Issuu

Vol. 55, No. 2, 4th Quarter 2026

Serving the Greater Stuttgart Military Community www.stuttgartcitizen.com

FINDING COMMUNITY AND CULTURE IN GERMANY USAG Stuttgart with kids Pages 8-10

A social life for teens Page 4

Building your military spouse tribe Pages 22 & 23

Local golf talent represents USAG Stuttgart Page 6

UNITED STATES ARMY GARRISON STUTTGART Commander Col. Edward J. Sanford Senior Enlisted Adviser Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Melendez Public Affairs Officer Dayna E. Rowden Managing Editor Margarita Cambest

: y il m a F t r a g t t u t S G A To our US

nity extraordinary opportu ce where we have an pla ets a Me in on ve ssi ser Mi to re ate he motto, “W We are fortun cing life overseas. Our an en sh eri pli exp om ile acc wh to n re tio he na to serve our unique: we are nt me ign ass g s tin thi las kes ate ma dships, cre Home,” captures what chance to build frien the ve ha o als we t bu important mission, ence a part of our story. this remarkable experi memories, and make ilding a network place can take time. Bu ur yo g din fin , art ttg ablish friendships, or For those new to Stu and young adults est ren ild ch take ng lpi he S, enging. My advice is to after an overseas PC l at home can be chall fee ighu ne yo ur yo ere et wh t Me ou simply figuring beyond the gate. Go . ge ga en d a an try re, to explo here new the first step: get out, Take a train to somew al. tiv fes al loc a e nc rie bors. Join a club. Expe ed before. have never experienc u yo ion dit tra an rm Ge e—and to urage you to do the sam co en I e, hil aw re he en ur favorite local For those who have be o your circle. Share yo int er om wc ne a e vit In we actively look out bring someone along. ity is strongest when un mm co r Ou m. ge tradition or hidden everyone to belong. ate opportunities for for one another and cre ing Volksfest ation, from experienc pir ins d an as ide er the workplace. The pages ahead off ding a purpose beyond fin to s ion dit tra ay and German holid , y, connect generously es you to explore boldl ag ur co en ue iss s thi I hope re than a duty station. and make Stuttgart mo Mission Meets Home. This is a place Where

Col. Edward “Judd” Sanford

Commander, ttgart U.S. Army Garrison Stu

Contributors Balmina Sehra, Gabby Woodmansee, Jessica Lonero, Michael Roach USAG STUTTGART PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne Army Post Office Mailing Address Unit 30401, APO AE 09107 German Mailing Address Panzer Kaserne Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 70032 Böblingen Website www.StuttgartCitizen.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ USAGarrisonStuttgart PUBLISHER/VERLAG AdvantiPro GmbH Kindsbacher Str. 58 66877 Ramstein-Miesenbach Telephone +49 (0) 63 71 - 98 09 050 Website www.AdvantiPro.com Managing Director Robert Mitchell Concept, design & layout: Alexander Pütz, Marina Richter ADVERTISING/WERBUNG Contact Jennifer Holdsworth Telephone +49 (0) 63 71 - 98 09 050 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. 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.

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Photo by Alexxndr, Margaret.Wiktor/Shutterstock.com

Commander’s Note

Panzer Hotel Assistant Manager Elsa Bonet Pocino, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Melendez, and Director of Stuttgart Family & MWR Corrie Schwab are all smiles during a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the enhanced breakfast program at the Panzer Hotel. Photo by Stuttgart Family & MWR

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

Cover image: Capt. Brandon Mai, a dentist with U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Dental Clinic, takes a practice swing at the Golfclub Schönbuch driving range near Panzer Kaserne. Mai is one of 12 Soldiers who will compete for a spot to play in the Armed Forces Golf Championship. Photo by Michael Roach, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Post app is your one-stop employee enhances 02 Commander’s Note 11 TheshopMyforArmy official information 20 Garrison mission readiness with MBA a social life for teens and from Stuttgart in Building your support 04 Building young adults beyond the gate 14/15 Daytrips under 90 minutes 22/23 network from scratch after an OCONUS PCS USAG Stuttgart hosts 05 Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival 16/17 Jägerschlag at historic Spending a very hunting tunnels merry holiday 24/25/26 USAG Stuttgart dentist to compete at season in Germany 06 All-Army Golf Trial Tips for staying safe at 18 Volksfest this year The Big Question: What is one Life at USAG Stuttgart 27 positive surprise or hidden gem with kids is closer to Germany’s Shoulder Season: you’ve found about your assignment to 08/09/10 home than you’d think 19 4 Knockout November Destinations USAG Stuttgart? 4th Quarter 2026

Photo by New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Building a social life for teens and young adults beyond the gate By Gabby Woodmansee USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Intern

For teens and young adults, stepping off-post and making local friends can feel daunting, but it is fully possible to make meaningful friendships outside the gate in Germany. Whether your goal is to stay active, pick up a new skill, or earn volunteer hours, integrating into the local off-post community is easier than it seems if you know where to look.

Joining a club In Germany, community life revolves around independent, registered clubs called Vereine (often indicated by e.V after their name). Regardless of your skill level, if you want to play a sport, an instrument, or try chess, joining a local club is the best way to meet locals. The most typical clubs to explore are sports clubs (Sportvereine), music clubs (Musikvereine), or hobby and cultural clubs (Sachvereine). Many local clubs accommodate English speakers, or even offer international programs. You can visit a trial training to see whether you enjoy the club and get along with the other members and trainer. The main focus of

participating in clubs in Germany is about not becoming the best but moreso just the social aspect and potential community. The Verein will host events and get-togethers, where you will also have the opportunity to engage with other clubs in the neighboring city. Most local town websites offer an official directory listing of all the clubs in the area, typically listed under “Vereine” or “Freizeit.” However, if you want to search for a club, the best way would be by plugging: your city + your hobby e.V. into your search engine of choice.

Joining university sports For young adults ages 18 to 25 seeking to connect with local peers, university programs and workshops are a great way to do so. The University of Stuttgart provides an extensive program featuring everything from indoor sports and martial arts to outdoor fitness workshops and climbing. Enrollment as a university student is not a requirement for participation. Many courses and recreational sports slots open up for public registration at a slightly higher fee, however still maintaining affordability. This provides an inexpensive way for young Americans to engage in physical activity while integrating directly with local German students off post.

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Volunteering in Germany not only builds your resume, but it’s a deeply respected practice that offers one of the fastest routes to making local friends. For young adults, the options go beyond basic community services: you can train alongside locals in the volunteer fire department (Freiwillige Feuerwehr), build practical rescue and engineering skills with the federal disaster agency THW (Technisches Hilfswerk), or participate in outdoor conservation projects with NAJU (Nature Youth). If you are an animal lover, local shelters welcome volunteers to help with daily care or become registered weekend dog walkers. Volunteer work not only gives you a sense of purpose off-post, but it also gives you an opportunity to connect with peers. Gabby Woodmansee is an intern at the USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office and a senior at Heidelberg University. As an American who has spent two decades living in Germany she’s grown accustomed to local traditions and is excited to share them with the Stuttgart military community.

As children, Gabby and her siblings took part in a local karate club. Photo by Gabby Woodmansee.

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By MilitaryInGermany.com

The Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival (Kürbisausstellung), held annually on the magnificent grounds of the Blühendes Barock (Baroque in Bloom) gardens surrounding Schloss Ludwigsburg, is officially the largest pumpkin festival in the world. Located just 30 minutes outside of Stuttgart, this massive autumn celebration draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. For the 2026 season, running from Aug. 22 to Nov. 1, the grand palace gardens have been completely transformed into an interactive playground showcasing incredible artistry, massive competitions, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

Photo by Marina VN/Shutterstock.com

Photo by Valentyn Irin/Shutterstock.com

Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival

At the heart of the festival are more than 450,000 pumpkins representing over 600 unique varieties. Expert artists use these diverse gourds to construct jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures built over wood-and-wire frames. Beyond the static displays, the festival hosts a series of legendary weekend events, including a giant pumpkin carving event on Oct. 18, and a Halloween Carving on Oct. 24, 25 + 31 where visitors can take part. The onsite open-air kitchens serve up a diverse array of traditional Swabian and international pumpkin dishes, inluding soup, Swabian ravioli, fries, burgers and more. The address for Blühendes Barock is Schlossstraße 30, 71634 Ludwigsburg. Grounds are open from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.

USAG STUTTGART DENTIST TO COMPETE AT ALL-ARMY GOLF TRIAL Story and photos by Michael Roach USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Capt. Brandon Mai, a dentist with Stuttgart Dental Clinic, is heading to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in September to compete for a spot on the All-Army Golf Team. Mai will represent Installation Management Command Europe as the only Soldier selected from the region. Twelve athletes were selected for the men’s training camp after applying, and they will compete for the six available slots to play in the Armed Forces Golf Championship Sept. 15 to 19. “I know a lot of the other guys are probably West Point players and have competed in the Army,” Mai said when discussing the trial camp. “I’m not too sure what to expect. I am just going to go in and try to do my best.” Originally from Poway, Calif., Mai started playing golf at 6 years old. By the time he was 8, practice, parental support, talent and enthusiasm helped him take fourth place in the Junior Worlds tournament. Mai’s love for the game has followed him his entire life. “Playing golf, you don’t get to win a lot,” Mai said. “It is one of those sports where it feels like you know you’re losing more than you’re winning, so when you do win it feels much more special just because it is part of a comeback.” Mai eventually earned a spot on the University of California Los Angeles Bruins, playing in NCAA tournaments and championships throughout his undergraduate years. Humble about these accomplishments, Mai contends that in recent years he doesn’t so much as keep up with his handicap, saying that it usually hovers around scratch. After moving across town to University of Southern California and completing dental school,

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Capt. Brandon Mai performs an exam on a Soldier. Mai joined the Army after dental school.

Mai joined the Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant using the Health Professionals Sponsorship Program. U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart is Mai’s first duty station, and after learning about a colleague who competed for the Army in CrossFit a coworker showed him how to apply so he could represent the Army in golf. This process has created an intersection for two different elements of his life. “Golf is such an individual sport, but I feel like

it is such an interesting situation,” he said. “I am going and everyone at my clinic and at my command knows, and I feel like I have a team behind me and it is really cool.” After arriving in the summer of 2025, Mai hadn’t spent much time playing golf in Europe. Like many personnel stationed in the region he has been focused on traveling. However, he couldn’t stay away for long and is currently the Stuttgart Golf Course Club Champion after a recent tournament. “I didn’t really play this last year,” Mai said. “It was really earlier this summer that I played a couple of events, and I got back into it. Every time I get back into golf, I have the itch to compete.” Breaking the cliché of a dentist who becomes an avid golfer by inverting it, Mai prefers the purpose that dentistry gives him over what he could pursue on the greens. The one common thing he finds is the approach he uses for both the sport and his profession. “I think they both give perspective,” Mai said. “On a golf course or when I am working on a procedure with a patient the pressure that I put on myself is the hardest thing. When I am on a golf course it doesn’t matter if I am playing club championship, an NCAA championship or PGA tournament—I’ve always got that internal pressure, and nothing is going to be greater than that.”

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Daytrips from Stuttgart in under 90 minutes

I found one of the best ways to reset my kids is through Mother Nature and getting dirty. Photo by Barfusspark Egestorf

As the days get cooler and school kicks into session, I’m reminded that summer is over, but thankfully, there is so much to do within a short drive. Below, I’ve gathered a few of my family’s favorite daytrips within 90 minutes of Stuttgart. These closeto-home spots are the perfect place to make memories with your family over a short or long weekend without requiring an overnight stay. By Jessica Lonero USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Intern

RUBBLE HILL (BIRKENKOPF): FREE AND FULL OF PERSPECTIVE Just 10 minutes from Patch Barracks, Rubble Hill (known in German as Birkenkopf) offers one

of Stuttgart’s most meaningful views. This historic overlook was built from the city’s World War II rubble and stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of the resilience of our host nation’s citizens. You can reach the summit on a short, stroller-friendly paved path or opt for the scenic staircase route. On a clear day, the 360-degree panorama of Stuttgart is worth every step. Even better? It’s completely free. Whether you’re coming from Panzer (17 minutes), Kelley (15 minutes) or Robinson (22 minutes), Rubble Hill is an easy detour that packs history and natural beauty into one unforgettable visit. HUNDESTRAND EPPLESEE, RHEINSTETTEN: SUN, SAND AND A PLACE TO GET YOUR PAWS WET!

Just 50 minutes from Patch Barracks, Hundestrand at Epplesee is a lakefront escape that’s perfect for family and dogs. This pet-friendly beach features shallow waters, a blend of sand and pebbles, and plenty of open space to spread out. For future visits we plan on bringing water shoes to better enjoy the stoney shore. No pets? No problem. Check out the map of the lake ahead of time as in addition to a dog beach that allows pets, this spot also offers textile-free bathing and a (clothed) family beach where pets are not welcome. Entry to the lake is free, but I recommend paying for parking in advance. On-site pay stations are available (with euro coins) but you’ll get through the entrance faster with a pre-booked parking pass. For current lake access updates and seasonal info, visit Rhinestetten’s official website. BARFUSSPARK DORNSTETTEN: GO BAREFOOT, AWAKEN YOUR SENSES If you are looking for a unique sensory experience that doubles as family fun, don’t miss out on Barfusspark Dornstetten located about an hour and 15 minutes from Stuttgart. Our kids loved walking through the mud pits and along the wooded trail designed to wake up your senses with pebbles, bark paths, and stream crossings. We had the best time and at the end you will be pleasantly surprised by how soft your feet are. Between the fresh forest air, you are bound for a refreshing escape from screens and sidewalks for around 5 to 7 euros per person.

The Rubble Hill hike, also known as Birkenkopf, is a popular daytrip in the area. Photo by Margarita Cambest, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs 14

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Hundestrand Epplesee in Rheinstetten is 10 out 10 recommended by our furry family member. Photo by Dayna E. Rowden, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

EXPERIMENTA SCIENCE CENTER, HEILBRONN: PLAY MEETS DISCOVERY

TRIPSDILL WILDLIFE PARK: WALK AMONG THE ANIMALS Located just over an hour from Stuttgart in Heilbronn, Experimenta is Germany’s largest science center. Our family first discovered it during a Patch Elementary field trip, and it’s remained one of our top locations for school breaks ever since. Tickets range from 13 to 17 euro, and on-site parking easily accommodates vehicles of all sizes. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the hands-on exhibits, and don’t miss the rooftop terrace or the motion lab.

Maybe a blast from your past? Try out the life size pin art at the Experimenta Science Center. Photo by Jessica Lonero, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

One of the hungry deer at Tripsdill Wildlife Park. They have no manners so hold on tight to your cup! Photo by Jessica Lonero, USAG

Less than 90 minutes from Stuttgart, Tripsdill Wildparadies offers an immersive way to connect with wildlife in a peaceful, forested setting. Entry to the wildlife park is separate from the nearby amusement park and costs between 15 and 17 euro per person. Guests can stroll along shaded paths where deer, both young and full-grown, freely approach visitors, creating a unique petting zoo-style experience. We found ourselves going back repeatedly to the animal food vending machine so I suggest carrying plenty of euro coins. Along the way, you’ll safely observe birds of prey (we found the owls to be most fascinating) and tucked back into the park don’t miss the wolves and bears. No need to worry– the animals are kept at a safe distance. My kids especially love the wooden play structure that includes a kugelbahn (marble track) woven throughout the forest. Parking is free and accessible for all vehicle sizes, and there is food available for purchase. Hands down, this is one of our family’s favorite spots to visit year-round! Whether it’s feeding deer in a nearby forest, digging your toes into a barefoot trail, or watching science come to life, some of our favorite local escapes prove you don’t need to travel far from USAG Stuttgart to make memories. I suggest packing a snack for the ride– and don’t forget your sunscreen and euro coins!

Stuttgart Public Affairs

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USAG Stuttgart hosts Jägerschlag at historic hunting tunnels

By Balmina Sehra and Michael Roach USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Panzer Range Complex includes historic hunting tunnels that serve as a reminder of the region's long history, and as a place where its personnel and locals can connect over a passion for hunting. The tunnels open into a small staging area where USAG Stuttgart hosts Jägerschlags, a traditional ceremony that welcomes newly qualified U.S. and German hunters into a local club of environmental stewards and conservationists.

Conducted by the Kreisjägervereinigung Böblingen, Böblingen’s district hunting association, the ceremony commemorated the completion of the German hunting license process. A Jägerschlag is a symbolic knighting ceremony where new hunters are tapped three times on the shoulder with a large hunting knife. According to custom, the three taps serve to inaugurate the new hunter and grant them the strength to always carry out the craft honorably by binding them to the Hunter's Code of Honor. Following this, new hunters were presented with their Jagdschein, a German hunting license and internationally respected credential. The most recent ceremony took place on June 7, above the series of centuries-old hunting tunnels which were constructed in 1733 at the request of Duke Karl Alexander. Notably, these tunnels which were once common throughout Germany, are some of the few whose original stonework has been largely untouched for nearly 300 years.

The preservation of these tunnels is the responsibility of USAG Stuttgart, and their significance is celebrated by the Böblingen Jagdverein. The Böblingen-based hunting club traces its roots to the post-World War II era. Decades later, it boasts more than 1,200 hunters, many of whom are American. "This partnership goes beyond sharing hunting grounds," Timo Böckle, the club’s leader and Kreisjägermeister or District Hunting Master said, after a previous ceremony in February. "It's about mutual respect, cultural exchange and a shared commitment to wildlife, nature, and hunting ethics." After being knighted and receiving their Jagdschein, new hunters were officially welcomed into the group with a celebratory toast. Böckle reminded them to hold the drink with their left hand and explained the tradition originated from mounted hunters who held the reins in their right hand and drank using their left hand. “Every single ritual has been passed down for centuries, and we make sure to hold up the tradition during the ceremony,” Böckle said. After 90 days of intensive coursework and a culminating examination, the significance of the ceremony and the responsibilities that come with being inducted into the hunting community were not lost on the participants. “The knighting ceremony is indicative of a protector and that’s really what you are in German hunting culture is a protector of nature,” U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Brock, current operations officer at Marine Forces Europe and Africa said after his June 7 induction. “There is a profound sense of ownership with this course.” Originally from Sierra Vista, Arizona, Brock has hunted since childhood. First accompanying his father and then becoming an avid hunter himself,

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Chris Brock, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, receives his Jagdschein, a German hunting license and internationally respected credential, at the Jägerschlag ceremony on Panzer Range Complex, June 7, 2026. The Jägerschlag was hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart and conducted by the Kreisjägervereinigung Böblingen, Böblingen’s district hunting association. Photo by Michael Roach, USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

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he has been on guided hunts in Africa and Mexico, and pursued game in 15 different states in the U.S. Having been stationed at USAG Stuttgart for a full year, he was eager to pursue his hobby while serving in Europe and earn a unique accolade. “If you mention a German Jagdshine in Namibia or Kenya, they know what that is,” Brock said. “It’s kind of like going to Harvard for undergrad as far as hunting goes. It’s a well distinguished certification.” Many aspects of the ceremony referenced the hunters’ commitment to conservation and respect for animals and the environment, values which form the foundation of the German hunting philosophy known as Waidgerechtigkeit or fair hunting practices— a strict ethical code that manages every aspect of the hunt in Germany. Robert Gwinner, USAG Stuttgart’s Deputy Garrison Commander, avid hunter and member of the club, said the installation and hunting club’s partnership directly benefits conservation efforts as well as the mission partners who use the Panzer Range Complex where deer and other wildlife are common. “Regulated hunting is a critical tool for managing wildlife populations, which in turn helps control the spread of diseases and reduces the number of dangerous animal-vehicle accidents,” he said. Brock, who majored in wildlife sciences in college before joining the Marines, echoed Gwinner’s sentiment referencing the myriad issues that an ecosystem can face if an animal population is unbalanced. “You get too many animals, and you start running into disease, you start running into malnutrition,” Brock said. “If you get too far below that number you have genetic bottlenecking. It’s important to come out here and be able to facilitate that process. The end state is not to take an animal. The end state is to make sure that the ecosystem is functioning as best it possibly can.” Arguably, the responsibility to the land at the Panzer Range Complex and the deference for the traditions that have protected it has united German and American hunters and in turn, strengthened USAG Stuttgart’s relationship with the local community. "The fact that German and American hunters work together like this is something you won't find anywhere else," Böckle said. "I am the leaseholder of the hunting grounds and therefore a neighbor of USAG Stuttgart, and I think it's great that we get along so well as neighbors." For more information on the hunting course and to sign up, visit the Stuttgart MWR page: https://stuttgart.armymwr.com/programs/hunting-fishing-sport-sho

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Tips for staying safe at Volksfest this year

U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart’s Command Team poses for a photo at the 2025 Volksfest in Bad Cannstatt. Photo by Catherine Gwinner

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Visitors enjoy hearty food, beverages and German folk music at a fest tent during the Cannstatter Volksfest at the Cannstatter Wasen fest grounds in Bad Cannstatt. This year’s event runs from Sept. 25-Oct. 11. It is the secondlargest Volksfest in the world. Photo by Stuttgart-Marketing GmbH

By Margarita Cambest USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Stuttgart’s Volksfest is an annual tradition for those stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart. Originally organized as a harvest festival, the Cannstatter Wasen (Volksfest) has developed into the second largest folk festival in the world (behind Munich’s Wiesn or Oktoberfest). Stuttgart’s annual festival is named after the present-day Stuttgart district it is in and features games, carnival rides, fair food, and beer tents. It is a perfect opportunity for the Stuttgart military community to experience our host nation’s culture and offers fun for the entire family. Whether it’s your first or 15th time at the fairgrounds, USAG Stuttgart’s Directorate of Emergency Services has some tips about how to make sure you stay safe at the festival this year. “Volksfest is one of the Stuttgart area’s most popular events and we want our Stuttgart military community to be able to participate, but there are a few safety tips they should consider,” said DES Director and Provost Marshal Maj. Daniel Jimenez. “At the end of the day, it is possible to have a wonderful time at these festivals as long as we do the pre-planning to make sure everyone gets home safe.” Here are a few more tips from DES to make sure you have the very best experience at Volksfest this year. First and foremost, don’t drink and drive! DUI laws are much stricter in Germany. If you plan to imbibe, make sure you and your loved ones get home safe by using public transportation, rideshare, or a designated driver. USAG Stuttgart community members are highly encouraged to use mobile apps such as DB Navigator, SSB Move, and VVS Mobil to plan their trips in advance. Backpacks and bags will be searched at the entrance or when entering any beer tent. No knives are permitted on the fest grounds. All knives will be confiscated during security checks conducted at the various entrances to the fest grounds and prior to entering any beer tent. Be aware of your surroundings. The friendly festival atmosphere may encourage you to share details of your life with strangers that you’d normally think twice about but you never know who may be a threat. Remember both OPSEC and PERSEC and stay alert to protect you and your fellow community. You do not need to buy tickets. Beware of scam sites selling admission to the festival. While rides, food, and drink are sold, entrance to the festival is totally free. Table reservations for beer tents are sold directly through the official festival website (www.cannstatter-volksfest.de) under the Festzelte/ Marquees tab. Advance reservations guarantee admission to the tent of your choice but are not required to enjoy the festivities. Cash is the currency of choice, but there are ATMs throughout the festival. Bring some to get you started and replenish at an ATM if you need more. Involved in an accident off post? Contact the Military Police to report the accident. Volksfest runs from Sept. 25 through Oct. 11 in Stuttgart at the Cannstatter Wasen fairgrounds in Bad-Canstatt.

Germany’s Shoulder Season: 4 Knockout November Destinations By MilitaryInGermany.com

German summer travel can be fantastic—until the Autobahns are packed and tourists fill city centers and beaches. Winter brings its own crowds, especially at Christmas markets and in the Alps. November is different: decent weather, quieter roads, and far fewer tourists. If you live in Germany, it might be one of the best months to explore. Here are four places to visit.

Berlin Berlin in November has a special atmosphere. Short, crisp days give way to neon-lit nights filled with great restaurants, concerts, soccer, opera, ballet, and Photo by AlexAnton/shutterstock.com plenty of other entertainment. Best of all, the crowds are smaller, so Berlin feels much more like a city for locals. Two places to start: • Checkpoint Charlie: A must-see for anyone interested in Berlin’s history and the Cold War. • A Berlin record store: Even if you’re not a vinyl fan, exploring Berlin’s many record stores is worth it.

Mosel Valley With winding roads, vineyards, steep hills, and storybook villages, the Mosel Valley is one of Germany’s most beautiful regions. November brings quiet roads, golden hills, peaceful villages, and Photo by Lapa Smile / Shutterstock.com excellent local wines—often at reasonable prices. It’s a great time to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Two places to start • Piesport: Great scenery, photo opportunities, wine, and local restaurants. • Bernkastel-Kues: Historic streets, half-timbered houses, boat tours, and a ruined castle without the usual crowds.

Hamburg Hamburg’s darker November days are part of its charm. The harbor stays lively with restaurants, shops, and activity day and night. Families will find plenty to do, while adults can enjoy the city’s famous nightlife. Either way, Hamburg is a great way to embrace Photo by foto-select / Shutterstock.com the approaching winter.

Two places to start: • Miniatur Wunderland: A great choice for families and miniature-world fans, especially on rainy days. • St. Pauli: Famous for nightlife and music— and the neighborhood where the Beatles built part of their early reputation.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rothenburg is beautiful year-round, but November lets you experience it without the usual crowds. The medieval streets, half-timbered houses, and picture-perfect charm are even more enjoyable when the city is quiet. Restaurants are less hectic, the city walls are peaceful, and parking is easier. Two places to start: • Market Square: Visit in the evening when the town hall and surrounding streets are illuminated, then wander through town. • Gasthaus Alter Keller: A cozy spot for dinner, with better chances of getting a table Photo by irakite/shutterstock.com or room in November. • Don’t write off November as the start of winter. The roads are quieter, the crowds are smaller, and some of Germany’s best destinations are at their most enjoyable.

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Garrison employee enhances mission readiness with MBA By Margarita Cambest USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

After nearly 23 years of service supporting the U.S. Army in Germany, Joseph Edeigba is bringing a new level of strategic expertise to his role following the completion of an Executive Master of Business Administration in finance. Edeigba, a plans and operations specialist at the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security for U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, recently completed the two-year program through Arden University in London. The specialized degree focuses on strategic leadership, financial management, business transformation and risk management. For Edeigba, the decision to pursue higher education was driven by a desire to combine his extensive operational experience with formal academic knowledge. “I decided to pursue an MBA because I wanted to continue growing professionally and prepare myself for future leadership opportunities,” Edeigba said. Originally from Africa, Edeigba moved to Germany

in 2002 and is now a German citizen. He resides in Ditzingen, near Stuttgart, with his wife and their two children. His journey with the Army began more than two decades ago in the transportation and logistics field. Over the years, he has served in various roles, including traffic management, quality control and supervisory positions, before stepping into his current operational planning role. Outside of the office, Edeigba is dedicated to personal development, exercising and reading. He is also actively Joseph Edeigba, a plans and operations specialist at the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security for U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, poses in a photo with his degree. He recently completed an Executive Master of Business Administration in finance, which he said he plans to apply directly to the garrison’s mission of supporting Soldiers, civilians and their families. Photo provided by Joseph Edeigba

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tinuous commitment to employee development and career growth commitment to employee … and always looking out for the welfare and development and career growth advancement of their personnel is deeply … and always looking out for appreciated,” Edeigba said. “Their support the welfare and advancement allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, of their personnel is deeply recognize my potential, and continue developing appreciated,” Edeigba said. both professionally and personally.” involved in the Body of The program required Edeigba to balance his proChrist Church, where fessional commitments with independent research, he supports media and case studies and coursework on topics ranging from technical operations, competitive strategy to the role of artificial intelliBible studies and events. gence in modern business environments. Moving forward, Edeigba said he plans to apply Edeigba credits his success in the rigorous these advanced concepts directly to the garrison’s academic program to mission. He noted that his studies in strategic finance the full support of his and business transformation will help improve planfamily, his church com- ning processes, enhance training and readiness munity and his garrison management, and support digital solutions that colleagues. The journey, streamline garrison functions. he said, began with a “My journey has been shaped by service, conrecommendation letter tinuous learning, and the support of great leadfrom a supervisor and ers, colleagues, family, and community members continued with steady who encouraged me along the way,” Edeigba said. encouragement from “Pursuing my MBA was another important step in his team. preparing myself to continue serving and adding “Leadership’s con- value at a higher level.”

“Leadership’s continuous

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t r o p p u s r u o y g Buildin h c t a r c s m o r f network S C P S U N O C after an O

Story and photos by Margarita Cambest USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

If you’d asked me two years ago what I was most looking forward to from a PCS to Germany, the potential travel opportunities and all the wonders of life in Europe would have been at the top of my list. More than two years later, I can say that the travel opportunities have been pretty spectacular while the wonders have lost some of their sheen, but what’s stuck out to me the most has been the chance to make long-lasting friendships that will carry on long past Germany’s borders. Whether it’s your first PCS overseas or your tenth, finding meaningful friendships as a military spouse is hard. Frequent moves are draining, and it can be incredibly difficult to keep leaving people you’ve grown to know and love behind– but I do think it’s worth it in the end. Here are a few things I wish I would have known when building my support network from scratch after my first OCONUS PCS. 22

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Join all the groups. I’ve always been a joiner and at USAG Stuttgart in particular, that desire has been easy to fulfill. The Stuttgart Community Spouses’ Club has allowed me to pursue all of my interests with one easy membership. However, on-post organizations aren’t the only place you can look. There are clubs for every interest, age range, and activity level both on post and throughout our greater community. Are you interested in diving deeper into the German language? Army Community Service as well as vocational schools and community clubs off post can help with that. Do you want to be the next professional weightlifter? Find your fellow gym buds at one of the many on-post fitness centers or sign up at a fitness facility off post. Many offer English-language classes. Don’t only limit yourself to the military community. Some of my most long-lasting friendships have been sparked over mutual interests that have absolutely nothing to do with what my spouse does for a living. In fact, I’d encourage those looking to expand their network to look



Making new friends doesn’t mean you forget about previous friendships. Whether it’s by phone or meeting up a in a new to both of you city, make sure to nurture your old relationships if you want them to stand the test of time.

beyond military units. While it can be helpful to stay informed, limiting yourself to your spouse’s coworkers isn’t always the best way to develop long-term friendships that last. Maybe it’s a shared love of rollerblading, baking or trash TV. Maybe you want to do a hut-to-hut hike in Italy or run the Berlin Marathon. Think about the hobbies you find most interesting and find others who enjoy spending their free time the same way. You’re going to miss some big moments. Life overseas brings a variety of firsts. Some good–like the first time I ate gelato so delicious that I could cry. Some not so good– like the first time I learned that a restaurant will charge me to use a toilet when I’ve eaten there. (Thanks, Germany) But just like I continue to experience firsts in a new home, so do the friends and family members you’ve left behind in the U.S. Weddings, divorces, quinceañeras, births, and deaths. You’ll miss a lot of life’s moments when you’re no longer a short flight or a time-zone appropriate phone call away, but don’t let the physical distance pull you away from the friends you’ve made in the past and the family you’ve left behind. Whether it’s a weekly phone call, Instagram messaging, or meeting in a new destination for an annual reunion, no amount of effort is too small. Which brings me to my next point. Stay in touch. No really. As an adult, I know that not everyone is a forever friend. In life, one meets many acquaintances, but whether someone comes into your life for a short time or a long time shouldn’t dictate the way that you treat them.Doing your part to keep a mutual friendship alive can pay dividends in the future. Service members and their families make up less than 1 percent of Americans but the chances of running into someone you’ve known from a duty station in the past is much higher. You never know where you’ll end up or what life stage you’ll be in when you cross paths with someone again. Margarita Cambest is an Army spouse and garrison employee stationed at USAG Stuttgart. 4th Quarter 2026

Photo by Elenadesign/Shutterstock.com

By Balmina Sehra USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs

Originating in Germany, the traditional Christmas market, also known in the southern part of the country as the Christkindmarkt (literally, Christ Child Market), is now a tradition held in many countries across the world.

Spending a very merry

holiday season in Germany

German Christmas markets are typically known for their bratwurst, gebrannte mandeln (caramelized almonds), and the traditional Christmas cookies known as lebkuchen. The scent of sweet, caramelized almonds, rows and rows of independent stands selling curious trinkets, and the faint sound of Christmas carols add to the ambience. It is safe to say that Christmas markets are one of the best ways to get into the Christmas spirit and should not be overlooked this winter. Whether you have just PCSed here or have been in Germany for a while, it can be overwhelming to decide which holiday activity to do first. Compiled below is a list of on and off-post holiday activities for the whole family to enjoy. Note: The dates, times and locations below were accurate as of publication in September 2026. Please double check all details on event websites before heading out.

WINTER WONDERLAND SALE AT PATCH ARTS AND CRAFTS Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the Annual Patch Arts & Crafts Winter Wonderland Sale! Stop by the Patch Arts and Crafts for a day of art, crafts, and discounts. This is the perfect opportunity to find unique gifts and decor for the upcoming holiday festivities. GARRISON TREE LIGHTING AND FROSTY FEST Dec. 3, 4 - 8 p.m.

The holiday season kicks off at USAG Stuttgart on Thursday, Dec. 3. This year’s Frosty Fest. a mini-Christmas market right on Panzer Kaserne, features dueling piano players, hot cocoa and fun for the whole family in the Galaxy Bowling Center. At 5 p.m., head over to the Garrison Headquarters to witness the annual tree lighting. Additional tree lightings are also hosted around this weekend by U.S. Africa Command (Kelley Barracks), U.S. European Command (Patch Barracks), and the RB Zentrum (Robinson Barracks). UGLY SWEATER RUN 5K Saturday, Dec. 5 at Patch Barracks, 9 a.m.

It’s time to don those ugly sweaters and lace up your running shoes for Stuttgart Family & MWR’s Ugly Sweater Run 5K on Patch Barracks. Bring the whole family, naughty or nice, to jingle all the way to the finish line. 24

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This race will start and finish at the Husky Field on Patch Barracks. Bicycles, skateboards, or scooters are not allowed. However, the course is stroller, child, and pet friendly.

and participants including jugglers, fire-eaters, and market criers dressed in medieval-style costumes. Enjoy mulled wine, punch, Swabian maultaschen, stick bread and more. It is a journey back in time!

Registration is available at all fitness centers from early November through Dec. 2. Same-day registration and bib pickup is available up to half an hour before race start at the Patch Fitness Center.

STUTTGART CHRISTMAS MARKET

HOLIDAY PHOTOS ON POST Various dates and times throughout December

Are you ready to welcome Santa to our town? The Patch Arts and Crafts Center is offering photos with Santa and our special guests! Photos with Santa: Saturday, Dec. 5: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (pets welcome) and 2 - 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10: 4 - 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 3 p.m.

Nov. 25 - Dec. 23, 2026

Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday/Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Located in the heart of Stuttgart at the Schlossplatz, visitors can purchase mulled wine, caramelized almonds, and Swabian delicacies from around 300 stalls. Stuttgart’s Christmas Market is known for its uniquely decorated stalls. This market also features a children’s fairy tale land, a steam-powered mini railway, and an ice rink. Ice skates are available to rent. Daily concerts also take place in the courtyard of the Old Palace and on the steps in front of City Hall. LUDWIGSBURG BAROQUE CHRISTMAS MARKET Nov. 24 - Dec. 22, 2026

Photos with The Grinch: Saturday, Dec. 12: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. & 1 - 3 p.m. Photos with Frosty: Thursday, Dec. 17: 4 - 6 p.m. All ages are welcome, and no purchase is required to take photos. Bring your loved ones and camera to capture your magical memories with us. Happy holidays! The event is free and there is no registration required. SANTA SHOW OF FORCE Date and time TBD by the Directorate of Emergency Services DES, in conjunction with USO Stuttgart and Santa Claus typically demonstrate mobility, capabilities, and readiness with a ride through USAG Stuttgart’s four residential installations. Santa’s tour of USAG Stuttgart starts on Robinson Barracks around 9 a.m. before continuing onto Kelley Barracks and Patch Barracks and ending on Panzer Kaserne around 2:30 p.m. Times may vary based on traffic between installations. RELIGIOUS SERVICES Throughout the winter holidays, the Religious Support Office will host services for a variety of faiths at USAG Stuttgart. Stay tuned to the garrison’s Facebook page or check the My Army Post App for updates.

Daily: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Inspired by the streets of Ludwigsburg and the gardens of its famous Baroque palace, this Christmas Market will transport you to a different world. The illuminated angels overlooking the Marktplatz, give the experience a regal vibe. You can expect culinary delicacies such as waffles, chestnuts, gingerbread fresh from the oven, punch, mulled wine. Swabian specialties like Schupfnudeln (potato noodles) are a must-try. You can find many stalls selling fine paper and ceramic items, antique and modern Christmas tree decorations, hand-knit items, and nativity figures.

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OTHER LOCAL EVENTS Our host nation is known for its Christmas markets and a comprehensive list would be extensive, but here is a small sample of a few unique markets around and near Stuttgart. Most cities, towns, and villages also have their own celebrations, including Böblingen, Vaihingen, Möhringen, Sindelfingen and Schönaich. ESSLINGEN MEDIEVAL MARKET & CHRISTMAS MARKET Nov. 24 - Dec. 22, 2026

Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. The Esslingen Christmas Market attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its medieval theme and a fairytale-like old town full of half-timbered houses and historic buildings. With around 200 Christmas stalls, a medieval entertainment program, and rides and games for children, the old town of Esslingen is transformed into a unique medieval playground. Performers

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NUREMBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET (CHRISTKINDLESMARKT) Nov. 28 - Dec. 24, 2026

Daily: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in the world with roots back to the middle of the 16th century. Traditional wooden stalls often referred to as the “little city of wood and cloth” sell handmade Christmas decorations and sweet treats such as the famous Nuremberg

While Christmas markets in Germany traditionally close a couple of days before Christmas, Baden-Baden’s market, located a little over an hour away from Stuttgart, runs through Jan. 6. Enjoy a wide variety of market stalls, a magical fairytale path, a carousel and mini-Ferris wheel, a Christmas bakery for children, and dine-in igloos (these are quite popular and must be reserved well in advance). RAVENNA GORGE CHRISTMAS MARKET (RAVENNASCHLUCHT) Nov. 26 - Dec. 20, 2026 (Weekends Only)

Thursdays: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays: 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. - 9 p.m. Note: Closed Dec. 10 Tucked deep in a valley in the Black Forest (about two hours from Stuttgart), the Ravenna Gorge market is one of the most uniquely located Christmas markets in Europe. Set directly beneath a 40-meter-high illuminated stone railway, this market offers a magical holiday atmosphere, especially when the valley is covered in snow. It features more than 40 rustic wooden stalls selling local Black Forest handcrafts and traditional regional food.

Locals explore the Stuttgart Christmas Market. Photo by Balmina Sehra

gingerbread (Lebkuchen) and bratwursts. Additional attractions include the Children’s Christmas Market, the Star House, and the Market of Twin Cities. BADEN-BADEN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Note: You must purchase a timed-entry ticket and transportation/parking passes well in advance for this market as it is highly regulated and tickets sell out quickly. General admission and guided hike ticket sales generally open in mid-October.

HEIDELBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET Nov. 23 - Jan. 10, 2027

Sunday to Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Nov. 26, 2026 - Jan. 6, 2027

Daily: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Note: Special abbreviated hours apply on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve/Day.

If you’ve been too busy to make it to a market in December, the Baden-Baden Christmas Market is the perfect opportunity to partake in the Christmas spirit well into the new year.

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A stone’s throw away from Stuttgart, Heidelberg’s Christmas market winds itself through the longest pedestrian zone in Europe. The market is spread across multiple historic squares in the Old Town, under the romantic, illuminated ruins of Heidelberg Castle. Don’t miss the Karlsplatz area, with outdoor ice-skating rinks, set right at the foot of the castle.

The Big Question: What is one positive surprise or hidden gem you’ve found about your assignment to USAG Stuttgart? “The sense of community I have foun d has been the best thing so far. On Patch, we have a patio area where everyone gets together almost every week end and talks about everything from travel to advice. I haven’t always found that at other installation s so that has been the best surprise.” William nities.”

“The travel opportu Tim “The community is Jedouxh

really cool.”

enjoy working with my “How much I genuinely I didn’t expect a team of small but mighty team! s invested and effective, only four people to be thi ove and beyond. It’s been but they consistently go ab erience here.” a standout part of my exp Rachael

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Photo by Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock.com

“How easy it is to explore the surrounding region. This particular area provides convenient access to other parts of German y and neighboring countr ies, making weekend trips an d cultural experiences mo re accessible and enjoyable.” Richard

“Opportunities to w participate in a ne ” ts. culture and even David