The free Royal Children’s Festival, now in its tenth year, will take place in the central courtyard of the palace

on July 8 (1-6 p.m.), with a number of activities including a royal throne on which children can take pictures. Sand Artists will also be sculpting their art during this time, and their completed works will continue to be exhibited until August 30. 31st Hamburg Fish Market in Stuttgart, July 12-22 For ten days each July, vendors from Hamburg’s famous fish market hit the road and set up in Stuttgart’s Karlsplatz to help fill the void. Enjoy live music, drinks, and food until 11pm (Sunday through Wednesday) or midnight (Thursday through Saturday). Jazz Open Stuttgart, July 12-22 International musicians headline the 25th annual Jazz Open Stuttgart. Tickets (€20-€95) are required to enter the concert area and see the performers; however during openair performances in the courtyard of the New Palace (Neues Schloss), the music can be heard from around Schlossplatz. Information on concerts and tickets is available at jazzopen.com. For a free alternative, the new City Museum of Stuttgart at the Stadtpalais will host open concerts at 10pm on July 13-14 and 16-21. Summer Street Festival, Schorndorf, July 13-17 Schorndorf is a charming village east of Stuttgart known primarily for being the birthplace of automobile pioneer Gottlieb Daimler. It’s also home to a summer street festival with food, drinks, and outdoor entertainment nestled between the half-timbered frames of Old Town. Event map and information at schowo.de. Festival of Lights at Killesberg Park, Stuttgart, July 14 The first “night of lights” at Killesberg was held over seventy years ago and has only been perfected since. Live music, children’s games, and rides on the park’s mini-railway are among the activities leading up to the musical fireworks which conclude the evening. While food and drink vendors will be available, visitors can also bring their own food and

non-alcoholic beverages “in quantities that are normal for consumption” (but don’t bring glass). Tickets (€1216) and more information available at lichterfest-stuttgart.de. Summer Festival of Cultures, Marktplatz Stuttgart, July 17-22 With over 40% of its residents coming from a foreign background, Stuttgart is one of the most diverse cities in Germany. The Summer Festival of Cultures celebrates this with six days of world music, food, shopping, and other activities in what is the largest intercultural festival in Southern Germany. More information, including concert schedules, at sommerfestival-der-kulturen.de. Schlemmen am See, Böblingen, July 18-22 “Feast on the lake” with almost two dozen food and drink vendors and a full lineup of concerts around the lakes of the city center. A meetup of “Old Timer” cars is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. For information including menus, concert schedules, and maps, visit schlemmenamsee.de. Bohnenviertelfest (Bean Quarter Fest), Stuttgart, July 19-21 The Heusteigviertelfest from June 29-July 1 kicked off the season of neighborhood street festivals in Stuttgart. The “bean quarter,” so named because of the many vining pole beans grown by generations of residents, is one of the oldest areas of Stuttgart. Covering the area between Charlottenplatz and Leonhardsplatz, it remains well-preserved and is home to many restaurants, cafes, and artisan shops. Its festival is traditionally held on the last weekend in July before the summer holidays of local schools and features food and drink as well as concerts, dance, and sports demonstrations. Marienplatzfest, Stuttgart, July 19-22 The trendy area around Marienplatz becomes even more of an activity hub during the Marienplatzfest. Indie, folk,

and electro pop musicians are scheduled to perform, with urban art, DJs, children’s programs, and food and drink set to complete the occasion. Ballet in the Park and Opera at the Lake, Schlossgarten Stuttgart, July 21-22 and 24 Ballet in the Park is one of the most anticipated open-air summer events, when Stuttgart’s world-renowned ballet transmits a live performance onto a giant screen set up in the lawn opposite the opera house. Saturday features a selection of pieces by members of talented academies while Sunday offers the professional company. The Stuttgart Opera offers a live screening of Bellini’s “The Puritans” on Tuesday night in the same space. Visitors must bring their own blankets or small, soft seating. Glasses and cans are not permitted. Henkersfest, Wilhelmsplatz, Stuttgart, July 25-28 The name of the “Hangman’s Fest” harks back to the time Wilhelmsplatz served as the city’s execution site in the Middle Ages, but it’s the festival that offers a killer experience these days. The four-day event, which includes diverse selections of live music, food, and drinks, attracts thousands of visitors annually. Wine and Pretzel Festival, Marktplatz Bad Cannstatt, July 26-29 Founded as Stuttgart’s first street fest, the Wine and Pretzel Festival in Bad Cannstatt’s old town offers salty pretzels, sweet wines, and every taste in between. Those who would rather pair pretzels with beer will have a number of options available, as well as other foods. Musical entertainment is also on offer.

NEWS

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The Citizen, July 2019

CID warns Army community about social media impersonation of Soldier accounts Criminal Investigation Command News Release

QUANTICO, VA. — U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command’s (CID) Computer Crime Investigative Unit (CCIU) is once again warning Soldiers and the Army community to be on the lookout for “social media scams” where cybercriminals impersonate service members by using actual and fictitious information, not just for “trustbased relationship scams,” also known as romance scams, but for other impersonation crimes such as sales schemes and advance fee schemes. “By monitoring your social media identity, you can protect your Army family and your reputation,” said Special Agent Marc Martin, deputy director of operations for CCIU. “The criminals will use factual data from official websites and Soldiers’ personal social media sites, then prey on vulnerable people’s trusting nature and willingness to help the Soldier.” Frequently, CID receives notifications from individuals stating they were scammed online by someone claiming to be a Soldier, but in reality it was an online scammer who has used an unsuspected Soldier’s name and available social media photos to commit a crime. No one is immune from becoming a victim. Scammers steal the identity of senior officers, enlisted personnel, contractors and civilians. Scammers, using this information from legitimate profiles, will capitalize on the trustworthy reputation of individuals associated with the Army. According to Martin, CCIU has seen a resurgence of scammers using fake Common Access Cards (CAC), a “smart” card that is the standard identification for active duty personnel, Selected Reserve, DOD civilian employees, and eligible contractor personnel. Scammers use the cards to give their ruse a greater level of legitimacy. “Using a fake CAC is not a new tactic,” said Martin. “At first glance it could look almost legitimate, but if you look closely you will notice errors such as

incorrect pay grades and other inaccurate markings.” Another recent scam that is gaining steam begins when a Soldier receives a letter in the mail demanding money or embarrassing information about him/ her will be released to their spouse. The letter purports to be from someone who knows the Soldier and the sender claims to have information that if released to their spouse, will be very humiliating. The sender does not identify any specific misconduct or crime in the letter and demands large payments in Bitcoin or they will expose the alleged secret to the Soldier’s spouse, family and friends. Mitigating fraudulent social media accounts can simply start with searching for your name on various social media platforms. Since scammers may use your photo but change the name, you should also conduct an image search of your social media profile pictures. If you find yourself or a family member being impersonated online, CID warns that you should take immediate steps to have the fraudulent sites removed. Victims should immediately contact the social media platform (company) and report the false profile. Keep in mind that criminals create impersonation accounts to look just like the real account of a service member by using very similarly spelled names and replacing characters with dashes, spaces, and/or homoglyph characters. Be on the lookout for simple changes such as zeros (0) used instead of the letter “O” or a number one (1) instead of the letter “l.” “Always remember that effectively searching yourself requires creativity because of the misspelled names and other identifying information slightly different to disguise the criminal activity or just because the scammer doesn’t have command of the

English language,” CID officials said. “Criminals will hijack photographs found on the Soldiers official and personal social media page and create a similar or identical biography.” Officials also warned that impersonations can be classified as Confidence Based/ Romance Relationship, Sales Schemes or Advance Fee Schemes. Confidence Based/ Romance Relationship: Scammers defraud victims by pretending to be service members seeking romance or in need of emotional support and companionship. In these scams, cybercriminals often derive information for their fictionalized military personas from official military websites and social networking websites where military families post information about their loved ones. Scammers gather enough detailed personal information, including pictures, to concoct believable stories tailored to appeal to a victim’s emotions and then lure unsuspecting victims (most often women) into sending money to help them with transportation costs, marriage processing expenses, medical fees, communication fees such as laptops and satellite telephones. They typically promise to repay the victim when they finally meet; however, once the victim stops sending money, the scammer is not heard from again. Sales Schemes: Most frequently carried out on sites that facilitate sales of various products, scammers lure victims by offering goods well below market price. Most scams involve vehicle sales, house rentals or similar big-ticket items. The scammer advertises an item for sale, at a to-good-tobe-true price, and describes it in the broadest of terms. A person showing interest is soon contacted by the “seller” who claims to be a service member with a military unit that is being deployed abroad. The scammer uses

the pending deployment to explain the need for a quick sale and, hence, the below market sales price. The scammer insists that money changes hands quickly using some untraceable and irrevocable means such as Western Union, MoneyGram or gift cards. The merchandise is never received and the scammer is not heard from again. Advance Fee Schemes: These schemes defraud potential victims by promising big profits in exchange for help in moving large sums of money (or gold, oil, or some other commodity or contraband). Claiming to be high-ranking or well-placed government/military officials or the surviving spouse of former government leaders, the perpetrators offer to transfer significant amounts of money into the victim’s bank account in exchange for a small fee. Some use photographs and biographical information of highprofile American military officials obtained from the Internet. Scammers that receive payment are never heard from again. The Computer Crime Investigative Unit has found that the longer an imposter account is active, the greater the likelihood of misleading others,” Martin said. “Protect yourself by conducting Internet searches on yourself and your family. Expediency is paramount.”

Want to know more?

For more information about computer security, other computer-related scams and to review previous cyber-crime alert notices and cyber-crime prevention flyers visit the Army CID website at www.cid.army. mil/cciu-advisories.html. For more information on CID or to report a felony-level crime or provide information concerning a crime, contact your local CID Office or the Military Police or visit www.cid. army.mil.

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The Citizen, July 2019

Page 5

Ask a JAG: USCIS to close international offices employees working in more than 23 different offices overseas. Some of the offices have already closed and

normal operations of the agency. There has been a recent spike in Central Americans seeking asy-

the employees have been sent back to the U.S. According to USCIS, closing these offices will save several milAttorney at Law lion dollars and will not An American lawyer serving interrupt the the military community.

lum in the U.S. over the past several months. By closing the offices, USCIS may hope to reduce this backlog. Focusing on asylum cases could make it more difficult for family and employment based immigration cases to be processed. There are people who have been waiting

By Sgt. David A. McDonald Stuttgart Legal Office

There was a recent announcement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that it plans to close its offices overseas before March 2020. This announcement will change the immigration process for both expavts and immigrants. For those unfamiliar with how USCIS works, there may be questions concerning what effect this may have on immigration services worldwide. The director of USCIS mentioned that this change was made in order to take the resources that were being utilized overseas and use them to help clear the backlog of immigration cases. There are currently more than 70 USCIS

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for many years for USCIS backlogs to be cleared. Those who are attempting to apply from outside the U.S. can still go through consular processing for green cards or visas. Since the USCIS offices are closing, it may take much longer for the entire process to be done across countries rather than through a local office in the US. USCIS will, however, establish one hub in Germany (Camp Grafenwoehr) and one hub in Italy (Naples Naval Base). If you are concerned about the future of your visa or green card due to this or any other announcement the Stuttgart Legal Assistance Office can help. Our volunteer immigration attorney will be able to assist you in all types of visas and green cards.

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Page 6 30–Sept. 2 for the USAREUR training holidays.

Send your announcements for upcoming events to the USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office Pointy teeth optional The Stuttgart Piranhas international youth swim team is looking for a few good swim coaches. The team of highly motivated and fun-loving swimmers competes in European Forces Swim League meets around Europe from August through February. If you have what it takes to be a Piranha and you’re interested in joining their coaching staff, email secretary@stuttgartpiranhas.org. Lawless days of summer The Stuttgart Law Center will be closed the morning of July 10 for the garrison change of command ceremony. The office will re-open at 1 p.m. The SLC will also be closed July 4–5, Aug. 2–5 and Aug.

Adventure challenge time Spend the morning of morning July 13 running through the forested training area near Panzer Kaserne, solving riddles, completing physical challenges and mental puzzles, with three of your buddies, then celebrate with a free lunch at the end of the USO’s 2nd Adventure Challenge. Registration is already open and its free, plus the USO promises the lunch won’t be MREs. The first 20 teams of four to register will receive free USO Adventure Challenge t-shirts. The event takes place on Panzer Kaserne. Participants must be 18 and older. The top three teams will receive prizes. New to EUCOM? EUCOM is offering seven

opportunities to get to know other in-processing families and get questions answered. The ones at the Panzer Hotel take place at 10 a.m., July 11 and 25, and Aug. 8 and 22. For additional meetings at a hotel off post, ask your EUCOM sponsor. “Engage!” The next Stuttgart Area Leadership Engagement Series is scheduled to take place July 16. Too often information is only shared with those in an immediate circle which is based on chance, not intent. Leadership Engagement is an opportunity for a greater number of people to glean information that they would otherwise not have the luck of hearing. Call 431-3597 for details.

The Citizen, July 2019 Experienced Rider courses are required for service members to ride. The training is done on a specially designed course on Stuttgart Army Airfield. The remaining BRC date is July 25. The next ERC courses take place Aug. 1 and Sep. 26. Personnel must register online via US Army Traffic Safety Training Program Registration System. Note: Registration is CACenabled for Soldiers; nonArmy should contact the USAG Stuttgart Safety Office. The Installation Safety Office is in Bldg. 2948, rooms 302, 301 and 320, Panzer Kaserne. Call 431-3832/3133/3134 Civilians or family members needing training should call the rider mentor coaches at 431-2198 or 430-2226.

Run to Remember The Memorial Run to Remember takes place at 7:15 a.m., July 27, on Panzer Kaserne. This year marks the 12th year of the event dedicated to fallen service members from the post-9/11 era. See p. 15 for more info. Hear ye, hear ye The garrison just conducted a community town hall at Robinson Barracks, June 27. Over the next year, the garrison will conduct

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three more community town halls to address concerns regarding housing and other issues. The town halls will take place at Panzer Chapel, Sept. 23; Kelley Theater, Dec. 11; and Patch Chapel, March 26, 2020. Any changes will be announced here and online. Anchors away Sailors and community members are invited to commemorate Navy heritage and tradition by attending the 244th U.S. Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 19, at Stadthalle Sindelfingen. Watch for announcements of events to bring greater awareness about the ball, where to get tickets, etc., as the date draws nearer.

Email stuttgartnavyballcommitee@gmail.com. Plan, first contact, etc. The FMWR Auto Skills Center currently in transition. However, the plans are changing at press time and it will not reopen July 8 on Kelley Barracks as originally announced. Watch the Stuttgart MWR webpage for updates. Safe Helpline success According to a report released in March, the Army achieved extraordinarily high success rates of 100 percent for SARCs and other responders. These efforts ensure that sexual assault survivors have immediate access to the most current and accurate contact

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Page 7 And now a boxers’ brief For the second time, boxers from around Europe will have a chance to bring home the belt. The IMCOM-E USAG Stuttgart Oktoberfest Boxing Championships, Oct.19, at the Panzer Fitness Center. The tournament is open to all IMCOM-E service members and will allow boxers to measure themselves against the best in Europe. Open to active and Reserve service members. Registration open until Oct. 4. Call 431-2724 or 07031-15-2724

Day of the Falcons “Calling Mr. APO” MWR Tours, Bldg. According to the gar2915, Rm. 312B (just out- rison postmaster, there Sun & Fun with USO USO Stuttgart an- side of USO) offers a are no changes to the curnounces its annual Fun & family-friendly event at rent schedule of hours Sun Day, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Hohenzollern Castle for for the Army Post Offices. zputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwor Falconer Day, Sept. 15. However, there are some Aug. 24, on Patch Barracks’puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork Majestic eagles, lighting changes to the phone numHusky Field. This free eventputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork fast falcons and imposing bers: Patch APO 596-7226 is for the whole family, withputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork owls conquer the sky over and CMR 596-4078; Panzer carnival games, a talentputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork the castle on this special APO 596-2563 and CMR show, barbecue and otherputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork Falconer Day. Then stroll 596-3407; and the Panzer foods, water fun and more,puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork like a king through the Official Mail number is now including a DJ. puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork castle and royal chambers. 596-3192. puterNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetworksServiceNotebooksComputerNetwork

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The Citizen, July 2019

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FEATURE

Page 8

The Citizen, July 2019

Former resident of Patch Barracks, aka “Kurmaerker Kaserne,” visits after 76 years By Angelika Aguilar USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

At 80 years of age, Dieter Baetsch said it was his greatest desire to return to the place he lived as a child for the first five years of his life, 1939-1944. During the war, his father served as Kurmaerker Kaserne’s administrative commander. Accompanied by his granddaughter, Sophie Zimmermann, and Daniel Fitzgerald, historian, US European Command, he recently returned to his former home, now known as USAG Stuttgart’s Patch Barracks. Using old photos, Baetsch searched for his former home on Patch Barracks. Together with the historian, the trio walked around the kaserne, checking his black and white pictures, until he was finally able to locate his former home: Bldg. 2915, ECJ2. The pictures showed the outside of their apartment on the second floor, and he pointed out where his former “Kinderzimmer” was located. Baetsch told a moving story about how they were bombed by the U.S. Army-Air Force during the war, pointing out what was then his dining room window where a bomb went through and got stuck in the crystal chandelier. Fortunately, it didn’t explode and nobody got hurt. He was able to locate the same tree in the garden he used to climb on when he was little. His father had never been a member of the Nazi party, and therefore, when called by the Americans during the denazification process, he was released shortly afterward. The octogenarian now lives in the Heilbronn area. He enjoyed his visit and was very happy to be treated as a friend. Baetsch hopes to be able to come back to visit Patch Barracks one more time. The name Kurmaerker Kaserne is why the alternate gate at Patch is now referred to as the K&K gate.

Photos by Angel Grimm

Dieter Baetsch, right, and EUCOM historian Daniel Fitzgerald rediscover the past from when Baetsch lived on Kurmaerker Kaserne (now Patch Barracks) during the war years.

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Safety

The Citizen, July 2019

Page 9

Get to know Germany’s bicycle rules of the road By Public Affairs USAG Stuttgart

Whether you are taking a fun bike ride with the family, using a bicycle to get to work or as part of your fitness routine, make sure that safety is your primary concern. The rules are a little different when riding on USAG Stuttgart installations. Here’s the equipment you need and what you need to know in order to stay safe when you take to the road on a bike in Germany. Bicycles must have two independently acting braking devices, a bell or horn for dispensing acoustic warnings, a non-blinking front headlamp of white or pale yellow color to illuminate the road and a red rear tail light that stays lit when stationary. Bikes must also have a white reflector in the front and a red reflector in the rear, plus at least two yellow reflectors on each wheel. Bike riders, even in minor accidents, are vulnerable to injuries. Some riders, especially during warmer weather, wear short pants and short sleeve shirts made of thin material that is good for keeping cool but offer little to protect riders from road rash or worse. Riders should check their bikes for tire pressure, brakes, condition of chains, ensuring none of the equipment listed above is missing, etc., before taking to the road. Helmets are mandatory when riding on Army installations, but not on German roads. However, when off post, helmets are strongly recommended to protect against the risk of serious head injuries. Some German cities have adopted helmet laws for young children. Bicycles are legal traffic. They must be on the street with traffic and ride in the direction of traffic. Watch for signs indicating a bicycle path; if there is a bicycle path, you must use it and not ride on the street or road with traffic. If you are coming from a sidewalk, parking lot, driveway or the like, you must yield to all traffic on the priority roadway. Children

Photo by John Reese, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Garrison bicyclists learn about safety, rules of the road in Germany and more during the annual Bike to Work Week.

up to age eight must ride on the sidewalk, not in traffic; kids up to age 10 may ride on the sidewalk. When on German roads, riding side by side is forbidden. Riders must be single file, even in bicycle lanes marked out on the streets. You must give a hand signal for all turns. Point left with the left arm, and point right with the right arm, to signal turns. The signal for stopping is one arm extended and the forearm pointing down using the arm most likely to be seen by the traffic. In pedestrian zones where bicycles are allowed, pedestrians always have the right of way. An intersection with only one painted crosswalk means that you may have to use that crosswalk. If you walk your

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bicycle across, cars are required to stop for you. If you ride your bicycle across, you are no longer a pedestrian and laws relating to pedestrians no longer apply to you. When riding in a pedestrian zone, you must push your bicycle if the pedestrian area restricts bicycles. If bicycles are allowed, you must ride at walking speed. Unless there are signs indicating an exception for bicycles, cyclists cannot ride against the flow of traffic on oneway streets. One hand or no-hands riding is forbidden. Maintain full control of your bicycle at all times. Carrying items on your bicycle that may cause an issue in traffic is forbidden. Such items include open

umbrellas, saws, scythes, or other items that might cause damage or impaired maneuverability. It is prohibited to use a cell phone while riding a bicycle except when using a hands free capability. Impaired driving also applies to riding a bicycle. If your blood alcohol exceeds the limits, you can be fined and can possibly lose your driver’s license. This also applies to riding while being impaired by medications. Any violation of traffic regulations carries a fine so make sure you respect host nation laws. (Editor’s note: Information for this article was provided by the USAG Bavaria Safety Office.) When riding on USAG Stuttgart installations: • During hours of darkness or reduced visibility, bicycles must be equipped with an operable headlight or taillight. • Riders must wear a reflective upper garment. • Riders must wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved helmet. • Wearing headphones, earphones or other listening devices is prohibited. • Yield to traffic when appropriate. • Go with the traffic flow. • Obey all traffic laws. • Look before turning.

HEALTH

Page 10

The Citizen, July 2019

Outdoors this summer? Learn about hantavirus!

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As summer continues, your public health professionals at Public Health Command Europe would like to make everyone aware of a lesser known disease caused by hantavirus. Every year, several hantavirus cases are reported within Europe’s military community. With warmer weather, people tend to spend more time outdoors, go on nature walks, and possibly venture into their tool sheds to clean them out. Before you do, however, be sure to take some precautions and educate yourself on the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures to avoid hantavirus exposure. People are exposed to hantavirus disease through droppings or dust contaminated by urine or saliva from infected rodents. Sweeping out a dirty shed or crawling around in dusty areas

frequented by rodents is a common way that people come into contact with the disease. The good news is that hantavirus is not known to be carried by commonly-owned pet rodents, such as Guinea pigs, hamsters, or gerbils. Additionally, the most common hantavirus strain found in Europe, Puumala hantavirus, generally causes milder disease symptoms compared Gr to the more severe hantavirus types that you may have read about in the news and are found in the United States. Between 8095% of those exposed to the strain found in Europe do not get sick or develop symptoms. The symptoms of hantavirus disease are non-specific and typically are marked by a sudden onset of fever and flu-like symptoms that include muscle aches, stomach pain, and vomiting. However, in some individuals, severe m .co ck

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disease can cause kidney failure. Your best protection against hantavirus is to avoid exposure to wild rodents and their excrement. Avoid disturbing dusty sheds, barns, attics, and other confined spaces that may have rodent nests. When cleaning out these areas, wear a dust mask and moisten dusty surfaces with 10% bleach, if possible, or water before sweeping them out to reduce the amount of dust put into the air. Make sure the liquid is applied gently and does not make dust circulate in the air. If possible, air out the area before entering if this will not expose people outside these areas. You may wish to wear a dust mask while cleaning for extra protection. After your cleaning activities are done, shower or wash your hands and face thoroughly with soap and water. Employ additional safety measures to reduce rodent access into your home and aforementioned areas by eliminating possible food sources, setting traps, sealing up holes or other access points, repairing screens, and ensuring the weather seals on doors (to include pet doors) are intact. Safety precautions are also important when engaging in outdoor

activities, such as hiking and gardening. Hikers are advised to stay on walking paths, keep food properly sealed, and stay away from rodents. Rodents do not show outward symptoms when they are infected, and the virus can remain infective in the environment for a long time. Gardeners should moisten the area they will be working to avoid aerosolizing the dust and practice good hand washing at breaks and when finished with their chores. If you experience flu-like symptoms after working in a dusty area that may have had rodents present, bring this to the attention of your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible. To find out more about hantavirus, visit: http://ecdc. europa.eu/en/healthtopics/ hantavirus/Pages/index.aspx http://ecdc.europa.eu/ en/healthtopics/hantavirus/ factsheet-health-professionals/ Pages/factsheet_health_ professionals.aspx

The Citizen, July 2019

Page 11

Page 12

Schools and Youth

The Citizen, July 2019

On the ropes with Family Resiliency Story and photos by the School Liaison Office USAG Stuttgart

Ready and resilience (R2) was the focus when the Patch Youth Center and the School Liaison Office teamed up to offer another family resiliency experience. Family members challenged and encouraged each other at the Waldhochseilgarten, Rutesheim Freizeitpark. They gained awareness of their connection with each other, confidence in themselves and their abilities. Relationships matter; and, the teens experiencing the course with their parents let them deepen already existing connections in a new and challenging environment Loghann Bellamy, a freshman at

Stuttgart High School stated, “I am surprised that mom was able to do it. We coached each other.” She and her mother relied on each other to accomplish each task throughout the course working together to grow and succeed as a team Throughout the day, participants practiced the skills they’d learned, and the belief in themselves and their abilities continued to grow. Patrick Lamb best exemplifies the day when he said, “I will have good memories of today and it was fun.”

For more information regarding the family Ready and Resilient (R2) program and future outreach activities, contact the School Liaison Office at DSN 430-7465. #uparmoredresilientTEENS.

Uylosa Richardson gets a helping hand from dad, Yasitu Richardson.

(Left) School counselor Monika Juergens, right, preps students before they take to the treetops; (above) Lily Smith shows mom Sunista the ropes.

Stuttgart High School ‘Student 2 Student’ program becomes resilient By Sawyer Getschman President, Stuttgart High School Student 2 Student (S2S) and Joe Holder School Liaison Officer

On the last day of May, the School Liaison Office sponsored a group of Stuttgart High School’s Student 2 Student (S2S) Ambassadors and traveled to the Waldhochseilgarten, Rutesheim Freizeitpark.

They received real-world experience in resiliency and teamwork. Being a resilient person means being able to adjust to any circumstance that arrives. It does not mean feeling no fear; but rather, overcoming the fear in order to face the obstacle in question. As youth sponsors, S2S ambassadors are in situations with new students where they have to face various fears. From fear of public speaking, to being shy, S2S ambassadors must be

resilient as they overcome their challenges to give new students the support they need. During the day, the S2S ambassadors faced various obstacle courses, forcing them to adapt to each challenge and trust their teammates. Some obstacles required verbal coaching, while others physical support. The ambassadors learned when each type of support was beneficial to the completion of the obstacle. They

now can apply the knowledge and skills they re-enforced during the day to their daily lives. This entire experience gave every ambassador a new sense of self and a new trust in his or her fellow ambassadors. The group is now a tighter team because of the experience. Stuttgart High School S2S Ambassadors’ are ready to hit the ground running next year. #uparmoredresilientTEENS.

travel and events for American Families

Event calendar • travel articles • movie schedules • tips • videos • recipes and more at MilitaryInGermany.com

The Citizen, July 2019

NEWS

AER has grants for child car seats Army Emergency Relief USAG Stuttgart

In a new initiative, Army Emergency Relief is offering assistance with the purchase of child car seats or booster seats for minor children of Soldiers who are enrolled in DEERS. Assistance is in the form of a grant and cost does not exceed $250.00. The need for a child car seat may be validated through the AER Office or the Soldier’s company commander or first sergeant. The Soldier will complete AER Form 700 (Application for Army Emergency Relief ) and provide documentation showing a recent adoption, guardianship or childbirth (birth certificate) or by providing a photo of the car seat that is unserviceable or has been outgrown by an aging child. Additionally, AER officers may provide assistance for a car seat without a birth certificate during the 3rd trimester of a pregnancy (28 to 40 weeks and up). Applicants must provide a valid military ID card, current LES, estimate for cost of the child car

seat, and Title 10 orders for current period of service (Guard, Reserve, or AGR), as applicable. If a Soldier is not available during the application process, a Special Power of Attorney (AER form 53 or civilian equivalent) or allotment authorization (AER Form 55) will be accepted. If the Soldier has already purchased a car seat, they may request reimbursement up to 30 days after purchase. Receipt of purchase is required.

Photo by Alex Zatevakhin / Shutterstock.com

For more information, contact Army Emergency Relief at 596-3362 or 09641-70-596-3362, or visit Bldg. 2915, 2nd Floor, Panzer Kaserne.

Page 13

PCS cardboard boxes don’t have to be a big problem

By Beverly Sowell Stuttgart Logistics Readiness Center

Cardboard box removal after unpacking was a huge problem on Patch last year. If you’ve got boxes, incoming on-post residents should take heed of the official guidance regarding empty moving boxes: Empty boxes may not be stacked or stored outside the buildings at any time. Residents can break boxes down and store in home, cage or basement until a pre-arranged pick up date or place in recycling bins. Moving companies are not obligated to return to pick up boxes once you sign the forms stating your unpack is complete, nor will the moving crew report that boxes need to be picked up … unless you request a future pick up by calling the company’s management directly. Here’s how: • Indicate this request on the signed delivery manifest and customer

service survey before the movers leave on your final unpack day. • Cite the full name of the mover who made the agreement with you on the forms. • The resident must call the moving company management directly, state the mover’s name, and arrange for pick up once the boxes are ready. Store boxes in home, cage or basement until arranged pick up date and time. If these steps are not followed, they will not pick up the boxes. Make a pickup appointment using the moving company’s contact info. When in doubt, residents may break boxes down and put in recycling bins. For more information, call the Traffic Management Stuttgart Logistics Readiness Center 405th Army Field Support BrigadeEurope and Africa at 596-2691 or 09641-70596-2691.

CHAPLAINS

Page 14

The Citizen, July 2019

Celebrating Independence with a declaration CH (Maj.) Matthew M. Hamrick Family Life Chaplain USAG Stuttgart

It’s July again, and we gathered together with other Americans to celebrate our independence on the fourth. This date means a great deal to all Americans, but especially those of us in the profession of arms. Many of us have celebrated this holiday overseas in harm’s way. Some in our ranks never made it back to celebrate with friends and family. We remember them as we commemorate the birth of our nation and the freedoms and independence we hold so dearly. This year we mark the 243rd anniversary of the issuing of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. We stand with those patriots of long ago in the 13 American colonies who severed their political connections to Great Britain. Those colonists stood up to political oppression and willingly fought to preserve the idea of freedom and the American way of life. Independence is a beautiful thing. As much as we prize our independence as a nation, there is something to be said for dependence. We are frail human beings and even the

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strongest among us cannot make it through this life alone. We are created for connection. God created us to be connected to him and to other people. We were made to depend on others. We need other people to help us realize our full potential and find our truest joy in this life. We need a power higher than ourselves to make it through this life that is often difficult and full of worries. The great theologian C.S. Lewis is quoted as saying “To what will you look for help if you will not look to that which is stronger than yourself?” There is strength that is greater than our own. There is a power that can lift us from dire circumstances. There is love that knows no bounds. This strength, power and love are available to each of us. We need to declare our dependence on this greater power. We also need to declare our dependence on each other. We were created for connection, and through these connections we are able to experience life as it was intended to be lived. As you celebrate the independence of our nation, may you also celebrate your dependence upon God and each other. We are all in this together and we need each other. May God bless you and your family!

Garrison Chapel Schedule Catholic Services: Monday: 11 a.m. Adoration: Panzer Chapel 11:45 a.m. Weekday Mass: Panzer Chapel Tuesday: 11:45 a.m. Weekday Mass: Patch Chapel Wednesday: 11:45 a.m. Weekday Mass: Kelley Hotel Thursday: 11:45 a.m. Weekday Mass: Patch Chapel Saturday: 4:15 p.m. Reconciliation: Panzer Chapel 5 p.m. Mass: Panzer Chapel Sunday: 9 a.m. Mass: Patch Chapel 12 p.m. Mass: Robinson Barracks Chapel 5 p.m. Mass: Patch Chapel Protestant Services (Sundays): 8:30 a.m. Panzer Liturgical: Panzer Chapel 10 a.m. Protestant Service: Robinson Barracks 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service: Panzer Chapel 11 a.m. Patch Collective Protestant: Patch Chapel 12:30 p.m. Gospel Service: Panzer Chapel Jewish Service: 1st and 3rd Friday of each Month 6 p.m. Panzer Chapel - (small side chapel) The Religious Support Office may be reached at 431-3079/3074 or 07031-15-3079.

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sports

The Citizen, July 2019

Page 15

Remembering the sacrifices of post 9/11 service members

Photo by Jason Johnston, 7th Army Training Command

Garrison community members begin the 2018 Run to Remember.

Panzer were familiar territory to Waldrop, and it was during one of his runs that the idea of the Run to Remember was born. “One day, I ran past a small memorial and stopped to notice it. To my surprise, it was dedicated to a 40-year-old Army Special Forces Soldier who died from heart complications after collapsing during a run,” Waldrop said. “At that moment, I knew that I had to organize some type of memorial run. The fallen Soldier was Master Sgt. Christopher Keith, who was a hero to the Special Forces community, and his passing, only three years earlier, was still fresh in the hearts and minds of the men and women from 10th SFG (A), Waldrop said. It did not take long for the foundation of the Run to Remember to be laid and necessary partnerships established. “I garnered support instantly with my Battalion Leadership and began to imagine what we could achieve,” Waldrop said. “I reached out to Stuttgart’s MWR, and [the Fitness Coordinator at the time] Mr. Marty Smith instantly thought it was an excellent idea and volunteered to be the race director. Without his support, the Run to Remember would not have been nearly the success that it was.”

Remember will be held July 27; registration continues until July 24. The Run to Remember started 11 years ago from the leadership of former chaplain Maj. Jerry Waldrop and Every year in July, Stuttgart’s has become a longstanding Stuttgart Family and Morale Welfare and tradition to honor and remember Recreation and members of 10th the fallen heroes of the United States Special Forces Group (Airborne) host military. the annual “Run to Remember Half “In 2008, the death toll in Iraq Marathon and 5K” through the Panzer and Afghanistan was soaring. I reKaserne training area. The 2019 Run to ally wanted a way to help our Soldiers and family members to pause in their daily lives, reflect on the sacrifices of our service members, and do something to comOpening Hours memorate Saturday from 12:00 pm Sunday from 11:00 am these losses” Tuesday-Friday from 16:00 pm Waldrop exMondays closed plained in a Reservations reflection of 0711 63 39 66 40 the event he prost@schlossturm-stuttgart.com www.schlossturm-stuttgart.com helped create more than a Traditional Bavarian/Swabian restaurant with over 300 seats... May it be a decade ago. nice quiet meal, birthday party or a larger scale event, Braustube SchlossAn avid turm is the perfect location. runner himself, the SI-Centrum Stuttgart Plieninger Straße 109 70567 Stuttgart trails around

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The collaboration is one that has endured to this 12th year, even as leadership has changed and personnel have moved in and out. During the first Run to Remember in 2008, members from 10th SFG (A) had several teams deployed downrange. However, this did not deter Chaplain Waldrop’s vision of bringing the community together in remembrance. “While everyone was running in Germany, several of our Operational Detachment elements were able to run the race downrange, even on treadmills, as a way to participate and take time out to remember all those who had given the last ounce of devotion. It was absolutely fantastic to see everyone coming together to make the Run to Remember such a success. The culmination event was a community coming together to honor and remember our heroes,” Waldrop notes. More information can be obtained from the Patch and Panzer Fitness Centers. Chaplin Waldrop feels a great sense of pride and significance knowing the Run to Remember continues on today. “I am very happy that the Run to Remember has endured for a decade and wish all the runners the strength and grace that comes from the Lord as they run to remember,” he said.