Vol. 49, No. 12, October 2020
Serving the Greater Stuttgart
Military Community
www.stuttgartcitizen.com
Photo by Kenneth G. Takada, U.S. Army German and U.S. Army paratroopers board a CH-47 Chinook at Panzer Kaserne for a jump over a drop zone near Stuttgart to honor all who lost their lives in the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks
Remembering 9/11 and POW/MIA Photo by Jason Johnston, USAG Stuttgart A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier displays the U.S. and POW/MIA flags during a ceremonial jump on September 11. German and American paratroopers boarded a CH-47 Chinook at Panzer Kaserne before jumping over a drop zone near Stuttgart in honor of all who lost their lives in the Sept 11 attacks. To see more images from the event turn to page 8.
Host nation firefighters respond to on-post fire alarms By Rick Scavetta U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart When fire alarms ring out at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, German firefighters are often first to respond thanks to a longstanding partnership with host nation officials. Through mutual aid agreements, the garrison’s 31 paid firefighters, based mostly at Stuttgart Army Airfield, can rely on support from professional and volunteer fire stations in the area, said Karl Dörsam, USAGStuttgart’s fire chief. “We have strong relationships with local firefighters, in Stuttgart, Böblingen and Esslingen,” Dörsam said. “The host nation firefighters respond to the garrison installations, when they are called directly from 112 or are notified by our control center. We dispatch our units simultaneously.” For example, when a car caught fire last year outside of the Patch Barracks commissary, someone called 112 – the emergency number in Europe. “In this case, the call went to the host
nation dispatch center downtown. They dispatched their units, a legal requirement, and notified us simultaneously,” Dörsam said, adding that Battalion 5, professional firefighters from Degerloch are first responders for Patch Barracks. Meanwhile, German volunteers nearby in Vaihingen rushed to their firehouse, donned gear, jumped on their trucks and rolled, Dörsam said. USAG-Stuttgart firefighters began their response as well. “Whoever gets there first takes the first action,” said Dörsam. “In this case, the host nation was first and we were second, so we joined in.” If USAG-Stuttgart receives a report of a fire in progress or a medical emergency on any of the garrison’s installations, they immediately contact host nation fire crews to respond, Dörsam said. In 2019, host nation firefighters responded to 19 emergency calls on post. This year, so far, they have responded 11 times. See FIREFIGHTERS, page 5
Photo by Jason Johnston, TSC Stuttgart German firefighters normally take part in an on-post exercise each year, as they did in Sept. 2019's Stallion Shake at Robinson Barracks. Due to coronavirus, this year's exercise was postponed.
COMMANDER’S CORNER
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Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Coronavirus remains a part of our environment By Col. Jason Condrey Commander U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart By now, you may have hoped we’d be talking about coronavirus in the past tense – that you wouldn’t have to hear me saying, “every day is COVID-day, until it’s not.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Though COVID-19 is not what we would characterize as our “mission,” and we have successfully set the terms with how we will deal with coronavirus, it remains a distinct part of our environment. It drives what and how we do things, each and every day. That said, we continue to find ways where the virus doesn’t prevent us from doing the things we need or want to do. Our work, and the things we do within our workplaces, must continue. Our missions have not stopped. The purpose for us being here in Germany, and the jobs we are doing, are vital to our nation. That’s why we, here in Stuttgart, never closed. We reduced to our essential requirements and endured. Some things we now know for sure. We have people who are sick who don’t know they are sick. Many of our recent positive cases were people showing no signs or symptoms. We have been importing the virus from other locations. Travel, either to or from Stuttgart, official or leisure, can put our community at risk. But travel isn’t the only source of infection. Just doing things, right here in our community, can also spread the virus. Consider this. The phone rings. A member of the contact trace team tells you that coronavirus found its way into your workplace and you have to quarantine for 14 days. Over the past month or so, people in our community have faced this reality. September was National Preparedness Month - are you and your family ready for that call? One little slip is all it takes to have a service shut down. A last-minute stop to the commissary or post office – yes, people are doing that – puts our community
Photo by Rick Scavetta, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Col. Jason Condrey speaks to the community during a September livestream community update.
at risk. Friends, co-workers and our volunteer shoppers are a crucial part of how isolation can be manageable. It comes down to individual responsibility, organizational responsibility and community responsibility. Positive COVID-19 tests have already impacted our vehicle registration office, our base maintenance and service provider and, most recently, our childcare centers. Each instance provided an opportunity for failure, yet we persevered. Our staff took precautions and prudent steps to mitigate further spreading of the virus and protect our community. As staff tested, quarantined and, in some cases, battled illness, their colleagues found innovative ways to minimize the impacts
to our services. Outside our gates, German leaders are changing and extending local ordinances, to include locations where masks must be worn and maintaining limits on public and private gatherings. The Robert-KochInstitute added several new places to its list of high-risk areas, to include popular destinations in France, the Netherlands and Austria. We will continue to support and follow the host nation guidelines. We must be mindful of illness. We must wear masks. We must keep our distance. We must wash our hands. In other news, we recently welcomed more than 1,600 people to the garrison. It’s a tough time to move overseas and adjust to a new community. We found
UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART
Rey Ramon, Jason Johnston, Kenneth G. Takada
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ USAGarrisonStuttgart/
Commander Col. Jason W. Condrey
USAG STUTTGART PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
PUBLISHER
Senior Enlisted Adviser Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia
Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne
Public Affairs Officer Larry Reilly
Army Post Office Mailing Address Unit 30401, APO AE 09107
Managing Editor Rick Scavetta
German Mailing Address Panzer Kaserne Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 70032 Böblingen
Editor Becca Castellano Contributors Paul Hughes, Bardia Khajenoori, Mac Hightower, Geoffrey Morris,
Telephone: 09641-70-5962485 DSN (314) 431-3105 Web: www.StuttgartCitizen.com
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a creative way to remain connected. On Sept 12, our Army Community Service hosted a Community Activities Registration Education (C.A.R.E) Fair – 67 service providers, unit family readiness groups, school PTAs and a variety of private organizations joined us at the Exchange parking lot to share local information with hundreds of community members. Taking a step further, our team made all that information available on a Stuttgart Garrison app – a great resource for newcomers to explore what our community has to offer. Even with COVID-19, our community has so much to offer. Before long newcomers will know why we always say, “I’m glad I Iive here.”
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 AdvantiPro, 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 AdvantiPro, of the firms, products or services advertised. Unless otherwise indicated, all seven-digit phone numbers in The Stuttgart Citizen are DSN numbers and all longer numbers are civilian.
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Send your announcements for upcoming events to the USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office
$2,000, $1,500 or $500 Exchange gift card. Drawings are held in December and June.
Classroom Excellence Pays Off Military children with good grades can earn rewards and maybe even $2,000 in the Exchange’s “You Made the Grade” program. The program, in its 20th year, celebrates the service and sacrifices of America’s youngest heroes. Children in grades 1 through 12, including homeschooled students, who have a B average or higher, are eligible to receive a $5 Exchange gift card each grading period during the 2020-21 school year. “Our nation’s youngest military family members remain committed to their education, despite frequent moves, changing schools or having parents deployed,” said General Manager, Sandra Reed. “The Panzer Main Exchange celebrates these scholars, their resiliency and hard work in the classroom.” Students must present a valid military ID in stores and proof of a B average or higher during any grading period at the Panzer Main Exchange customer service area. Students can qualify for a worldwide sweepstakes to win a
Fire Prevention Week Activities (Oct. 4-10) Oct. 5: Main Exchange, Panzer Kaserne, information and display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kelley Barracks, Army Family Housing, mobile display, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 6: Patch Elementary School, fire drill, 8:30 a.m. Robinson Elementary School, fire drill, 9:35 a.m. Robinson Barracks, Army Family Housing, mobile display, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 7: Main Exchange, Panzer Kaserne, information and display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patch Barracks, Army Family Housing, mobile display, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 8: Main Exchange, Panzer Kaserne, information and display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Panzer Kaserne, Army Family Housing, mobile display, 6-7 p.m. Oct. 9: Main Exchange, Panzer Kaserne, information and display, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Evacuation Coordinator Training is now being offered on a “one-to-one" basis due to
NEWS BRIEFS coronavirus restrictions. These classes are mandatory in accordance with AR420-1. Staff from the Directorate of Emergency Services - Fire Department visit onsite to give the training. Please register per email at usarmy.stuttgart.id-europe.mbx. fire-prevention@mail.mil
Legal Office closures If you need an appointment at the Stuttgart Law Center, keep in mind that they are closed Oct. 7 and from Oct. 9-12, for the long holiday weekend. Contact them at 09641-705914597. Central Issue Facility closes for inventory The garrison’s Central Issue Facility will close from Oct. 4-11 for its annual inventory. Service members about to make a permanent change of station or leave the military from U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart must return the equipment they signed for from the garrison’s Central Issue Facility. Stuttgart CIF takes daily appointments on weekdays. For more information call 07031-
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15-3210 or DSN 431-3210.
Vehicle inspections closure The privately-owned vehicle inspection station at Panzer Kaserne and the Customer Service Team (CST) Stuttgart will be closed on Oct. 2. Federal survey for government civilians The 2020 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FEVS) launched Sept. 15 and runs until the end of October. It’s an annual government-wide, non-attributional survey that offers a way for employees to provide their perspectives. Most U.S. civilian employees should receive an email invitation to complete the survey, which takes about 20 minutes. Shows must go on Theater enthusiasts will be glad to learn that season tickets for the Stuttgart Theatre Centre are now available. On Oct. 1 & 2, the STC presents “The Whole Shebang,” a play that aks the question, "What if the entire universe was just some nerd's science project?" The play is
part of this year’s One Act Play Festival, held in Kaiserslautern. Due to coronavirus restrictions, seating is reduced to 50 at each performance. The theater normally seats 170. Also, auditions for the Stuttgart Theatre Center’s holiday show “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol are Oct. 19-20 at 7:00 p.m., following a pre-audition workshop on Oct. 18 at 6:00 p.m, It’s story behind Charles Dickens’ A "Christmas Carol" - the story of Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save old Scrooge’s soul. They are casting four actors, male or female, ages 16 and up. More information is available at the FMWR website or by calling 0711-729-3055.
Red Ribbon Week In honor of Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, ASAP is hosting a cape-making contest for kids in grades K through 8 the month of October. Take a photo of your cape and submit it to ASAP by October 25th for a chance to win a Fugi Instax Mini camera.
NEWS
Page 4
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Raising awareness about domestic violence
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By Bardia Khajenoori U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart The month of October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national observance held annually since the late 1980s. “Domestic violence is an issue where, if it’s not on your radar, you may not realize it’s happening in your community,” said April Plumley, Family Advocacy Program manager at Army Community
Service. “DVAM is important to our community because it’s the time we focus on raising awareness and letting everyone know that there are resources for victims.” Preventative services in the area of domestic violence and child abuse, along with victim advocacy support, are provided through FAP at ACS, while the FAP Clinic (Stuttgart Army Health Clinic) offers treatment services. ACS FAP can refer clients to the clinic as needed, as well as to resources like the Army Substance Abuse Program. Services related to domestic violence and child abuse are open to all community members. Domestic violence reporting can be restricted or unrestricted, as desired by the victim. Both provide full access to counseling, medical care, and victim advocacy services but have different implications for privacy and command/ law enforcement involvement, including protection options. The strongest correlation with domestic violence and child abuse incidents is stress, as well as alcohol, said Plumley. “Maybe it’s finances, relationship issues like infidelity, or the chaos of a PCS, but you’re more likely to have an abuse incident happen in highly stressful situations.” Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic have added additional
stressors and new constraints. “Conditions of isolation and quarantine can contribute to domestic violence and also create a greater challenge of reaching out for services. It also limits your options to leave an abusive relationship,” said Plumley. “We have continued to offer our services despite COVID-19 and want to remind victims that even though conditions are different, we can still offer a shelter if someone’s in a situation where they might not be safe at home.” FAP will hold several events in conjunction with the national observance, starting with a proclamation signing by Col. Jason Condrey, garrison commander, at the Panzer Mall on October 2. Couples can learn more about achieving mutual financial goals in a class held at ACS on October 22, and about positive communication strategies in a free visit to a ropes course on October 24. Register by the deadlines of October 16 and 17, respectively, by contacting ACS. “With people being so isolated right now, we want to remind everyone to check on others. Just reach out and see how they’re doing, especially if you think they might be in an unhealthy relationship,” said Plumley. “FAP is here for victims.” FAP operates a 24/7 hotline to the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate at (0)1725774927.
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Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Photo by Rick Scavetta, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs German firefighters enter on-post housing on Robinson Barracks during the 2019 Stallion Shake exercise.
FIREFIGHTERS from page 1 Most of these calls are for alarms on Robinson Barracks, serviced by two local departments, Battalion 4 at Feuerbach and Battalion 3 at Bad Canstatt. “It’s the one installation where the first response is always the host nation because of our traveling distance,” Dörsam said. On Sept. 19, on Patch Barracks, six German fire trucks responded to an alarm set off by unattended cooking. On the same day, a resident spray painting in a stairwell also set off an alarm. Again, German firefighters were dispatched, said Len Fagan, USAG-Stuttgart’s assistant fire chief, who oversees fire prevention. “The host nation responded.
They got the calls first,” Fagan said, adding that when people dial 112 directly, they reach local dispatchers compared to dialing through the USAG-Stuttgart App and reaching the Army control center. Seventeen years ago, shortly after Dörsam began as fire chief, he took part in an annual exercise with local firefighters on post. It was a small affair. But, he began making connections and the exercises grew. In 2019, dozens of Stuttgart
NEWS firefighters took part in Stallion Shake, a large exercise at Robinson Barracks. Dörsam is part of several local fire and emergency planning councils. During recent COVID19 operations, he often called his civilian counterparts to discuss approaches to service. Many of USAG Stuttgart’s firefighters – all Germans with host nation and U.S. certifications – are also on local volunteer crews. For the past six months, as the garrison faced the coronavirus pandemic, USAG Stuttgart firefighters maintained a presence near Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen. Most of the garrison’s firefighters are permanently stationed at Stuttgart Army Air Field, just south of Stuttgart’s civilian airport. Before COVID-19, Stuttgart had more than 130,000 flights and roughly 11 million passengers annually. “For the airport, there is an official agreement for in-flight emergencies, both the German and U.S. firefighters respond,” said Mike Ambacher, USAG Stuttgart’s assistant fire chief for operations. In October 2019, when a blaze broke out in the basement of the Mövenpick Hotel Stuttgart, USAG Stuttgart fire crews also supported their German counterparts, Ambacher said.
Public Affairs AG Stuttgart S U art a, tt ve ca kS anks Stuttg Photo by Ric a mmander th g co n rt ri a u g d tt rtnership USAG Stu a p y, re d d e n u o n C ti con Col. Jason Belge, for Dr, Georg fire chief, ise. 2019 exerc
Photo by Michele Wiencek, TSC Stuttgart Host nation firefighters respond to a car fire at the Patch commissary in 2019.
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Fire prevention week focus on Army family housing By Rick Scavetta U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart At Robinson Barracks, a teenage girl lights a candle while doing homework and sets it on a windowsill. Wind blows the curtains across the flame. She escaped the blaze that ensued, but the family lost everything. That’s just one of the stories that Leonard Fagan, Assistant Fire Chief at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Directorate of Emergency Services - Fire Department recalls when discussing how he works to educate the community during Fire Prevention Week, held Oct. 4-10. “The whole apartment was burned out or damaged from smoke,” Fagan said, adding that a total loss like that has only happened a few times in his 22 years at the garrison. This year, fire prevention education is focused on kitchen fires – the number one cause of fires in the home – which are not uncommon to USAG Stuttgart. On Sept. 19, six German firetrucks responded to Patch Barracks when unattended cooking set off an alarm. When cooking, fires often result from distraction. “Don’t leave the kitchen. If the telephone is ringing, the doorbell is ringing, the kids are crying … turn off your stove before you walk away from it,” Fagan said. “That’s what happened on Patch last Saturday night, the whole building was evacuated after dinner.” Using a timer when cooking is a good reminder, Fagan said. What’s surrounding the stove, like kitchen towels, can also be hazardous, said USAG-Stuttgart Fire Chief Karl Dörsam, who recalled an elderly woman who once placed other appliances on unused cooking hobs. “She turned on the wrong plate and ignited her plastic coffee machine,” Dörsam said. Garrison residents should lookout for other hazards around the home. In July, firefighters undertook a fire safety blitz, where they inspected every family housing building in the garrison, checking common areas like stairwells and basements for fire hazards, Fagan said. “In 80 percent of the buildings we found basement doors – fire rated doors – wedged open,” Fagan said, adding that smoke
from an open basement would turn a stairwell into a chimney. They also found hazardous and flammable materials left in basements, plus clutter in stairwells that could impede people leaving quickly in an emergency. A garrison order recently directed residents to clean basements. COVID-19 has affected the outreach and education normally offered within the community. Open houses and hands-on interaction with fire equipment cannot happen amid coronavirus restrictions. Efforts to educate the community, especially younger people, will take place. Firefighters will set up displays at the Panzer Exchange and visit on-post housing areas during the evening, giving residents a chance to learn more about fire safety. “We will be going through using areas with a fire truck and with Sparky the Fire Dog, hats, magnets and coloring books,” Fagan said. Education and awareness are key to fire safety. Fagan works with building managers, who are also evacuation coordinators, on their emergency action plans. Before COVID-19, they held regular classes. Now, they meet oneon-one with building managers to identify hazards. Some tips he points out are; keeping fire doors closed, making sure barbeque grills are not be within five feet of a window and removing any furniture, bicycles, strollers or shoes from stairwells When asked what is the worst thing residents can do, if they suspect a fire on post, USAG Stuttgart fire chiefs respond with a resounding, “Not calling.” Dialing 112 calls a local host nation control center. Most Germans dispatchers understand English, but make sure to ask for an English speaker, said Mike Ambacher, USAG Stuttgart’s assistant fire chief for operations. Dialing from the USAG Stuttgart App adds a prefix to the 112 number, routing the call the USAG Stuttgart’s control center at Stuttgart Army Airfield. Either using the App or calling directly to 112 works, he said. “If it’s a fire or smoke call 112,” Ambacher said. “Everybody assumes that if a fire alarm goes off in a building that it’s automatically coming to us. That’s not always the case. It’s better to make the call than to wait.”
NEWS
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Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Recruitment fair fills crucial roles By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Child and Youth Services will host a recruitment fair on October 13th, from 7:30 to 10:30
a.m. The monthly fair, which went virtual due to COVID-19, gives interested applicants an opportunity to send a resume directly to local human resources representatives and by-pass the USA Jobs website.
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Amanda Garrison attended a pre-COVID recruitment fair in hopes of finding employment that would authorize her sofa status. “I was desperate to find a way to stay in Germany with my parents after college and had applied to several other positions on USAJobs.com but the process was slow,” she said. “With the recruitment fair, they interviewed me on the spot and offered me a job the same week.” CYS Division Chief Jamie Ruffini said they were surprised with the turnout they have received since going virtual. So far, the team has tentatively filled 20 of 39 crucial vacancies needed to fully staff all CYS facilities. The additional employees will allow CYS to offer care for more children and reopen places like the Kelley School Age Care Center. But Ruffini stressed that even with the new hires, none of the centers can return to full capacity until Health Protection Condition Level Alpha is set. “Under normal circumstances we must provide 35 square feet of space per child in every room and that is how we determine class sizes,” she said. “Under HPCON Bravo conditions, that number goes up to 42 square feet and now it includes the teachers so it does affect our class sizes greatly.” Until HPCON Alpha returns, new employees will help to cover the workload that changes in procedures due to COVID-19 have caused. Changes like extra cleaning schedules, facilitating longer breaks for teachers to remove their masks, and escorting children in and out of the building to parents who are no longer allowed inside.
Courtesy Photo Erin Hilua, a CYS caregiver, plays with preschoolers at the Patch CDC.
Once shared spaces, like playgrounds, must be sanitized between groups because children and caregivers can only socialize with their assigned “pods.” “We used to have floaters who would enter different classrooms to give caregivers breaks but because of COVID, we no longer mix our staff between rooms,” said Ruffini who further explained mitigating efforts within each pod. “In the infant and toddler rooms we have one person responsible for changing diapers and another for feedings so that at no point is
anyone who has handled a diaper, ever handling food.” Once fully vetted and trained, new hires will join a pod at their assigned center. Garrison said she looks forward to the much needed help, but also to welcoming them into the CYS family. “This job was a quick solution to my problem when I applied,” said Garrison who never expected to find her career here. “But I truly believe CYS has given me the tools and support I need to succeed and the opportunity to advance. I love my job.”
Interested applicants can submit the documents listed below in pdf format to usarmy. stuttgart.hqda-cpac.mbx.naf@ mail.mil between 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on October 13th for eligibility screening.
Courtesy Photo Erin Hilua, a CYS caregiver reads to preschoolers at the Patch CDC.
1. Resume with current APO AE or local German address and phone number 2. High school diploma/ College/University transcript 3. PCS orders and DD 214 (if applicable for military spouses claiming SEP and for Veterans claiming OAV).
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
NEWS
Passing the torch
Page 7
Courtesy Photo U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia (right) and his wife, Mineretta (left) escort their daughter, 2nd Lieutenant AnaMalae Tia, during a ceremony at the Citadel.
Photo by Becca Castellano, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia wears a protective gas mask while leading a physical training session for U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s soldiers.
By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart In 2016 AnaMalae Tia walked onto campus at the Citadel, a prestigious military academy in South Carolina, with her sights set on an Army commission in 2020. A member of a record-setting freshman class of 819 students, and one of the first to take on the rigorous nursing major, she knew the road to graduation would not be easy. “I was sort of drawn to the challenge of it,” said AnaMalae. “Not a lot of girls go to the Citadel and that’s what drove me to work harder. And I wanted to go somewhere that no one knew my family so I could make a name for myself.” AnaMalae shares her work ethic and her name with U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia. Most know him as a largerthan-life motivational force to be reckoned with. Anna knows him as "Dad." “Growing up it was always amazing to hear my dad's heart come out when he would talk to his soldiers and motivate them,” said AnaMalae. “It's one thing to just give an order but he always tries to give them a drive and a purpose. That’s been inspirational to me.” On Oct. 6, Tia relinquishes responsibility as the garrison's senior enlisted leader. With 31 years of service
Photo by Jason Johnston, TSC Stuttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Command Sergeant Major Toese Tia high fives a participant in the 2020 IMCOM-Europe Best Warrior Soldier Competition.
under his belt, Tia has led thou- has taught me to respect others as she made the dean’s list 6 out of sands of Soldiers around the world and my patients will always come 8 semesters. She was recognized while raising a few at home. His first. I will treat them like family by Vice President Mike Pence during daughter was the first in the fam- because no one wants to feel like a ceremony at the Citadel for her ily to commission in May but his a stranger. In the end it's all about outstanding work. son, Toese Jr. III, was right “It was an honor to hear “It’s been an absolute honor to my name announced,” she behind her, graduating from West Point in June. said. “Growing up whenever serve and help shape the The two officers are the I heard someone say Tia, I next generation of leaders,” newest in a long family hisknew they were looking at said Tia. “We have a long tory of service. AnaMalae my dad. Now it’s my name, believes the deeply rooted history of service in this family. on my uniform and I know warrior ties of the Samoan And to see my kids continue that they’ll be looking at me. It’s culture have influenced tradition, as the first officers, I’m a very proud but humbling many she knows to serve, incredibly humbled and proud." feeling.” but it's the strong belief in The siblings are entering taking care of others that led her the relationships you build, no the Army’s playing field as their to choose nursing. one can succeed alone.” father prepares to say goodbye. “We have a saying, ‘it’s never So far, the newly commissioned The Command Sergeant Major blood that makes you family, it’s 2nd Lieutenant has found success will soon hang up his uniform really love’," she said. “My culture in making that name for herself after more than three decades
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of service. He said just knowing that he’s leaving the Army in capable hands, including a few he had the privilege of shaping at home, makes saying goodbye a little easier. “They’ve been exposed to the challenges of the military and given a perspective that only a small percentage have,” he said. “They know the stresses that families go through and I hope they use that to their advantage as they make decisions to help folks.” As a Soldier, Tia said he can't wait to see what his daughter and son bring to the Army team. As a father, he said he could not be more proud of what they’ve already accomplished.
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FEATURE
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NEWS
Page 10
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Garrison cleanup set for mid-October By Rick Scavetta U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart As the leaves begin to fall, the Army wants to make sure U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart looks its best – an effort that needs community support. This year, fall cleanup efforts start Oct. 13 and will last until the end of the month. In addition to picking up around offices and housing areas, the garrison will focus on the importance of recycling. Traditionally, commanders coordinate efforts around this time each year to get the installation ready for winter. The garrison cannot do it alone, said Col. Jason Condrey, USAG Stuttgart’s commander. “This is a three-week long effort in which all units, organizations, and families must clean up in the immediate vicinity of their offices, buildings, work, and on-post living areas,” Condrey said. “This year we also must observe coronavirus mitigation efforts, keep our distance and wear masks during the cleanup.” Implementing rejuvenated
Tall.
Photo by Rick Scavetta, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs A civilian employee sweeps up cigarette butts and debris at Panzer Kaserne. Fall cleanup is scheduled for mid-October.
efforts toward area cleanliness stems from community input to a recent housing satisfaction survey. A similar survey commences this October. Feedback provided
helps garrison officials steer efforts toward improving on-post residents’ satisfaction. Garrison operations staff have reached out to all tenant units
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and organizations to support the effort. During the week of Oct. 13, the cleanup is at Patch Barracks, followed by Kelley Barracks and Stuttgart Army Air Field during the
week of Oct. 19. Panzer Kaserne and Robinson Barracks undergo cleanup during the week of Oct. 26. The public works directorate will supply self-help tools and plastic bags at each location. A key part of the cleanup is to make sure that waste, garbage, and hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Bulk trash and green waste should be separated and placed on the curb next to trash collection points. Units should have service members clean work spaces during the morning and release them to clean housing areas in the afternoon. Building managers will help direct the work, so that an area of 50 feet around each building is cleaned. Housing officials will contact building coordinators by Oct. 11 with more information. Raking leaves and picking up debris is often the main effort, but a focus on building basements and areas where bulk trash accumulates is also important. “We have pride in our shared community,” Condrey said. “Being glad that we live here starts with how we care for our surroundings.”
Venti.
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
FEATURE
Page 11
College in the time of coronavirus By Geoffrey Moris Stuttgart Citizen volunteer When the COVID-19 arrived in early March, it was immediately clear that life was changing drastically. One group hit particularly hard was Stuttgart High School seniors. Not only did the Class of 2020 see most activities during their final semester of high school canceled and graduation reduced to a drive-in ceremony, but their post-graduation plans were thrown into disarray. “Obviously, this isn’t ideal for anybody,” said Geneva Barriger, who graduated SHS in 2019. As COVID-19 cases soared stateside, some students who were planning to start college in the fall arrived at their new school just to be turned away from campus as colleges and universities scrambled to provide a safe learning environment for staff and students. At the University of California, SHS Class of 2020 valedictorian, Erin Taylor, started her school year in the classroom. A month later, she said the campus was shut down to anyone not living in dorms and all classes have moved online. To prevent crowding, campus housing is limited to those who have nowhere else to go. Those who could go home were refunded their housing costs, but other SHS graduates studying around the country have found themselves
without a dorm room or a refund. Another SHS class of 2020 alum, Erin Mitchell, is studying chemical engineering at the University of Alabama. Two of her five classes are digital and the remaining three are flexible, with the class divided into groups that rotate between in-person and online. Sports have been canceled and Mitchell said there is nothing social going on. While the measures have proven effective in lowering campus cases from 1000 to 300, it has been far from the freshmen year she imagined. A 2019 SHS graduate, Olivia Schmitz, was in her second year at the University of Utah when changes began happening overnight. A campus of more than 25,000 students became a ghost town, she said. Everyone has been affected in some way, according to Schmitz. One group severely affected has been student-athletes. SHS 2019 star wrestler, John “Trip” Carroll, remarked that the start of practice was delayed for quite a while. The wrestling season has since resumed but with masks and social distancing. Another group of graduates who are in attendance at military academies shared their experiences. “There have been so many new policies,” said Rachel Sanborn, valedictorian of the class of 2019 and chemistry major at the Naval Academy. “It’s actually quite
confusing to know what to follow.” Masks and social distancing are mandated at all times, and students are required to act as though they already have the virus and need to avoid contact and spread. Additionally, quarantines have been established for all students before going into standard housing. Those policies have led the military academies to successfully contain the virus despite heightened COVID-19 cases in surrounding communities. Another class of 2020 alumna, Vivienne Johnson, is studying biology at the Citadel in South Carolina. Like the Naval Academy, the Citadel has proven to be an outlier for their respective states and communities, as they have maintained discipline and decorum preventing outbreaks like the ones occurring on campuses nearby. Overall most said they have found the situation very isolating. But for those who opted to stay in Stuttgart, there have been a few positives like being near family. Many of them are now employed somewhere on base, especially AAFES and the hotels. Like several other classmates, Sarah Kitchin has been able to continue working on post to save for college and life down the road while attending school online. She said the virus made the choice to study from the safety of her home an easy one.
Photo by Geoffrey Morris, Stuttgart Citizen volunteer A recent SHS graduate, Sara Kitchin, serves a customer at Dunkin Donuts on Panzer Kaserne, where she works while attending college online.
Schmitz offered some words of advice for her classmates, whether they are attending college stateside or still living in the Stuttgart community. “This virus has been difficult for everyone, and it will be for
some time but with self-discipline and effort, we can weather this storm,” she said. “Be patient with yourself and others, no one has a concrete, foolproof plan, but if we come together and help each other we’ll pull through.”
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Page 12
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Photo by Steven Gerlich Kelley Auto Skills Manager, Bill Hale assists a customer with a brake inspection at the Kelley Auto Skills center.
Photo by Steven Gerlich A customer from the Kelley Auto Skills Center makes an adjustment using the vehicle ramp capabilities of the auto skills shop. STUTTGART
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Mechanics and enthusiasts recently celebrated the reopening of the Auto Skills Center, now on Kelley Barracks. As the garrison’s only do-it-yourself workshop for routine mechanical repairs, it was a sorely missed community resource. “We have the tools to do practically everything,” said Bill Hales, Kelley Auto Skills manager. Hales, who is set to retire in the next couple of months, rejoined the Family and MWR team solely to help get the shop up and running for the community. “This was an empty building
when I walked in, only the ramps had been installed, there were a bunch of cables hanging down, and we had to put everything in here,” Hales said. “We only got phones two weeks ago.” Anyone over the age of 18 who wants to work on their own vehicle is welcome at the center. So far, customers have already been in for brake servicing, oil changes, wheel bearing replacements, and more. “We are experts here and can help customers with the tools and the repairs,” Hales said of his team of four people. “Performing maintenance here versus on the economy can save hundreds of dollars.”
The center has five bays with lifts, and each bay has its own airline and toolbox. “We are 90% there in terms of tools and services,” Hale said. “We are looking to add more services in the future such as air-con refills and tire storage.” The shop is also planning to acquire some welders. The Auto Skills shop, located behind the theater on Kelley Barracks, is open Wednesday through Sunday, including training holidays, and can help with: • Maintaining your vehicle. • Making minor and major repairs. • Restoring that classic in the garage!
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Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Page 13
CYCLISTS REAP BENEFITS OF NEW INITIATIVES By Paul Hughes U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Stuttgart’s Family and MWR warrior adventure quest program and Outdoor Rec have a new vision for cycling in the community. One that could see off-road cycle events make a return to the calendar. Jenny Tomaszewski, the warrior adventure quest program manager, and her team recently held an open house on the Advanced Driver Mobility course, located within the Panzer training area. Cyclists got an opportunity to ride the course and help determine the feasibility of hosting future cyclo-cross events. The course located just outside Panzer Kaserne, is regularly used to test drivers skills using the latest military vehicles. If the test goes well, its graveled
ways, rutted tracks, and steep inclines will also be used to test cyclists. Welcoming news to the Stuttgart cycling community, who have recently lost access to the Panzer training area's trails. “It’s nice to open this up to the community,” said John Cummins, a Stuttgart community cyclist. Cummings, who was one of more than 130 people who signed up for MWR’s recent “1000km club” – a challenge to community members to ride a thousand kilometers over the summer – was the first community member to take a lap. “It was fairly challenging It’s different from just riding the trails and roads.” Cummings said. Tomaszerski, who is behind the ambitious idea said, “The vision is to provide an opportunity for the community to have biking events, so we can build a community of cyclists outside of
the wire. We want volunteers to help make this a reality.” Before you take a spin on the course at their next event, you can give your bike a onceover at one of the newly installed cycle service stations on Patch, Panzer and Kelley. (Robinson Barracks to follow soon.) These bright yellow stations contain all the tools you may need to make small repairs to bicycles, such as tightening bolts, changing a flat, or pumping up a tire. For those “pedal heads” in the community with a passion for all facets of cycling, there are maintenance volunteer opportunities to help repair and maintain the outdoor rec rental fleet and get it ready for winter. Also coming soon are DIY bike tuning workshops being held in conjunction with Park Tools Check the Family and MWR website for details.
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CHAPLAINS
Page 14
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Choose righteousness rather than pandemic panic By Col. Kleet A. Barclay Command Chaplain, EUCOM
Courtesy Photo Air Force Col. Kleet Barclay with a member of the Bektashi faith community in Pristina, Kosovo.
Around the world, there has grown a sense of pandemic panic as people raced to acquire supplies or anxiously scoured news and social media seeking truth, understanding, and ways to deal with the impacts of COVID-19. Unfortunately, pandemonium followed, and many U.S. cities saw protests move from peaceful demonstration to mayhem. Looting, destroying properties, and even attacking each other and law enforcement. Livelihoods were destroyed, and numerous lives were senselessly lost. There is a Chinese proverb that says: “If there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character: if there is beauty in the character, there is love in the home;
if there is love in the home, there is harmony in the nation; if there is harmony in the nation, there is peace in the world.” This proverb stands in stark contrast to what we have recently witnessed. Its wisdom challenges us to look within ourselves: are we part of the problem or the solution? Are we self-centered or other-centered? Are we looking out for the well-being of our neighbors? Pan, an ancient Greek god, was known for his selfishness. Pan was considered the god of the wild, shepherds, flocks, nature, music, and raucous parties. Pan was half human and half goat with goat horns on his head and was always seeking to fulfill his own needs and pleasure. If Pan was disturbed during his nap, his angry shouts inspired “panic” among those around him. This is where the word Panic is
Rosh Hashanah By Paul Hughes U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's Jewish community gathered on Sunday, Sept. 20 to celebrate the Jewish New Year. The Panzer firehouse near Panzer Kaserne
held the culmination of three days of worship events. Once a German Army officers club, the old building with its oak-paneled walls and high ceilings decorated with hanging chandeliers, provided a fitting backdrop for the traditional celebration. The local Jewish community also celebrated Yom Kippur this September.
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Courtesy Photo The USAG Stuttgart Jewish community gathered on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, for the traditional blowing of the Shofar.
derived from. Pan fear rather than fear in individuals and groups that produced hysterical or irrational behaviors that often spread through a group. We have the choice to succumb to a state of pandemic panic and protest pandemonium or to choose to seek righteousness. Even though it is easy to give in to selfishness and fear, we must see that it is critical to our wellbeing and those around us to seek righteousness. In these troubling times, let’s renew our focus and efforts to do what is right. As we choose and we do what is right, we can face challenges with confidence. As the Old Testament reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV).
FEATURE
Stuttgart Citizen, October 2020
Page 15
Spotlighting 45 years of service By Geoffery Morris Stuttgart Citizen volunteer
Photo by Geoffrey Morris, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Larry Fredrick changes a load of laundry at the Patch CDC where he works as a maintenance specialist.
In 1975, at just 17 years old, Larry Fredrick started his career in government service by enlisting in the Army. After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, he headed to Fort McClellan for computer training. In the late 1970s, Fredrick served as a member of the Armed Forces Police Department in AWOL apprehension. Over the course of his military career, he would go on to serve in several locations, including Oregon and Korea, as an infantryman, a recruiter, and a maintenance worker. After the military, Fredrick continued his service as a civil servant. He arrived in Stuttgart in 1992, where he has worked as a NAF employee for the past
18 years. Currently, he uses his training as a maintenance specialist at the Patch CDC. Some of his duties include: checking lights, running laundry, repairing toys, fixing furniture and equipment, and others as assigned. Fredrick is known to come in early, sometimes several hours before the start of work. Patch CDC Manager Lynn Kraus said, “His shift starts at 8 o'clock, but he's always here by 6:00.” Frederick’s work ethic along with his cheerful and silly demeanor are cherished by coworkers, who said he is best described as a kooky and fun grandpa. That personality has allowed him to excel as Santa for the centers’ children every Christmas season, where he uses his snow white beard to play the part. Recently, Fredrick was
recognized for 45 years of outstanding service to his country. As he prepares to retire later this year and leave the work force behind, he sat down to answer a few questions for the Stuttgart Citizen about his time in service.
commitment to the kids. SC: What has motivated you over the years? Fredrick: My coworkers. I cannot speak highly enough of them and everything they do.
Stuttgart Citizen: How has the job changed over the past 45 years?
SC: What will you do next?
Fredrick: COVID has radically changed how everyone has done their jobs, and the CDC is no exception. Along with social distancing and handwashing each room is sealed off to just the children and their caretakers and teachers. Now I have to limit my work in the classrooms to when the kids are outside gone for the day. But I’ve worked in CYS for awhile and one thing that never changes is the
Fredrick: My daughter is running the commissary in Sioux City, Iowa and my son, who was a member of the last graduating class of Patch High School in 2015, is a Ford Motors technician. I’m a proud father and now a proud grandpa to my young granddaughter named Aliyah and I’m really looking forward to being around them all again. Especially since COVID has delayed any family visits we had planned.
Law Center volunteer specializes in immigrant law By Mac Hightower Stuttgart Citizen volunteer Having logged 1,202 hours of service at the Stuttgart Law Center as a legal assistant Chang specializes in helping families and individuals prepare documents for U.S. citizenship. “I decided to study immigrant law because I know how hard it is to become a citizen,” says Chang. An immigrant herself, Chang experienced first-hand the pain of being separated from her husband as she and their two-year-old son and one-year-old daughter waited eight months for her Green Card to be approved so she could return to the United States, this time for good. After studying law in Taiwan and working as an account lawyer, Chang moved to the U.S. to continue her
studies at American University in Washington, DC. There, she fell in love and eventually got married to her, spouse who was working in the Pentagon at the time. Compelled to help other families avoid the same stress that she and her family went through, Chang reached out to Captain Nicole Oberjuerge when she and her family relocated to Stuttgart in 2018, she offered to volunteer at the SLC and help develop its immigration law program. “With the current administration, immigration law is always changing,” Chang said. But couples can breathe a little easier with an expert on their side. Since Chang’s arrival at the SLC in 2019, the center has seen a 600% increase in immigration clients, and Chang has serviced over 115 of them.
Even more impressive is that none have been rejected in their immigration applications. Her current duties include giving consultations that allow clients to ask for expert advice and opinions on confusing matters, conducting monthly naturalization workshops that entail teaching participants how to file for citizenship and Green Cards, and informing garrison leadership of changing laws and their potential impacts on military affiliates and their families. Chang said, “I feel so good when a client leaves feeling more confident, with a smile on their face.” Interested in volunteering with the Stuttgart Law Center? Register on the Army Community Service portal and contact Captain Evan Freemyer with the Stuttgart Law Center.
Courtesy Photo Named the 2019 USAG-Stuttgart Volunteer of the Year, Patricia Chang serves as a legal assistant at the Stuttgart Law Center.
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