The Citizen - July 2021

Vol. 50, No.8, July 2021

Serving the Greater Stuttgart Military Community www.stuttgartcitizen.com

Summer’s back and so is the Garrison

Commander’s Column: Don’t hesitate, vaccinate! the Stuttgart Citizen magazine as U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Commander are about returning this post back to normal. Not just because you deserve it, but because you have earned it. We’re walking indoors without masks, we’re The past 16 months have been challenging. COVID-19 had not only forced dining in (not out!), and we’re watching musicals at the Stuttgart Theatre us to physically separate in Germany, it had made the gulf between here and Center. And on the 4th of July we’ll all be sitting on the Panzer parade field home in the states feel almost infinite. But you, the watching what will be an amazing fireworks show Stuttgart Military Community, are a resilient bunch. I’m proud that my first words — a raw display of American freedom that I think Not only did you do the right thing and hunker will resonate a little more with all of us this year. down when the coronavirus brought the world to a This is just the beginning of our road toward norin the Stuttgart Citizen magazine standstill, you did the right thing when hope arrived malcy, but I ask you to remain ever vigilant. If you in the form of a vaccine, and lined up for the shot. haven’t vaccinated yet, please do, they’re safe and as U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s On New Year’s Eve the first few vaccines reached our effective. We need to keep this ball rolling, so again, health care professionals, and now by the time of don’t hesitate, vaccinate.

Commander are about returning this publication, more than a thousand of our kids I’m glad I live here, and I look forward to the next from the ages 12-17 will be fully vaccinated. Read two years serving you as your garrison commander. that again: not just the first dose, fully vaccinated! this post back to normal.

This is why I’m glad to live here. The opportunity that Meghan and I have in sharing a community with some of the smartest, bravest and most compassionate people this Earth has to offer, is one we USAG Stuttgart Garrison Commander, Col. Matt Ziglar, cuts a cake wouldn’t trade for the world. This is also why I’m proud that my first words in for the Army’s birthday on June 14. Photo by Marcus Fichtl

By Col. Matt Ziglar USAG Stuttgart Commander

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UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART Commander Col. Matt Ziglar Senior Enlisted Adviser Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Norman Public Affairs Officer Larry Reilly Managing Editor Becca Castellano

Army Post Office Mailing Address Unit 30401, APO AE 09107 German Mailing Address Panzer Kaserne Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 70032 Böblingen Telephone 09641-70-5962485 DSN (314) 596-2485 Website www.StuttgartCitizen.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ USAGarrisonStuttgart/

Service members at U.S. Special Operations Command Europe celebrate the U.S. Army’s 246th birthday by performing a series of exercises, including flutter kicks, air squats, burpees, and a 246-meter sprint June 14. Photo by Spc. Therese Prats

Cover image: A member of the Patch SAC summer camp program takes part in a squirt guns battle on Husky Field June 14. Photo by Becca Castellano

PUBLISHER AdvantiPro GmbH Europaallee 3 67657 Kaiserslautern Telephone +49 (0) 631-30 3355 30 Website 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 magazine, 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.

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Commander’s Column: Don’t hesitate, vaccinate!

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New arrivals at the library

CONTENTS

USAG STUTTGART PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne

TABLE OF

Contributors Marcus Fichtl, Bardia Khajenoori, Paul Hughes, Geoffrey Morris, Ch. (Lt. Col.) Joshua Gilliam Ch. (Lt. Col.) Bill Mauterer

Improvements on Panzer Strasse construction area US Soldiers earn German Sports Badge, build friendships

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Culture Corner: Independence Day, a normal day

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Chaplains Corner: Religious Communities — The undervalued factor in readiness

10 & 11 12 & 13

Back to Business

14 & 15 16 & 17

The masked class graduates

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Service Spotlight: USO volunteer hops his way to Military Volunteer of the Year

Pups of Stuttgart band together to save cat BOSS returns to normal The Big Question: What on-post service are you most excited to visit again?

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New arrivals at the library

By Becca Castellano USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Book covers and descriptions courtesy of goodreads.com

The summer reading program is in full swing at the Patch Library! Join in the fun with activities like black light mini golf, face painting, photography with color gels, flower planting and tie dye activities to name a few. And while you’re there, pick up some fresh summer reads. Whatever your plans are this July, avoid the summer slump and keep your kids’ reading. Just visit https://www.mwrlibrary.armybiznet.com/, select our local library on Patch and pick out up-to ten items from their massive database. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, request a specific book, game or movie through their online request system and it can be shipped from another location for your use. It’s as easy as that to learn, play and grow with the awesome team at the Patch Library.

In honor of Independence Day, check out these patriotic titles available at the Patch Library now.

The Ascent of George Washington: The Hidden Political Genius of an American Icon

By John Ferling Perhaps the most revered American of all, George Washington has long been considered a stoic leader who held himself above the fray of political infighting. What has gone unnoticed about the much-researched life of Washington is that he was in fact a consummate politician, as historian John Ferling shows in this revealing and provocative new book. As leader of the Continental Army, Washington’s keen political savvy enabled him not only to outwit superior British forces, but--even more challenging--to manage the fractious and intrusive Continental Congress. Despite dire setbacks early in the war, Washington deftly outmaneuvered rival generals and defused dissent from officers below him, ending the war with the status of a national icon. His carefully burnished reputation allowed Washington, as president, to lead the country under the guise of non-partisanship for almost all of his eight years in office. Washington, Ferling argues, was not only one of America’s most adroit politicians, he was easily the most successful of all time--so successful, in fact, that he is no longer thought of as having been political.

The British are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777

By Rick Atkinson In the initial volume of the Revolution Trilogy Rick Atkinson recounts the first twenty-one months of America’s violent war for independence. From the battles at Lexington and Concord in spring 1775 to those at 4

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Trenton and Princeton in winter 1777, American militiamen and then the ragged Continental Army take on the world’s most formidable fighting force.

It is a saga alive with astonishing characters: Henry Knox, the former bookseller with an uncanny understanding of artillery; Nathanael Greene, the bumpkin who becomes a brilliant battle captain; Benjamin Franklin, who proves to be the wiliest of diplomats; George Washington, the commander in chief who learns the difficult art of leadership when the war seems all but lost. The story is also told from the British perspective, making the mortal conflict between the redcoats and the rebels all the more compelling.

Uncle Sam’s America Written by David Hewitt, Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt A rousing history of the good old U.S.A. Since he first appeared in the 1800’s, Uncle Sam has inspired our nation. A symbol of patriotic duty and national pride, Uncle Sam has witnessed our history, from the victory over the British in the War of 1812, to the struggle of the Great Depression, to the efforts of the civil rights movement. This eloquent book recounts America’s past through Uncle Sam’s eyes, celebrating the fortitude and ingenuity that are the hallmarks of this national symbol. With illustrations that incorporate postage stamps and antique images from each era, as well as portraits of famous Americans whose actions changed history, and back matter about the people in the book, this is a timeless tribute to Uncle Sam -- an icon whose spirit embodies the American dream.

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

by Barrack Obama In this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O’Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.

Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by awardwinning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.

This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.

Independence Day

by Roland Emmerich On July 2nd, communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference. It is soon learned by the military that a number of enormous objects are on a collision course with Earth. At first thought to be meteors, they are later revealed to be gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species. After attempts to communicate with the aliens go nowhere, David Levinson, an ex-scientist turned cable technician, discovers that the aliens are going to attack major points around the globe in less than a day.

On July 3rd, the aliens all but obliterate New York, Los Angeles and Washington, as well as Paris, London, Houston and Moscow. The survivors set out in convoys towards Area 51, a strange government testing ground where it is rumored the military has a captured alien spacecraft of their own. The survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens, and July 4th becomes the day humanity will fight for its freedom. July 4th is their Independence Day… Star-Spangled: The Story of a Flag, a Battle, and the American Anthem

by Tim Grove “O say can you see” begins one of the most recognizable songs in the US. Originally a poem by Francis Scott Key, the national anthem tells the story of the American flag rising high above a fort after a night of intense battle during the War of 1812. But there is much more to the story than what is sung at ball games. What was this battle about? Whose bombs were bursting, and why were rockets glaring? Who sewed those broad stripes and bright stars? Why were free black soldiers fighting on both sides? Who was Francis Scott Key anyway, and how did he end up with such a close view? Star-Spangled tells the whole story from the perspectives of different real players — both American and British — of this obscure but important battle from American history.

A Nation Rising: Untold Tales of Flawed Founders, Fallen Heroes, and Forgotten Fighters from America’s Hidden History

By Kenneth C. Davis Following on his New York Times bestsellers America’s Hidden History and Don’t Know Much About History, Ken Davis explores the next chapter in the country’s hidden history: the gritty first half of the 19th century, among the most tumultuous in the nation’s short life.

• • • • •

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MILITARY SALES Signs of improvements starting to show along the Panzer Strasse construction area

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By Larry Reilly USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Commuters traveling in and out of the Panzer Kaserne main gate have adjusted to the challenges of rerouted traffic associated with a construction project to build a bike path along Panzer Strasse. This has especially impacted those heading to Schoenaich, who have had to go through Boeblingen via Herdweg, to reach their destination.

The bike path, which parallels the Panzer Kaserne fence line along Panzer Strasse, will continue toward Schoenaich and is one of three projects that make up the first phase of the construction project that will challenge commuters going in and out of Panzer Kaserne during the next year.

Other parts of the first phase include widening and lengthening of the merge lane from Herdweg onto Panzer Strasse in the direction of Schoenich and lengthening the turn lane going from Panzer Strasse onto Herdweg in the direction Boeblingen.

“Ultimately, the three-phase construction project is an effort of both the city and county of Boeblingen to reduce the traffic congestion at the intersection of Panzer Strasse and Herdweg,” said Karl Randebrock, USAG Stuttgart, Civil Engineer. The need to close Panzer Strasse from Herdweg to Schoenaich to widen the merge lane afforded the county to work on the bike path along Panzer Strasse.

Phase one is scheduled to be complete in October, which enables Panzer Strasse to have lanes open in both directions in time for phase two of the construction project to begin.

During phase two, the City of Boeblingen will add a right turn lane on Herdweg into the Panzer main gate coming from the direction of Boeblingen,” said Randebrock. “This project may cause delays during the construction time frame of October to December, but it will have a positive impact on traffic in that intersection when completed.”

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US Soldiers earn German Sports Badge, build friendships

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By Marcus Fichtl USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Soldiers heaved rocks, jumped into sand pits, and raced around the Stuttgart High School track as they competed for the German Sports Badge, Saturday, June 19.

The badging was co-hosted by the 52nd Signal Battalion and the Reservistenkameradschaft Reutlingen, a German reserve unit based 30 minutes south of Stuttgart. It tested the Soldiers with a gauntlet of sporting events including a 3000 meter run, shot put, long jump and 100 meter sprint. The swimming portion of the event was cancelled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“The German Sports Badge allows us to show the U.S. Soldiers that their service here is valued, and to provide them with an opportunity to earn an award that they can take back home,” said Lt. Col. Jorg Hildenbrand, the German commander.

One of the German military’s oldest awards, the German Sports Badge was first created in 1913 as the National Sports Badge. It’s gone through many iterations, but has always aimed to test the competitor’s endurance, strength, speed and agility with top scores earning the advanced ranking and passing, a basic placement. Additionally, Saturday’s event allowed for Soldiers to earn the Austrian Sports Badge if they upped their 3000 meter run to 5000 meters.

While some events overlap with the more widely known German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency, or GAFB, Hildenbrand said Saturday’s event was more about building friendship than just earning some chest candy.

“We’re looking back at 20 years of partnership with 52nd Signal Battalion,” said Hildenbrand. “Every time we get together, I’m always happy to talk to [American Soldiers], and learn about their heritage, what they’re doing, and what their plans are in Germany.”

The event brought in about 35 Soldiers from eight different units throughout Europe, including Capt. Jonathan Kuhlman, a judge advocate general based in Kaiserslautern with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. Kuhlman said that the moment he had an offer to compete he booked a ticket to Stuttgart, even if it meant giving up a Saturday.

“A lot of people given an opportunity to test or prove themselves they’ll 6

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jump on it — I did,” he said.

He added that “this was my first time with our partner forces, and it was definitely a good opportunity to share some stories and experiences.”

The day didn’t end with the sports badge, however, as Hildenbrand and his cadre of German troop, rolled up their sleeves and joined a garrison-led “Equality for All,” – Juneteenth 5k fun run later that day.

“Friendships are built when we look beyond just the Soldier,” said Hildenbrand.

The 52nd will bring the Germans back to Panzer later this summer, as they will be giving Hildenbrand’s Soldiers a chance to earn American marksmanship badges.

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American Soldiers run past German Soldiers who are timing a 3-5 KM run as they compete for the German Sports Badge.

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A Soldier prepares to throw a stone during the shot put event.

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A Soldier discusses his scorecard with his German counterpart.

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A Soldier throws a stone during the shot put event.

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Culture Corner: Independence Day, a normal day

Commentary by Paul Hughes USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

The USA got in early, deciding in 1776 that being under British rule was not for them. We refused to admit that until 1783, and it wasn’t until nearly two centuries later that the hemorrhaging of colonies really began. In 1939 Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand left, leaving only 14 British Overseas Territories as of today.

As my country seems further and further away after making Germany my home, I treasure the ability to celebrate cultural milestones, including Germany’s reunification and America’s independence, both of which Britain had at least a little something to do with.

So, I’ll say with mirth, Happy Treason day you ungrateful colonials! But I really mean it when I say, enjoy a wonderful celebration America, you deserve it!

“So the Brits don’t care about Independence Day?”

Photo by Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock.com

As a British Local National from England, I have been working for the Americans for seven years. With each Independence Day I am marinated in the infectious fun, patriotism and pride that is on full display.

While I was learning about the 4th of July over the years, I have also had opportunities to teach Americans a thing or two about it.

“What do you normally do on the 4th of July in England?” I have been asked on more than one occasion. “Well, nothing, just go to work, it’s just another day,” I normally respond.

“Really???” comes the reply, usually with quizzical twang.

I have always been a little tickled by the surprise I receive when I admit that Brit’s care little for the date.

Should we be celebrating the loss of the United States from our empire? That is a strange excuse for a party.

“So the Brits don’t care about Inde­pen­dence Day?”

Well, we can quote the movie pretty much word for word. It was this Will Smith film that really popularized the term for us. Before that, your average Brit wouldn’t immediately relate that term to an American celebration, as it is not something we are taught in schools. To back up this notion, I polled a group of Brits for the article. Nearly all guessed the month, but not the date of Independence Day. Now that I have a few Independence Day celebrations under my belt, I feel my country is missing out. We do not have a national day of celebration. If we wanted to, I suppose we could celebrate every time a country gained independence from us? This would make a total of 62 celebrations a year. Britain genuinely holds the official Guinness World Record for colonies lost.

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ar e Yo u

communities is the core competency chaplains provide commanders. Yet, commanders do not always see this In a previous assignment another potential. A commander would never chaplain and I were in the garrison be content with his surgeon visiting commander’s office to discuss our pro- training for the majority of each day. posal for a new chapel start. The conver- The doctor better set up a clinic and sation was cordial — and even promis- see patients. A commander would never ing — until the commander finally be happy with his JAG running the said, “I believe our current chapel offer- unit intramural league and doing a ings are sufficient. Besides, I need you “Thought of the day” in Command & focused on counseling Staff. The lawyer better Soldiers struggling with “… the practice law. Yet, comalcoholism rather than manders sometimes do chapels.” forgotten factor not expect their chapSurprised she viewed lain to provide the very chapels as meeting a in building competency they had to requirement rather than establish before accesoptimizing readiness, I the resilience sioning – that is, lead a responded, “If you use religious community. In your chaplains primarily that leads to fact, the ability to do this as counselors, you undewas regarded so highly rutilize the resource. readiness.” in generations past, that Chaplains provide comthe instruction to “hold manders a competency that no one else appropriate religious services” is the does — building religious communi- one duty given to chaplains in the US ties. Rather than one person — the Code. chaplain — helping one other person The political correctness of religious (counseling), religious communities participation changes with admincan create an environment where 100 istrations, but our Soldier’s need for people are equipped to help a 1,000.” authentic community is innate. With Participation in religious communi- the proliferation of social media, the ties is the forgotten factor in building loss of the day rooms, single-unit living the resilience that leads to readiness. quarters, underutilized dining faciliAccording to Dr. VanderWeele of the ties, and work environments that are Harvard School for Public Health, reli- increasingly compartmentalized and gious participation is the single most electronic, the need for a resurgence in protective activity one can be involved religious communities in our army has in. Throughout history churches, syna- never been greater. And I haven’t even gogues, mosques, and other places of started to discuss COVID… worship have provided people social But this article is not just aimed at and spiritual connections in ways leaders. How about you? Are you proFacebook will never be able. tecting yourself and your family? Are Creating and leading these religious you part of a religious community?

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Back to Business

Robinson Elementary School Students take part in activities during the last full day of school picnic.

Photo courtesy of Robinson Elementary School

Jennifer Fox peruses the book shelves at the Patch Library on June 15. Vaccinated community members can now enjoy all the library has to offer without face masks.Photo by Becca Castellano

Julie Weckkerline and Michael Lemay converse over a drink at the Java Cafe on Patch Barracks.

Patrons can now sit down and enjoy their drinks inside the cafe.

Photo by Geoffrey Morris

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Kieran Rusnok paints a flower pot at the Patch Library’s kick off event for the summer reading program on June 15.

Participants planted flower seeds in painted pots and hope to watch their flowers grow along with their knowledge during the summer reading program.

Photo by Becca Castellano

The Patch Library hosts a kick-off event for the summer reading program on June 15.

Participants painted flower pots and then planted seeds in hopes of watching their plants grow over the summer along with their knowledge. Photo by Becca Castellano

Members of the 52nd Signal Battalion Softball team warm up before their first game of the season on June 14.

Photo by Becca Castellano

Stuttgart Elementary School Students take part in activities during Field day on June 4.

Photo by Geoffrey Morris

Robinson Elementary School Students take part in activities during the last full day of school picnic.

Photo courtesy of Robinson Elementary School

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Service Spotlight: USO volunteer hops his way to Military Volunteer of the Year

By Geoffrey Morris USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs volunteer

Every year the USO brings holiday icons like the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus to life, and for the past few years it’s been the same man underneath the bunny ears — Stuttgart’s 2020 Military Volunteer of the Year — Maj. Dana Wilkins.

As a National Guardsman currently assigned to European Command’s operations office, Wilkins volunteered more than 145 hours with the USO this past year. He said over his 24-year career, he has learned

the value of the USO to service members.

“I had used their services all over,” said Wilkins.

“But especially here where I’m on tour unaccompanied, they bring that little bit of home.”

Wilkins is an Idaho native with five kids back home, but he is serving in Stuttgart as a geo-bachelor. He said volunteering helps to fill his time and allows him to relive a bit of his childhood as fun characters like the Easter bunny or Santa. His coworkers call him a method actor when he dons the furry suit, bunny ears, and basket full of treats.

“I just think about when I was a kid, what I Top of this page and right page: Maj. Dana Wilkins dresses up as the Easter Bunny for the kids of the Stuttgart Military Community during USO events.

Above: Maj. Dana Wilkins was named USAG Stuttgart’s Military Volunteer of the Year for his more than 145 volunteer hours in 2020.

Left: Maj. Dana Wilkins serves food during a USO event on Robinson Barracks in 2019.

Photos courtesy of the Stuttgart USO

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would have wanted to see when I saw the easter bunny or whomever,” he added. “If he’s hopping around, it’s just more realistic, I just try to think like a kid.”

But it was more than just his hopping skills that earned Wilkins top honors as a garrison volunteer.

“He’s easy going, funny, high energy, and reliable,” said Ryann Hangsleben, the USO station manager. She added that while it’s never difficult to find volunteers for the big events, it takes special people like Wilkins who are willing to help with the day-to-day work.

After 24 years in uniform and hundreds of hours as a volunteer, Wilkins said it’s always been his dream to join the military and serve and he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

The ‘masked class’ graduates

By Marcus Fichtl USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Stuttgart High School’s class of 2021 walked from their cars and across the stage in an outdoor, drive-in graduation Wednesday that’s become a rite of passage for pandemic-era seniors.

“In a year where we spent Friday nights watching reruns, birthday parties in quarantine, and saved all the money we would be partying with at fests — we learned how to work hard,” Co-Valedictorian Bettina Wagner said while addressing her fellow “Panther” graduates.

She said they worked hard at staying connected, preparing for their future, and asking each other if they were OK. Wagner said the year in some ways was almost romantic and in other ways Tarantino-esque with a three-month quarantine plot twist and a mysterious cast dressed in masks.

“It was still a classic, because it was our senior year,” Wagner said.

The evening began with a procession of the class’ 180 graduates, dressed in black gowns and gold shawls, zig-zagging between the audience of cars.

Parents honked horns, flashed lights, and younger siblings took to car roofs for a better view of their graduating older brother or sister.

This year’s class was born entirely in the COVID19 pandemic, and with the rise of vaccines, hopefully the last. The seniors dubbed themselves the “Masked Class,” as the facial coverings had become the norm since school doors opened nine-months ago. With social distancing, masking and online learning, even the senior prank went virtual as unnamed digital tricksters changed the school’s Wikipedia home from

Stuttgart, Germany to Flavortown, USA with chef Guy Fieri as its principal and SpongeBob SquarePants as its vice.

Maya Carter called graduation night “bittersweet.”

“I’m excited for a new adventure, but I’m sad to end this one,” the future Syracuse student said. She believes the can-do attitude of military children is what drove 2021’s class across the finish line.

For Trae Graham-Wright his new adventure will begin later this month when he dons Army greens and reports to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Basic Training.

He thanked his mom for some tough love over the past year.

“My grades were terrible this year,” he said. “If she wasn’t on my case about it I probably wouldn’t have graduated.”

Elzbieta Donohew, who’s heading off to Hillsborough Community College in Florida to become a dental hygienist, thanked her teachers for being right there next to them — if sometimes virtually.

“A lot of teachers were willing to change schedules and work with us,” she said. “Having amazing teachers really helped make the experience of quarantine and lockdown still special.”

After the confetti is swept away, the once skyward graduation caps picked up, and the last car leaves the graduation parking lot, Wagner hopes her fellow graduates will remember the hard work they put in and the bonds they formed.

“Maybe the world doesn’t owe us anything, but we owe ourselves quite a bit,” Wagner said. “I hope that when we think of high school we remember what we did for each other.”

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Stuttgart High School student council president, Kenneth Roedl, lines up in front of his fellow graduates.

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Stuttgart High School graduates walk toward the graduation stage.

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Rows of cars and Stuttgart High School graduates form the audience for an outdoor, drive-in graduation ceremony at Panzer Barracks, June 2.

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A Stuttgart High School valedictorian medal is seen.

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A car is humorously decorated.

Stuttgart High School graduates toss their graduation caps.

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Stuttgart High School co-valedictorian, Bettina Wagner receives her valedictorian medal.

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A Stuttgart High School graduate has fun while taking photos.

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Two Stuttgart High School graduates hug.

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Pups of Stuttgart band together to save cat

By Becca Castellano USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Kimberly Jackson, was on a work trip to D.C. when she got a phone call from her husband that every pet parent dreads – Patton is sick.

“I just dropped everything and rushed to the airport,” said Jackson. “She’s not just my cat, she’s my best friend.”

Patton came into Jackson’s life in 2012 after much research and hunting for the perfect furry friend. She went to a PETCO adopt-a-thon to meet a “little kitty who loves to crawl under covers.” Jackson believes though that it was Patton who chose her in the end.

“I went to her cage and there was this lump in a green bag,” said Ulrich.

“Everyone working there said she was really sweet, but she wouldn’t come out of that bag for anyone at these events. So, I stuck my hand out and to everyone’s amazement, she came out and nuzzled it. They said not once in three months had she done that for anyone else.”

Since choosing Jackson, Patton has been by her side through major milestones from Jackson’s marriage to the arrival of her cat-sister, Eisenmeower.

In 2018, when Jackson’s husband received orders to Stuttgart, she never questioned if bringing her pets was worth it – they were her family.

“It was just me and Patton for a while when I was younger, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her,” she said.

Now three years later as her husband Cris Ulrich sat with a very sick Patton in a veterinary emergency room, an emotional Jackson rushed to the airport to catch a flight back to Stuttgart – there still wasn’t Nikohl Wulfsberg’s cat, Tux, anything she wouldn’t do. The vet determined Patton sports his shaved patch from was having an allergic reaction to hyperthyroidism donating blood to Patton, medicine and gave her something for the nausea. proudly.

But instead of helping, the new medication triggered Photo courtesy of Nikohl Wulfsberg

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an extremely rare reaction in the sick cat, causing her face and body to swell and her blood cells to begin leaking fluid.

Before long, she suffered a stroke from internal bleeding in her stomach Patton the cat fell severely ill in May and needed a life-saving and brain. Patton was blood transfusion. Photos courtesy of Kimberly Jackson going downhill fast.

Jackson and Ulrich frantically read everything they could online and reached out to Patton’s old vet in Alexandria for a second opinion. At one point, Jackson tried to set up a video consultation with specialists to give her best friend a fighting chance.

“Euthanasia was never an option for me,” said Jackson. “Unless she was in extreme pain, I knew that I would do anything to help her survive.”

Five days after Patton was admitted, Jackson and Ulrich got the call they had been hoping to avoid. “They wanted us to come in and say goodbye,” she said.

As the veterinary staff handed a weak, bundled up Patton to her mom, Jackson worried for the first time that she might lose her baby. Through the fear, something the vet said triggered a memory from all of Jackson’s research.

“They said she had lost too much blood, but another vet had mentioned a plasma transfusion at one point so I asked if we could try a blood transfusion in a last effort,” said Jackson.

A hesitant vet explained that because cat blood has a short shelf-life, supplies are scarce. They warned it would be extremely difficult to find a donor cat that was a match. So, Jackson turned to a group she knew would understand her desperation: Pups of Stuttgart.

“This is a group of people who love their animals,” said Jackson of the Facebook group dedicated to helping Stuttgart military pet owners, navigate life in Germany. “I didn’t know what to expect, but if anyone was going to be willing to help me, they would be here.”

Jackson instantly began receiving messages from friends to complete strangers.

“It was unbelievable the number of people who just asked ‘what do you need?

How can I help?’,” she said.

As Jackson began the process of vetting potential donors, her friend and cat sitter, Maggie Dieter, hopped in a cab with her cat, Bell, and headed to the clinic to help.

“We didn’t know anything about this procedure but we knew immediately that we wanted to help,” said Dieter. “Patton is just the sweetest and if we could give her a chance, we were going to try.”

But as Dieter and Bell rode to the clinic, a new obstacle arose, they were out of the test strips needed to confirm a donor match.

“It just seemed like at every turn we hit a wall,” said Jackson.

Jackson and Ulrich frantically called every emergency vet clinic in a two-hour radius. It was Sunday and many were closed. Thankfully a vet in Ludwigsburg picked up and said they had the necessary strips. Patton’s time was short, they had Above & right: Maggie Dieter’s cat, Bell, donated blood to burned precious hours fellow cat, Patton, for a life-saving transfusion on May 16. finding a clinic, and this Photo courtesy of Maggie Dieter

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was their last shot. More hours passed, then vet announced the results.

Bell was a match. The life-saving procedure could began.

By the next day, Patton seemed to be improving, but by Tuesday, the vet recommended another transfusion. Jackson once again turned to the community and received overwhelming support.

“One woman sent me a message and said I’ve got two cats; my bags are packed, my toddlers in the car, I can be there in 30 minutes,” said Jackson.

“There was just something about the way she was so calm, direct and kind when I was in such a worried, anxious place.”

Nikohl Wulfsberg had just joined the Facebook group and Jackson’s plea for help was the first post she saw. She believed the moment was meant to be.

“We have moved three cats from New Mexico to South Korea and then to here,” she said. “It is a huge pain. It’s not something you do because it’s easy or fun-you do it because they are your furry family members and it was very apparent from the way she talked about Patton that she felt the same.”

Wulfsberg brought two of her cats to help. Tux was the “ideal” donor according to the veterinary staff, who were able to draw enough blood to reserve some for a third transfusion if needed. It was, two days later, Patton received her third and final transfusion.

“After her last transfusion on Thursday, they said she had to start producing her own new cells by the weekend or we were out of options,” said Jackson.

As time ticked-down, Jackson and Ulrich visited Patton daily and met many of the clinic staff who had fallen in love with their sick kitty.

“She had an IV in her neck and was undergoing so much prodding and poking but she would still purr,” said Jackson. “I gave them her green bag, the one I adopted her in, and as soon as she could, she climbed inside-they thought that was so cute.”

After two days of waiting, Patton’s blood work came back on Sunday, May 23, with amazing results. And now twelve days after her May 11 post on Pups of Stuttgart, Jackson posted an update with the exciting news. Patton was going to make a full recovery. By then, the post had nearly 75 comments from concerned community members.

“To say that this community saved her life is not an overstatement,” said Jackson. “If we were not able to get a blood transfusion for her, we would have lost her. No question.”

After some days in the animal ICU, Patton returned home where Jackson reports she is improving and showing more signs of her old personality every day.

Through the harrowing experience, the cat mom said she has made lifelong friends.

“I’m going to be friends with [Maggie and Nikohl] for life,” said Jackson. “They both put their cats at risk, even though it was slight, to save mine. And you can’t say thank you enough for something like that.”

As for Patton, Jackson believes she’ll be bringing people together for many years to come.

17

BOSS returns to normal

By Bardia Khajenoori USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Services at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart continue a return to normal as health conditions improve, and Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers, or BOSS, is no different.

That’s welcome news for a program that promotes friendship and community, but has largely been forced to hold online meetings and virtual events for much of the past 16 months.

“It’s been tough,” said Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Billy Norman, the garrison’s senior enlisted leader. “But because the community’s been diligent in getting vaccinated and is trending in the right direction, The BOSS program offers single and unaccompanied Service Members the chance to give back to the community, take part in we’re now able to offer more opportunities for in- fun activities and excursions, and provide feedback to leadership about quality of life. Photo courtesy: BOSS person activities.”

At the heart of those activities are the three pillars of BOSS: Quality of Life, services — including single service members, single parents, and geographical Community Service, and Recreation and Leisure. Past events have run the gamut bachelors/bachelorettes — are invited to take part. from on-and-off post volunteering to cooking classes and ziplining in the Black Norman believes giving back to the community and building life skills are Forest. The events are designed to offer single personnel a way to get out of the key to the program. barracks and spend time productively, said Norman.

“I want to present the opportunities for single service members to grow and Although BOSS is officially an Army program (with the second ‘S’ usually develop, and give them opportunities they wouldn’t have in other places — fun standing for ‘Soldiers’), the joint composition of Stuttgart means members of all events which tie them into the community and teach skills they can use throughout their life or career,” said Norman.

At the same time, “BOSS is also a platform to bring issues or We are your specialists for: concerns about quality - Cosmetic Dentistry - Prosthetics of life to my attention, Prophylaxis/Bleaching - Implantology so I can be an advo- Periodontology cate,” he added. That Dr. Petra Bagusche | TRICARE OCONUS Preferred Dentist means if there are issues Poststraße 44 | 71032 Böblingen in barracks not being Phone: 07031-49 88 11 | Fax: 07031- 49 88 49 addressed or anything E-Mail: dentistry@dr-bagusche.de | www.dr-bagusche.de else that would affect single service members, call BOSS. Modern Aesthetic Sgt. Kevin Hernando, Stuttgart’s new BOSS president, sees the program as a tool to help Aesthetic Dentistry fight against feelings of TMJ/Facial Pain Treatment depression, isolation, or Certified Dental Hygienist loneliness which may Preventive Care and Periodontal Therapy be harbored by service Orthodontics/Invisalign members.

Implants “Even without COVID-19, it’s worse being alone overseas and away from home, and at a duty NEW opening in station with such a high operating tempo,” said Hernando. “I want people to Stuttgart know that I understand what they’re feeling, and give back to the ones who don’t have a voice.”

Dr. Charles A. Smith DDS, LVIF is an American trained Upcoming activities are still being planned, but possibilities include a wooddentist providing expert dental care with the newest and most working class, roller skating, a poetry slam, and castle hikes, he said. successful techniques to cover all your dental needs. Come see Hernando is also in the early stages of exploring coordination opportunities why patients travel from all over Europe to visit Dr. Smith for with BOSS programs at other garrisons. general dental care to smile makeovers. After many successful BOSS meetings are held the first and third Thursday of each month at the years in Heidelberg, Dr. Smith has now opened a second office in Warrior Zone in the Galaxy Bowling and Entertainment Center — a hangout Stuttgart. Please call to schedule your appointment. space for service members.

Norman encouraged those on the fence about joining BOSS to give it a try.

Charles-Lindbergh-Str. 11 71034 Böblingen “When people go, they have fun and often wish they had started coming earPhone 0 70 31-2 05 60 62 www.boeblingendental.com lier,” said Norman.

Dentistry · · · · · ·

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18

July 2021

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“I want people to know that I understand what they’re feeling, and give back to the ones who don’t have a voice.”

The Big Question: What on-post service are you most excited to visit again?

Thanks to the committed efforts of the community, life on post is starting to look a little more like it did pre COVID. With so many things reopening around the installation, we at the Stuttgart Citizen asked what you are most excited to see return?

“Games for kids sports”

“Stuttgart Theatre Center!”

-Hager Fam

-John Strack Jr., Stacey Parks

“The Patch movie theater. I miss new movies and nachos.”

“Preschool for 3-4 year olds” -Courtney Suesse

- Meg War

Below are some of the best answers we received!

“The Movie Theater.”

“Live Theater on Kelley Barracks!”

-Rebecca Goodwin, Jules Frank

- Friends of the STC

“I am so happy that the Stuttgart Theatre Center is open again and we are allowed to have live shows.

The show runs for the next two weekends. This is such a great moral booster for our community.”

“I am really looking forward to the framing class at the crafting center.

I’ve purchased a ton of art during the pandemic and would love to learn how to frame it myself.”

-Kat Lancaster

Photo 2021 Fullmoonhigh Photography by Heike Pannen

-Tina Whiteaker Ranum

“I’m the most excited for the movie theater!!

Being able to walk in, buy popcorn and soda and sit in a chair to watch a movie on a screen bigger than my house will be so wonderful! I’m giddy just thinking about it.”

Photo 2021 Fullmoonhigh Photography by Heike Pannen

-Sgt. Marie Mills

“Stuttgart Theatre Center!!! So excited I got to see JERRY’S GIRLS opening weekend!

It’s such a fun show filled with singing, dancing, and comedy! Live theatre is the best!”

-Kyla RS

“The movie theatre also for kids’ movies” -Vanya Buswell

“I want to see my [high schooler’s] catch a movie at the Theater with friends. It was such a regular thing for a teenager to do before Covid. I want to hear about the fun they had catching up with friends at the Hub. I want to see normal teenagers again, meandering in packs, learning life skills, making some dubious choices - getting it wrong a few times before they head off to college!”

-Barb Taylor July 2021

19