erald Union H Vol. XIX, No. 8
Wiesbaden: Our home in Germany
www.herald-union.com
Feb. 2, 2017
Lessons of Dr. King come to life during annual observance By Amy L. Bugala
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs
A cast and crew of Soldier actors, volunteers and organizations brought the words and lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to life for the Wiesbaden community during the annual MLK Day observance at the Tony Bass Auditorium Jan. 19. Hosted by the 2nd Signal Brigade, the event opened with two short scenes on stage — one set in the past featuring Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, followed
Aukamm Elementary kindergarten teacher Michelle House talks with her class Jan. 25 about the bravery of their classmate Adeline Marsters during a “Superhero Day” in her and her sister Abigail’s honor. Adeline is battling a rare blood disease and receiving a bone marrow transplant from Abigail, a fifth grader at the school.
Aukamm Elementary joins powers to root for sisters Story and photo by Emily Jennings
U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs
The moment 10-year-old Abigail Marsters learned that her little sister needed a bone marrow transplant, she held out her arm and said, “I’m going to be the perfect match!” About a year ago Nicki and Aaron Marsters found out their youngest daughter, Adeline, now 6,
had a rare blood disease. She would need intensive treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. Detailed testing is required to determine a bone marrow match, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. And most people who need a transplant do not have a relative who is a close enough match to donate. When the family learned that their See ‘Superhero’ on page 12
Trainers help with fitness goals Find guidance at the Fitness Center to enhance performance and invest in your health.
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by one set in the present highlighting lessons from his sermon known as the “Street Sweeper” speech. The scenes paid tribute to the civil rights leader whose lessons of love, civility, and peace, presented in the two inspirational speeches still ring true today. “No one really recognizes what a simple dream Dr. King had …and now 54 years later, how that dream has blossomed into an idea, into a movement, and into real action,” said Col. Jeff Worthington, See ‘MLK’ on page 2
IMCOM’s Transition Assistance Program helps Army save $900M By Leslie Hargett and William Bradner IMCOM
Unemployment Compensation for Soldiers leaving the Army during fiscal year 2016 dropped to the lowest amount recorded in 13 years. The Army ended the year at $172.8 million, according to the Department of Labor’s unemployment compensation report. Army expenditures had peaked in 2011, at $515 million. This is the first time expenditures dropped below $200 million since 2003. In the last four years the Army has saved over $900 million in cost avoidance for unemployment compensation expenditures through programs like the Installation Management Command Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, which prepares Soldiers for
All about Fasching Celebrate the “fifth season” with the locals. Take the kids to the Kinderfest in Wiesbaden or the Youth Masked Parade in Mainz or watch one of Germany’s biggest parades. Page 16-17
finding employment in the civilian sector when they leave active service. “The significant reduction in the Army’s bill for unemployment compensation, along with the reduction in the national Veteran unemployment rate, can be attributed to the diligence of the team of teams at IMCOM’s SFL-TAP centers who are selfless, passionate and dedicated to this important mission,” said IMCOM Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa Judkins. IMCOM executes SFL-TAP by providing resources, guidance and support to 73 centers world-wide. The command markets the program to Soldiers, provides direct funding and manpower, develops standardized training and monitors the execution of the program. When Soldiers receive unemployment compensation from a state agency, See ‘TAP’ on page 4
Price of a stamp goes up 2 cents
Forever stamps are up from 47 cents to 49 cents. Postcards, international mail and additional ounces not affected. Page 3