Newspaper grafenwoehr.com January / February / March 2009

EuropEan wintEr driving / pagE 7

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Nr. 3 ISSUE 01/2009 grafenwoehr.com Newspaper

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Everywhere you look you can see clowns, cowboys, princesses, knights and many other laughing peo-

ple in colorful costumes. In the streets parades are wat-ched by masses of people, jaunty music can be heard. People shout “Helau!” But what is this all about?! Of

course, it is carnival in Germany - the time of fools, parties and wonderful costumes.

Origins Of a funny traditiOn

But carnival in Germany, as well as in other countries, is

much more than celebrating. It has a very long tradition. First of all, you have to be aware of the fact, that in Germany we have more than one word for it. In some parts it is called “Karneval”, in others “Fastnacht” and, here in Bavaria, it is also known as “Fasching”. But all expressions mean the same: the time period between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Some people even begin celebrating on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. This tradition goes back to the 19th century when the carnival committee in Cologne began to prepare their parades for the carnival time and elected the carnival’s prince and princess. Originally, the tradition goes back to a form of pagan expulsion of winter that later turned into a Christian custom. With this, a connection to the Christian Lent season was established.

Read more at Page 6

Bagdad, iraq – u.s. cOmBat fOrces are On track tO Be Out Of iraqi cities By June 30 in accOrdance with the recently signed status Of fOrces agreement Between the united states and iraq, the tOp u.s. general in iraq said tOday.

Combat forces are already out of the major cities in more than half of Iraq, said Army Gen. Ray

Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. Odierno spoke here to reporters traveling with De-fense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

Gates flew here this afternoon, after speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, to meet with Odierno and get his assessment of the way ahead in Iraq under the new agreement.

Odierno said the new agreement does not change the

U.S. FORCES ON TRACK

DEUTSCHlAND FOR BEGiNNERS

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U.S. mission here, only its operating environment. Some U.S. forces will remain inside the cities working out of the joint security stations and acting as transition teams or providing support to the Iraqi security forces, Odierno said.

„We‘ll still maintain our very close partnership with the Iraqi security forces throughout Iraq, even after the summer,“ he said.

Odierno said he is already removing troops from the cities, and will continue as security progress continues and Iraqi security forces can take over. Combat troops have already moved out of the cities in Anbar Province.

Read more at Page 3

Skiing in our region

a winter wOnderland in frOnt Of yOur dOOr

winter has finally cOme. peOple whO lOve tO Be Outside travel tO all the wOnderful OutdOOr recreatiOn areas in austria Or switzerland. But yOu dOn’t necessarily have tO drive that far tO enJOy all the pleasures Of a winter wOnderland.

Near Grafenwöhr you can also find many ski lifts, winter hiking trails and much more. And the

best thing is you do not have to stay in a hotel 6ecause it is in front of your door! Just drive, for instance, to the Fichtelgebirge where many different ski lifts and other sports activities are waiting for you.

tannenBerglift

There is, for example, the Tannenberglift (23 kilo-meters away from Grafenwöhr). This is a ski lift

in Immenreuth, near Kemnath. A T-bar lift takes you up the mountain. Then the fun begins: go down a won-derfully prepared 500-meter long slope and enjoy the wind in your face! For children or beginners there is also a smaller slope which is only 200 meters long. The lift is open every day until 10 p.m. So you can also enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the dark with flood lights.

Read more at Page 7

VILSECK, Germany - Vilseck Mayor Hans-Martin Schertl has attended many ceremonies and community events during the 2nd Stryker Ca-valry Regiment‘s 15-month deployment to Iraq. During the U.S. Army Europe regiment‘s memorial service and welcome home ceremony on Rose Barracks Nov. 25, the buergermeister joined Family members and fellow Soldiers to welcome the regiment and re-member the 26 „Dragoon“ Soldiers killed in action. „U.S. Soldiers have been here since 1945. We have always had great relations between the military community and the German community,“ he said. „There is always contact, and always good contacts.“ Starting with the regiment‘s arrival in 2006, when the „Dragoons“ marched though Vilseck on foot, horse-back and their Stryker combat vehicles, the town and the unit have shared events as well as day-to-day life. „Many people from Vilseck and around the

area work on the posts in Vilseck and Grafen-woehr,“ Schertl said. „Many American Soldiers live in German houses. So there are many con-tacts between the Germans and Americans.“ U.S. Soldiers have married Germans, and some Americans remain in the communi-ty after retiring from the Army, he added. „The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment has enjoyed a great relationship with the citizens of Vilseck, Schlict, Sorghof, Amberg and many other towns in the area,“ said Lt. Col. Thomas Rickard, 2nd SCR Rear Detach-ment commander. „Our regiment has enjoyed serving in Germany for about 50 of the last 60 years and has long-established relationships with many towns in Bavaria.“

Rickard said the regiment and its Soldiers appreciate the German community‘s hospitality and support. He also called the community‘s Kontakt Club the best in Germany.

Read more at Page 3

Bonds of friendship

Exploring the local

kindergartensIt sure is hard to turn lose of your kids while you go to work and finding the right daycare is difficult. Let me introduce you to some institutions that might be of interest for you if you decide for a German day-nursery.Kindergarten Eschenbach

Founded in 1884 the kindergarten in Eschenbach is located next to the nursing-home in a very quiet valley nearby the center of the town since 1994. The responsible body is the city of Eschenbach. They have a huge garden with a wonderful playground and inside the big building there are a gym, an exercise room and a music room for the kids in addition to the many regular play rooms which are light and big with nice toys and room for the kids to rest, too.

Here in Eschenbach they have room for 125 children from 2 to 6 years and by September 2009 they will hopefully be able to take care of younger children, too..

Read more at Page 5

Deutscher Teil

Bitte wenden

Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com2 uS-arMY

By Sgt . Maj . Lisa Hunter, U.S. Army Eu-rope Publ ic Affa i rs Office

heidelBerg, germany -- u.s. army eurOpe cOmmander gen. carter ham selected a player frOm the hOme team tO Be the fOurteenth usareur cOmmand sergeant maJOr. ham chOse v cOrps cOmmand sgt. maJ. ralph Beam, whO had served as the interim usareur seniOr enlisted advisOr since June.

“I am pleased to announce that Command Sgt. Maj. Beam will serve as my right hand, my senior enlis-

ted advisor,” said Ham during his Oct. 27 announce-ment. “Command Sgt. Maj. Beam is an outstanding senior noncommissioned officer who represents eve-rything a Soldier should aspire to be. He’s a warri-or, leader, and mentor. He will continue to act as the voice of the enlisted Soldiers and their families throug-hout USAREUR. I know I can depend on him to set the standard that all Soldiers should strive to attain.”

Beam, a 32-year veteran, had served as the V Corps command sergeant major since August 2005. He as-sumed the position of interim USAREUR command sergeant major in June.

Beam said he has a definitive mission in his role as the USAREUR senior enlisted advisor.

“My job is to travel about our battlespace and ensure that Gen. Ham’s intent is understood and complied with, to help solve issues at the lowest level possible and advise him based on my observations and experience,” he said.

To meet the commander’s intent, Beam said he plans to engage Soldiers by traveling to USAREUR units to conduct physical fitness training.

“It’s the one time when I can talk to all of the Sol-diers. Everybody does PT, and then, afterwards, I can talk with them,” he said. Beam said most issues can be handled at the local level, but acknowledged that Soldiers may not know some information because of a communications breakdown in the chain of command. Regardless of the issue, Beam maintains that there are no stupid questions.

“[Former Sergeant Major of the Army] Jack Tilley told me one time that, regardless of what they ask, you have to answer them,” Beam explained. “You may not like their questions, but if you cut them off or create an envi-ronment where they won’t ask questions, you’re destined

to fail. Nobody else will ever ask another question.”

Beam is very involved in Soldier issues, readiness and programs. In particular, he said he plans to promote the Sexual Assault Prevention Program, the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program and safety.

Beam stressed that female and male Soldiers can fall victim to sexual assault, and that taking personal ac-countability can prevent a lot of incidents.

“We have really got to put the ‘battle’ back in ‘battle buddy,’” he said. “Soldiers are always around when other Soldiers are drinking. They need to look out for each other, especially those who have drunk too much. The CQs [on-duty unit charge of quarters personnel] also need to be more proactive and look out for the Soldiers because a lot of these incidents are taking place in the barracks.”

Beam said because he is concerned that single Sol-

diers are too often forgotten, he plans to build a team of sergeants major who will work to re-energize the BOSS program.

“BOSS does well in some communities. I’d like to capitalize on those successes and spread it across the command,” he said.

Beam said safety is another paramount concern. He said he wants to ensure Soldiers have the equipment and training they need to prepare for the way they will fight.

“We know that our jobs are inherently dangerous, so we need to train as realistically as we can, mitigating some of the most dangerous areas with good risk as-sessment,” he said.

Beam emphasized the need for leaders to talk with their Soldiers, but noted that they can’t speak to all Soldiers in the same tone. Leaders need to address each Soldier as fits the situation. He said he also believes in what

he calls “tough love.”

“If you’re out drinking, it’s better if you call me and I come and get you at 4 o’clock on a Sunday morning. At least you’ll be alive on Monday morning when I chew your butt for being a knucklehead and not planning,” he said.

He advises Soldiers to listen to their sergeants, but to also educate themselves about the Army. “Knowledge is a very powerful thing,” he said.

Beam brings to his new position more than three deca-des of experience, including several tours in Germany. As his first duty station, Beam was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division in Gelnhausen. He was later assigned to the 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt. And from 2005 until last month Beam was assigned as the V Corps command sergeant major. He deployed to Iraq with the corps in December 2005.

Beam said he is pleased with the services and quality of life in USAREUR, but he wants to help make improvements. He said he strongly believes that the Army is taking care of its own better than ever, citing Warrior Transition Units, wellness centers and robust physical therapy centers as proof.

“Germany is a good place to ply your trade as a Soldier and to raise a family,” he said. “Our quality of life is good, but not good enough. We continue to work toward a better quality of life as we continue to transform our stance here in Europe.

Beam called his selection as the USAREUR command sergeant major is “a great honor.”

“USAREUR is a prestigious command with a proud history,” he said. “As we continue to fight the Global War on Terror and transform USAREUR, we are writing the next chapter of that history right now. I am proud to have a role in those missions and for the opportunity to work with the finest Soldiers in the world,” Beam said.

“We all have to understand that during your present tour your community may be undergoing change. But if the Soldiers really want to see how it turns out, they should come back for another tour.”

U.S. Army Europe command sergeant major serves as mentor, leader, spokesman for command’s enlisted Soldiers

Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Beam, then command sergeant major for V Corps and Multi-National Corps - Iraq, listens to an after-action report after conducting a patrol with 101st Airborne Division Soldiers during a visit to Forward Operating Base Wilson, Iraq, in January 2007. Beam deployed to Iraq with V Corps in December 2005.Photo: Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika

Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Beam, then command sergeant major for V Corps and Multi-National Corps - Iraq, listens to an after-action report after conducting a patrol with 101st Airborne Division Soldiers during a visit to Forward Operating Base Wilson, Iraq, in January 2007. Beam deployed to Iraq with V Corps in December 2005.Photo: Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika

fOr Outstanding suppOrt Of sOldiers, herr christian tauschhuBer, an emplOyee Of the man nutzfahrzeuge ag in nuremBerg, germany, was presented a Brigade scrOll Of appreciatiOn Oct. 13.

Colonel Melvin Jones, Jr., the commander of the 3747th Mul-ti-Functional Training Brigade – Europe at Grafenwoehr,

Germany, presented Tauschhuber and the MAN Nutzfahrzeu-ge AG with the award for their outstanding support of employees who are also U.S. Army Soldiers serving in the 3747th MFTB-E.

Master Sergeant Victor Johnson, the 3747th MFTB-E Noncom-missioned Officer Academy’s Warrior Leaders Course (WLC) manager, is one of the employees at the German company. Johnson, who works on the diesel engine assembly line, nominated Tausch-huber for the award.

“My employer has supported me by allowing me to take vacation as well as unpaid vacation whenever a mission arises. My company has allowed me time off to train WLC students from 2004 to the present date without missing a cycle and without any questions asked,” Johnson said. “There was a year where the Noncommissioned Officer Academy conducted 3 WLC cycles in a row, and my employer supported me being gone for up to 8 weeks. During my deployment to Afghanistan my employer gave me my job back with a permanent contract, and I was promoted to the prototype engine section,” Johnson said.

“During the month of February 2008, NCOA was given a mission to conduct a WLC class in Kosovo. On short notice my employer again allowed me to complete this mission. My employer has allowed me to train approximately 1,000 WLC students,” said Johnson.

“ The 3747th MFTB-E takes great pride in recognizing Tauschhuber and the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG for their outstanding support and allowing Johnson the necessary time to train Soldiers serving in the U.S. Army Reserve in Europe, “ said Jones.

German civilian employer honored by the U.S. Army

Herr Christian Tauschhuber of the MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG was presented a brigade scroll of appreciation for outstanding support of employees who are also U. S. Army Soldiers serving in the 3747th Multi-Functional Training Brigade – Europe, Seventh Civil Support Command, Grafenwoehr, Germany from Colonel Melvin Jones, Jr. Commander, 3747th MFTB – Europe Oct. 13., in Nuremberg.

Photo taken by: Lt. Col. James M. Beatty, 3747th Multi-Functional Training Brigade – Europe, Seventh Civil Support Command.

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Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com 3uS-arMY

By Fred W. Baker I I I

Bagdad, iraq, dec. 13, 2008 – u.s. cOmBat fOrces are On track tO Be Out Of iraqi cities By June 30 in accOrdance with the recently signed status Of fOrces agreement Between the united states and iraq, the tOp u.s. general in iraq said tOday.

Combat forces are already out of the major cities in more than half of Iraq, said Army Gen. Ray

Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq. Odierno spoke here to reporters traveling with De-fense Secretary Robert M. Gates.

Gates flew here this afternoon, after speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, to meet with Odierno and get his assessment of the way ahead in Iraq under the new agreement.

Odierno said the new agreement does not change the U.S. mission here, only its operating environment. Some U.S. forces will remain inside the cities working out of the joint security stations and acting as transition teams or providing support to the Iraqi security forces, Odierno said.

„We‘ll still maintain our very close partnership with the Iraqi security forces throughout Iraq, even after the summer,“ he said.

Odierno said he is already removing troops from the cities, and will continue as security progress continues

and Iraqi security forces can take over. Combat troops have already moved out of the cities in Anbar Province, most of the cities in southern Iraq and out of parts of Baghdad.

„In a large part the security agreement is really stating what we‘re doing in many places in Iraq already,“ he said.

Implementation committees made up of representatives of both two countries are being set up to work out the details of executing the agreement.

„I believe this agreement allows us to continue to move forward in making Iraq a sovereign nation,“ he said.

Odierno also expressed confidence in the Iraqi security force‘s growing capabilities and said he is confident that U.S. troops will be able to leave by the 2011 deadline set in the agreement.

„I expect us, frankly, right now, to be out with our military forces by 2011,“ he said.

Odierno said he will make a recommendation for any reductions of troops after the elections in January, and continue to reassess and make recommendations through the year. Provincial elections are slated for next month, with district elections following this summer and national elections by the end of the year.

„The bottom line is what we want to prevent is trying to use intimidation and coercion in order to influence

the elections,“ he said. „I think many Iraqis feel that our presence here provides them stability for their elections. It provides them some confidence.“

Overall, though, troop levels will likely drop here next year, he said, despite what he called an important time of transition.

„As the Iraqis are able to go through this transition, it will move them to a more stable government and we think that‘ll be a major milestone,“ he said.

„It‘s about stability. And what we want to do through 2009 is maintain stability inside of Iraq,“ Odierno said.

Despite improving security conditions, Odierno conce-ded that there are still challenges and al-Qaida, though weakened, is still able to carry out high-profile attacks such as the one this week in Kirkuk. Fifty-five Iraqis died in a suicide bombing at a restaurant.

Still, Odierno said there were only six security incidents across Iraq yesterday.

„All it takes is one suicide bomber . who cares very little for the value of life, and they will do anything they can to garner attention,“ he said. „It still shows that it‘s still a fragile environment and there are still terrorists that operate inside of Iraq.“

U.S. Forces on Track to ww out of iraqi Cities by Summer, General Says

Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq - Photo: Fred W. Baker

by Dave Melancon, U.S. Army Europe Publ ic Affa i rs Office

vilseck, germany - vilseck mayOr hans-martin schertl has attended many ceremOnies and cOmmunity events during the 2nd stryker cavalry regiment‘s 15-mOnth deployment to Iraq. During the U.S. Army Europe regiment‘s memorial service and welcome home ceremony on Rose Barracks Nov. 25, the buergermeister joined Family members and fellow Soldiers to welcome the regiment and re-member the 26 „Dragoon“ Soldiers killed in action. „U.S. Soldiers have been here since 1945. We have always had great relations between the military community and the German community,“ he said. „There is always contact, and always good contacts.“ Starting with the regiment‘s arrival in 2006, when the „Dragoons“ marched though Vilseck on foot, horse-back and their Stryker combat vehicles, the town and the unit have shared events as well as day-to-day life. „Many people from Vilseck and around the area work on the posts in Vilseck and Grafen-woehr,“ Schertl said. „Many American Soldiers live in German houses. So there are many con-tacts between the Germans and Americans.“ U.S. Soldiers have married Germans, and

some Americans remain in the communi-ty after retiring from the Army, he added. „The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment has enjoyed a great relationship with the citizens of Vilseck, Schlict, Sorghof, Amberg and many other towns in the area,“ said Lt. Col. Thomas Rickard, 2nd SCR Rear Detach-ment commander. „Our regiment has enjoyed serving in Germany for about 50 of the last 60 years and has long-established relationships with many towns in Bavaria.“ Rickard said the regiment and its Soldiers appreciate the German community‘s hospitality and support. He also called the community‘s Kontakt Club the best in Germany. The regiment works closely with community leaders and officials and has strong personal and professional bonds with the German army‘s Panzerbrigade 12, he said. „The 2nd SCR looks forward to reconnecting with the community in safe and enjoyable events,“ Rickard said. The bonds between the unit and its neighbors re-mained strong while the regiment was deployed. Many families attended the town‘s medieval fest in September. Others took part in the community volksfest sponsored by the German-American Kon-tact Club or helped the club send holiday „care pa-ckages“ to the deployed Stryker Soldiers, or joined in Christmas and Fasching (pre-Lenten Carnival) celebrations, or used the town‘s recreational facilities.

Schertl said he likes to see 2nd SCR Soldiers and families participating in those activities. „At local events -- and there are a lot of them almost every weekend -- spouses and children participated in them and they felt like part of the German com-munity,“ Schertl said. „It‘s like we‘re one communi-ty. They are always invited and they always attend.“ In turn, the regiment frequently invites mem-bers of the community to its events, Rickard said. Schertl said he does not expect any problems with the influx of returning Soldiers. He said he trusts the unit‘s reintegration process, and U.S. and Ger-man community leaders work together to find so-lutions to potential problems before they arise. As they complete their reintegration and return to their normal garrison routines, Soldiers will once again be seen throughout the community, Schertl said. „The public picture of Vilseck will change. Sol-diers belong in Vilseck,“ he said. „To see them on our streets and in our shops it is the Vilseck picture we all know, and the Vilseck picture we like to see.“

Bonds of friendship remain strong between Stryker Soldiers and local German communities

Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe‘s 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment celebrate their return from their recently deployment to Iraq with their Vilseck, Germany neighbors at the town‘s Castle Dagestein, Nov. 23.

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By J im Garamone

kaBul, afghanistan – mOst american trOOps deplOying tO afghanistan in the next year will gO tO regiOnal cOmmand sOuth, the deputy chief Of staff fOr OperatiOns fOr natO’s internatiOnal security assistance fOrce said here tOday. army maJ. gen. michael s. tucker said isaf Officials expect that area tO have the heaviest fighting in the cOming year.

“RC South is a mosaic of different [NATO] countries,” he said. “There seems to be all these small regional wars.”

The United Kingdom is in charge of operations in Helmand province, the Canadians are in Kandahar, the Dutch in Uruzgan, and in Nabol the force is Romanian. “They are kind of fighting their own war,” he said.

In the past, the NATO commander in the south ro-tated every six months, and this encouraged this

mosaic approach. The Dutch commander in char-

ge now will serve a year, Tucker said. “It’s now on the right track,” he said.

And this is vital to success in the region, the general said, as the center of gravity in a counterinsurgency fight is not the enemy, it is the population.

“You have to build relationships with tribal elders, police chiefs, the local governments, provincial officials,” he explained, “and it’s hard to do that six months at a time.” Army Gen. David McKiernan, who commands all NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, has stressed to commanders at all levels that they must get out with the people and build these relationships.

The fight in Regional Command South also is affected by what officials call “national caveats” -- restrictions on

how NATO commanders can use the military personnel of a particular country. Commanders assigning missions always must keep these restrictions in the back of their minds. U.S. forces have few caveats, and commanders can use American troops as needed.

“These caveats are strictly controlled by their national governments,” Tucker said. “Some of them, for example, can’t do a cordon-and-search without getting permission from their minister of defense. Some countries can’t conduct an air strike without permission. Some can’t cross a regional boundary with troops or helicopters without permission from their ministries.”

McKiernan has addressed these caveats with various national leaders and has highlighted the effects of those restrictions. “The advantages that we have over

the enemy are often taken away from us by caveats,” Tucker said.

NATO has unmatched air power, but negotiating with various countries and asking for permission can take that advantage away, the general said. For example, he said, a medevac helicopter from one country could not cross a regional boundary to pick up wounded personnel in an incident over the summer.

That made an impression, Tucker said, and NATO defense ministers now are more apt to work to lessen the caveats.

“But more needs to be done,” Tucker said. “You can’t order. You need to nudge them in the right direction.”

NATO Operations Chief Discusses Deployments, Caveats

ISAF Parachute Regiment soldiers watch for enemy movement nearby Kajaki, in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. ISAF forces have helped improve the security situations in the area to allow reconstruction work to take place. Photo: ISAF

By J im Garamone

camp BastiOn, afghanistan – the chairman Of the JOint chiefs Of staff gOt a clOse lOOk at cOnditiOns On the grOund in western afghanistan tOday during visits with a prOvincial recOnstructiOn team and the 3rd BattaliOn, 8th marines.

The visit gave Navy Adm. Mike Mullen insight into the obstacles and opportunities in the re-

gion in ways that briefings or conversations with of-ficials never can.

It was Mullen’s second visit to the region. He was here earlier this year when Marines first moved in to the region.

The chairman flew aboard an Air Force C-130 from Kabul to a dirt airstrip next to the provincial reconst-ruction team base in Farah. The province is primarily agricultural, with opium poppies its primary cash crop.

Some 70 percent of the population lives below the Afghan poverty line.

The PRT here is a mix of Army and Navy personnel, with the sailors from all over the service and carrying a mélange of specialties. Most of the soldiers are civil affairs specialists or members of an infantry unit that provides force protection. State Department, Depart-ment of Agriculture and Agency for International Development personnel round out the team.

Mullen held an all-hands call with the base per-sonnel, assigned in a region that’s a hotbed of

Taliban insurgents and banditry.

“I’m incredibly proud of the way you are accomplishing your mission,” Mullen told the soldiers and sailors during his all-hands call at the base. “What you are doing is important to our country and ultimately the citizens of this country.” The chairman thanked the servicemembers for their and their families’ sacrifices.

Mullen met with provincial leaders at the base and spoke of the needs of the citizens of the region. Roads, schools, agricultural advice, wells and basic services are in short supply, and provincial leaders look to the Americans for help.

The team leaders explained the transportation dif-ficulties inherent in operations around the regi-

on. A portion of the country’s Ring Road links Farah with Kandahar. Dirt roads – some little more than goat trails -- link the towns.

The chairman got a bird’s eye view of trans-portation challenges as he flew to the next stop of his tour at Forward Operating Base Baqwa aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Du-ring the flight, Mullen viewed a landscape not unlike that of Mars. Knife-edge ridges separated valleys with bone-dry wadis at the bottom. Not a single tree or blade of grass marked the route, a testament to the region’s 13th year of drought.

The Baqwa base is manned by Kilo Company 3-8 Marines. “It’s not the end of the world, but you can see it from here,” said one Marine at the base.

Marines patrol the valley and the small villa-ges, Marine 2nd Lt. Kenneth McKenzie, the platoon commander, told Mullen. The young lieutenant was frank and forthright about the job the Marines are doing under tough condi-tions. Mullen had a tray ration lunch with the Marines at the base and discussed the mission and their contributions to it.

The chairman then choppered to another forward operating base in Delaram. The

Marines share that base with an Afghan Na-tional Army battalion, called a kandak, and anticipate more kandaks arriving as the base is expanded.

The Marines at the base are training and mentoring the Afghan National Poli-ce and the Afghan Uniformed Police.

This base is next to the Ring Road, and supplying it is a bit easier than at Baqwa, the Marines explained.

After leaving Delaram, Mullen flew to the reinforced battalion headquarters on this British base, where the Marines are tenants. The chairman held an all-hands call with the personnel and received a briefing on the lay down of forces in the region and the threats. He then returned to Kabul via C-130 aircraft.

Mullen said he welcomed the visits to get the sights, sounds and smells of life on the sharp end of the spear. At every stop, he spoke with the troops and asked them what they need and what he can do to help their missions. If he didn’t have an answer, the chairman took e-mail addresses so he could write back personally.

Mullen Views life on Sharp End of Spear in Afghanistan

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visits with Seabees from the 7th Naval Construc-tion Battalion assigned to Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Dec. 21, 2008. Photo: Chad J. McNeeley

AMP Faber Group Volvo · Jaguar · Land RoverMilitary Sales

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Tel.: 09641 - 92 58 25 · Fax: 09641 - 92 58 24In Industrial park across from gate 6

US Marines prepare to go on patrol with the Afghan National Border Police in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan.The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is conducting operations in Afghanistan as part of NATO’s ISAF. Photo: ISAF

By Susanne W il l iams

It sure is hard to turn lose of your kids while you go to work and finding the right daycare is difficult. Let me introduce you to some institutions that might be of interest for you if you decide for a German day-nursery.Kindergarten Eschenbach

Founded in 1884 the kindergarten in Eschenbach is located next to the nursing-home in a very quiet valley nearby the center of the town since 1994. The responsible body is the city of Eschenbach. They have a huge garden with a wonderful playground and inside the big building there are a gym, an exercise room and a music room for the kids in addition to the many regular play rooms which are light and big with nice toys and room for the kids to rest, too.

Here in Eschenbach they have room for 125 children from 2 to 6 years and by September 2009 they will hopefully be able to take care of younger children, too. The children are divided into groups with 26 kids in each group. At the moment there are 7 kids with German-American family background in this day-nursery. This kindergarten is of special interest for families from Netzaberg because Netzaberg belongs to the community of Eschenbach and day-nurseries in Grafenwöhr are not allowed to take children from other communities. You should hurry up if you’d like to enroll your children for this institution because this kindergarten is a very popular one. The kindergarten is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Lunch is delivered by the kitchen of the hospital in Kemnath. They eat lunch from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and after that there is time for the kids to relax or sleep until 2:00 p.m. Of course the children are welcome to bring food from home to eat in the morning if they are hungry. In case your child is there only in the morning until 12:30 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. the kindergarten charges you 61,-€ per month for 5 hours a day. For 9 hours a day you have to pay 75,-€ per month. Children who are 2 years old cost 95,-€ per moth.

Children from Apfelbach, Runkenreuth, Thomasreuth and Breitenlohe can use a bus service to get to the kin-dergarten and back. Usually everybody speaks German here but there are also teachers who speak English to help the parents and the children that don’t understand any German. Don’t worry: Your children are soon going to be able to understand and speak German.

They put the main emphasis on healthy food, a lot of exercise, mathematical projects and language develop-ment. Education is very important here to prepare the children for school in the best way possible.

kathOlische kindertagesstätte „st. theresia“ in grafenwöhr

Close to the center of Grafenwöhr but still far away from the main street you find the “katholische Kinder-tagesstätte St. Theresia”, the catholic day-nursery. In the middle of a peaceful housing area it is surrounded by a big yard with a playground where the kids can romp around as much as they want. Inside the building the rooms are big and friendly, decorated with pieces of handicraft and paintings made by the children.

The responsible body for this day-nursery is the Catholic Church of Grafenwöhr but that does not mean that children of other denominations are not welcome here. The kindergarten was founded in 1929 and moved to its current place in 1967. They have room for 100 pre-school and kindergarten children from 3 to 6 years and for 24 toddlers and babies from 0 to 3 years divided into two groups. They are open from 6:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. This is great for parents who have to work. A big plus is that the day-nursery is only closed about 20 days a year which should make it easy for you to plan your vacation.

For children from 3 to 6 years 4 hours a day cost 55,-€ per month. Any additional hour costs 5,-€ a month extra. They charge you 130,-€ a month for 4 hours a day for children from 0 to 3 years plus 10,-€ per month extra for any additional hour. If you want to enroll your children for September 2009 you better do it now because the day-nursery has got a long waiting-list.

They cook the lunch in the day-nursery to make sure the children get fresh and healthy food every day. In the morning the children are allowed to eat food they brought with them when they get hungry. The colloquial language here is German but the teachers speak English, too, in case the children or parents don’t understand German. An English-course is offered for the German children to make sure they understand their American buddies.

evangelischer kindergarten “kunterBunt” in grafenwöhr

“Kunterbunt” –which means colorful by the way- is the day-nursery of the Protestant Church in Grafenwöhr. It was founded in 1992 and has room for 75 children of all denominations from 2 to 10 years. The groups consist of children of all ages and this is very positive since it trains the kids’ social competence and they all learn from each other. Once a month they do “open group work” where the children from the different groups can visit each other and one group has a special offer for all kids.

4 hours a day cost 51,50€ plus 5,-€ for every extra hour per month. The kindergarten is open Monday to Thursday from 6:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They offer to help the kids who go to school already with their homework. Except for the Christmas Holidays the day-nursery is not closed for vacation. You can enroll your kids any time.

Food is delivered to the day-nursery. The teachers speak English so that it should not be difficult for your kids to feel comfortable here. The newsletter and any other information for the parents are printed in German and in English. If it’s necessary the children have the possibility to sleep in an extra room.

The kindergarten puts special emphasis on social com-petence and they work with the “Würzburger Sprach-programm” – a special language training to teach the kids how to read and write - and a pre-school program to learn about numbers. For the youngest ones they have a project called “Entenland” to teach them more about colors, forms and counting. A healthy diet (they eat a healthy breakfast together once a month) and playing outside in the big yard are elementary at “Kunterbunt” as well as Christian education.

To learn more about “Kunterbunt” check out www.kita-kunterbunt-grafenwoehr.de.

kathOlische kindertagesstätte “st. JOseph”in hütten

Since 1993 St. Joseph is located in the former school house in Hütten. It belongs to the Catholic Church in Mantel and has room for 46 kids. Denomination doesn’t matter here. As soon as you enter the rooms you feel the warm family-like atmosphere and chances are that the children welcome you with a cute song. The former class rooms and the hallway are lovely decorated with

colorful paintings, handicrafts and photos.

The day-nursery is open from 7:00 in the morning to 4:00 in the afternoon. 4 to 5 hours a day cost 60,-€ per month and every extra hour costs 5,-€ more per month. If your child stays all day long the day-nursery charges you 80,-€ per month. Children can bring snacks which they can eat whenever they want to. Lunch is delivered by the butcher Pöll in Mantel and it costs 1,80€ extra a day. The kids pray in German and in English before they eat and then they have lunch from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. and after lunch they all brush their teeth (once a year it is obligatory that a dentist visits the kindergarten to explain to the kids what they have to do to keep their teeth clean and healthy). Then they have an hour to relax or sleep. The teachers prepare a healthy breakfast once a month and they have noticed that the children really enjoy learning about a healthy diet.

They take care of kids from 2 and a half years up to 6 years. Currently there are 17 American kids, 10 German-American kids and 19 kids with German, Cuban, Peruvian and, Russian family background.

Everybody speaks German and English here so that you sometimes can’t really distinguish which children belong to which nation. The parent-teacher association consists of German and American parents so that you’d always have a contact person who speaks your language.Behind the day-nursery-building they have a big yard and the children can play outside every day. On Tuesdays they would go into the woods to learn about the plants and animals in their environment. Once a year the local fire fighters visit the kindergarten and explain to the children what they do. To make this even more exiting they take the kids on a ride in the fire fighter truck. The day-nursery also organizes festivities like the St. Martin’s parade in late fall, where the children and their parents walk through the streets with little handmade lanterns and sing songs to celebrate St. Martin who shared his cape with a poor beggar. When they do church services or sing in the choir they make sure that there are also American elements. During the year they go on several interesting expeditions like in 2008 when they visited a cheese dairy, picked potatoes, went to a farm to see cows and learn how to make butter from milk, visited a bee-keeper and a fruit press to see how apples become

apple juice, and went to see “Snowhite” in the theater in the Leuchtenburg castle. The teachers and the kids even packed packages filled with handicrafts and little letters to send them to the parents who are in Iraq.

They do special language training, called the “Würz-burger Sprachprogramm”, every day so that the kids learn how to build sentences correctly. In order to teach the kids how to count and to understand simple mathematical basics, they play with numbers.

kathOlischer kindergarten pressath

The responsible body for this day-nursery is the Ca-tholic Church in Pressath. It was founded in 1900 and until the 1950’s it was located in the building which is now the home-museum. Then it moved into a new building on the edge of Pressath. They enlarged and renovated this new house in 1982/83 and in 2006/07 it was modernized to fully meet the German youth care department’s requirements. Now the kindergarten which is surrounded by a big yard with a playground is located close to the center of the town but far away from any traffic noise. They have room for 125 children from 2 to 6 years divided into one pre-school group and 5 kindergarten groups. The day-nursery is open Monday to Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 4 to 5 hours a day cost 50,-€ per month. Any additional hour is 5,-€ per month extra. The right time to enroll your children would be the beginning of March.

In the morning there is time to eat snacks the children brought with them. At this day-nursery they have a cook who prepares fresh lunch every day. Lunch consists of a soup, a main course and a desert especially for kids. They also have a special bus service for the kids who live in the little villages around Pressath. Of course the teachers speak English here and they are sure that the number of American children in this kindergarten is going to rise. They believe that children from different denominations are a gain for everyone here. They spend a lot of time outside in the garden and once a year they have a special woods-week to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Every year deals with a special topic: at the moment they have a 3-year project about healthy food.

Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com 5EXpLoring

Exploring the local kindergartens

Kindergarten Eschenbach (Photo: Susanne Williams)

Kindergarten Eschenbach (Photo: Susanne Williams)

Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com6 gErManY

By V iktor ia Harrer

carnival in germany

Everywhere you look you can see clowns, cowboys, princesses, knights and many other laughing peo-

ple in colorful costumes. In the streets parades are wat-ched by masses of people, jaunty music can be heard. People shout “Helau!” But what is this all about?! Of course, it is carnival in Germany - the time of fools, parties and wonderful costumes.

Origins Of a funny traditiOn

But carnival in Germany, as well as in other countries, is much more than celebrating. It has a very long tradition. First of all, you have to be aware of the fact, that in Germany we have more than one word for it. In some parts it is called “Karneval”, in others “Fastnacht” and, here in Bavaria, it is also known as “Fasching”. But all expressions mean the same: the time period between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday. Some people even begin celebrating on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. This tradition goes back to the 19th century when the carnival committee in Cologne began to prepare their parades for the carnival time and elected the carnival’s prince and princess. Originally, the tradition goes back to a form of pagan expulsion of winter that later turned into a Christian custom. With this, a connection to the Christian Lent season was established. Even though there is only one origin for all forms of “Fasching”, it is celebrated in different ways in all areas of Germany.

and where tO celeBrate?!

Today, everybody links carnival to parties, dancing and costumes. The most famous carnival celebrations in Germany take place in Cologne (Köln). It can be compared with the carnival in Venice, Italy or the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. In Cologne you can find many different parties, parades or carnival balls. There is even a carnival museum in the city. The

famous words “Kölle alaaf !” also originate from this city. People there say it throughout the season and it’s the equivalent to “Helau!” in other parts of Germany. But, of course you do not have to travel that far to be part of our tradition. Especially Bavaria and Austria are also very famous for their “Fasching.” Here you can also find the tradition of “Perchten.” Percht is said to have been a pagan goddess in Southern Germany. Her name means “the bright one.” Her festive day was

January 6th, which was called “Twelfth Night.” It is told that she came into a house at night and knew whether the children were good or bad. If they had behaved well during the year, they found a silver coin the next day, if not, their bellies were slit open. Today in Bavaria and Austria you will see many people in parades wearing animal masks representing either the beautiful goddess who brings wealth and luck or the ugly one, in order to drive out demons and bad spirits. These are mostly dressed like monsters.

You can also enjoy fasching parades in the area around Grafenwöhr. Nearly every town has a carnival parade in the week before Ash Wednesday. They are especially funny for children, because normally sweets are thrown from the floats at the watching people.

The best-known “Fasching” event in our area is in Gra-fenwöhr itself – the so-called “Sportlerball.” It is a big party in the city hall of Grafenwöhr. It is organized by the TUS/DJK Sports Club of Grafenwöhr. Two bands are playing throughout the whole night; you can find different bars and many costumes. This year, it will take place on January 31st. Tickets can be bought at the Rei-sewelt travel agency, or online at www.sv-grafenwoehr.de. It is definitely a big event worth visiting.

Oh, and there is also one special day for women – the “Weiberfasching” (Women’s Carnival). It is a day on which women rule the world. They are allowed to cut off men’s ties if they wear some on that day. A very humo-rous tradition! And men shouldn’t take it too seriously!

I wish all of you a happy and funny time and hope that everyone has the possibility to experience at least one day in the world of fools!

Deutschland for beginnersSeries I - The time of fools

The Carnival in Cologne (Photo: Neva Micheva)

Reichstag building seen from the west, before sunset (Photo: Jürgen Matern)

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kaiserslautern, germany – are yOu ready tO see the future Of the army? visit the peO sOldier display at the special events Building (Bldg. 237) On rhine Ordnance Barracks Jan. 26 and 27 Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and yOu will. the next generatiOn Of army gear, including the mOst technOlOgically advanced weapOns systems, cutting-edge cOmmunicatiOn technOlOgy, innOvative clOthing and grOund-Breaking equipment, will Be On display.

PEO Soldier, which stands for Program Executi-ve Office Soldier, is the Army organization res-

ponsible for every item of clothing and piece of equip-ment Soldiers wear or carry. PEO Soldier’s objective is two-fold. Develop the best gear and field this gear as quickly as possible, thus making the Soldiers the best equipped, best protected and most lethal.

system

In the past Soldiers were outfitted with one piece of equipment at a time. Little or no regard was given to how the individual pieces work together, according to the PEO Soldier website at peosoldier.army.mil. PEO Soldier, on the other hand, looks at Soldiers as systems. This new concept evaluates how each piece of equipment works together; everything a Soldier wears or carries is part of an integrated system. As a result, Soldiers are now better equipped and protected, redundancies in equipment have been eliminated and levels of effectiveness and comfort have been increased, according to the PEO Soldier website.

The Interceptor Body Armor illustrates this concept. Initially, it was designed to be worn over the Soldier’s Army Combat Uniform. Yet, in response to feedback from Soldiers who stated that wearing it that way created bulk and produced heat stress, PEO Soldier

engineers in cooperation with their industry partners designed the long-sleeve Army Combat Shirt. The flame resistant (FR) shirt has sleeves similar to the FR ACU and a cool, moisture wicking fabric over the torso areas covered by the IBA. Thus by reducing heat stress, Soldiers’ comfort is improved and mission effectiveness is increased.

At the Kaiserslautern dis-play you can also preview the new Army Service Uniform, which simplifies the current uniform while preserving tra-dition and providing quality, fit, and convenience. The new uniform is to be available in military clothing stores by next summer, and Soldiers will be required to have it by the end of fiscal 2014, according to the PEO Soldier website. Visit the PEO Soldier display and see it and the future of the Army.

CUTLINE: The future of the Army will be on display at the Special Events Building (Bldg. 237) on Rhine Ord-nance Barracks Jan. 26 and 27 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Program Executive Office Sol-dier is the Army organization responsible for every item of clothing and piece of equip-ment Soldiers wear or carry, and the display will highlight next generation Army gear and advanced weaponry.

PEO Soldier highlights next generation Army gear, advanced weaponry See the future of the new Army.

PEO SOLDIER

Rhine Ordnance BarracksSpecial Events Building (Bldg. 237)

January 26 and 27

HigHLigHtS

Some of the display highlights will include:

• Interceptor Body Armor with Improved Outer Tactical Vest and associated plates

• Advanced Combat Helmet with ballistic pro tective nape pad and helmet sensors

• Electronic Data Manager, a light, portable, touch-screen kneeboard computer

• Generation III Extended Cold Weather Clothing System

• Thermal Weapon Sights, Generation II

• Enhanced Night Vision Goggle and the Sniper Night Sight

• XM25 25mm Counter Defilade Target Enga-gement System

• Lightweight .50 Caliber Machine Gun

• M26 12-Gauge Modular Accessory Shotgun

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By V iktor ia Harrer

a winter wOnderland in frOnt Of yOur dOOr

winter has finally cOme. peOple whO lOve tO Be Outside travel tO all the wOnderful OutdOOr recreatiOn areas in austria Or switzerland. But yOu dOn’t necessarily have tO drive that far tO enJOy all the pleasures Of a winter wOnderland.

Near Grafenwöhr you can also find many ski lifts, winter hiking trails and much more. And the

best thing is you do not have to stay in a hotel 6ecause it is in front of your door! Just drive, for instance, to the Fichtelgebirge where many different ski lifts and other sports activities are waiting for you.

tannenBerglift

There is, for example, the Tannenberglift (23 kilo-meters away from Grafenwöhr). This is a ski lift

in Immenreuth, near Kemnath. A T-bar lift takes you up the mountain. Then the fun begins: go down a won-derfully prepared 500-meter long slope and enjoy the wind in your face! For children or beginners there is also a smaller slope which is only 200 meters long. The lift is open every day until 10 p.m. So you can also enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the dark with flood lights.

Also for those who are not very keen on going down a mountain on skis, there are things to do: well-marked hiking trails can be found. They lead you through a wonderful winter landscape! A large parking lot is right at the bottom of the ski lift.

klausenlift

Another ski lift in this area is the Klausenlift in Mehlmeisel (44 kilometers away from Grafen-

wöhr). It offers three T-bar lifts that drag you up about 700 meters. Since three lifts are available, waiting times are short. The lift was built in 1968. People can ski or snowboard down a 150 meter-wide and 700 meter-long slope. You can go there from the middle of December

until the end of March and it is suitable for beginners as well as advanced skiers. For both ski schools can be found. Furthermore, you have the possibility to rent equipment in sport stores. You can ski there every day until 10 p.m. because they offer flood lights when it gets dark. And snow is also always there – a big snow cannon takes care of that.

Very often little snacks and drinks are offered at a kiosk at the end of the slope. So just go there and treat yourself to a glass of Glühwein before driving home. However, remember to not drink and drive! Cross-country skiers also love the area. You can find cross-country tracks; one is 8 kilometers long, the other 14 kilometers. There is also a circular course of 6.5 kilometers.

If you don’t like skiing very much you can also find a chute, as well as hiking trails.

You can leave your car at the big parking lot directly at the ski slope, so you also do not have to walk very far.

OchsenkOpf

Then there is the Ochsenkopf, the highest of our skiing mountains. It is located in Bischofsgrün,

which is a town about 46 kilometers away from Grafen-wöhr. With a Northern slope of 2.300 meters in length and a Southern one that is 1.900 meters long, it offers the two longest slopes for downhill skiing in Northern Bavaria. Two chair lifts take you up the mountain. At the downhill station you can also find a small T-bar lift that is 180 meters long and especially suitable for beginners, or children. There is also a 150 meter-long practice slope on the Northern side of the mountain. In the town of Mehlmeisel you will also find several possibilities for cross-country skiing, or hiking. And several restaurants will quench your thirst and hunger.

All three of these winter paradises are connected with each other, so you can buy a cobination ticket for all ski lifts. Prices are available online, just search for the different ski lifts!

grOsser arBer

If you don’t mind driving a little longer, you can go to the Bayerischer Wald (Bavarian Forest). Its high-

est mountain, the Great Arber (Großer Arber) is only 155 kilometers away from Grafenwöhr. This big ski-

ing area offers 10 different slopes of different heights for beginners as well as advanced skiers. The elevation of the mountain is 1.456 meters and therefore, snow is guaranteed. Different lifts take you up. You can choo-se between gondolas, chair lifts and T-bar lifts, de-pending on the slope you want to take down the hill. With a slope for children only and many ski schools children will also have fun! You can rent ski or snow-boarding equipment. Flood light skiing is possible, too.

The fun park is of special interest for snowboarders. It offers many different attractions to include those suitable for children and beginners.

For all non-skiers there is a 900 meter-long chute for the whole family. You don’t even have to bring your own

sleigh. It is possible to rend it right there.

And, of course, also in this area you will find many different hiking and cross-country skiing trails.

You can also choose to stop for a break in the restaurant on top of the mountain, or in any other restaurant in the Great Arber area. Large parking lots ensure that finding a parking spot is no problem. For more information, go to www.arber.de.

Have fun in the snow and enjoy our fan-tast ic winter landscapes !

Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com 7wintEr in EuropE

By John ReeseUSAG Garmisch Publ ic Affa i rs

GARMISCH, Germany - When it comes to win-ter driving in Germany and Austria, there‘s been

some confusion about winter tires and driving laws. By living at the base of the Alps here - or at most other installations in Europe - one of the first things that people learn at the onset of winter is that they‘ll need a second set of tires for their per-sonal vehicles. But what type of special winter tires, if any, are required by German and Austrian laws? There are two kinds of symbols on European winter tires: a snowflake representing „snow“ tires, and „M+S,“ meaning the tires are designed to work in mud and snow. The confusion comes from an ambiguity of laws enacted in the past few years. It doesn‘t specif-ically mandate the use of a certain type of win-ter tire, only that the tire be designed for the type of weather conditions expected to be encountered. The German law states that tires must be „suitable to the weather.“ This means snow, ice and freezing conditions on the roads like black ice, a thin coating of ice that‘s hard to detect before you‘re sliding on it. Black ice is especially present on bridges, usually preceded by a warning sign. Austrian laws are more specific. Like German law, the tires must have the snowflake or M+S marking and must have at least 4 millimeters of tread pattern. However, the Austrians require winter tires to be used from Nov. 1 to April 15, and in some places snow chains are required. To avoid unnecessary damage to the roads, snow chains are to be used where warnings are posted or when directed so by the police.

Also, heavy snow or ice patches are commonly found on the high mountain roads of Austria. Winter tires should be used in all winter conditions, and driving with chains on fair weather tires isn‘t acceptable. Furthermore, signs advising motorists to use their chains will be posted. In both countries, all four tires should match, meaning you can‘t get by with just swapping out the „drive“ tires. Practically speaking, the Polizei don‘t go around check-ing your tires, but if you‘re the cause of an accident and a „Stau“ (traffic jam) stalling the flow of traf-fic, you can expect a ticket of 20 euros for not hav-

ing the correct tires and another 40 euros for caus-ing the jam. In Austria, the fines can range between 35 euros to a painful 5,000 euros for non-compliance. „Drivers who obstruct or endanger traffic due to sum-mer tires will definitely be ticketed,“ warned Andreas Tuerk, safety officer for U.S. Army Garrison Garmisch. Additionally, insurance companies may deny coverage to motorists driving with sum-mer tires on wintry roads, added Tuerk. Some auto insurance companies might deny or in-

validate claims, making the driver liable for part or all of any damage or injury if an accident occurs without winter tires. This isn‘t automatic, however. And the „police can assign blame to a motor-ist without snow tires, regardless of who ac-tually caused the accident,“ Tuerk said. Tires specifically designed for snow will func-tion better than the multi-purpose ones, but the most important thing is for a good set of tires with at least 1.6 millimeters of tread pattern. For best safety practices, however, tires with a tread pat-tern of less than 4 millimeters should be replaced.

Usually, tires can be inspected for safety at many instal-lation Auto Crafts Shop, auto dealers, most tire shops or road service providers. AAFES Car Care Centers also provide safety checks. And when buying winter tires from AAFES, it is wise to call ahead to ensure they have the correct size, especially if your car has after-market rims. „Your car must be equipped with the right tires de-pending on road conditions,“ said Ivano Nova-rini, from the garrison‘s Directorate of Logistics. Novarini is responsible for the garrison‘s vehi-cle fleet and a veteran of many an Alpine win-ter. He goes by a tip he picked up years ago. „If the temperature drops constantly below 7 centigrade, the use of winter tires is a lot safer, even on dry roads or rain, because of their special mixture which guaran-tees better grip in low temperatures,“ advised Novari-ni. „I go by ‚it‘s getting cold, let‘s put winter tires on.‘“ Besides your personal vehicle, it‘s also wise to be careful when renting a car. Some rental agencies may charge an additional fee for winter tires. Check before you rent, depending on where you‘ll be driving. Winter tires are required by law in several other European countries, including Sweden, Finland and the Baltics. If you‘re still unclear on the type of tires need-ed, contact the garrison Safety Office or speak to someone at Vehicle Registration. The bottom line is that winter driving conditions add a dangerous dimension to driving - use winter tires, common sense and slow down.

European winter driving calls for the right tires

By living in Europe, one of the first things that people learn at the onset of winter is that they‘ll need a second set of tires because of snow and ice Photo by Karl Weisel

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Vilsecker Str. 2 · 92655 Grafenwöhr 09641-92 34 44

PHYSICAL THERAPY MAYER

CLOSE TO GATE 1:

Skiing in our regionA winter wonderland in front of your door

Großer Arber, Bavarian Wood, Photo by wikipedia.org

Filiale GrafenwöhrAlte Amberger Str. 28 Phone (0 96 41) 920 10

• German Bank Account with EC-Card

• We finance your homestead up to 100%

• Fixed network and Cellphone

We are fluentcy in english language

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Coupon for one free car wash

per person and car only one coupon!

For service ask us:

Maik Sieber0961-389 41 47

Werner Siegl0961-389 41 12

Norbert Hecht0961-389 41 46

We are open:

monday - friday : 7.00 am - 6.00 pmsaturday: 7.30 am - 12.00 am

Am Forst 12 - 92637 Weiden Tel. 0961 - 389 41 0

www.autohausgeuss.de

0961-389 41

0961-389 41 47

• licenced dealer for Volvo, Land Rover and Nissan• constantly over 120 used cars in our stock-

descriptions in English on our homepage

• English speaking staff• Qualifi ed, from the manufacturer certifi ed and low

cost repair of your vehicle• we only use original parts• we take care of any insurance claims• we accept Visa and MasterCard• we do accept VAT-form

Loaner and rental cars are always available or we will be glad to take you downtown Weiden while your vehicle is beeing worked on.

Coupon

FOR ONE FREE CAR CLEANING

-washing and drying-

Per person and vehicle only one coupon!

Valid until 31.03.2009

it’s friday night after a hard week and there’s nOthing mOre relaxing than a lOng party night with friends. sO yOu dress up and gO Out tO meet peOple and have fun. grafenwOehr has a few cOOl Bars and cluBs tO Offer and sO cluB-hOpping cOuld Be a funny thing tO dO. yOu dOn’t even need a car fOr that Because the cluBs are sO clOse tOgether.

But who would think that in such a nice little town like Graf the local bars and clubs are fighting a bitter battle against each other so that they don’t lose there guests to one of the other clubs.

It could happen to you that the securities of one club advise you not to go to the other club because the music was so bad there and it was so boring.

But this is harmless compared to what happened to two girls last Thursday: They got kicked out of a pretty popular rap-club in town where they had been regular guests since five years after a few guys had followed them from the club to another bar in the basement of the same building to dance with them. When the girls wanted to go back the club management accused them of stealing their guests and bringing them to another bar and the girls were not allowed to stay!

Instead of working to-gether in such a little town the clubs seem to have big trouble with each other. There’s a cold war fought with unfair methods and those who actually just want to have a good time are used as weapons.

Just wanted to have a

good time…

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George A. SmithAFN Europe Operat ions Manager

Experience what it feels like to have the ear of the network program director, and the chance to change what you see and hear on AFN. Go to the American Forces Network Europe (AFNE) web site to say what you think should be on the radio and how you prefer to get your military news on TV.

Go on line at afneurope.net, click on the link to the survey and sound off on the mix of music, types of information and shows airing on AFN radio. Your feedback will help AFN Europe decide when to have live hosted DJ shows and whether the network should change current programming.

AFN Europe broadcasts two radio services to concen-trations of military personnel and families in Germany, Italy and Belgium: AFN The Eagle and the Power Network. AFN The Eagle is a family-friendly blend of music and entertainment airing on FM 106 in Italy and a mix of mostly FM frequencies in Germany and Belgium. The Power Network airs on FM 107 in Italy and mostly AM frequencies in Germany and Belgi-um. It features news and information shows such as Morning Newswatch, National Public Radio and Rush Limbaugh, as well as shows such as Connections, a blend of oldies and news.

The survey questions on AFN Television focus on when you watch TV, which channels you watch and how you want to see your European and base military news. The network also wants to know if you prefer getting your military TV news in a 30-minute AFN Europe Report, 2-minute newsbreaks, the web, a Podcast, or another way.

AFN Europe is not asking any questions about tele-vision programming other than what is produced here in theater. The American Forces Network Broadcast Center in California negotiates with producers to get entertainment shows such as American Idol and CSI on AFN TV.

From January through mid-February, AFN stations will be live at Post and Base Exchanges, commissaries and other high-traffic areas encouraging people to take five-to-ten minutes to go on line and fill out the survey. Stop by and fill out the survey there, or just wait until you get home or have a few minutes at the office.

There‘s an added incentive to fill out a survey. The Edel-weiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, is giving away a three-night stay for two adults at the resort, as well as a one-day ski or snow-board lesson, rental equipment and lift passes for the appropriate slope.

Sound Off Now On AFN Europe Programming

Seven new Commanders in 2CRJames R. Blackburn replaces John S.

RisCassi leading the 2CR

he is the 75. cOmmander within the Brigade and we - the cOmmunity Of vilseck, grafenwOehr and surrOunding areas are welcOming him as an impOrtant partner. with him there are 6 mOre new leaders cOming intO vilsecks 2cr. the traditiOnal cav Brigade is One Of the Oldest in the us army.

Their soldiers are also called ‚dragoons‘ and achieved lots of successes. The history of the brigade reads like a book of history and goes back till 1836 where they where stationed in Florida fighting against the Seminole indians. The dragoons also fought in texas in a mexican-american war and other indian riots at the time.

Some other battles where fought in the american ci-vil war, in Cuba, the Phillippines as well as first and

second world war in Germany. The Headquarter was in Nuernberg and units where stationed in Bindlach, Bamberg, Hof, Feucht, Weiden and Amberg to guard the ‚iron curtain‘ in the ‚cold war‘ and later in Kuwait, Bosnia and Iraq.

2CR lives since summer 2006 in Vilseck where they moved in from Washington state. Just one year later they where called to fight in Iraq and the 4000 soldiers just arrived back from this duty in rose baracks with 26 soldiers less, died for the freedom of the people there and the whole world. We the german people living with our american friends deeply respect this.

Welcome back Stryker Brigade with all your soldiers from grafenwoehr.com, because we care about you.

James R. Blackburn (Photo: 2ND Stryker Cavalary Regiment, Webside)

Nr. 3 Januar 2009 grafenwoehr.com 9EvEntCaLEndar

Marion Neidl

Zum Rennsteig 3,

Grafenwoehr

Tel: 09641 - 8587

by

appointments

only

A combination of

Health

A combination of

Health and Wellness

- AROMA OIL

MASSAGE

- ACUPUNCTURE

- REFLEXOLOGY

- HOMOEPATHY

- HOT-STONE-

MASSAGE

35 min 25 €

75 min 50 €

wEBtip

This Eventcalendar is just a extraction of the full Version.

You‘ll find all Events on our Webside at:www.grafenwoehr.com

You can Download the calendar with additional events.

Daily at 13:00 hrs

Walking Tours of Nürnberg in EnglishNuremberg was once an imperial residence, powerful free imperial city and international trading center. The prosperous city provided the ideal basis for an active cultural and intellectual life and the arts: Even today numerous buildings, monuments and artworks still reflect its former importance. The guided tour through the Old Town offers information and insights on the castle, the fountains and wells, churches and art as well as the city itself past and present.

Meeting point: Tourist Office at the Main Market Square (Hauptmarkt). Duration: approx. 2 ½ hrs. Price: Euro 9.- per person, plus price of admission to castle (Euro 2.- pp). Children under 14 free in the company of their parents.

Daily at 14:00 hrs

Guided Tour of 91541 Rothenburg in English, of the most important sights in the historical districtMeeting point: Market Square. Duration: ca. 90 minutes. Fee: 6.- Euro per person, payable cash to the tour guide

Daily at 17:00 hrs

Ghost Tour of 91541 Rothenburg, in English with the „executioner“ Not for children under 12. Meeting point is at the Market Square, fees are 5.- Euro per person. Duration: ca. 45 minutes.

Every Wed. and Sat. 13:30 hrs

Guided Tour of Regensburg, in English - „Experience a Historic City“In the course of this individually accented tour you get to know the Old City, with its patrician towered houses, the cathedral, the Old City Hall (all from the

Sat., 24 Jan.: 08:00 hrs

in 92637 Weiden, Volksfestplatz, Leuchtenberger Straße.

Sat., 31 Jan.: 08:00 hrs

in 92224 Amberg, Dultplatz, Bruno-Hofer-Straße.

Every first Sat. of the month (starting 04 Jan.), 08:00 - 16:00 hrs: Trödel- & Jahrmarkt in 93055 Regensburg, at the „Globus“ DITY market, Sulzfeldstr. 3. Visitors can park for free at the car park of „Hiendl“ furniture store.

Every third Sun. of the month

(starting 18 Jan.), 08:00 - 16:00 hrs: Trödel- & Jahr-markt in 93073 Neutraubling (next to Regensburg), at the „Globus“ DITY store, Pommernstraße 4

Sat., 07 Feb.: 07:00 - 16:00 hrs

Franconia‘s oldest antiques and flea market in 91054 Erlangen, at the Bohlenplatz. More details online in German or ph 09195-9222-572. The Bohlenplatz is a small park in Erlangen‘s city center and can easily be accessed via Obere and Untere Karlstraße

Sat., 07 Feb.: 08:00 hrs


Sat., 14 Feb.: 08:00 - 16:00 hrs


Sat., 28 Feb.: 08:00 hrs


Sat., 28 Feb.: 09:00 - 15:00 hrs

in 91052 Erlangen, Rathausplatz, Heinrich-Lades-Halle. Admission: 1 Euro, children under 14 are free

Sat., 07 Mar.: 06:00 - 14:00 hrs


Sat., 07 Mar.: 07:00 - 16:00 hrs

in 91054 Erlangen, large car park in ParkplatzstraßeSun., 08 Mar. und 13 Sep., 12:00 - 18:00 hrs: Trödel- Antikmarkt in 84028 Landshut, Dreifaltigkeitsplatz

Ongoing till 05 Feb., 11:00 - 18:30 hrs

Lichtmess-Markt (Street Market) in 91054 Erlangen, Schloßplatz

A typical street market with all kinds of kitchenwares, clothes and brics-a-brac Did you know that the dates for the street markets in Protestant Erlangen were initially chosen based on Catholic holidays honoring the Virgin Mary (Candlemas / Assumption of Mary)? In the surrounding Catholic provinces, all shops (or markets) were closed and farming activities other than milking cows or similar unavoidable things were also forbidden. So the Catholic farmers had a lot of free time on their hands to go shopping, for example. Therefore the smart Erlangen citizens held their markets on those holidays they were not celebrating, thus attracting a much larger crowd and increasing business!

Nowadays, the Catholic holidays and the market days don‘t necessarily match anymore.

Reduced opening hours on Sun, 01.02.: only from 11:00 - 18:30 hrs.

Tue., 03 Feb., (no time listed)

Show: „Mother Africa - Circus of the Senses 2009“, in 91052 Erlangen, Heinrich-Lades-Halle, Rathausplatz 1, ph 09131-862-490

„Mother Africa - Circus for the Senses“ is a fascinating show for the young and the old, for everyone who loves to experience a new, exciting, exotic circus - something for all senses. „Mother Africa“ is more than just a circus, it‘s a colourful sensation! Artists from various African countries such as Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Togo and Mali have trained at a camp in Tanzania for this unique show. Tickets can be ordered in advance through “Theater- und Konzertkasse Karstadt”, telephone 0911-213-2050.

Wed., 04 Feb.: 07:00 hrs:

Rossmarkt in 92334 Berching. The Rossmarkt in Berching has become a long-standing tradition. One day every year in winter, over 100 horses are driven to the medieval town center in the early morning hours with the intent to show them and eventually sell them to potential buyers. Thousands of visitors come by to witness this spectacle and admire not only the beautiful horses and carriages, but also enjoy the market activities surrounding the event.

The Rossmarkt dates back to the year 1722. In those days the horses weren’t sold but instead had to be checked by the veterinarian for contagious diseases.

Wed., 04 Feb.: 20:00 hrs

„Night of the Musicals“ in 90478 Nürnberg, Meis-tersingerhalle, Münchener Str. 21, ph 0911-231-8000

With highlights from Dirty Dancing, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, the Rocky Horror Show, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Hair, Grease, Wicked, Elisabeth, Daddy Cool and many more.

Thu., 05 Feb.: 20:00 hrs

Show: „Mother Africa - Circus of the Senses 2009“, in 96050 Bamberg, JAKO-Arena, Forchheimer Str.

outside), the Stone Bridge and the Porta Praetoria. Our well-versed guides will be glad to answer any special questions you have, based on your own personal interests.Fees: Adults Euro 8.- , Reduced Euro 5.- , Families Euro 12.- . Duration: 1.5 hours .

Meeting point: Tourist-Information - Altes Rathaus, Rathausplatz, 93047 Regensburg, ph. 0941-507-4410

Every Friday 19:00 hrs

The Nuremberg Nightwatch Tour, in English - with the nightwatchwoman Re-live history through origi-nal, funny and exciting stories with the historian Dr. Ute Jaeger aka the nightwatchwoman. Discover the traditional parts of Nürnberg and enjoy its most beau-tiful sights! Meeting Point is the fountain „Schöner Brunnen“, Am Hauptmarkt, 90403 Nürnberg (in the pedestrian zone). Fees are 9 Euro pp.

Every Saturday, 14:00 hrs

Guided Tour in English of Albrecht Dürer‘s House in Nürnberg’s historic city center, Albrecht-Dürer-Str. 39 (in the pedestrian zone). Admission is 5Euro (normal), 2.50Euro (reduced)

Famous painter Albrecht Dürer lived in Nürnberg (1471 – 1528) – you might know him best for his “Praying Hands” –, and his original residence in Nürnberg’s pretty city center has been converted to a museum. Every Saturday, an actress in historic gowns offers guided tours of the house in English, telling its history from the viewpoint of Dürer‘s wife Agnes.

Every first Friday of each month

Meeting of the International Friendship Club (IFC). The IFC‘s goal is to improve the understanding bet-ween American guests and the host nation, to work

on each other‘s language skills, to sample plenty of foods, and to just have lots of fun! Call Carl „mit C“ Childs for further info at DSN 475-7637, or personal cell 0175-489-2669.

Every first Saturday of the month

Maximum Rock Night in 90441 Nürnberg, im Hirsch, Vogelweiher Str. 66, ph 0911-429-414. Two DJs will rock the „Hirsch“. Every party offers special surprises and different music styles on the second floor. Admis-sion is only 6.- Euros pp.

Every second and fourth Saturday of the month

30+ Party at the Josefshaus, Adolf-Kolping-Platz 2, 92637 Weiden. This is a disco where you can dance to some really great music from a few years back. Best be at the Josefshaus around 21:00 hrs as it will get very crowded very soon thereafter!

08 Feb. - 15 Mar.

Photography Exhibit by Herbert Pöhnl, 92421 Schwan-dorf, at the „Oberpfälzer Künstlerhaus“, Fronberger Str. 31, ph 09431-9716Grand opening on 8. Februar at 11:00 hrs. The exhi-bition can be visited during regular operating hours.

28 Mar. - 11 Oct.

Exhibition of Roman Artefacts in 97340 Marktbreit, Malerwinkelhaus, Bachgasse 2, ph 09332-40-546. Ope-ning hours: Tue. - Fri. 10:00 - 12:00 hrs. Sat., Sun. and German holidays 14:00 - 17:00 hrsOn display are artefacts about the Varus battle 2,000 years ago, and the end of the Roman camp in Marktbreit.

01 Apr. - 31 Oct., daily at ca. 18:00 hrs

Balloon Rides in 91541 Rothenburg, Tauberwiesen (Detwang subdivision)

Balloons start daily if the weather is good. All details and POCs on their German Homepage.

Every Saturday starting 25 Apr., 10:30 hrs

Guided Tour of 97346 Iphofen, historic town centerMeeting point is the inner courtyard of the „Vinothek“, Kirchplatz 7. No advance registration required. Fees: 2.50 Euro pp, payable in cash to the tour guide. More infos from their Tourist Information, ph 09323-870-306

20 June - 29 July

Concerts with various American Bands in 91541 Ro-thenburg

20 June, 19:30 hrs

The Minnesota High School Band, Spitalkirche Heilig-Geist (church)

23 June, 14:00 hrs

The Nebraska Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

26 June, 14:00 hrs

The Kansas Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

29 June, 14:00 hrs

The Wyoming Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz.

01 July, 11:00 hrs

The Alabama Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

01 July, 14:00 hrs

The Texas Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

02 July, 14:00 hrs

The Oklahoma Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

05 July, 14:00 hrs

The Arizona Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

08 July, 14:00 hrs

The Ohio Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

10 July, 17:00 hrs

The The Sound of America, Marktplatz.

11 July, 14:00 hrs

The Mid-West Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

14 July, 14:00 hrs

The Tennessee Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

15 July, 14:00 hrs

The Arkansas Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

17 July, 14:00 hrs

The Oregon Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

20 July, 14:00 hrs

The Utah Ambassadors of Music, Marktplatz

Recurring and Long-Lasting Events

28 Feb. + 01 Mar.

in 91541 Rothenburg, at the Sporthalle (gym) Erlbacher Straße. Sat. 07:00 - 16:00 hrs, Sun. 07:00 - 14:00 hrs

13 + 14 June, 06:00 - 11:00 hrs

in 92242 Hirschau. Start at the „Bauhof“ in Wolfgang-Droßbach-Straße.

04. + 05 July

in 91278 Pottenstein. POC: Bruno Funk, ph 09243-1494

Volksmarches

(city center)

Only for antiqes, artifacts, exquisite wares. No flea market stuff or new products.

Sat., 14 Mar.: 13:00 hrs

in 92421 Schwandorf, Festplatz, Angerring / Nürn-berger Straße

Sat., 21 Mar.: 06:00 - 14:00 hrs

in 92637 Weiden, at the Spielvereinigung („Am Langen Steg“ subdivision, near hospital)

Sun., 22 Mar.: 12:00 - 18:00 hrs

in 91054 Erlangen, large car park in Parkplatzstraße - (no time specified) in 97332 Volkach, Weinfestplatz, as part of the „Frühjahrs-Markt“ (vendors fest)

Sat., 28 Mar.: 08:00 - 16:00 hrs


Sat., 04 Apr.: 07:00 - 16:00 hrs

in 91054 Erlangen, large car park in Parkplatzstraße

Sat., 04 Apr.: 09:00 - 14:00 hrs

in Raigering just outside of 92224 Amberg, car park at the “Sterk” brewery

Sat., 11 Apr.: 06:00 - 14:00 hrs


Flea Markets

15, ph 0951-23-837

„Mother Africa - Circus for the Senses“ is a fascinating show for the young and the old, for everyone who loves to experience a new, exciting, exotic circus - something for all senses. „Mother Africa“ is more than just a circus, it‘s a colourful sensation! Artists from various African countries such as Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, Togo and Mali have trained at a camp in Tanzania for this unique show. Tickets can be ordered in advance through “Theater- und Konzertkasse Karstadt”, telephone 0911-213-2050.

Sat. + Sun., 07 + 08 Feb., 09:00 - 18:00 hrs

Pedigree Cat Show in 93059 Regensburg, RT-Halle, Schopperplatz 6

Special show on Saturday: Abessinians / Somali. More information in German on the organizer‘s homepage.

Sun., 08 Feb.: 11:00 - 18:00 hrs:

Wedding Fair in 97072 Würzburg, s.Oliver-Arena, Stettiner Str. 1 (former Carl-Diehm-Halle)More details and dates on the organizer‘s Homepage.

Sun., 08 Feb.: 20:00 hrs

Show: Masters of the Shaolin Kung Fu, in 92637 Weiden, Max-Reger-Halle Shi Fu - the Gala of the Masters. The new show 2009 is very impressive, with the Shaolin monks - among them many championship winners - presenting their stunning mental and physical abilities. Tickets from Der Neue Tag, ph 0961-85-550.

Tue., 10 Feb.

Rhythm of the Dance, in 92637 Weiden, Max-Reger-HalleSince its debut in 1999 in Norway, Rhythm of the Dance has fascinated over 4 million viewers all over the world. The new choreography was arranged by Mary MacDonagh, the songs were compo-sed by Carl Hession who is seen as one of the best composer of traditional Irish mu-sic. Tickets from Der Neue Tag, ph 0961-85-550

Sat., 14 Feb.

Horse Gala: „Apas-sionata - Passion“, in 90471 Nürnberg, at the Arena, Kurt-Leucht-Weg 11, ph 0911-9889-7280. The immense success of the Horse Gala in the past is yet another proof of the magical tie between horses

and humans. This show guarantees fascinating hours of joy and emotions for the young and still-young.Performances: 15:00 + 20:00 hrs.

Sun., 15 Feb.: 14:00 hrs:

Fasching Parade in 92690 Pressath, town centerCome join the fun! The parade will begin at the “Haut-mann“ gas station and wind its way along Hauptstraße all the way to the car park at the Rewe store. Here, an open air party will take place until 19:00 hrs.

Sun., 15 Feb.: 19:00 hrs

The Best of Musicals in 93053 Regensburg, Universität - Audimax, Universitätsstraße 31

The most popular musical highlights from Disney to Webber, such as: The Lion King, Phantom of the Opers, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Aida, We Will Rock You, Evita, The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Mon., 16 Feb., 20:00 hrs

The Best Of Musicals in 92637 Weiden, Max-Reger-Halle

The most popular musical highlights from Disney to Webber, such as: The Lion King, Phantom of the Opers, Dirty Dancing, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, Cats, Aida, We Will Rock You, Evita, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Tickets available at ph 0951-23837 or online www.tix-online.com

Events February

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Newspaper grafenwoehr.com January / February / March 2009

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Transcript of Newspaper grafenwoehr.com January / February / March 2009