Vol. 49, No. 13, November 2020
Serving the Greater Stuttgart
AMID
Military Community
www.stuttgartcitizen.com
TRAINING CONTINUES
Photo by Yvonne Najera, TSC Stuttgart U.S. Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Mobility Operations Group from Ramstein Air Base, assemble the liftgate to load cargo on to a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a multi-capable Airmen lift-and-shift training exercise, Nodal Lightning 20-2 at the Stuttgart Army Airfield, Oct. 19, jump to page 8 & 9.
German, US troops focus on force protection By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens (right) and Stabsgefreiter Felix Bacher (left), guard an open vent while on patrol during exercise Iron Castle 20.
Outside the commissary on Robinson Barracks, sunlight cascades through the trees, igniting autumn colors and glinting across the M-4 rifle barrel of Stabsgefreiter Felix Bacher, a Bundeswehr soldier. Nearby, Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens, an officer candidate in the Bundeswehr, stands guard at the store’s entrance. Inside, U.S. Army Spc. Miguel Lopez alerts the store manager to a simulated security concern, during Iron Castle 20. The four-day bilateral training and partnership exercise between the 52nd Signal Battalion and the Communication and Information Systems Support Battalion 293 offered a chance for U.S. and German troops to practice force protection measures. On that sleepy Wednesday morning, Bacher turned to the sounds of leaves crunching under the tires of a car pulling into the parking lot. He recognized the car from a recent “be on the lookout” or BOLO alert. He shouted for Lopez and approached the vehicle. See IRON CASTLE, page 5
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COMMANDER’S CORNER
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Community better prepared for COVID-19 from lessons learned By Col. Jason Condrey Commander U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart For those of you who were here last spring when the coronavirus struck our community, host nation restrictions and guidelines are familiar to you. However, to some newcomers, our posture may come as a shock. As good guests and in accordance with our treaty obligations, we comply with Germany’s guidelines and take steps to control our own rate of COVID-19 infection. Because conditions and how we
respond continue to evolve, I’ve received several questions concerning how we will confront COVID in the coming weeks and months. I believe we are better equipped to handle coronavirus now because of what we have learned and continue to learn since the spring. We have continued to adapt and improve. We have refined how we protect against it in our work places, in our homes and in our community. Yes, we will see some changes. We have closed on-post bars.
Food court orders will be take away only. More changes may follow, as we match or adapt our efforts to similar actions off post. Would we consider implementing the Red, White and Blue shopping schedules again? Some have asked why we haven’t gone back to a higher health protection condition, such as HPCON Charlie. That answer is simple. We are not where we were when the pandemic began. I’d like to believe we will avoid the same conditions that drove us to HPCON C and separate the community’s interac-
tion in such a significant manner. We know more about this virus. We used our experience to improve our mitigation measures. We have put up lots of Plexiglas protectors around our installations – protection that is making a difference. We have stored enough hand sanitizer to ensure we can keep our hand-sanitizing stations filled. If we get a positive case within the garrison team or our on-post services, there are now contingency plans to ensure operations remain open. We have the resources, protective measures and mindset.
Photo by Rick Scavetta, USAG Stuttgart
These steps should allow us to endure a second, third, fourth… wave without a significant impact to our mission and services. Even with incidence rates increasing around us, we are continuing our mission and in some cases, expanding services. In our child development centers, we are preparing to open up some long awaited spaces for childcare. We’re also looking to increase critical services, like the Galaxy bowling center’s eatery, delivered to those families quarantining in the hotel. COVID-19 once dictated what we were allowed to do – now we recognize it as a part of our environment, something we must live with. It unquestionably impacts how we do things. The virus gets a vote. But, we determine how much that vote impacts our dayto-day lives. I realize you are probably tired of hearing this. You are probably tired of adhering to 10 extra mitigation steps when you buy groceries. I am too; however, we have to continue to minimize unnecessary contact with those outside of your bubble. It can’t be said enough … wash hands, wear masks, and maintain distance. It will be even more difficult, with the holidays approaching. We all want to gather with loved ones around a table or fire and share a meal and our holiday traditions. But we’re not done yet. Until we can eliminate this invisible adversary, we must work together to keep our family, friends and our community safe. Every day I see the hard work and effort that goes into fighting the virus. I’m proud of these efforts. Not a week goes by that I don’t catch myself saying, with all honesty, “I’m glad I live here.”
AFN Stuttgart service members interview Col. Jason Condrey.
UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART
Geoffrey Morris, Rey Ramon, Jason Johnston, Yvonne Najera
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ USAGarrisonStuttgart/
Commander Col. Jason W. Condrey
USAG STUTTGART PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
PUBLISHER
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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, Elizabeth Celtrick, Rachele Pezzuti, Mac Hightower,
Telephone: 09641-70-5962485 DSN (314) 431-3105 Web: www.StuttgartCitizen.com
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 Jennifer Holdsworth Telephone: +49 (0) 631-30 3355 37 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 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, November 2020
Send your announcements for upcoming events to the USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office Free School Meals Students at Defense Education Activity schools in Stuttgart can get free meals since the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently granted a waiver to DoD schools. According to an Army & Air Force Exchange Service news release, the deal began Nov. 2 and runs through June 30, 2021. Participants are required to have a DoDEA student ID number and student meal account through the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Credit will be given for meals purchased from August through Oct. 31. “This is great news for our military families, especially during these challenging times,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, AAFES senior enlisted advisor. CYS Virtual Recruitment Fair On Nov. 10, Child & Youth Services will host a Virtual Recruitment Fair. CYS is looking to hire Child & Youth Program Assistant positions. Positions are available on all USAG Stuttgart
installations. Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) positions are open to all qualified candidates eligible for appointments under U.S. employment conditions. Applicants must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED and have good English skills. For more information, call 0964170-596-4100 or DSN 596-4100
Fire hydrant testing On Nov. 11, the garrison public works directorate will conduct hydrant flow testing at several locations on Patch Barracks. The hydrants are near the clinic, fitness center and the commissary. The testing will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., at which time water may affect the area near the hydrants. As this testing is on a federal holiday the impact to the community should be minimal. The testing is routine and conducted together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the USAG Stuttgart Fire department and local contractors. America Recycling Day, Nov. 15 Representatives of U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s environmental
NEWS BRIEFS teams will mark America Recycles Day, Nov. 17, with an outreach event at the main Exchange on Panzer Kaserne. Information and booklets on recycling will be available. To learn more about America Recycles Day, visit americarecyclesday.org
USO supports Thanksgiving Units can nominate people for a complete feast to prepare at home and a $25 gift card. The deadline is Nov. 15. On Nov. 21, nominees pick up kits at the Patch Commissary. Community members can also register for a free Thanksgiving dinner, from Nov. 8-22, to be given out in takeaway boxes on Nov. 26 from the dining facility on Panzer Kaserne. For more information, contact the USO on Panzer Kaserne.
Panzer Exchange offers returns until Jan. 31 The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is extending its return policy for the holiday season to offer military shoppers at Panzer Kaserne greater flexibility to return gifts. Under the policy,
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shoppers have until Jan. 31 to return any items purchased in store or at ShopMyExchange.com from Nov. 1 through Dec. 24. “It’s hard to please everyone on your list,” said Panzer Main Exchange, Store Manager, Jessica Provan. “The Exchange’s extended return policy goes the extra mile to make sure everyone gets the perfect gift this year.” Some exclusions apply. For more information, military shoppers can check with the Panzer Main Exchange or call 1-800-527-2345 for online returns.
AFN to highlight community members Stuttgart military community members can submit nominations for the next AFN Stuttgart Superstar of the Month. Help recognize exceptional members of the community or your unit or organization. Superstars set an example for others in our community including volunteers, general do-gooders, persons going above and beyond for a neighbor, friend
or family. To nominate a community member, send a message with the name, organization and why you think the person is a superstar to the AFN Stuttgart Facebook page. Nominees will be featured on air at AFN Stuttgart 102.3 The Eagle and AFN 360. ACS November classes Army Community Services’ Family Advocacy Program is offering four virtual courses in November to help you manage stress. Each class will demonstrate important skills like addressing stress, breath control, meditation and exercise, to mitigate the effects of stress on the body and mind. Visit the USAG Stuttgart ACS Facebook page or call 09641-70596-3362 to register.
Fingerprinting closed part of November Fingerprinting appointments will not be available at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart until midNovember. The security office is open, but working remotely. Anyone with current appointments will be notified to reschedule their fingerprinting.
NEWS
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Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Holiday mailing dates right around the corner By Mark Heeter Installation Management Command Europe To ensure holiday gifts, cards, and packages arrive on time, the U.S. Postal Service has set its recommended dates for mailing packages and letters for the upcoming season. “A great way to stay connected to family and friends during the holidays is to be prepared and send packages as soon as possible,” said Mike Kinstle, chief of the postal operations branch for IMCOMEurope. The dates apply to both sending from – and sending to – any Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office, or Diplomatic Post Office, Kinstle said. For any postal codes that begin with 090-092, and 094-099, the
recommended mailing deadline for retail ground is Nov. 27; for priority and first-class mail Dec. 11; and priority mail express Dec. 18. Those dates also apply for Europe-based customers who are sending mail to Armed Forces Pacific with postal codes beginning with 962-966, and Armed Forces Americas, with postal codes beginning with 340, according to Kinstle. For postal codes beginning with 093, the recommended deadlines are Nov. 27 for retail ground, and Dec. 9 for priority and first-class mail. For all mail, but especially during this year’s holiday season, Kinstle urges customers to remember two things: COVID-19 and customs forms. “COVID-19 mitigating measures are in place at each of our • • • • •
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“Coming prepared will keep our communities safe, ensure a smooth mailing process and will help expedite your visit to the post office,” said Anthony Conley, postal finance and supply specialist with IMCOM-Europe.
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Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020 IRON CASTLE from page 1 “Stop the car,” Bacher yelled, directing the occupants to place their hands on the dashboard. Juergens, the team leader, donned a mask to check the driver’s identification. The
suspects were soon against the vehicle, getting searched. Lopez reported the catch into the control center, where Capt. Milo Estrello was overseeing the exercise. “The overall goal of this exercise is to validate and reinforce
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart Bundeswehr Soldiers, Stabsgefreiter Felix Bacher and Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens of the CIS Spt Bn 293, and Spc. Miguel Lopez of the 52nd Signal Battalion search a vehicle during exercise Iron Castle 2020.
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart Stabsgefreiter Felix Bacher clears his weapon after a patrol during exercise Iron Castle 2020.
NEWS our training on how to conduct critical site security,” Estrello said. “It was also an excellent opportunity for us to take lessons learned over this past year and apply how we deal with a threat of a deadly virus while still successfully completing missions.” The exercise certified the U.S. troops to conduct anti-terrorism operations. Hosting training during the coronavirus pandemic meant taking precautions like sanitizing high-trafficked areas, ensuring personnel were physically distanced or in masks, and ventilating indoor spaces, Estrello said. “One of our missions in the 2nd Theater Signal Brigade is to be ready to fight tonight,” Estrello said. “Other threats still exist out there. They do not take a day off due to COVID, so neither can we.” German and American soldiers patrolled Robinson Barracks in three-person teams that conducted continuous checks to ensure communication channels remained open. They reported any suspicious personnel or vehicles. Although they were on alert for physical threats, the invisible virus found its way into several scenarios. One of which Bacher’s team faced when they apprehended suspects carrying weapons, found explosives in their vehicle and discovered evidence that they were infected with COVID-19. “We are dealing with a realworld threat and we wanted to incorporate that into the exercise while actually combatting it at the same time,” said Estrello, who added that the exercise was a success. “The community should feel safer knowing that if (force protection) levels do rise, we are trained and ready to do our part.”
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart Spc. Miguel Lopez and Bundeswehr soldier, Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens patrol Robinson Barracks during exercise Iron Castle 20.
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Learning to Lead By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Katharina Juergens joined the Bundeswehr in 2017 as an information technology specialist, but is now on her way to becoming a commissioned officer. As a hauptgefreiter, roughly the equivalent of a U.S. Army specialist, Juergens led patrols recently during Iron Castle 2020 at Robinson Barracks, her first steps to becoming a leader in the German military. Juergens was grateful for the chance to lead a joint team and learned a lot during the exercise, she said. “This experience shows me that as an officer, I must be well prepared for any situation,” Juergens saids. “The biggest takeaway from this exercise is that I must work to make the right decision quickly because my team is counting on me.” Already, her chain of command recognized her dedication to her job and her unit, the Communication and Information Systems Support Battalion 293. Juergens underwent testing at the German military assessment center in Cologne and she showed all the necessary qualifications to be a leader, said Lt. Col. Marc Richter, her battalion commander. “I trust this judgement and I am sure she will become an outstanding soldier,” Richter said. For the next three years, Juergens will take classes at the German Air Force Officer School in Fürstefeldbruck and commission as a lieutenant when she graduates. During that time, she will also continue reserve duty
and training in Munrau. While she focuses on studying, in hopes of commanding her own battalion someday, Juergens was glad to have an opportunity to lead a German-American security patrol during training. “I wouldn’t get this opportunity in my normal job. It shows me how much I have learned, which is good for my confidence, but also how much I still have to learn,” said Juergens, who appreciated the challenges she faced. “I think it's an officer’s responsibility to adapt to different positions very quickly and to be able to take charge and make fast decisions that affect your team.” Juergens' team consisted of one German and one American soldier from the 52nd Signal Battalion. They patrolled Robinson Barracks together, responding to different levels of threats and scenarios, and learning each other's procedures. “We had very little time to get to know each other and understand each other's systems before we had to work together in crisis situations and trust each other,” she added. “We had to learn very quickly.” U.S. Army Capt. Milo Estrello, who organized and ran the exercise, watched as Juergens stepped into her leadership role. The training offered Juergens a new perspective and showed her how the U.S. military trains. “I came away very impressed at how she handled the pressure while operating in chaotic situations, all while remaining calm, cool and collected,” Estrello said. “I believe the 293rd battalion has a future superstar leader on their hands."
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart Bundeswehr Soldier, Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens, stands guard outside of the Robinson Barracks Commissary during a patrol in support of exercise Iron Castle 2020.
NEWS
Page 6 By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart On April 17, curbside shopping opened at Robinson Barracks Commissary to protect high-risk customers from posible exposure to COVID-19. Since then, the concierge program has expanded to the Panzer Kaserne, Kelly and Patch Barracks commissaries and added a delivery option for those quarantined both on and off post. Over the past six months, more than 115 families have benefitted from it. The Army Community Servicerun program works by pairing volunteer shoppers with anyone who feels unsafe entering the commissary or who cannot due to quarantine. They can access the program through the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart app or by sending a message to the USAG Stuttgart ACS Facebook page. On the app, the customer can see what is available at their commissary and create a shopping list. ACS connects volunteers with customers to coordinate times to shop and receive goods delivered curbside or at their residence. Customers must be available
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Concierge program feeds quarantined families
Susanna Wilkerson selects groceries as a volunteer shopper for the concierge shopper program.
for phone calls during the scheduled shopping time in case list substitutions need approval, and
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to provide credit card details to the cashier at checkout. Becki Eggers first used the program when her family of six was quarantined after her high schoolers had classroom contact with a positive COVID-19 case. “This program exceeded all my best hopes, let alone any of my expectations,” said Eggers, in an online group chat. “I sent my initial email, including my longerthan-average-list because I have two teenage boys with free access to the kitchen, and was surprised when a response came within minutes.” Despite the three-day window for requests to be filled, she was connected to a shopper within
an hour and maintained contact throughout the shopping trip. Eggers, who hates to impose on others, said she is grateful for this program and the volunteers who donate their time. ACS Admin Support Assistant, Debbie Slaughter, said the program will continue to play a vital role in the community, especially during the next PCS season and upcoming holidays. “Thanksgiving might be more intimate this year but some traditions, like the food, can be the same for quarantined families through our volunteers,” said Slaughter. “There’s no better time to be thankful for what we have
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and the volunteers that are out there making it happen.” One of those volunteers, Mary Jeffcoat, said the program gives her family the perfect opportunity to give back to their new community. “I always look for a way for us to plug in at all of our assignments but between COVID, four kids and a husband who works different shifts, it’s hard to volunteer just anywhere,” said Jeffcoat. “But this we can do. It is an unfamiliar time we are living in, but grocery shopping is not.” To volunteer or request assistance shopping, download the USAG Stuttgart app and select the COVID-19 button, then concierge.
NEWS
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
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Kindness catches on at Stuttgart Elementary By Geoffrey Morris Stuttgart Citizen volunteer Piper Bowler and Madison Letot, two fifth graders at Stuttgart Elementary School, were playing on the monkey bars when they came up with a plan to spread joy instead of germs. The girls said they wanted to cheer up their fellow students and promote kindness because this year has been difficult for many.
With the help of their homeroom teacher, Mr. Greg Basgall, the Kindness Club was born. The club founders visit other classrooms to present ideas and challenge their fellow students to think of ways to spread kindness, without spreading COVID-19. In order to do that, the girls take precautions like wearing masks, maintaining their distance and only visiting two classrooms per week, to minimize exposure to
themselves and their classmates. “Just because we are wearing masks doesn’t mean we can’t be kind to one another;” said Letot. The girls play games with the other kids and read kindness themed books in hopes of cheering up their fellow students up. They challenge those they visit to write down 10 acts of kindness that they have recently done. On Oct. 16, the Kindness Club visited Kimberly Schmidt's first
grade class. Six-year old Peyton said she learned that kindness isn’t just toward people but also toward the environment. Liam, also six, said the presentation was
what he remembered most from school that day. At first, Bowler and Letot worried that presenting to their peers would not be effective so they only went to kindergarten “The example that they and first grade classes. But before are setting is exactly long, they were being requested by what we are going for second grade teachers, too. In a year of changes, the Club with all of our students,” founders hope to encourage other said Vice Principal Dr. students to make kindness a Thomas Thomson. constant that can be counted on.
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FEATURE
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Stuttgart Citizen,
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November 2020
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1/5/10/11
• U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 721st Air Mobility Operations Group, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, load a vehicle on to a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during a multi-capable Airmen lift-and-shift training exercise, Nodal Lightning 20-2 at the Stuttgart Army Airfield, Germany, Oct. 19, 2020. Photos by Yvonne Najera, TSC Stuttgart
2/9/12
• Stabsgefreiter Felix Bacher patrols Robinson Barracks during exercise Iron Castle 2020. • Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens patrols Robinson Barracks during exercise Iron Castle 2020. • Bundeswehr soldier Hauptgefreiter ROA Katharina Juergens completes a pass down before leading a patrol on Robinson Barracks during exercise Iron Castle 2020. Photos by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart
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3/6/8
• Service members from several units at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart participate in a ruck march near Panzer Kaserne. • Marine Sgt. Margarita Valenzuela participates in a ruck march near Panzer Kaserne. Photos by Rey Ramon, TSC Stuttgart
4/7 • Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, conduct a live fire exercise at the Panzer Kaserne range near Stuttgart, Germany, Oct. 20, 2020. Marines practiced their marksmanship skills on a variety of tables of fire to improve their familiarization. Photos by Cpl. James Bourgeois, USMC
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NEWS
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Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
German services remember the fallen By Rachele Pezzuti U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Each November, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart leadership takes part in German Volkstrauertag wreath laying ceremonies in local communities. The garrison oversees community relations for the U.S. military and benefits from attending these events, said Carola Meusel, the garrison’s host nation advisor. “It signals our commitment to the U.S.-German alliance and demonstrates our reverence for the sacrifices of Soldiers who fell in all armed conflicts,” Meusel said. “It also demonstrates our recognition of official host-nation observances.” Held two Sundays before the first day of Advent, the national day of mourning, also called Stiller Tag – day of silence, commemorates all those who died in armed conflicts or as the victims of violent persecution worldwide. In 1919, the German War Graves Commission or, Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge,
Tall.
proposed a Volkstrauertag for all German Soldiers who died in World War I. It was first officially observed in 1926. Today, the day is observed to remember and honor all Soldiers who died in all armed conflicts. The ceremonies are historically attended by high-ranking host nation officials, including lord mayors of Stuttgart, Kornwestheim, and Böblingen, the president of the District Government Stuttgart, as well as service members of the German Bundeswehr and German partnership cities. Last year, Col. Jason Condrey and Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia
Photo by Angelika Aguilar, USAG Stuttgart Col. Jason Condrey and Command Sgt. Maj. Toese Tia attend a wreath laying ceremony in support of Germany's National Day of Mourning in 2019.
“These are the kind of events that tell our story, a combined history that speaks to why we are here and illustrates the unbreakable bond between Germany and the United States,” said Condrey. “It is fitting that together, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” represented the U.S. military in Stuttgart and Böblingen. Representatives from the Veterans of Foreign Wars joined them in
Stuttgart. Students from the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps took part in Böblingen. In Kornwestheim, Col. William Lovell, the USAG
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Stuttgart chaplain and two other garrison Soldiers took part. This year, Condrey will be at Stuttgart and Böblingen. Both ceremonies are downsized, due to COVID-19. In Kornwestheim, only Lord Mayor Ursula Keck will lay one wreath with a ribbon in the colors of the city, symbolic for all wreaths. On Nov. 8, German Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Franck and other Bundeswehr soldiers will lead a wreath-laying ceremony at Panzer
Kaserne, at a German army memorial near the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) headquarters. The event, held for the first time since Sept, 11, 2001, is in memory of fallen Soldiers in all armed conflicts, Franck said. Also, the local Jewish community will hold a memorial service Nov. 22 outside Stuttgart Army Air Field to remember Holocaust victims who died in a labor camp there near the end of World War II.
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FEATURE
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Page 11
When told to stay put, reading provides a place to go By Elizabeth Celtrick U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart At this point in the coronavirus pandemic, community members are coming to grips with some harsh realities: postponed vacations, canceled sporting events, and no sign in sight of the final season of “Better Call Saul.” In the time of COVID-19, books remain a true joy, a reminder that emotions are universal, that the human experience is a shared one, and that there is indeed very little that’s new under the sun. There's a world at one’s fingertips and it's easy to procure in many different formats. Patch Library can help you find that perfect read. “Regular readers are more active than ever, but we’re also seeing a lot of newcomers and first time visitors,” says Library Technician Raechele Butler. Children’s picture books and series have been flying off the shelves and patrons seem to have the time now to invest in that eight-part nonfiction series, or audiobook they’ve been meaning to get around to. People are prone to reading the same type of book again and again, but reading habits and genre preferences can change during periods of stress. “Call it escapism, but I’ve been reading a lot more sci-fi and supernatural themed books since COVID,” shares Butler. “Right now I’m reading “Emily Eternal” by M.G. Wheaton, which is about a sentient A.I. grad student contending with the sun’s death and the inevitable end of the world. In addition to navigating the dynamics of her research team and secret crush, of course!” Butler encourages people to give reading another try if their only experience has been dense, uninteresting material from school or work. Reading should not feel like a chore. The right book can make all the difference and open up a whole new world she added.
What’s on the new arrivals shelf?
The library is constantly refreshing its stock of books and one of the more frequented areas of the library is where staff shelve the newest arrivals. Temporarily relocated, the new arrivals bookcase is now located near the audiobooks and DVDs, directly across from the video games (yes, the library has those too!) in the nonfiction section.
FICTION
Photo by Elizabeth Celtrick, USAG Stuttgart Community member Charlotte Riley meets with a friend to discuss homeschooling resources at the Patch Library.
“Novelist is another one of the library’s online resources and is perfect for people wanting to build a stronger reading habit,” says Butler. The online tool makes recommendations based on what you have enjoyed in the past, much in the way other media streaming services do. Many have found the current restricted lifestyle to be a great opportunity to read and explore different topics, either to learn new things or to provide a sense of escape. Patch Library has a robust selection of online resources available through the Army Europe Libraries system and participates in the fast and efficient Europe-wide interlibrary loan program. These resources are free and available to anyone with a registered library account. Everything from e-book and audiobook downloads, to video streaming services, to test prep and language learning and even genealogy programs are available. One resource particularly helpful to families at the moment are the Scholastic learning programs. “They’re a great complement to home school curriculums and virtual schooling and offer fun material learning for grades K-6,” says Butler. Tutor.com is another program really helpful to students
as a lot more learning becomes self-propelled and home based. Community member Charlotte Riley takes advantage of the library’s resources to supplement homeschooling and appreciates having access to the building and books. “We try and come at least every other week to show the children how to use and enjoy the library,” said Riley. To keep everyone safe and healthy, visitors are required to wear a mask, sanitize their hands, and sign in and out at the door. Once inside, patrons receive a card to hold on to for the duration of their visit (limited to one hour each) as a way of tracking the number of people in the building at any one time. For social distancing purposes, patrons are encouraged to utilize the self check-out station, but a librarian is always on hand to assist if needed. For more information visit stuttgart.armymwr.com/programs/ patch-library.
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Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Friends and Strangers, J. Courtney Sullivan Numbers Game, Danielle Steele Lone Jack Trail, Owen Laukkanen Journey of the Pharaohs (The Numa Files series), Clive Cussler The Angel of the Crows, Katherine Addison Peace Talks (The Dresden Files series), Jim Butcher Sad Janet, Lucie Britsch
NONFICTION • • • • •
On the Bright Side: Stories About Friendship, Love, and Being Yourself, Melanie Shankle Yoga for the Inflexible Male, Yoga Matt AOC: The Fearless Rise and Powerful Resonance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lynda Lopez A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred Year History of America’s Hurricanes, Eric Jay Dolin Six Days in August: The Story of Stockholm Syndrome, David King
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Tips for building a reading habit
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• • Photo by Elizabeth Celtrick, USAG Stuttgart Katie Powell makes use of the library’s self check-out station, one of several measures put into place to allow for social distancing.
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Create a reading ritual around a cozy spot in your home with few distractions, good lighting, comfortable seating, and a favorite drink within easy reach. Set time aside just for reading, once a day or even just once a week. Consider setting an alarm or stopwatch as a gentle prompt. Start with fun and engaging material. Ask a librarian for suggestions or use an online recommendation resource like Novelist. Find a friend or join a virtual book club to share with others what you’re reading. For those struggling with concentration, start with an audiobook. Listen while you exercise and start to work off those quarantine 15.
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FEATURE
Page 12
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
GARRISON DRINKING By Becca Castellano U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Directorate of Public Works tested on-post water systems for lead and legionella during their annual water quality assessment. In early spring, experts tested for legionella, a naturally occurring bacteria that thrives in fresh water under warm water temperatures and can persist in drinking water lines. If present in drinking water lines, exposure can occur by inhaling aerosolized fine water droplets, mainly through showers, and has the ability to cause Legionnaires disease. To mitigate this risk, the Garrison tests facilities where heated water is aerosolized through showers and connected to boilers over 106 gallons in size. This year 123 buildings were tested, those of which included Army Family Housing, child development centers, clinics, gyms, hotels, and schools, said Veronica Vu, an environmental engineer with the Directorate of Public Works. “There were some buildings that did exceed regulatory limits but affected residents were
immediately notified and proper mitigation measures were taken through thermal disinfection,” Vu said. “Upon resampling efforts, no exceedances were detected and community members were sent notifications.” Sampling is also conducted for lead levels in drinking water each year, sampling 20 percent of buildings deemed high risk on an annual basis in an effort to complete 100 percent of all buildings within a five-year cycle, Vu said. This year nearly 200 residences were tested, with no exceedances detected and completing the fiveyear sampling cycle, she added. “It's our goal to ensure we provide safe drinking water, but in order to do so we also rely heavily on community participation,” Vu said, who explained how residents are required to collect water samples themselves from bottles provided by a contractor who then analyzes them. “The samples they helped us collect were analyzed and results remain in compliance with regulatory standards established by our Final Governing Standards for Germany.” Lead and legionella sampling events are just two of several
water sampling efforts conducted annually in an effort to maintain quality drinking water provided to the community. “Samples are collected and tested for over 100 different chemical and physical drinking water parameters, including the presence of heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides and herbicides,” Vu said. To help fulfill all our water testing requirements, sampling support is provided through Public Health Command Europe and U.S. Army Medical Department Activity. When it comes to the quality of water supplied to the community, there can be no cutting corners, said Col. Jason Condrey, USAG Stuttgart’s commander. “The garrison team is focused on protecting the health and quality of life for those in our family housing, barracks and those that work or are cared for in our facilities,” he said. “Water quality is just one of the areas where the combined vigilance and effort between the garrison professionals and the community is critical to maintaining the highest standards and expectations.”
PASSES TESTS
Photo by Becca Castellano, USAG Stuttgart A Robinson Barracks Resident collects a drinking water sample for testing purposes.
What can you do to improve drinking water quality? Take an active role in further improving the drinking water quality for you and your family by routinely practicing the following: • Flush water faucets for approximately one minute prior to use for consumption. • Use only cold water to prepare food and drinks (lead and copper dissolve more rapidly at higher temperatures). • Regularly clean your faucet aerator screens as sediments that may contain lead can collect on faucet screens. Replace faucet aerators as necessary.
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Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
CULTURE
Page 13
AWARENESS + ACTION = RESILIENCE
ion f introduct ie r b a p u ree To set am and a f at: r g o r p e h t s to n contact u io t a lt u s n o c By Paul Hughes U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Coronavirus, school closures and the continual threat of a potential quarantine, coupled with the inability to travel and do some of your favorite things are likely increasing stress within your family. So what can you do when you are unable to blow off steam? "Families overcoming stress or “FOCUS,” is a program that helps improve resilience skills for couples and families,” said Jane Carey, Stuttgart FOCUS site director. “FOCUS helps increase our coping abilities by increasing coping strategies.” FOCUS helps families discuss how they’re feeling, by creating the story of their experiences. “There is a lot of initial excitement about moving to Germany and, the opportunities it presents like travel and meeting new friends," said Carey. "With COIVD we are finding that these chances are limited,
or not available at all, so being able to work on family closeness and family connectedness can be really valuable and can help families and couples to cope with this extra stress.” People authorized to use this service are active duty military and activated guard and reserve members and their dependents. The training is confidential, free and flexible, and services are offered at family friendly hours, and includes the use of virtual training or “teleFOCUS.” This way, the service can also be utilized by families that are geographically separated, providing an effective way to stay connected and keep relationships strong. “We are actively helping couples gain perspective on where their partners are coming from, or why their partners have reacted to certain stressors. It has helped them identify their stress and regulate their emotions.” Carey said.
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CHAPLAINS
Page 14
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Chaplains bridge the COVID gap using modern methods By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Love Special Operations Command Africa In 1918, when the U.S. military was engaged in all-out war in Europe, a pandemic was also taking its toll across the force. This wasn’t just a problem for medical personnel, this was a problem for chaplains. How could they care for their formations responsibly when they couldn’t safely be close to them? Fortunately, close to 100 years after the third wave of the 1918 pandemic ended, modern chaplains can use an invisible tool to continue their work while fighting an invisible enemy: WiFi. Special Operations Command Africa, along with chaplains across the military, have pushed their work almost entirely online, hastening a process of bringing services online that was already in progress. “We’ve all been shut down but our job doesn’t stop,” said Chaplain Maj. Michael Smith, SOCAFRICA chaplain. “The chaplain’s office is very relational and conversational. For all of that to be removed; we had to be out of the box to continue to reach out and touch our Soldiers and families.”
The SOCAFRICA chaplain’s mission doesn’t end in Stuttgart. Like all parts of this geographicallyfocused command, the Chaplain must look south to assist and enable African partners who are facing the same invisible enemy, in addition to violent extremist organizations. Smith has only been the Chaplain for SOCAFRICA for about a year, but the Green Beret hasn’t wasted any time getting to know his African counterparts. One of Smith’s closest relationships on the continent is the Chaplain Corps of the armed forces of Burkina Faso. “The AFRICOM chaplain and I met [Chaplain Bonkoungou] at a state partnership conference in September of 2019,” Smith said. “We developed our relationship and stayed in touch through email and text, and he invited us to visit Burkina Faso to provide training and key leader engagement in January. We were planning on returning again in April with a full, mobile-training team, consisting of Catholic, Muslim and Protestant chaplains and our SOCOM chaplain, but COVID hit and that couldn’t happen.” Smith said Burkina Faso has a small, but developed chaplain corps with a daunting mission.
The 10 chaplains are charged with administering care to a religiously diverse military spread across a space about the size of Colorado. Burkinabe security forces regularly engage in combat with violent extremist organizations in areas inaccessible to chaplains. The challenges are truly enormous,” said Chaplain Colonel Dakiswende Etienne Bonkoungou, Senior Chaplain for Burkinabe Military Forces. “We do not have much of a budget for anything, to include travel. We get to our troops when transportation is made available, but the necessity is so much greater than what we can provide.” When COVID-19 restrictions were enacted in March, Smith said he knew his Burkinabe counterparts’ problems were not going away – they were compounding. Back in Stuttgart, Smith moved his efforts to look after SOCAFRICA personnel online. He began producing regularly released videos on his iPad for the SOCAFRICA community and posting them online, which he shared with Chaplain Bonkoungou. “We couldn’t allow our relationship and co-development with the Burkinabe to stagnate, so we decided to continue that part of our
mission virtually, as well,” Smith said. “We needed to keep that positive momentum. The major hurdle was communication, since the Burkinabe military doesn’t have that technology readily available.” Working with a non-government organization, the team procured an iPad for each Burkinabe Chaplain. U.S. Special Operations Forces on an unrelated trip transported the devices down and issued them to each Burkinabe chaplain. The results were immediate. “You can tell how much the US and SOCAFRICA wants to support us by how much they spent to send us an iPad,” one of the Burkinabe chaplains commented through an interpreter. Smith and his team have been holding online classes with tips and experience-sharing to bring the Burkinabe chaplain corps up to speed on a set of skills required for online ministry, which he only recently began to grasp. “We see this as adding resilience to an entire force,” Smith said. “Across Africa, religious leaders have a high level of influence. Chaplains are teaching Law of Armed Conflict, ethics, and proper behavior. Chaplains are an African military’s moral compass, even
as much as their military’s legal personnel.” Burkina Faso has three denominations of chaplain: Catholic, Muslim and Protestant. “Their Muslim chaplains get the same respect as the Protestant and Catholic,” Smith said. “They all work hand in hand. Having increased connectivity can virtually put the appropriate one of them in the right place at the right time. It’s the same as we are, it doesn’t matter which chaplain you put in front of the problem, we all have the same end goal.” Bonkoungou also highlighted the similarities between the denominations of chaplains, especially those who have experienced the stresses put upon their troops by direct combat. “One universal truth occurs in the military due to the presence of chaplains who work as close as possible to the fighting,” Bonkoungou said. “Being around death, being exposed to wounds, killing or injuring other people strikes the minds, attacks the psyche, worries souls. Chaplains must support hearts, minds and souls. Any way we can equip them to overcome these challenges is necessary and appropriate.”
Courtesy Photo Chaplain Michael Smith meets with a Burkinable counterpart during a meeting in Burkina Faso in January 2020.
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FEATURE
Stuttgart Citizen, November 2020
Page 15
MP shares her team spirit with local students By Mac Hightower Stuttgart Citizen volunteer As a private with the military police, Imani Robinson found she had more free time than expected when she arrived in Stuttgart. Robinson sought out the head cheer coach at Stuttgart High School, Nicole King, to see if she could put that time to good use. Cheerleading has been a long-time passion for Robinson, who recalls her first experience with the sport when she was five. As she grew as a person and evolved as an athlete, so too did her relationship with cheerleading. She began coaching when she was 18 in Boston and after enlisting with the Army last year, she brought her passion for the sport to U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart on August 12, 2019. “When I’m coaching, I’m still a part of the team. I still get the same feelings as if I’m on the floor. I still get nervous. I still get excited,” Robinson said. Together with Coach King, they lead a 24-person cheer team. But Robinson also influences other roles in the athletes’ lives. “I’m a coach, but the girls can also come to me as a big sister,” she explained. “They can talk to me about school, family problems, or anything else.” Robinson’s commitment to the
Courtesy photo Ayonna Clark works at the front desk at USAG Stuttgart's USO center. Courtesy Photo Imani Robinson (middle row, second from left) poses for a photo with members of the Stuttgart High School cheerleading team.
students she coaches earned her the Garrison’s 2019 Military Volunteer of the Year award after just a year in the community. Her “contagious mindset of wanting to improve herself every day” inspires athletes, Soldiers and families alike, according to those who nominated her for the honor. Robinson enjoys when parents identify her as “Coach Mani,” and tell her that their daughter came home sweating and exhausted, and express gratitude for her pushing their
kids to challenge themselves. Although young herself, Robinson draws motivation to give back through growth she sees in her athletes every day. She said, “There’s always instances that make it worth it: when they get a new skill and you can see their glowing smile. It’s the little pieces, every day.” If you would like to get involved with the cheer team, please contact Head Cheer Coach Nicole King at Stuttgart High School.
Courtesy Photo Stuttgart High School Cheerleading Team poses with Coaches Nicole King and Imani Robinson.
Civilian and dependent finds niche with the USO By Mac Hightower Stuttgart Citizen volunteer Ayonna Clark, Stuttgart’s 2019 Civilian Volunteer of the Year award winner, first came to U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's USO as a patron. She said when her family first moved to Germany, they were welcomed by the friendly staff and volunteers at the USO. Clark’s mother later joined the USO team as a volunteer and Clark remembers, “she always talked about all the different programs and opportunities they allowed volunteers to help with.” Intrigued, Clark followed suit, and joined the USO team as a volunteer. Since her start date, she has taken on a variety of roles from lead volunteer to working the front desk; she’s served food and drinks at events, and has helped as an administrator. Perhaps most known for her role during the USO Family Movie Night events, Clark helps choose a movie then plans movie-themed activities and/or snacks for the event. Her supervisor notes, “In 2019, our Family Movie events
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served more than 600 people in the USAG Stuttgart Community. The kids in our community love her craft projects and therefore love to attend our events. Without the added fun of her crafts at so many of our events, they just wouldn’t be the same.” Clark shares that what she loves about the USO is their openness to suggestions. “They really give you an opportunity to thrive in your interests and they love to hear suggestions from volunteers," she said. It is that openness that has allowed Clark to “feel like family” while volunteering. Upon being honored as USAG Stuttgart's 2019 Civilian Volunteer of the Year, Clark stated, “ I had the privilege of enjoying different events with friends and family growing up; and want to help give back the opportunities to people in each community I’m a part of.” If you would like to volunteer with the USO, register on myarmyonesource.com by searching for ‘USO’ and requesting to join.
