SPOUSES APPRECIATION DAY
INFOCUS: MILITARY WORKING DOGS
MOTHER’S DAY SPECIALS
WAS LOS? IST
VOLUME 9 • MAY 2021
GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT Page 06
MADE FOR THE MILITARY Insurance and more, exactly how you want it.
USAA.COM/INTERNATIONALPCS or call 0800-724-4196
Paid ad. No federal endorsement of advertiser is intended. MCCS Sponsor. No federal or DoD endorsement implied. The Department of the Navy does not endorse any company, sponsor or their products or services. Neither the Coast Guard nor any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or their products or services. Membership eligibility and product restrictions apply and are subject to change. Property and casualty insurance provided by United Services Automobile Association, and its affiliate property and casualty insurance companies is available only to persons eligible for P&C group membership. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its own products. © 2019 USAA. 266569-1019 02 | 86FSS.COM
Content InFocus: Military Working Dogs
06
Community Recipe
08
BMW Giveaway
10
Bazaar Food Vendor Sign-Ups
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Travel Blog
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Club Complex
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Community Center
20
KMC Libraries
24
Airman & Family Readiness Center
26
Deployed Spouses Feature
28
Child & Youth Programs
30
Memorial Day Hours
38
Facility Phone Directory
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•••••••• DISCLAIMER ••••••••
Was Ist Los? E-Magazine is designed to inform and entertain the individuals who use Ramstein Force Support Squadron facilities. For article source information, please contact 86 FSS Marketing. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ramstein Air Base, DoD, or the U.S. Air Force. For information on Was Ist Los? E-Magazine Call 06371-47-9983 or email marketing@86fss.com Interested in advertising or commercial sponsorship? Call 480-5286 or email: sramseyer@86fss.com
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86FSS COMMAND TEAM 86TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON COMMANDER Lt Col John D. Frazier 86TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON DEPUTY COMMANDER Mr. Robert T. Wirt 86TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON SUPERINTENDENT CMSgt Aaron R. Mulder
MARKETING DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR Gary Harrington EDITOR/DESIGNER Abigail Simons COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP Sylvia Ramseyer-Valuzis MARKETING SPECIALIST Melissa Corkin MARKETING ASSISTANT Alexa Roginski WEBMASTER Abigail Simons GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Michael Sander Elizabeth Magno SOCIAL MEDIA
Welcome to the COVID-19 “Seventh Inning Stretch” If you are not familiar with baseball, the seventh inning stretch happens after the top half of the seventh inning, when the entire ballpark gets up, shakes out the limbs, and maybe even sings along until the game resumes -- a big, deep breath to prepare for the end of the game. For the players who have another two innings to play, the fatigue starts to set in, injuries are more prone, focus begins to wane, but the game far from over. The training, preparation, and resiliency of the team is essential to winning. You see we are not in the final innings of the game and you still must battle through a few more at-bats. But this is where Airmen thrive because we prepare, we are resilient and we continue to drive towards excellence. I am so proud of your 86 FSS Airmen because just like you, they may be struggling through the CV19 seventh inning stretch but they are strong and resilient. We are a Team and we are a family thus it will take all of us to win in this challenging environment. That doesn’t mean that no one will falter or no one will fail...that means that there is a Wingman that will pick you up and will be by your side throughout the battle. Keep your eyes up Airman, because we may be in the seventh inning but we need the whole team to finish strong and win the game. And don’t worry because the best is yet to come!
Natalie Gracia Garcia PHOTOGRAPHER
Lt Col John D. Frazier
Abigail Simons
86th Force Support Squadron Commander
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An Unbreakable Bond
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Military Working Dog, Wwicca & Handler, SSgt Shelbie O’Neal
You will never understand until you’re at the end of that leash. Before joining the military, I grew up training horses and other animals. My whole life I have always had a stronger bond with animals, than humans, so it only seemed natural for me to become a military K9 handler. When I joined the military, I started as Security Forces and eventually joining the K9 unit in 2017, so almost 4 years now. Since joining K9 I’ve worked with four dogs and each one of them has come with new challenges that have humbled me and made me grow as a handler.
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Article Provided by: SSgt Shelbie O’Neal Photos by: Abigail Simons
Getting to see yourself and the dog grow as a team, from where you started to where you’re at, is the best feeling in the world. During training, there is some healthy competition between handlers, but this helps build bonds between you and the dog that you can’t build anywhere else. I wish I could describe the connection I have built with each of my dogs over the years, but you’ll never understand until you’re at the end of that leash. It’s almost as if the leash connects your two souls. Your dog is always there for you, no matter what! Whether it’s going through a divorce, missing the birth of your children, or losing a family member…your dog is there next to you. In the same way, you are that dog’s whole world, you are there for them. This unbreakable bond makes you dive deeper into training and the time you get with your dog.
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Czech out Want to be featured next month? Contact us at marketing@86fss.com
Prague
Article & Photos provided by Alexa Roginski Back in September of 2020 my husband and I had the pleasure of visiting our last outside country before lockdown hit in November. We went to Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague! Going in September was the perfect month, we experienced some scattered rain showers on the first day but after that, it was a steady 70°F with clear blue sunny skies. Driving to Prague from Kaiserslautern took us six hours. We spent a total of two full days, saw and did as much as we could. We fell in love with this beautiful European City.
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Make sure to watch our travel video for more information!
Day 1
Our first stop was Old Town Square. Along the Square we found many shops and cafes, this was a great place to roam around in. Everywhere we turned felt as if we were transported back in time to the medieval days. In the Square, you get a great view of the iconic Church of Our Lady before Týn. A few feet down we stopped by to see the Astronomical Clock. At every hour the clock would ring, and the procession of the Twelve Apostles would come out. This was the main attraction. Everyone gathered around to watch and video this. We then took an Uber (yes! Prague has Uber and is very cheap, prices vary depending on where you are going) to a cafe for a quick snack. The cafe we visited (Dobrá trafika na Újezde) was inside and in the back of an older bookstore, it felt like we were going through a secret passageway. As we ate, we watched the rain fall outside while Frank Sinatra’s music played in the background. The atmosphere was very cozy. After the rain subsided, we made our way to the Dancing House. This was so cool to see and take fun pictures with. We then went up to the Glass Bar which was on the rooftop dome area. Up at the top, we were able to buy drinks, snacks and sit outside which gives a panoramic view of the city. It was breathtaking. After that, we went to dinner. My husband and I are big fans of Wagyu beef and whenever we are in a city that has it, we treat ourselves to it. We went to KOBE Restaurant and is by far my favorite place that we have tried it in. The meat melts in your mouth. So delicious!
Day 2
Our first stop was the Charles Bridge. When we got to the bridge it had a massive arch tower entrance. The bridge was a long walk and on it, we found groups of musicians, vendors, large statues, and beautiful views for pictures. With the sun shining it was such a great way to start the day. When you finally get to the end of the bridge which leads into the Lesser Town, we found a really cute street market that sold all types of Czech products. One of my favorites was the wooden puppets. After this, we walked over to the John Lennon wall. It was a colorful BURST of expression. This wall is popularly known for being filled with John Lennon and The Beatles-inspired street art, lyrics from their songs, and designs relating to global matters. This is a great place to get cool Instagram pictures and leave behind a piece of your voice on the wall. After this, we headed to the Museum of Senses. I saw this museum tagged on Instagram from people who posted of their travels in Prague. What captured my eye were the rainbow wall art wings, I had to get a picture with them! In the museum, there were many rooms filled with fun activities and interactive art illusions. I found my wings and took dozens of pictures, a lot of fun for me not so much for my husband.
Day 3 Before we were ready to drive back to Germany, we stopped by the Town Square for souvenirs and to get a taste of a popular Czech pastry called “Trdelník.” No matter where you go in the city you will see Trdelník stands everywhere! The dessert is made from rolled dough that wraps around a stick, creating a circular cone shape that is then baked on an open fire, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. In Prague, Trdelník’s can be eaten plain or filled with many varieties such as whipped cream, Nutella, and or my favorite ice cream! YUM! This dessert reminded me of eating a cinnamon sugar donut, it was so tasty. This was a sweet way to end our trip.
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ramstein community center
NEWs
FLASH
NOW virtual
Mother’s Day Designer Bag Bingo 7 May • 1800 - 2000 • Via Zoom Bingo with a night to treat all mothers and friends. $45 includes: 2 bingo cards and a swag bag. Spaces are limited, registration required by 3 May.
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Community
Events ACE Classes Term 3 10 May • $90 or Single Airmen $25
Registration starts for ACE Classes Term 3. Come learn German or French. Class will be held over Zoom if measures do not allow in-person lessons. Classes held: 7 June - 29 July.
Pamper yourself COVID Style
Table Tennis Tournament
Flea Market
13 May • 1130 • Via Facebook
21 May • 1130 -1300 • $10
22 May • 1000 -1400
We will teach you how to make your very own spa products such as sugar scrub. Ingredients needed will be uploaded to our RCC Facebook page.
We will hold a single elimination tournament. Held outside on the back patio of the RCC. Please bring your own paddle, if you need a paddle please let us know upon sign up.
Sign up and sell your gently used items or come and shop the deals. Vendors, $15 per table or $20 for 2 with pre-registration.
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CEL EBR ATE
MOM W I T H M O T H E R ’ S D AY M E A L S O N 9 M AY For 4, 6, or 8 | $20 per person On-Base Delivery, Curbside Pickup or Takeout.
Custom meals consist of your choice of select offerings from our menu.
FOR 4
FOR 6
FOR 8
1 Appetizer 1 Dim Sum 1 Bowl of Soup 4 Entrées
2 Appetizers 2 Dim Sum 1 Bowl of Soup 6 Entrées
3 Appetizers 2 Dim Sum 2 Bowls of Soup 8 Entrées
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Ramstein & Vogelweh Libraries
Children’s
Book Week 2021 Join the 86 FSS Libraries in celebrating the 102nd anniversary of Children’s Book Week, May 3rd-9th! Superpower (noun): a skill, personal trait, or passion that plays an important role in your life, helps you do good in the world, and makes you feel special, happy, and confident.
T
he longest-running national literacy initiative in the United States, Children’s Book Week connects young people to the joy of reading each spring and fall. The push to establish a celebration of children’s books began in 1913 by the librarian for the Boy Scouts of America, Franklin K. Matthiews, who advocated for the power of literacy at a young age. Matthiews enlisted the help of Frederic F. Melcher (editor of Publishers Weekly) and Anne Carroll Moore (Superintendent of Children’s Works at the New York Public Library) and in 1916 formed the annual celebration of Good Book Week, later to become Children’s Book Week. Now hosted by Every Child a Reader, the theme for this spring’s Children’s Book Week is Reading is a Superpower. Ramstein and Vogelweh Libraries encourage our community’s young readers and their families to discover their own superpowers through reading! Get involved in the week’s celebration by: Joining us for our virtual Superhero StoryTime May 6, at 10:30am via our Facebook page. Checking out our website for a list of suggested superpower books for beginning readers, children, and teens, all available to request for curbside pickup or borrow online. Completing the Children’s Book Week Poster Activities. Signing up for the free Superpower Challenge through the Every Child a Reader website.
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“I think books can ignite the superpower in all of us, and Book Week provides a launch pad to take off and soar.” - Bryan Collier, author-illustrator of Children’s Book Week 2021 Poster
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AIRMaN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER Military Spouse Appreciation Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza 07 May • 0930-1230 Ramstein Northside Chapel 07 May is Military Spouse Appreciation Day! A&FRC and partners plan to celebrate with a Scavenger Hunt Extravaganza behind Ramstein Northside Chapel. Supporting Partners: A&FRC, 86 SFS, Fire Department, RESA, ROSC, Family Advocacy, New Parent Support, SLO, Chaplain, USO, Red Cross, Youth Programs, Community Center, AAFES & DECA.
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COVID, Air Force Life, & Children Mental Wellness Workshop 06 MAY • 1500-1600 Virtual Zoom Classroom Presenter: Dr. Megan Lawson, PsyD, Clarity Child Guidance Center, San Antonio, Texas Topics Covered: • COVID impact on mental health • Warning signs • Mental health “maintenance” for kids during these times • Helping kids who struggle
Airman & Family Readiness Center Workshop: Self-Care is Not Selfish 26 May • 0900 Virtual Event
Resiliency
This virtual presentation will focus on the importance of self-care for caregivers. Practical self-care strategies and activities to help manage stress. Ms. Mariah Boykin, LCSW, Ramstein AB Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist Ms. SueAnn Denson, LCSW, Ramstein AB Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist To register/questions please contact A&FRC at 06371-47-5100 or 480-5100
Communication & Assertiveness 04 May • 1400-1500 Virtual Event
Building Healthy Relationships 13 May • 1000-1100 Virtual Event
This presentation addresses components of communication in a relationship: verbal and nonverbal communication, the importance of active listening, how to communicate long-distance and more.
This presentation focuses on the keys to building a healthy marriage: mutual trust, respect, and communication. Contact Airman & Family Readiness Center to register.
Monthly Reoccuring Events Raising Financially Fit Children 13 May • 1000-1100
Heart Link 14 May • 0830-1330
Developing a Spending Plan 20 May • 1000-1130
Newcomer Orientation Every Wednesday • 0800-1200 Virtual Event via Zoom
German Culture Orientation Every Friday • 1000-1200 Virtual Event via Zoom
Welcome to Ramstein! This program is designed to provide active duty, family members, DoD Civilians, and Contractors with information from various base agencies to aid in their adaptation to the KMC.
This class is for anyone new at Ramstein. Learn the ins and outs of living in Germany, from German culture, customs, and laws; to traveling throughout Europe, as well as shopping on the economy, and available off-base leisure activities.
Reservations required! Register through your CSS before the next event.
Reservations required! Register by the Wednesday before the event.
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DEPLOYED SPOUSES About 15% of active-duty service members are deployed at any given time. Deployments were on pause a t the beginning of the pandemic, but now that they’ve resumed, military spouses across the services a re being forced to make difficult choices about child care and work.
Pre-Deployment
Help Prepare Your Children
Patience is going to be key for you & your family during the pre-deployment period. • Try not to worry too much when you see them packing their bags. • Enjoy the time you still have together and try not to rush those days away. • Be patient about w ork schedules before the deployment.
I f you have kids and they are old enough to understand what your spouse will be doing, have some talks about what will be happening beforehand. With smaller children, you don’t have to tell them what is going t o happen but make sure you are there for them when they do start to ask for the other parent. You can get Daddy/ Mommy Dolls and put up photos of your spouse in their bedroom. You can make a book of photos that are safe for babies and older children might appreciate something similar as well.
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During the Deployment • Find things to look forward to. Take a class, volunteer or start a project you’ve always wanted to do. • Reach out to others who are in the same situation. Plan an event with other families who are coping with a deployment or find a support group through your military community. • Don’t try to hide your feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, lonely or angry when you’ve been separated from your spouse. • Concentrate on what you can control. Try to focus on things you can control, like spending time with family and friends or signing up for a class or volunteer opportunity. • Learn some stress management techniques that work for you. Try out some different ways to relieve stress, s uch as an exercise class, a journal of your thoughts and feelings, meditation or deep breathing. • Take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, exercise, eat healthy meals and be sure to drink plenty of water.
Homecoming & Post-Deployment
STRENGTH
• Maintain a positive, nonjudgmental attitude. The right attitude will help lower stress and frustration when g etting back together doesn’t seem to be going the way you expected. • Talk openly and honestly about your experiences during the deployment and how you’ve changed. It can h elp you re-establish a foundation of healthy communication and encourage your service member to trust y ou with his or her deployment experiences. • Try to be patient. It may be some time before you and your spouse feel relaxed and comfortable together. • Make plans. Making plans together, whether it’s for a weekend outing or something more elaborate, can h elp you focus on your life together and help you feel closer.
Helpful Resources: Speaking with a counselor can help you manage emotions and challenges that come up throughout the deployment cycle. - Confidential face-to-face non-medical counseling available. - Meet with a counselor online, by phone, or t hrough secure video connection. The Military & Family Life Counseling program is available through your installation.
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RAMSTEIN & VOGELWEH YOUTH PROGRAMS
FCC Providers wanted
at the CDC and School Age Program
Full time or Part time
If you are looking for a professional, portable career that will allow you to stay at home with your children and run your own home-based business, then becoming an Air Force FCC provider may be a good fit for you. We will provide the necessary training and materials to get you started! All of the credentials you earn will transfer with you wherever the Air Force may send you! For more information on the licensing process please call 478-7420 or stop by the FCC office located on RAB in Bldg 849 on Georgia St.
personal benefits tuition assistance
Virtual Programming Cosplay contest 4-21 May • Virtual Program
Join us for a Star Wars cosplay contest. Enter in categories, family, 0-5, 6-12, and 13-18. Prizes will be awarded! You can find the categories, rules and submission details on the Youth Programs Facebook Page.
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teen takeover 13 May at 1800 • Virtual Program May the 4th be with you! Join us for Star Wars trivia and national space day with a hands on STEM activity. 27 May at 1800 • Virtual Program Driving safety with UPS Road Code and role play scenarios.
in may move for national fitness month
did you know? Kids and teens ages 6-17 need at least
Coaches needed Now through 18 June Ramstein/Vogleweh Youth Sports are recruiting for volunteer coaches for our summer camps and fall sports. All applications will need to be submitted via email to: 86fss.ryp@us.af.mil. Get your application here: 86FSS.com.
sports clinics Register from 17-21 May 1000-1200 and 1400-1600
of exercise every day. *from health.gov
Workout of the week Weekly • Virtual Program When the weather is nice...go out and play! Get out and get active with a new promotion from Youth Programs. The Workout changes weekly and can be found on Facebook and 86fss.com.
Youth Sports is hosting baseball and softball clinics. Clinics will take place in June. Limited spots offered due to COVID Restrictions. For a complete schedule, dates and times of each clinic and age group, and more upcoming sports clinics, please visit 86FSS.com.
Summer Clinics Coming Soon! Make sure you’re following on facebook for updates
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Strike Zone Grill Ramstein Bowling Center Open Monday - Friday Breakfast 0730-1000 • Lunch 1000-1500 Ramstein Bldg. 2139 CIV: 06371-802-0400
CRAFTY
Arts & Crafts: Printing & Graphics
Arts & Crafts Center
Wood Skills Center
Art Supplies • Photolab Balloon Shop • Framing Shop Musical Instruments
Printing • Engraving • Laminating Decorative License Plates
Ramstein Bldg. 2113 DSN: 480-5479 CIV: 06371-47-5479
Ramstein Bldg. 411 DSN: 478-4277 CIV: 06371-405-4277
Ramstein Outdoor Recreation
Kaiserslautern Rod and Gun Club
Retail Store • Bike Shop Equipment Rental • Rock Wall
Paintball • Archery • Pistol Rifle • Skeet • Lessons
Apparel • Shoes • Equipment Dance • Volleyball • Baseball Football • Running
Ramstein KMCC Bldg. 3336 DSN: 480-5705 CIV: 06371-47-5705
Vogelweh Bldg. 2960 DSN: 489-7574 CIV: 0631-536-7574
Ramstein Bldg. 2113 DSN: 480-5226 CIV: 06371-47-5226
Table Saws • Lathe • Drill Press Safety Classes
ACTIVE
Ramstein Bldg. 552 DSN: 480-5381 CIV: 06371-47-5381
Gear Up Sports Store
Woodlawn Golf Course 18-Hole Course • Pro Shop • Driving Range Tournaments • Memberships • Lessons from a Pro Ramstein Bldg. 553 DSN: 480-6240 CIV: 06371-47-6240 woodlawngolf.com
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