U.S. ARMY GARRISON WIESBADEN
HERALD UNION herald-union.com
Jan. 21, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations begin for Wiesbaden community Kristen Schabert Army Medicine The U.S. Army Health Clinic Wiesbaden conducted its first inoculations of healthcare workers with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on Dec. 30. The arrival of the vaccine paves the way for a phased vaccine distribution plan to protect our military communities overseas against COVID-19. “The vaccines are vitally important to the protection of our soldiers, our families and the community of Wiesbaden,” said Brig. Gen. Jed Schaertl, deputy commanding general for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs, U.S. Army Europe-Africa; and senior responsible officer at U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. “It is great to have the COVID vaccine as a late Christmas present. It is great to see that
we are taking care of our health care workers and first responders early on in the availability of the vaccination.” Initial vaccinations will be limited to healthcare workers and first responders to assess the process and will be used to plan expanded distribution phases, where each service will request and administer the vaccine through a Defense Department-wide phased vaccination approach. “We are excited to offer this vaccine to the Wiesbaden community,” said Lt. Col. James McWherter, commander of Wiesbaden Army Health Clinic. “As we begin, the vaccine will be distributed in a phased approach which is in line with Department of Defense guidance and prioritizes individuals based on a number of factors. Our team has worked dili-
Photo/caption by Lisa Bishop, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Public Affairs
The first two COVID-19 vaccines at the Wiesbaden Army Health Clinic were administered simultaneously to Sgt. Hunter Gonzales (left), military police, and Sgt. Luis Pineda (right), NCO of the Soldier Ready Medical Center, by nurses Julia Crissinger and Sgt. Eron Johnson Dec. 30, 2020. First responders and medical personnel from the Wiesbaden Army Health Clinic were the first to receive the vaccine in this initial phase of the distribution. gently to combat this virus over the last year and as we begin vaccinating, we are happy to take the fight to the virus and are confident our efforts will help bring an end to this pandemic.” Each phase of the vaccine distribution process is designed to safely protect DoD personnel from
COVID-19 as quickly as possible. “As we work through vaccinating all of our healthcare personnel and first responders, we will also begin to look at our highly-deployable forces here in Europe, and our high-risk populations,” said Brig. Gen. Mark
Thompson, Regional Health Command Europe commanding general. “After that, we’ll be able to focus on our healthy service members, civilians, families, retirees not part of the high-risk population, etc.” As the distribution is carried out, information on the timeline of subse-
quent phases will be provided through command channels and through installation web and social media platforms. Under U.S. Food and Drug Administration emergency use approval,
See ‘Vaccination’ on Page 2
AFAP conference elevates community voices USAG Wiesbaden firefighter is IMCOM-Europe Emily Jennings U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden More than a dozen delegates convened through an online meeting platform Dec. 16, 17 and 18 to discuss issues submitted by community members as part of the 37th Army Family Action Plan conference. AFAP is a grassroots program that was created by Army spouses with the intent of bringing quality-of-life issues to
leadership for action.This year’s local conference was conducted virtually for the first time. Some success stories that have originated as AFAP issues include the Army Wellness Center, Voluntary Leave Bank Program, free online tutoring for military families and the federal hiring process for wounded warriors. Delegates chosen to participate in the conference represent a cross-
Fire Inspector of the Year 2020
section of demographics from the installation to include Soldiers, spouses and civilians. At the conference the delegates are assigned to work groups and given issues to prioritize. Topics vary but include quality of life issues and entitlements. Requests that cannot be addressed locally are funneled to U.S. Army Europe and from there
Enrico Gottschalk, Fire Inspector at the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden fire department, is 2020’s IMCOM-Europe Fire Inspector of the Year. When asked why he won, he simply answers
See ‘AFAP’ on Page 3
See ‘Firefighter on Page 2
Nadine Bower U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Photo by Nadine Bower/U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Fire Inspector Enrico Gottschalk won the IMCOM-E Fire Inspector of the Year 2020 Award.
BARRACKS IMPROVEMENTS
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS
NOISE ABATEMENT COMMISION
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NEWS & FEATURES U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Command Commander Col. Mario A. Washington Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Truchon
Newspaper staff Public Affairs Director Laurri Garcia, DSN 548-2001 Editor Connie Dickey, DSN 548-2004 Public Affairs Specialist Lena Stange, DSN 548-2003
HERALD UNION published by
The Herald Union, printed exclusively for members of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, is an authorized, unofficial Army newspaper published under the provisions of AR 360-1. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by, the U.S. government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content is the responsibility of the USAG Wiesbaden Public Affairs Office. No payment is made for contributions. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for sale, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. This is a monthly newspaper published by AdvantiPro GmbH and printed by Oggersheimer Druckzentrum. Circulation is 6,000 copies. For display advertising rates: call AdvantiPro at (0631) 3033 5537, email ads@herald-union.com; Editorial offices are in Bldg. 1205 on Clay Kaserne. Address: USAG Wiesbaden, Herald Union, Unit 29623 Box 60, APO AE 09005-9623; Telephone: (0611) 143-548-2002; Email: usarmy.wiesbaden.imcom-europe.list. public-affairs-office@mail.mil; Home page: home.army.mil/wiesbaden.
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Continued from page 1 the vaccine is voluntary but recommended by the military. “The FDA only authorizes
FIREFIGHTER Continued from page 1 that he had no idea why. The local national fire protection inspector joined the USAG Wiesbaden Directorate of Emergency Services, Fire Department as a firefighter in 2003. Karin Morrell, assistant fire chief prevention, describes him as very reliable and patient.“He never gets stressed out,” she said. “He stays calm and that has a very positive effect on the rest of the team.” Morrell also explained that she submitted Gottschalk for
the use of a COVID-19 vaccine after careful and rigorous testing and trials,” said Thompson. “We are excited to be playing a role in providing a very safe and effective vaccine to our military community. This vaccine is a
vital part of our way forward to protect our people, their families and the communities where we live and work.” All DoD personnel will continue to wear appropriate masks, practice physical distancing,wash
hands,follow restriction of movement and adhere to host nation restrictions for the safety of their communities, as a large portion of the population will need to be vaccinated before COVID-19 risks diminish.
the Inspector of the Year 2020 Award because she values how he always goes above and beyond. Individuals nominated for this award have to demonstrate resourcefulness and the ability to overcome challenges within each of their functional areas. “It really helps that he understands new concepts so quickly, which helps him apply changes in the regulations to existing conditions,” said Morrell. In his first few years at the fire department, Gottschalk approached his supervisors requesting to acquire an additional certification as Fire Protection Design Specialist,
which is very unique, because it is normally not a requirement for a fire inspector and has to be taken on the German side. “This certification allows me to assist in the construction planning phase ensuring all fire prevention regulations are met,” explained Gottschalk. In his job, he has to ensure these fire protection requirements are met, so that in an emergency everybody leaves the building safely. “We ensure that both, German and American regulations are met,” he explained. “We check every building at least once a year; schools and childcare facilities every month.” Gottschalk describes work-
ing as a fire inspector for the U.S. Army as very interesting, but difficult. “Every day is different. You never get bored,” he said. “The regulations change very often and we have to apply both the Army fire prevention regulations as well as the German regulations, while keeping the most cost effective solution in mind.That can be very difficult.” Although his job includes many hours in the office, he is happy where he is at. “As a firefighter, I can only help people after something bad has already happened,” he said. “As a fire protection inspector I can help them before something happens and prevent emergencies.”
DPW works to quickly remove snow and ice during winter weather Emily Jennings U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden During a recent snow, members of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Directorate of Public Works team took shifts all through the night to clear roads and walkways. This is typical of what the crew does when it begins to snow or sleet or when weather makes for icy road conditions, said Lisa Trost, chief of roads and grounds, DPW. The team is proactive in sending out teams as soon as weather warrants it. On the first snow of the season, before the precipitation began to fall,crews began at 5 p.m. the evening before, preparing vehicles and equipment for laying salt. Sleet started around 8 p.m. and community members woke up to a landscape blanketed in white. DPW roads and grounds crews had worked through the night to ensure safe access to roads and walkways on post, as well as the airfield, Trost said.
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Photo by Scharfsinn/Shutterstock.com
Vol. XXIII, No. 4
VACCINATION
Courtesy Photo
Members of the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Directorate of Public Works Roads and Grounds Crew clear snow and ice from roads, walkways and the Wiesbaden Army Airfield.
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NEWS & FEATURES AFAP Continued from page 1 they are forwarded to the General Officers Steering Committee, chaired by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, for resolution. Typically a handful of issues from each garrison are forwarded to the GOSC, which reviews the issues twice a year. Wiesbaden Army Community Service Director Arthur Jones thanked all the volunteers who made the event possible. “Without you, it would have never happened,” he said during the outbrief, which was recorded and posted on the Wiesbaden Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facebook page.
Photo by Emily Jennings/U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington speaks at the 37th Army Family Action Plan conference outbrief Dec. 18 at Army Community Service. The entire conference was conducted virtually this year for the first time.
Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington thanked the delegates for presenting the issues clearly and assured them that all issues would be considered. Garrison Command Sgt.Maj.Christopher Truchon called the conference a “powerful tool for addressing local issues. “It gets things that affect people every single day onto the table so they have a voice,” he said. Delegates were divided into two work groups who prioritized their top three issues that they would work on. Finally, the issues were fine-tuned so that as they move forward in the process, it is clear what is being requested. The six issues presented at the conference outbrief were:
• Revision of the Taxation of Moving Expense Reimbursement for DoD Civilians • Education for the Community on Virtual Options for Legal Services • OCONUS Permanent Change of Station Pet Entitlement • Honorable Discharge Option for Active Duty Primary Child Caregivers • Command Sponsorship for Births to Active Duty Soldiers Abroad • Readily Available EFMP Information for PCS Follow the progress and updates on the issues at https://wiesbaden.armymwr.com/ programs/army-family-action-plan
Photo by Emily Jennings/U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Elizabeth Mulvihill, facilitator for Work Group II, leads a virtual discussion with delegates at the Army Family Action Plan conference Dec. 18, 2020 at Army Community Service.
US Army Garrison Wiesbaden joins nation in volunteer action for 26th MLK Day of Service Connie Dickey U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Courtesy Graphic/U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
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Jan. 18, 2021, designated as MLK Day, honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thousands of volunteers across the United States took part in this 26th annual MLK Day of Service. Wiesbaden participated with a virtual observance on Facebook Jan. 18, streaming a speech by Arthur Jones, Army Community Service director. The MLK Day of Service encouraged all Americans to improve communities through volunteer service. 2021 marked the 26th celebration of the annual service event since Congress des-
ignated the MLK holiday the first ever National Day of Service and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. With an emphasis on creating opportunity for all, Americans of all ages and backgrounds in all 50 states were urged to re-commit themselves as citizens by volunteering in service to one another. Projects included delivering meals, refurbishing schools and community centers, collecting food and clothing, and building homes. Volunteers also recruited mentors, provided services for veterans and military families, and helped citizens improve their financial literacy skills.
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NEWS & FEATURES
Trace team evolves as pandemic continues Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden A stable organizational approach and committed team members allow the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden trace team to continue to respond to the changing demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than a year ago, the trace team didn’t exist. Photos by Lisa Bishop/ There was no Army job U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden description, office space or bank of telephones to Airman 1st Class Ustav Poudyal, serve its workforce. member for Charlie section of the Garrison militar y U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden units detailed Soldiers trace team, extends his stay on from a variety of back- the team after seeing the bengrounds to establish the efits of a joint operating environteam in March of 2020 in ment Jan. 11. order to combat the first wave of the pandemic. At the time, five teams were spread across the Wiesbaden installation manning phones and collecting information. According to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Maurice Woods from Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, one of the first trace team members and its current officer in charge, there were no formulated tactics and procedures in those initial days. “When we first started, it was a growing process,” he said. Questions, according to Woods, like how to collect information, store data and methods for pushing information out to decision makers and the public
have been resolved. Newer trace team members like Airman 1st Class Ustav Poudyal, analyst, are now assigned for 60-day details after they’ve completed training. “This time has been really beneficial for me in terms of my career development,” he said. “I really haven’t had a chance to have exposure to a lot of joint environments.” Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Nies, Assigned in November, airspace NCO from Headquarhe decided to extend his ters and Headquarters Battaltime with the team. ion, views his role as officer in Sgt. 1st Class Christo- charge of the Charlie section on pher Nies, airspace NCO the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesfrom Headquarters and baden trace team as an opporHeadquarters Battalion, tunity to develop his leadership is completing his second skills. Jan. 11. appointment to the team. “The second time they called and asked if I could come back, I did it without hesitation,” he said. “I really find pleasure in doing this job; I feel like I’m a part of a bigger picture.” With his current rotation, Nies sees the organizational changes, including its hierarchical structure. Divided into Alpha, Bravo and Charlie sections, Nies has recently become the officer in charge for the Charlie group. “I have some junior enlisted Soldiers underneath me,” he said. He is focusing on developing his leadership skills around how his crew operates.
The section strategy is another one of the tactics Woods said reflected the learning gained from experience. By having three sections with each in their own apartment/office space, they can flexibly schedule for weekends and reduce the risk if there is a COVID-19 positive person on any one team. Change remains the biggest challenge they face according to Woods. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Maurice He said the constant shift Woods, officer in charge of the in host nation and Army- U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden wide policies means his trace team, leads the Alpha, team must be ready to Bravo and Charlie sections as make adjustments to their the COVID-19 pandemic contintactics and procedures. He ues Jan. 11. pointed to the recent re duction of quarantine from 14 to 10 days as an example. Nies said, “Be patient with us; be patient with the whole situation.” He added, “Keeping up with the changes is really probably the most challenging part.” As for the team members, when they finish their rotation on the trace team, they return to their normal military assignment with the caveat that they can be called back when needed. Clearly, for some, they feel called to stay. Woods said, “I volunteered to stay on; I like what the mission does; I felt like I was making a difference for the garrison overall.”
Since the start of the pandemic, PHCE has processed more than 100K COVID-19 samples Michelle Thum Public Health Command Europe LANDSTUHL, Germany — The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine paves the way for a phased vaccine distribution plan to protect our military communities overseas against COVID-19, but that does not mean that surveillance testing becomes irrelevant. Public Health Command Europe’s Laboratory Sciences division continues to test service members and civilians with their families who are moving to Europe, as well as service members on their way to a deployment or training, in order to determine the prevalence and infection rates of troops. “With the surveillance testing program, we ensure critical missions can be performed, such as personnel
Photo by Michelle Thum
Public Health Command Europe has processed more than 100K COVID-19 samples since May 2020.
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deploying or going into a training environment,” said laboratories across the military implemented the testNina Gruhn, a senior microbiologist and program ing method as well.” manager at Public Health Command Europe. “Our PHCE’s laboratory is an ISO 17025 accredited results also allow service members, civilians and families full-service public health laboratory, which provides to PCS (permanent change of station) without jeopar- biological and chemical analytical services, such as dizing the health and wellbeing of others.” testing for bacterial contamination in food and water or PHCE recently passed the mark of 100K of heavy metals, like lead, and pesticides in water, air or soil. processed COVID-19 surveillance samples. Since May 2020, PHCE has been performing COVID-19 For more information, follow “Public Health Command surveillance testing for Army, Air Force and Navy Europe” on Facebook. personnel throughout the U.S.European Command footprint, with additional support to U.S. Forces in U.S. Central Command. The laboratory science division can process upwards of 2,000 samples per day using high throughput polymerase chain reaction methods developed by the PHCE lab, according to Col. Jeremy Bearss, PHCE’s Laboratory Director. “PHCE was the first public health lab in the Photo by Russell Toof Army doing this type of testing,” said Gruhn. Nina Gruhn, a senior microbiologist in the Biological Analysis Division at Public Health Command Europe, “And since then other demonstrates the COVID-19 surveillance testing process.
home.army.mil/wiesbaden
NEWS & FEATURES German students accomplish consulting projects for US Army in Wiesbaden Lena Stange U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden German students from the Management Master’s Program at Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences, accomplished consulting projects for U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden and U.S. Army Europe and Africa and presented the results virtually Jan 6. This is the second year this activity has taken place. “My colleagues and I were a little nervous because last year the students did a really good job,”said Prof. Dr. Britta Rathje, Hochschule Mainz, jokingly right before the presentations. However, she said, they were not nervous anymore on the actual day of presentations because they already knew that this year’s group of students also did a very good job. Rathje thanked the Army for the support, motivation and warm welcome. Three groups of students presented three different projects: A feasibility study on a delivery service – MWR Delivers – provided by the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the optimization of the vehicle registration process and a new personnel marketing strategy. The reason for a study on a DFMWR delivery service is the severe impact COVID-19 has had on customer participation and sales revenues. The service categories for the delivery service were food and beverages; outdoor recreation and sports; arts and crafts; and other services such as library or lending closet. The group calculated the fees necessary to operate MWR Delivers on a break-even level. Their vision for the future is Whatever, Whenever, a delivery service for all types of goods and services that works with a cellphone app. The second group worked on the improvement of the vehicle registration process. The goals were to reduce the customer wait times and to improve overall customer satisfaction. The group recommended abolishing the renewal requirement for license plates so vehicle registration will be able to focus on other relevant
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issues and invest more time in customer satisfaction. They also suggested establishing an inspection decal that shows when a car is due for inspection so that only one fuel card and one license plate are necessary. They also suggested a modern online appointment system that will also make the lives of spouses easier. The third group focused on the personnel marketing strategy. They started out with determining whether Germans are familiar with U.S. Army employment opportunities. Most people said they are not (83.87%); only 16.03% were aware that the U.S. Army is a potential employer in Germany. Among the keywords associated with the Army as an employer were “only for Americans,” “weapons,” “cultural differences,” and “hire and fire.” They also found that navigation was difficult for external parties due to decentralized websites and no uniform corporate design. Under the hashtag “#StrongerTogether,” which ties into “Army Strong. Strong Europe,” the group developed an employer branding strategy in black and yellow, the colors of the U.S. Army logo, to improve the perception among potential host nation employees. The audience of the virtual presentation found exclusively positive words for all three groups ranging from “outstanding” to “fantastic” and “excellent.” While Col. Trina Rice, deputy chief of staff, G-1, said the work was great and “far above her expectations,” Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington emphasized how impressed he was by the command of English and the professionalism of the students. The project sponsors also expressed their satisfaction. The research analysis exceeded all expectations, and they did an outstanding job, said Casey Malloy, DFMWR non-appropriated funds support chief and sponsor of the first group. Jason Kesselring, chief of police, who was the sponsor of the vehicle registration group, said the presentation was great and they came up with an excellent product.
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Students from Hochschule Mainz, University of Applied Sciences, meet virtually to present their consulting projects to members of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden and U.S. Army Europe and Africa Jan. 6. Frank Dünkelberg and Uwe Wagner, human resources specialists with U.S. Army Europe and Africa G-1, Civilian Personnel Directorate, and sponsors of the third group, said they were overwhelmed by the students’ commitment and professionalism and it was amazing to see the motivation of the group. “Dr. Rathje and Dr. Fischbach (professors at Hochschule Mainz), thank you again for your leadership and partnership this year.This is definitely something we want to see continue” said Suzanne Torres, assistant deputy chief of staff, CPD.
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Emily Jennings U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Directorate of Public Works has begun upgrading faucets in Soldiers’ quarters with new fixtures, exchanging copper supply lines with stainless steel and installing shower room door vents and higher capacity exhaust fans to improve ventilation. Replacing the shared kitchen water filters with more robust under the sink filters and installing 20 additional water fountains is also being pursued this fiscal year, subject to available funds. Also, Environmental funds for Clay solid waste islands, and U.S. Army Europe and Africa funds for water fountains on each floor in the Keys Building and Mission Command Center is being pursued. The short range plan, according to planners at DPW, involves renovations to the day rooms and kitchens. This includes new floors, cabinets, appliances, furniture, window blinds and paint on the inside. On the outside, renovations will include work to renovate the gazebos, including new roofing, trim and staining. The mid-range plan involves repairing and replacing the critical components, such as the faucets, supply lines, exhaust fans and door vents and installing water fountains, kitchen filters and ceiling fans in each room. Long range projects include whole building renovations to give each Soldier more personal space. This would be done by restructuring existing rooms within buildings to give Soldiers in the barracks rooms to themselves, rather than having to share with a roommate.
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U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Directorate of Public Works employees paint a kitchen (top and middle) and install tile (bootom) in the barracks on Clay Kaserne as part of a plan to upgrade Soldier quarters and improve quality of life.
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NEWS & FEATURES EFMP rolls out annual needs assessment survey
Emily Jennings U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Photo by Emily Jennings/U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
Staff Sgt. Joy Higgins, orderly room non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, prepares dinner in her apartment. Higgins recently moved from the barracks to Crestview. Soldiers in the rank of E6 are being moved to apartments to give them and others more space.
Exceptional Family Mem ber Program Family Sup port pushed out their Annual EFMP Community Needs Assessment S ur vey the first week of January. This survey serves as a way for the EFMP Program Manager, Laura Johnson, to assess the actual needs of the Exceptional Families in U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. “EFMP demographics and needs are different at every installation; especially in an OCONUS location,” Johnson said. “So it really
Soldiers see improved quality of life with move to apartment Emily Jennings U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Staff Sgt. Joy Higgins, orderly room non-commissioned officer in charge, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade, recently moved from the barracks to an apartment in Crestview. She said that she relishes having her own space now and the ability to rest and recharge after a hard day’s work. When her first sergeant mentioned the possibility of moving out of the barracks, Higgins said she was all for it. “They brought it up and I was like, ‘when can I move?’” Wiesbaden is unique among garrisons in Europe in that it has excess housing available from its time as the former home of the 1st Armored Division, said U.S.Army Garrison Wiesbaden Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Truchon. He said making the apartments available to service members in the grade of E6 is a win for all involved. “It allows the most senior of our mid-grade NCOs, some of whom have well over a decade of service, to live in an environment that is more in line with their level of seniority and experience,” he said. Although she wasn’t unhappy in the barracks, Higgins
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said she’s thankful to have her own space. “I feel like I’m actually at home,” Higgins said. “I don’t have to worry about any stresses of noise, and I feel like I can just relax and let go of the work day a little bit – recover kind of.” Higgins loves to cook and said one of her favorite things to do is cook for people, which she often does for neighbors in her new building. The self-described germaphobe said she felt the need to wash everything in the barracks kitchen before use. “Here I know I’ve kept stuff clean; it’s my dishes. I don’t feel like I’m having to take things back and forth to my room all the way down the hallway; everything’s just right there.” And the extra storage space is nice too. She had previously been using storage space at a location separate from her barracks, “but now I have enough room here for all of my stuff.” She also said being in a semi lockdown state with COVID requirements is a lot nicer in an apartment where she can move to a different room for a change of scenery. Truchon said the move of staff sergeants to Crestview also frees up space in the barracks, allowing the remaining residents to spread out a little
bit more, and hopefully, have a barracks room to themselves, rather than shared with a roommate. Additionally, having service members live in homes that would otherwise be empty puts multiple sets of eyes on the property. “They can keep the Department of Public Works informed of any issues or concerns that arise within the building,” he said. “These same problems might otherwise go unnoticed for some time if the buildings were vacant.” Higgins said she’s glad the garrison decided to do this and appreciates the improvement in her quality of life. “I feel like as we go through our careers there’s a lot of factors that would make a person get out of the Army or stay in the Army,” she said. “I think that your experiences at different duty stations really affect that and doing something as simple as ensuring that people have a good quality of life outside of work is one of those factors that really is a decision maker for some people because the Army does have so much control over our lives. And that’s ok, that’s what we signed up for, but when we have leadership that cares enough to make sure that we’re good even though they don’t have to, that means a lot.”
helps when we can poll our families and get to really know what they need and what they want. This type of feedback is essential in providing them with workshops and information that is relevant and beneficial to them.”
The survey will run until Feb. 5, and those who complete the survey will be entered to win an ACS tote. Family members enrolled in the EFMP program who didn’t receive the survey via email and wish to, should call ACS at (0611)143-548-9201 or email laura.b.johnson27.civ@ mail.mil.
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SPORTS & LEISURE
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s s i s d r a w A e c i v r e S r e m o t s u C y thl Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
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Ramona Taeubrich, lead gardener with the Director of Public Works, receives her customer service award Dec. 18, 2020 at her U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden workplace.
Photo by Brittany Casey
William Kavanagh, environmental engineer with the Directorate of Public Works, receives his customer service award Dec. 18, 2020 at his U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden workplace.
Photo by Brittany Casey
Doris Roschmann, vehicle registration clerk, receives her customer service award Dec. 18, 2020 at her U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden workplace.
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Five employees were issued surprise awards at their workplace for outstanding customer service at US Army Garrison Wiesbaden Dec. 18, 2020. Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington, accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Truchon; Scott Mowry, deputy garrison commander; Brittany Casey, customer service support specialist and Interactive Customer Evaluation site administrator; and Benjamin Brand, administrative support assistant, began their morning at the post office, to issue the $500 award and certificate of recognition to Annette Kamunya, postal operations assistant. Upon arrival to the post office facility, the staff gathered as Washington offered praise to the group. “I appreciate what you all do,” he said. “Thank you for what you do every day.” Following a round of appreciative applause, Washington called Kamunya to the front to acknowledge her specific customer service for the month of September. “Thank you and I am so honored,” she said as Washington issued the reward. The customer service awards tour, as it is called by the command staff, is unique to Wiesbaden’s garrison. Casey said, “It’s an opportunity to get to know individuals who work within an organization. Everybody knows the post office but does anybody really know the individuals who make up the organization?” She added, “This is an opportunity to recognize the individuals instead of just the whole.” While other garrisons issue monthly customer service awards, Wiesbaden is the only one that does the tour to issue awards in the workplace. “It’s my favorite part of my day,” Washington said. “You can’t beat it.” Casey said, “This is literally the favorite part of my job.” The following individuals were given the monthly customer service award for September or October. Other individuals were not available on the
tour date and will receive their awards at a later date.
September winners Annette Kamunya, postal operations assistant, according to the award write up, “interacts with customers at the In and Out office in a very professional way. She replaced 4,855 worn-out mailbox name labels to increase visibility and efficiency in mail placement into the mailboxes. She conducted all aged mail and tracked the mailbox holders to collect, forward or close their mailboxes in accordance with postal regulations. She improved customer service and problem solving. She has been on the front line to help other departments within the post office whenever the department requires assistance. She preserves high quality, positive standards and outstanding customer service for the Wiesbaden community.” Doris Roschmann, vehicle registration clerk, was nominated for her superior customer service skills and glowing ICE comment cards. According to the award write up, “Doris has been a staple at vehicle registration. Without her hard work and dedication to the organization, vehicle registration would not have been able to keep up with the PCS season. Doris had many positive customer ICE comments, has a very pleasant way of treating customers and helps inform our community on their registration requirements. With only two registration clerks to work through an entire PCS season, Doris sacrificed taking needed time out for personal relaxation, instead giving it to support the community, foregoing personal health and safety to ensure our customers’ registration needs were taken care of during a pandemic. Doris personally completed on average 550 transactions and 160 phone calls monthly.” Kokou Nelitche, supply technician
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SPORTS & LEISURE
sued by command team
Photo by Brittany Casey
Photo by Brittany Casey
Kokou Nelitche, supply technician for the Logistics Readiness Center, receives his customer service award Dec. 18, 2020 at his U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden workplace.
Annette Kamunya, postal operations assistant, receives her customer service award Dec. 18, 2020 at her U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden workplace.
for the Logistics Readiness Center, has held his position for 38 years. According to the award write up, “As a Supply Technician, for the Logistics Readiness Center - Wiesbaden 405th Army Field Support Brigade Central Issue Facility, Mr. Nelitche performs his duties with a positive attitude in support of the war fighter. He is always willing to go the extra mile for the customers. He works the customer service counter at CIF where they receive Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment from the Soldiers out-process-
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ing as well as issues to the new Soldiers in processing. He has played a vital part and is always willing to step up to complete the mission. His positive and up-beat attitude has improved morale in the workplace. He is always eager to meet the customers and assist them with their OCIE needs. He's received numerous positive Interactive Customer Cards stating how the individual is very precise with the in depth explanations, and ensures members do not leave the office with any unanswered questions. He is consistently commended on the outstanding service and his willingness to assist customers in all aspects of CIF procedures.He is exceptionally courteous and patient.”
October winners Ramona Taeubrich, lead gardener with the Directorate of Public Works, has been working in her role for eight years. According to the write up, “Especially during the last month of COVID-19
pandemic, Ms. Taeubrich displayed exceptional customer service and dedication supporting community members. She has performed above and beyond regular performance standards. She had been proactive and responsive during and outside working hours to support garrison and customer requests. Her very short response time and her professionalism to correct customer problems were impressive. She earned the respect of the customers by managing a professional Grounds Service to the garrison including maintenance of green areas, professional sport field maintenance and landscaping.She demonstrated a high professional attitude by providing additional assistance wherever needed to help the mission, and went way above and beyond her regular duty as leader to ensure minimal maintenance backlog to provide exceptional customer service in the critical period of COVID-19. She demonstrated extraordinary engagement and action in improving the efficiency in the operational
procedure of the grounds maintenance shop while staffing was limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Her dedication and professionalism reflect great credit on her, the DPW and the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden.” William "Bill" Kavanagh, environmental engineer with DPW, has worked for the Army for 21 years, including the three in his current position. According to the write up, “Highly recommend Mr. William Kavanagh receive the Customer Service Award for continuous professional and courteous communication to customers concerned about their drinking water quality. In recently completing the 5-year Army campaign to test all Army Family Housing units’ primary drinking water taps for lead, Bill applies his Risk Communication training to patiently and simply assure residents that the high quality water the garrison receives from reputable German purveyors is safe to drink. He repeatedly recommends residents and community
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members apply the EPA recommended best management practices to immediately improve water quality, which are to briefly flush before use, use only cold water (not hot) for consumption purposes and occasionally clean aerators to remove sediments. Bill also disseminates this mantra via Information Papers and in the Region's first Drinking Water Quality Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This Garrison CCR offers residents and the community a transparent overview of garrison water sources and water quality. Managing the drinking water program not only involves communicating with community members, but entails internal technical/logistical coordination with DPW Customer Service, Housing Division and Plumbing Shop. Bill understands the inner workings of the DPW and coordinates well with peers to quickly accomplish corrective actions when needed so customers consistently receive safe compliant drinking water.”
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NEWS & FEATURES Workforce development program expands attendance at leadership meetings Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden As a part of an ongoing workforce development program, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden civilian employees are being given the opportunity to attend meetings usually reserved for leaders. Scott Mowry, deputy to the garrison commander, said, “These sessions are at a higher level and give staff more broad exposure to things that are outside of their function and area of expertise.” Casey Malloy, chief of nonappropriated fund support for Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Wiesbaden, attended the IMCOM Europe Garrison Leader’s Working Group in late October. “My supervisor provided details on the event and asked if I was interested in attending to get a first-hand look at the senior leaders’ guidance, messaging, and perspective and how that relates to our directorate’s mission,” he said. Barbara Barnett, transition services manager for the Soldier for Life Transition Assistance Program, attended a commander’s COVID-19 meeting in October. “My supervisor wanted me to attend to expand my scope and perspective and
give me an opportunity to interact with the command team outside of my normal roll,” she said. Barnett found attending the meeting insightful on multiple
Director provided his FY21 priorities and shared the lines of effort and how we will get there,” he said. “Listening in on that discussion and seeing how those objectives directly
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levels. “I work in the DHR/ MPD; the Military Personnel Division is heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and must ensure it has the latest information set forth by leadership regarding the pandemic, specifically pertaining to PCS, sponsorship, travel, and the Stop Movement Customer Assistance Point.” Malloy found topics in the meeting directly applicable to his ongoing work with strategic planning. “The ID-Europe
relate to our organization was important.” He returned to his office with valuable information to share. Mowry said the experience widens the “aperture”of participants. “They get to see all the things that are going on; not just in this garrison, but from within Europe,” he said. “These opportunities get them exposure to our senior leaders and how our senior leaders think.” Both Barnett and Malloy left their sessions with insights
in leadership thinking. Barnett said,“I found it useful to see that even as you grow in grade and rank it is important to solicit feedback from your peers and colleagues.” For Malloy, he was struck by comments regarding fatigue with Soldiers on deployment and the general fatigue of COVID-19. “LTG Gabram went on to say that after 8-9 months, he would see fatigue and low morale set in with his Soldiers,” Malloy said. “He reminded everyone on the call about leadership and engagement.” “That comment resonated with me as I am beginning to see some of those challenges in my teammates,” Malloy said. While Barnett, Malloy and others were given the opportunity to sit in on leadership meetings, they were not direct participants.“At the conclusion of the session, the Deputy Garrison Commander, Mr. Mowry stayed behind to discuss what was briefed, answer questions, and asked for any feedback,” Malloy said. Barnett said, “I am glad I attended. I appreciate the fact my leadership and the command team gave me an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes perspective on communication between the different garrisons
and hot topics of discussion.” Malloy went back to his division with valuable information for his colleagues. “They appreciated the sharing of information since, from their perspective there is so much info being passed around, some conflicting, that it’s hard to track where we are from an Enterprise standpoint,”he said. “To be able to go back and share the facts, key points and what is on our senior leaders’ radar, that was important to all of us.” Col. Mario Washington, garrison commander and Mowry see the invitation of additional civilian staff to leadership meetings as one more area where the Army seeks to be inclusive to its workforce. In recent weeks leadership meetings, according to Mowry, have moved to virtual platforms because of COVID-19. “It gives us the opportunity to invite a lot more individuals than we were previously able to,” he said. “It’s less intimate; less face-to-face but it is more inclusive that way.” “I appreciated the opportunity to participate in an experience that I normally would not have been a part of,” Barnett said. As for Malloy, he hopes to be invited back into future meetings.
ACS modernizes online volunteer service tool Sidney Sullivan U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria USAG Wiesbaden volunteers can take advantage of the new Volunteer Management Information System starting on Monday, Jan. 11. The volunteer information that was previously found on Army OneSource is not available through Army Family Web Portal VMIS. Nicole Heller, Soldier & Family Readiness Manager of Army Community Service at USAG Bavaria said, “On the new VMIS, you have streamlined sign-on and a dashboard for quick access to all your volunteer tools.We are
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extremely excited about this move to a more modern and user-friendly environment.” Hellen Fakolujo, Army Volunteer Corps manager at USAG Wiesbaden, said, “It’s easier to navigate; it’s fast; and it’s more precise.” Volunteers using the old system should have received Courtesy Photo instructions on how to manually claim and transfer data Modernized VMIS webpage login on the Army Family Web Portal. (Army Family Web Portal VMIS) between sites from their Organization Point of Contact bers can research and apply for If the volunteer already If you have questions specific or Soldier Family Readiness open listings across all three has an AFWP account, then to volunteering at USAG WiesSupport Assistant. installations. Additionally, the a new account does not need baden, please contact Fakolujo,at Anyone interested in vol- free tool serves as a transcript to be created. After logging 0-611-143-548-9202. If you unteering is encouraged to of volunteer services - allow- into the modernized VMIS have technical questions about create an account at army- ing volunteers to easily track for the first time, the volunteer the new VMIS website, please familywebportal.com. With hours and activity through will be asked to fill out extra contact the centralized AFWP an account, community mem- official record. profile information. Help Desk.
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NEWS & FEATURES
Commission meets on noise, flight information
Photo by Emily Jennings, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
“Candy Bomber” Retired Col. Gail Halvorsen arrives to a water salute in a C-47 airplane at the Berlin Airlift 70th anniversary event June 10, 2019, on Clay Kaserne. C-47s were used to deliver supplies to the former West Berlin in 1948 and 1949.
Anna Morelock U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden The now annual Noise Abatement Commission met virtually Dec. 9 to discuss flight movements and their impact to surrounding communities.The NAC, which used to meet twice a year, reduced its meetings to once per year because of the successful and continued decrease in annual noise complaints. Each year, representatives from U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, the city of Wiesbaden and the Bundeswehr get together with the district mayors and representatives from communities
that surround Clay Kaserne. Due to COVID-19, the group met virtually with Garrison Commander Col. Mario Washington and Mike Horne, Wiesbaden Army Airfield manager, presenting from the airfield conference room. Horne reviewed the summer night flying program, which runs from May to August, and allows pilots to get needed night flying time. He also reviewed adjustments to flight routes which were made, and are continually reviewed, to address noise problems and safety concerns. While not all noise problems can be mitigated based on the
flight mission, Horne said, the airfield works to ensure flights avoid heavily populated areas, higher elevations and other obstacles that can cause safety issues in low visibility, and airspace restrictions in place for nearby Frankfurt International Airport. A chart of 2020 noise complaints showed 17, less than half of the 49 reported in 2018 and 27 complaints received in 2019. Washington closed the NAC by thanking Wiesbaden Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende; Carl-Michael Baum, head of the Wiesbaden Citizens’ Office; and Andreas Kowol, head of
the Wiesbaden Department for the Environment, Green Areas and Transportation, for their support with the NAC and across the board. “It does not go unnoticed,”Washington said. “Your support is important to our success as an Army community. We will continue to be transparent and work closely with the Wiesbaden community, take their concerns to heart, and adjust what we can adjust.” Kowol, who co-hosts the commission with the garrison commander, echoed Washington’s sentiments and emphasized the effort and good results of the collaboration.
Consolidated Army organization seeks input for new guiding mantra Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
The consolidated U.S. Army Europe and Africa is seeking community input to development of a new slogan representing its expanded mission. “For more than 75 years the patch displaying the sword of freedom worn by U.S. soldiers in Europe stood for unity and peace,” according to the released
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video announcing the slogan competition. “It represents the defeat of oppression and the triumph of democracy. It reflects the strength of our alliances partnerships that maintain peace and freedom.” “Now this patch represents the same values for our partners in Af rica,” according to the release. “With our expanded mission and partners we are no longer just StrongEurope. We
need a new guiding mantra; a slogan that represents our newly consolidated organization and expanded mission.”
“What phrase do you think we should use?” is the call made by the video release. Submissions can be emailed to usarmy.wiesbaden.usareur.list.paocommand-information@mail.mil and are due no later than Feb. 1. The video release is available at https://www. europeafrica.army.mil/slogan/.
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Official news sources keep Wiesbaden community informed Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community has numerous official news sources to keep up-to-date with local information, whether that’s COVID-19 restrictions, weather delays or the latest garrison news. Laurri Garcia, garrison public affairs officer, encourages everyone to seek information from authoritative sources. “I want to see our community refer back to garrison expertise whenever possible,” she said. “We’ve assembled a wide variety of official channels, including social media,” Garcia said. “Our digital platforms, including Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/usagwiesbaden), are leveraged to disseminate important information for the community.” Regular releases include news stories, shared information from other official sources (including the Army, IMCOM, etc.) and garrison announcements (closures and delays). “If you are partial to mobile devices, we have many choices for our community,” she added. The garrison website (home.army.mil/wiesbaden), Twitter (@usagwiesbadenpa) and the Herald Union newspaper email newsletter (sign up at https://www. herald-union.com/) are options. “While we still have the traditional printed paper, we recognize that news happens 24/7 and we can’t wait for a printed publication to keep our audience informed,” Garcia said. “Even our paper is digitally available
both on the web and as an emailed newsletter.” The once-a-month newspapers are still distributed around the garrison, including the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center, the Welcome Center and outside the Exchange. In addition to news stories, Garcia conducts a once-a-week video interview called “Let’s Talk About it Wiesbaden” to highlight current events
and concerns at the garrison. These interviews and other videos are posted on the garrison’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC2B2z8ux2nvR9Qh96eVvJGA) and shared on social media. The public affairs office also coordinates the release of news through the Wiesbaden AFN channel on 103.7. The locally aired morning and afternoon programs are Wiesbaden
concentric, with mid-day, evenings and weekends covering the region. Listeners can even tune in on their computer or mobile devices by streaming from https://www.afneurope.net/stations/wiesbaden/. Digital Garrison, an app in Google Play or the IOS App Store, provides garrison users up-to-date resources including a directory and gate information.
Graphic by Lisa Bishop U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden
The U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden community has numerous official news sources to keep up-to-date with local information, whether that’s COVID-19 restrictions, weather delays or the latest garrison news.
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