Kaiserslautern American - May 1, 2020

NEWS

FEATURE

SAPR office continues to raise awareness, Page 2

CCATT supports critical care patients, Page 5

NEWS

Military Personnel Exchange Program, Page 12

May 1, 2020 | Volume 44, Number 17

FEATURE

Army’s newest Avenger Master Gunner makes history, Page 13

LIFESTYLE

Backyard Camping, Page 15

Read the KA online at KaiserslauternAmerican.com

USAF delivers medical supplies to Ghana U.S. Air Force Airmen stand tall after a successful mission of delivering medical supplies provided by Navy Medical Research Unit Three-Ghana Detachment to Accra, Ghana, April 24. The delivery of approximately 4,000 pounds of medical supplies from across the world signals the international investment in the response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Nothstine

by USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs The 86th Airlift Wing delivered medical supplies to the govern-

ment of Ghana April 24 to help support the country’s COVID-19 response efforts. Approximately 4,000 pounds of medical cargo

and supplies provided by the Naval Medical Research Unit ThreeGhana Detachment were stuck in Manchester, U.K., due to logistical

disruptions caused by the COVID19 global pandemic.

As confirmed cases of the disease gradually made their way to

West Africa and eventually Ghana, the laboratory supplies became See USAF DELIVERS, Page 6

KMC questions answered as facilities reopen

by Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn Ford 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Team Ramstein hosted a virtual town hall April 27 in a continued effort to provide updates on coronavirus disease 2019 and the base’s phased approach to returning elements of normalcy to the

Kaiserslautern Military Community.

Change to: In order to address questions about the current situation and changes to pandemic-related restrictions, Brig. Gen. Mark R. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander; Lt. Col. (Dr.) Tracy Bozung, 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander; and Lt. Col. Natasha Reed,

86th Force Support Squadron commander, convened another town hall.

In opening remarks, Bozung stated there has been a noticeable flattening of the curve, particularly in Germany. The use of face coverings, restriction of movement, physical distancing and hand-washing have all key factors which have

contributed to slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Reed briefly discussed the teamwork associated with the re-opening of some facilities at Ramstein to include working with Host Nation and Army partners to synchronize efforts to serve the community in the safest way possible. Measures taken

to ensure the safety of customers and employees include installation of cough shields, appointment-only office hours, cashless systems for goods and services, the continued wear of face coverings, and adhering to physical distancing protocols.

See QUESTIONS, Page 3

Kaiserslautern American

Page 2

May 1, 2020

SAPR office continues to raise awareness Story and graphic by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Even during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office is finding ways to raise awareness.

Not unlike other agencies, the SAPR office canceled many of their public events in April to comply with physical distancing standards.

But in the spirit of innovation, the office created virtual events on their Facebook page and collaborated with other agencies during the month to ensure a presence among the base populace.

According to Kelly Dominguez, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator lead, COVID-19 has not changed SAPR’s mission: it has only changed the vehicle through which support is provided.

The SAPR office altered its response to sexual assault victims to adhere to new restrictions and guidelines while still being available to those in need.

Prior to COVID-19, volunteer victim advocates from the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center would respond to sexual assault victims. To decrease the risk of exposure, SAPR employees now respond in their place, said Mary Ann Lobdell, installation victim advocate.

Another way the SAPR office is educating the public about sexual assault is discussing infamous sexual assault myths and their corresponding truths.

One myth is perpetrators of sexual assault are strangers to the victim. The reality is many sexual assault crimes are committed by people the victim knows. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), 80 percent

of perpetrators are someone the victim is familiar with.

Another myth is victims of sexual assault cannot be male.

The truth is while many victims of sexual assault are female, there are also many male victims.

Approximately 10 percent of sexual assault victims are male, according to RAINN. A third myth is most sexual assault victims lie when reporting an incident. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center found only about 2-10 percent of reported cases as false in their studies. Furthermore, the vast majority of sexual assaults go unreported, with RAINN determining that only 23 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police.

Moreover, many victims have to go through a long process to receive a court date for their case. This would include a forensic exam, an investigation and recalling their sexual assault many times.

“Why would an individual put themselves through bad trauma for something that is not true?” asked Lobdell.

A fourth myth is that sexual assault must be violent in nature.

The reality is that sexual assault can occur in many nonviolent situations. Examples of sexual assault can be rape, groping, sexual harassment, unwanted touching or kissing.

Even during COVID-19, the SAPR office remains available.

“No question is too small,” said Dominguez. “No time’s too late or too early.”

The SAPR office is located at building 404 and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their office can be reached at DSN 480-7272 or commercially at 0637-147-7272.

The 24/7 hotline number is 0172-821-4871.

The graphic dislays infamous myths regarding sexual assault and their corresponding truths. Even during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office is available 24/7.

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May 1, 2020 QUESTIONS from Page 1 Below are summarized answers to some of the questions fielded during the session: Can the LVIS gate or the East Gate be opened on the weekends?

At this time, the LVIS Gate will remain closed on the weekend. As more facilities open, future demand may shift. We will continue to monitor the data and make changes as necessary.

Will the golf course open soon? What will those operations look like?

The Pro Shop will remain closed for now.

All operations will be out of a starter shack.

The golf course is open to all Department of Defense card holders. However, club members will have priority for tee times. Please call for an appointment. To combat coronavirus disease 2019 and abide by physical distancing protocols, restrictions include: only one occupant per golf cart, no pulling flags and no raking bunkers. For more information please go to the 86th FSS website (https://86fss.com) or Facebook page.

Can we expect a second wave of COVID-19 cases once we start interacting more?

There is potential to have a second wave.

However, with continued self-monitoring, the affect can be mitigated substantially. Physical distancing and restriction of movement will help keep the second curve level relatively low.

With the potential of a second wave

Kaiserslautern American of COVID-19, will we go back to the restrictions we’ve had over the past three weeks?

Absolutely; methods that have been proven to work thus far to flatten the curve will be put into place.

testing of U.S. military members, and how does that impact us in the KMC? Currently, only symptomatic patients are being tested, with few exceptions. If testing increases, a tiered approach will be used to ensure not to overwhelm capabilities.

Why are Americans outside the KMC area and other military bases allowed to come to Ramstein to shop, potentially spreading the virus?

Ramstein, being the gateway to the world, supports a lot of personnel across the European and African theater. Individuals coming here are already in the theater, maintaining physical distancing protocols and using face coverings which mitigates the spread of COVID-19.

As facilities start to reopen on base, will the clinic start to resume normal services too?

A phased approach will be taken toward normal operations at the clinic. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure mission priorities and requirements are met while you get safe and trusted care.

Are there any updates on when libraries will open?

Libraries are a high-traffic area and are not scheduled to reopen at this time. Virtual resources are available. Check out the Ramstein and Vogelweh Air Force Libraries Facebook page and the USAFELibraries.org webpage.

What are we doing to ensure reopening facilities are following the proper health measures?

Public Health will conduct a pre-opening inspection, similar to inspections normally performed when a facility was under construction and reopening. Due to the COVID-19 specific environment, additional questions have been added to the inspection.

Is there a plan to increase COVID

Will there be a mass waiver for members with school aged dependents to PCS, or is this something to be handled on a case-by-case basis?

Mass waivers are specifically prohibited for all general officers. It is mandatory to do waivers on a case-by-case basis. Continue to watch for the prioritization plan by the Air Force.

Are face coverings required while hiking or walking in public?

Face coverings are required if physical distancing protocols cannot be maintained.

Keep your face coverings nearby. If you are in an area where you can’t keep that six feet of personal space between you and someone else, utilize the covering. This falls in line with what Germany is doing.

With German schools opening, do we have any updates as to when our

Page 3 schools will reopen?

There is no definitive date at this time. The DOD Education Activity in Washington D.C. has inputs from senior leaders and will route their recommendation through the Office of the Secretary of Defense for approval. Information will be distributed as it becomes available.

Any updates on the Child Development Centers?

All child and youth programs are closed at this time. Health Protection Condition levels will continue to be monitored, as well as the actions of our host nation.

When are flu shots going to be available? Are they going to be available earlier this year?

Typically, flu vaccinations begin around October. There is no information indicating whether or not flu vaccinations will be available earlier than usual this year.

Are there talks of starting First Term Airman Courses and Airman Leadership School again?

Talks of ALS are still being discussed. We do have a virtual FTAC that will be online in May. If you are a first-term Airman, see your First Sergeant for more information.

The full virtual town hall video can be viewed on the Ramstein Facebook page. Visit the official Ramstein website at www.ramstein. af.mil and go to the COVID-19 tab located in the top-right side of the page for the most up-to-date information.

Kaiserslautern American

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THE HOUSING HYPE Photo by Golubovy / Shutterstock.com

COVID-19 updates for KMC Personnel looking for updated information regarding coronavirus and changes to base facilities can visit www.ramstein.af.mil/COVID-19/ Attention all retirees and surviving spouses The 86 AW Retiree Activities Office (RAO) is closed until further notice. For urgent situations (until we re-open our doors) that would normally be addressed to the RAO, you can email jim. barrante@fcgh.net.

Community Strengths and Needs Assessment If you want to see changes in your military community take a few minutes to complete the Community Strengths and Needs Assessment. It is an easy online survey open to Soldiers, civilians, and family members. The survey is designed to capture the qualitative “pulse” of community members’ feelings on quality of life, health, safety, and satisfaction within the environment of an Army installation. Let your voice be heard by going to: https:// usaphcapps.amedd.army.mil/Sur vey/ se.ashx?s=25113745218B31B9.

RAO Director needed The Retiree Activities Office, a volunteer-based organization that supports retirees, active-duty members, and spouses throughout the KMC, has an immediate opening for a new director. The RAO functions as a liaison between the retiree population and the 86th AW commander. For more information about this position or how to volunteer, please contact the acting director at Jim.Barrante@gmail.com or call 0160 454 0062.

Construction on A6 Due to construction, motorists traveling on A6 should anticipate delays between May 20-25. A6 toward Saarbrucken will be closed to traffic from May 20 at 10 p.m. - May 22 at 10 p.m. A6 direction Mannheim will closed to traffic from May 22 at 10 p.m. until May 25 at 5 a.m. Detour signs will be posted.

KMC BLOTTER

COMPILED BY THE 569TH USFPS AND 86TH SFS

APRIL 20 9:02 a.m.: Theft from a vehicle in Mackenbach APRIL 21 6:23 p.m.: Lost property in Landstuhl APRIL 22 Nothing significant to report APRIL 23 1:09 p.m.:Fleeing the scene of an accident in Kaiserslautern 3:39 p.m.: Stolen USAREUR plates in Kaiserslautern 7:08 p.m.: COVID-19 Social Distancing Violation in Rockenhausen 11:10 p.m.: Driving under the influence

Photo by Schmidt_Alex / Shutterstock.com

of a controlled substance in A62, between Kusel and Reichweiler APRIL 24 11:50 a.m.: Major Traffic Collision in Huetschenhausen 11:33 p.m.: COVID-19 Social Distancing Violation in Kapaun AS APRIL 25 5:05 p.m.: Fleeing the scene of an accident in Jettenbach 9:23 p.m.: Major Traffic Collision in Niedermohr APRIL 26 2:25 p.m.: Vandalism at Kaiserslautern Elementary School

Editor’s note: The purpose of the weekly blotter is to deliver a chronological listing of criminal activity in the KMC. The information contained in the blotter is not indicative of crime trends or the targeting of service members or their dependents. The location and nature of the entries is dependent upon where the crime was reported and not necessarily where the crime took place.

So where do you take these oversized items?

Reuse and recycling are key to tackling the bulk trash waste problem and to foster a more circular economy in the COVID-19 crisis.

There are three bulk recycling collection points for Military Family Housing residents to use: • Ramstein Recycle Center Bldg# 2045, North of the Southside Fitness Center DSN: 480-4191 or COM: 0162-2903316 • Kapaun/Vogelweh Recycle Center Bldg# 2820, across from Vehicle Registration DSN: 480-4191 or COM: 01739192184 • Landstuhl Recycle Center Bldg# 93701, Near Barracks Bldg 3707 DSN: 486-6881 or COM: 06317-86-6881 Thank you for helping us to keep our Military Family Housing areas looking great for all who live in the KMC.

Photo courtesy of the Housing Office

TAKE NOTE Blood donors needed to maintain military’s blood supply By appointment ONLY to maintain physical distancing measures. »» Daily at Landstuhl Blood Donor Center Blood donation is a mission-essential activity and donors are needed more than ever, now

by APPOINTMENT ONLY to maintain social distancing measures. All the blood donated to the Armed Services Blood Program stays within the Dept. of Defense, for forward-deployed military as well as patients at military hospitals throughout Europe. The ASBP — Europe accepts blood donations from military, civilians, retirees and family members at the Blood Donor center on Landstuhl and during community blood drives scheduled at U.S. bases within Germany. Be the life line for the frontlines: find all Dept. of Defense blood drives in Europe and make an appointment TODAY at www.militarydonor.com, Sponsor Code: Europe.

ASBP — Europe is also looking for units to sponsor blood drives. To get started, contact Blood Donor Recruiter Stacy Sanning at DSN 590-4149 or usarmy.donateblood-europe@mail.mil.

May 1, 2020

If you have questions, please contact the Housing Facilities Section at DSN 489-7108 or Commercial 0631-536-7108.

COMMUNITY EVENTS Photo by Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com

»» The Ramstein Chapel is accepting bids for a Ramstein Traditional Protestant Service Coordinator until May 7. The contractor shall

provide all personnel, labor, materials, and transportation to provide non-personal service in support of the Ramstein Protestant Faith Community located in the KMC. The contractor shall serve the administrative needs of the Ramstein Protestant Faith Community as related to by the Statement of Work (SOW).

Documented evidence of the following is preferred but not required: a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of two years experience as a program coordinator, OR five years administrative experience. In addition, contractor should be fluent in reading, writing and speaking English and possess all required computer and Microsoft Office proficiencies in order to perform all responsibilities within the statement of work.

Bidder is subject to criminal history background checks and must complete a Child Care National Agency Check and Inquiries and Installation Records Check. The Request for Proposal and bid package can be picked up from the North Chapel on weekdays between 0730 and 1630. Packages must be returned no later than 1200 on Thursday, May 7. Interviews will take place between 0800 and 1600 on Friday, May 8, at the North Chapel.

The contract will be awarded based on best value to the Government. For more information please contact the Contracting Officer at 480-5753 or 06371-47-5753. »» Spring into Reading Challenge: Until May 16, read, or be read to, at least an hour a week to be entered into gift card drawings with the Spring into Reading Challenge. Readers who earn all Challenge Badges will also be entered into a final gift card drawing.The Challenge is open to

all Army, Air Force, Marine, Navy, and DOD MWR customers of any age because you’re never too old to read! Get started by registering at https:// dodvirtualsrp.beanstack.org. »» Family and MWR virtual events: Stay connected, inspired and engaged with us even during this time of isolation. Every morning at 7 a.m. check in with our Facebook pages (https://www. facebook.com/RheinlandPfalzFMWR/ or https:// www.facebook.com/BaumholderFMWR/) to see the schedule for the day. Expect workouts, recipes for breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinner, as well as child activities, fun polls, hobby ideas, ACS Community Support, and any updates to the current situation. Our Instagram page, rheinlandpfalzmwr, is also mirroring our Facebook so if Instagram is more your thing, you won’t miss out over there! Don’t see something you want to see? Submit your ideas and requests for anything you want us to highlight in future programing. We are here for you! For more information, go to kaiserslautern.armymwr.com or baumholder.armymwr.com. »» SHAWINGZ open for takeout and delivery: Getting tired of cooking ten times a day and always cleaning the kitchen?Take a break and get takeout or delivery with Shawingz! Baumholder location is open daily, seven days a week from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Shawingz, located in the Kazabra Club in Kaiserslautern is open Mon-Thu from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri from 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Sat from noon until 9 p.m. and Sun from noon until 8 p.m. Please remember that when coming in for takeout that a face cover is mandatory. For more information or to call in orders, Shawingz Baumholder, Smith Bks., Bldg. 8105, 531-2833, 0611-143-531-2833.

Shawingz Vogelweh, Vogelweh, Bldg. 2057, 4897261, 06315-36-7261.

Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Kile, 86th Medical Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team noncommissioned officer in charge, holds a blood analyzer in the CCATT Shack at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, April 2. Labs can be analyzed on the ground and in the air with the issued point-of-care testing equipment.

CCATT supports critical care patients U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Michael Kile, 86th Medical Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team noncommissioned officer in charge, checks a ventilator in the CCATT Shack at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, April 2. Medical equipment is checked periodically and before patient transportations to ensure proper function.

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class John R. Wright 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs The 86th Medical Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT), a Landstuhl Regional Medical Center capability, employs innovative equipment and specialized training to support critically injured or ill patients.

Directly adjacent to the LRMC Emergency Room in a small modular building, dubbed the “CCATT Shack,” are carefully organized and routinely checked patient care kits and medical supplies staged and ready for rapid response by the CCATT.

The CCATT is a specialized team made up of medical professionals such as Critical Care Physicians and Critical Care Nurses and Respiratory Therapists who are well equipped and capable of treating the most afflicted individuals.

“They are constantly training,” said Col. Sean Jersey, 86th MDS commander. “They go through their gear-set and equipment, making sure that they’re both familiar with how to use it and they’ve got enough of it. They also make sure that the medication in there is not expired.”

At least once a quarter, the CCATT participates in joint exercises with the 86th

The top of a ventilator used by the 86th Medical Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team is shown in the CCATT Shack at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, April 2. The four connection points with color coding makes for a simple set-up.

Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, LRMC personnel, En-Route Patient Staging System personnel, and sometimes also with the front-end air crew, Jersey said.

“We also send them back to specialized training courses in the states,” Jersey added.

“They’ve got to stay on top of their game because they’re taking care of the most critically ill and injured patients that we have.”

With the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, CCATT personnel are ready to support any patients requiring critical care.

“We don’t know what the next virus or illness is going to be,” Jersey said. “COVID19 is the latest, but these medical personnel

Personal protective equipment used by the 86th Medical Squadron Critical Care Air Transport Team is stored in the CCATT Shack at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, April 2. Medical members wear PPE during patient transportation to protect themselves and patients from infection.

are at the top of their profession. They have to train hard all the time to stay that way, so when things like this come up, they’re probably postured and more ready than anybody else in the world to deal with it.”

Capable of operating under many conditions – ground transportation, in-flight aboard a C-130J Super Hercules or various other aircraft, patient transfers in harsh environments – the CCATT is able to focus their efforts on the most at-risk patients, regardless of the circumstances.

“It’s all part of a worldwide system the Air Force has to help us deliver medical care everywhere,” Jersey said.

A display of expired medications hang in the Critical Care Air Transport Team Shack at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, April 2.

Expired medications and other medical supplies are often used for training and informative display prior to being discarded.

Page 6 USAF DELIVERS from Page 1 even more critical during this rapidly evolving crisis. With logistical challenges accompanying the spread of the disease, they would have remained stranded in Manchester, U.K., until sometime in May. The U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, requested support from U.S. Africa Command to deliver three pallets of equipment to Ghana.

Together they developed a plan to transport the supplies from RAF Mildenhall, U.K., to Ramstein Air Base. From Germany, the supplies were then delivered to Accra, Ghana, after a brief stop in Niamey, Niger.

It took a joint team of Airmen, Sailors, DOD Civilians, local national employees and contractors from U.S. Air Forces in EuropeAir Forces Africa, AFRICOM and Air Mobility Command units to transport the cargo 3,400 miles using C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster and C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

“A mission like this is why we’re here.

We are the gateway to the world,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark August, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “When a big gray aircraft shows up with an American flag on the tail, that sends a message of hope, and our Airmen are proud to support our partners as we fight this invisible enemy together.”

The medical supplies included ribonucleic acid(RNA), nucleic acid extraction kits, reagents, viral collection swabs, universal and viral transport media to collect and store specimens, and the replenishment of other consumable lab supplies.

They were originally ordered in January 2020 to support NAMRU-3 Ghana Detachment research efforts, specifically ongoing influenza surveillance, in partnership with Ghana’s National Influenza Center

Kaiserslautern American at the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and the Kumasi Centre of Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine. It was immediately clear the supplies would be critical to support the Government of Ghana’s ongoing fight against COVID-19.

“Operating in one of the most logistically challenging theaters to move people and materiel, the emergence of COVID-19 has introduced some new hurdles we have had to consider in U.S. Africa Command’s Area of Responsibility,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Leo Kosinski, AFRICOM Director for Logistics. “Nonetheless, movement of this shipment of critical medical supplies from the United Kingdom to Ghana represents one of many logistics moves executed recently despite these challenges. The fact that so many professionals from multiple commands quickly came together to work through this particular requirement highlights our amazing and unique team of professionals. They are working together every day for the interests of the American people and our global partners even in the toughest of circumstances.”

NAMRU-3 Ghana Detachment is a collaborator within the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch Global Emerging Infections Surveillance partner network and has supported influenza surveillance for both human and avian influenza strains in Ghana since 2007.

The arrival of the needed medical supplies underscores the results of the growing partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Ghana to combat COVID-19, to save lives and protect the people of Ghana.

May 1, 2020

Staff Sgt. Kalem Postell, 727th Air Mobility Squadron security manager, marshals a K-loader during the loading of pallets and equipment onto a C-5 Super Galaxy assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, during a medical cargo mission at RAF Mildenhall, England, April 18.

A U.S. Air Force C-5 Super Galaxy assigned to the 9th Airlift Squadron, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, arrives at RAF Mildenhall, England, April 18. The 9th AS and the 727th Air Mobility Squadron, based at RAF Mildenhall, took part in a medical cargo mission which involved delivering COVID-19 test kits and other equipment to Accra, Ghana, to be distributed throughout the U.S. African Command area of responsibility.

Photos by Senior Airman Brandon Esau

U.S. Air Force Airmen unload a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey in Niamey, Niger, April 23. The cargo included approximately 4,000 pounds of medical supplies provided

by Navy Medical Research Unit Three-Ghana Detachment, to be delivered to the Government of Ghana in support of a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Devin Nothstine

May 1, 2020

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Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

COVID-19 ops: 435 CRG Key Spouses help mask pandemic, protect force

Cloth face coverings sit on a table located at the home of a 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron key spouse in the Kaiserslautern Military Community area in early April. The 435th CRSS key spouses donated hundreds of cloth face coverings to help Airmen and their families prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.

Courtesy photo

by Senior Airman Milton Hamilton 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Mandated physical distancing and selfquarantine measures are the new normal during the unprecedented era of coronavirus disease 2019.

Amid all the changes to routines, key spouses from the 435th Contingency Response Squadron, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron and the 435th Security Forces Squadron found a way to touch the lives of their squadron’s most valuable commodity: its people. Showing their ingenuity, these key spouses created hundreds of cloth face-coverings for their squadrons and their families.

“Natasha and I reached out to both the spouses and active duty members of our squadron to see who would be interested in

receiving a homemade mask,” said Sydney Montgomery, 435th CRS key spouse. “After dividing the list, we used our best suited fabrics we had on hand to work until everyone was covered.”

Formerly a nurse and prior military, it came naturally to help and protect others, said Natasha Teeters, 435th CRS key spouse.

When the opportunity arose for her to be of service, she was more than willing to assist.

“I had my family help by cutting and ironing patterns while I began to sew,” Teeters said. “It became a family project and we were able to produce 120 masks in about 24 hours.”

From one family to another, the key spouses provided their units protection and the ability to prevent the spread of COVID19.

“The impact was tremendous,” said Lt.

Col. Sean McCurdy, 435th CRS commander.

“Our spouses, without solicitation, started making face coverings as soon as they heard there was a need. They not only made face coverings for our own Airmen and families, but they made them for their neighbors, and even some Army families. We are one big family in the 435th Contingency Response Group, and our highest priority is taking care of Airmen and families.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic halted many functions in the community, the mission remained intact. By creating the face coverings, the key spouses ensured mission continuation.

During one of the 435th CRG’s jump proficiency flights on April 7, 435th Security Forces Squadron members used some of the cloth face coverings made by key spouses in their unit to help prevent COVID-19 when

physical distancing measures couldn’t be adhered to.

“By being selfless, the key spouses enabled us to focus on mission execution and bring rapid contingency response operations to the fight,” McCurdy said.

By providing the masks, the key spouses hoped to reduce stress levels for everyone.

“Our members have enough to worry about and I didn't want face coverings to be added to that list,” Montgomery said.

In a time of physical distancing, small gestures of kindness can bring people closer.

“It’s amazing to see everyone rise up and face this adversity head on,” McCurdy said. “We are in this pandemic together, and together we will overcome it. It’s hard to express the amount of gratitude I have for our spouses and team members with this effort. Let me simply say thank you.”

435th Contingency Response Support Squadron spouses show off their cloth face coverings during a group video chat in early April. The 435th CRSS key spouses made hundreds of face coverings for the squadron’s Airmen and families to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019. Courtesy photo

Natasha Teeters, 435th Contingency Response Squadron key spouse, makes cloth face coverings for Airmen and their families.

Courtesy photo

Brittany Baca, 435th Security Forces Squadron key spouse, makes cloth face coverings for Airmen and their families at her home, in early April.

Courtesy photo

Sydney Montgomery, 435th Contingency Response Squadron key spouse, makes cloth face coverings for Airmen and their families at her home, in early April.

Courtesy photo

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May 1, 2020

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Stay mentally fit during COVID-19 Story and graphic by Airman 1st Class Taylor D. Slater 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Finally, it is recommended to maintain daily routines, including keeping up with daily hygiene.

“Even if you don’t interact with other people, it just helps you feel better about yourself,” Bowman said.

With coronavirus disease 2019 disrupting many normal routines, it can put a strain on efforts to maintain good mental health.

The 86th Medical Group is available to help with any stressors, including those related to COVID-19. The group established a COVID-19 Stress Line April 6.

“It’s open to anybody that wants to call who just needs some extra support,” said Master Sgt. Codi Bowman, 86th Medical Operations Squadron mental health superintendent. “It could be if you’re just at home and feeling stressed out or just want to talk to somebody. It allows people to call up and talk to a mental health resource without having to come in or it be on your record.”

The following are some tips for those looking to ease their stress levels during uncertain times. While indoors, organize your home; make your living space comfortable; and stay connected to loved ones while limiting screen time to not adversely affect sleep schedules. If in isolation, make sure to keep close to the window on sunny days to help maintain vitamin D levels.

Experts also recommended going outside at least once a day, even just to take a walk.

The mental health office is open for appointments from Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients can call DSN 479-2390 or 0637146-2390 commercially to make an appointment.

“Even though you’re isolated, there are lots of resources out there you can rely on to connect with people,” Bowman said. “Don’t feel like you can’t reach out.”

In the interim, patients can also call DSN 480-9001 or commercially at 06371-47-9001 and press option 3 to be forwarded to a medical provider for assistance with insomnia, depression, loneliness, anxiety or anger.

The hotline is not a suicide or domestic violence hotline. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, please dial 112, call DSN 479-2390 or commercially at 06371-46-2390. If you are a victim of domestic violence, call DSN 479-2370 or commercially at 06371-46-2370.

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Page 10

May 1, 2020

86th AW chaplain corps: When crisis breeds innovation

The Contemporary Service Worship Team came together to record worship songs at sunrise to accompany the sermon aired Easter Sunday. The use of technology became necessary to adhere to physical distancing protocols set in place to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019.

Members of the Contemporary Service Worship Team gather near the Northside Chapel at Ramstein Air Base, April 9.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alex Johnson, 86th Airlift Wing staff chaplain, records a sermon for future viewers outside the Northside Chapel at Ramstein Air Base, April 9. The sermon was pre-recorded, edited and posted for the congregation due to physical distancing protocols prohibiting gatherings of more than two people.

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Protocols put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 affected everyone.

Work hours and duty locations were altered to comply with physical distancing; homes were turned into classrooms as schools closed; social gatherings were stopped and limited to chat groups or apps, to name a few of the many changes that occurred.

With each change comes new challenges. As with many others, the 86th Airlift Wing chaplain corps was forced to adapt.

“Crisis lends its way to creativity and innovation,” said Capt. Alex Johnson, 86th AW staff chaplain.

The chaplains work together, finding innovative ways to reach the communities they serve in order to still maintain some of the traditions each faith observes. Each faith provider found unique ways to deliver sermons or services.

Some chaplains live stream from their homes into those of its community, while others video

record, edit and post messages of hope and resiliency for their faithful to view at a later date.

“It takes a lot more preparation,” Johnson said in reference to the editing process and to preparing for traditions.

Recently, a virtual communion service was held, but items once provided by the chapel were not.

The week before the scheduled communion, the community was given a list of items they could substitute and still participate from the comfort of their own homes. The communion service itself was different as well. The chaplain administered communion to his family for the community to witness. As he did, he broke down the observance and gave a more in-depth teaching of the tradition.

The Passover Seder, a major observance for the Jewish community, was virtually broadcast via a group video conference to comply with physical distancing protocols.

“It is definitely more of an effort to connect with each other,” said Maj. Sarah Schechter, staff chaplain and Rabbi. “The focus

is often on preparing the meal, and yes, preparing the message and service. I think we take it for granted that we can see each other in person and gather … here we are, spending hours trying to make sure we can see them and they can see us.”

The COVID-19 crisis forced the chaplain corps to take that leap into the 21st century. It may have come with challenges, but the 86th AW chaplains met each challenge head on and have enjoyed success in the process.

“We’ve actually doubled our viewership online,” Johnson said.

There is a plan to maintain some of the online services, even after physical distancing protocols are lifted.

Even though the services for the community have currently moved online, there is still a chaplain on-call 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk. A chaplain is available in person for emergency sessions during the duty day at the Northside Chapel, or via the Command Post at 06371-47-2121.

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Kaiserslautern American

Page 11

Kaiserslautern American

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May 1, 2020

Military Personnel Exchange Program officers strengthen partner countries’ military response

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Furnary, a C-130J pilot assigned to the ITAF’s 2nd Flight Group, 46th Air Brigade in Pisa, Italy, has been a part of the Military Personnel Exchange Program since August 2019. Furnary’s primary duties as a C-130J exchange pilot include airlift and transportation missions. As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Furnary has transported patients throughout Italy.

by Tech. Sgt. Rachel Waller USAFE – AFAFRICA Public Affairs

Air Force to foster and expand international relationships with coalition and global partners.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jeffrey Furnary is a C-130J pilot assigned to the ITAF’s Secondo Gruppo Volo, 46 Brigata Aerea (2nd Flight Group, 46th Air Brigade) in Pisa, Italy. While this group’s primary mission is strategic and tactical transport, its missions can also include aeromedical evacuation, a specialty that has been in high demand during Italy’s response to COVID-19.

“During the first week of [the Italian] national lockdown we started flying COVID-19 patients and supplies to try to get patients to ICU [intensive

U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airmen around the theater have played a variety of roles in supporting the Department of Defense coronavirus disease 2019 response.

Several Airmen, however, have had the unique opportunity to directly assist the Italian air force, the French air force and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force in their response efforts.

These Airmen are part of the U.S. Air Force Military Personnel Exchange Program, which is a special duty assignment that allows the

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Mahon, a Combat Search and Rescue pilot, assigned to the French Air Force’s Helicopter Squadron 1/67 Pyrenees, Base Aérienne 120 (Cazaux Air Base), France, has been a part of the Military Personnel Exchange Program since September 2019. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Mahon has flown multiple COVID-19 medical evacuation patients to other locations throughout France.

Courtesy photos

care unit] beds in other parts of the country,” said Furnary, a Vienna, Va., native. “From a pilot's perspective, it is just another day, but when you think about the impact you can make for the patient it is highly rewarding.”

U.S. Air Force Capt. Daniel Mahon, a Combat Search and Rescue pilot assigned to the French Air Force’s Helicopter Squadron 1/67 Pyrenees, Base Aérienne 120 (Cazaux Air Base), France, had maintained a 24-hour alert with his unit since March 25 waiting to be employed to support civilian authorities. On the night of March 31, Mahon was on alert status when his unit was tasked to provide medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) support and he was one of the first individuals tasked from his unit.

“We left for Villacoublay the morning of April 1 and subsequently performed two simultane-

ous missions, transporting four patients from Paris-Orly to Caen and Angers, respectively,” said Mahon, a Zephyrhills, Fla. native. “The hospitals in Paris were becoming oversaturated to the point where there simply were not enough resources, human or material, to provide the appropriate level of care. Our actions prevented medical staff from having to triage or reject patients altogether.”

The captain said it was both humbling and rewarding to be able to participate in an operation of such grand scale and importance in direct support of French citizens.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Rich Schanda is also a CSAR pilot and currently is a Puma Exchange Pilot assigned to the RAF’s 33 Sqn, A flight, RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, England, where his primary mission is to provide general helicopter support to the Ministry of Defense.

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Schanda said his squadron’s primary mission has shifted to providing logistical and MEDEVAC support to the Scottish population.

“We provide MEDEVAC coverage 24/7 from Kinloss Barracks,” said Schanda, a Lee, N.H., native. “When there are COVID-19 patients that need to be moved from isolated or remote areas of Scotland, particularly the outlying islands and the highlands, and fixed wing aircraft cannot get to them, we are tasked to evacuate them and bring them to one of the larger hospitals in Glasgow or Edinburgh.”

Schanda said the most rewarding aspect of these missions has been reassuring the Scottish people that the military has their back, and will come to their aid no matter the time or place.

All three of the exchange pilots lauded the extensive mission planning for health and safety concerns of the aircrew by both military and their civilian counterparts to ensure their continuation of their military missions.

“It's an absolute honor working alongside the RAF. They are extremely professional and take great care in their work,” said Schanda. “I get a lot of satisfaction being able to bring my CSAR experience and apply it to the current situation, helping the Puma squadron when and where I can.”

Furnary echoed Schanda’s sentiments.

“I am just a member of the amazing group here in Pisa,” said Furnary. “[I] am extremely proud to fly with them on missions that mean so much to their country and its people.”

As the world continues to work towards flattening the COVID-19 curve, MPEP officers like Furnary, Mahon, Schanda and many others will continue to stand side-by-side with their foreign military counterparts, ready to serve and help.

Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

Page 13

US Army’s newest Avenger Master Gunner makes history by 1st Lt. Ashli Malone 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment On April 16, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the Air Defense Artillery Avenger Master Gunner Course graduated its latest class of nine students, one of which made history.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tiana Trent, a native of Canton Ohio, is celebrated as the first African-American female to attend and complete the course since its origin.

Trent is an Avenger Crew Member (14P) serving as a squad leader in Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment located in Ansbach, Germany, the Army’s only Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) battalion. After 11 years of service in Air Defense, to include three deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, Trent eagerly accepted the challenge of becoming an Avenger Master Gunner, one of the highest honors in the SHORAD community. Her journey to complete the Master Gunner Course began in February during the unit’s Avenger Master Gunner Course train-up where she quickly learned that her determination and willpower would soon be put to the test.

“It’s unbelievable!” exclaimed Trent when asked how she felt about making history in the Air Defense community. She is one of five females to complete the course and the first African-American female to do so.

The Avenger Master Gunner Course consists of 35 days of rigorous, knowledge-packed training designed to turn Avenger Crew Members into subject matter experts on their weapon system who are equipped to strengthen readiness at the lowest unit level. Students not only learn detailed hands-on aspects of the weapon system such as productive trouble-shooting, safety parameters, and maintenance procedures, but also effective use and emplacement of the weapon system to accomplish any given mission.

Completing the Avenger Master Gunner course not only allowed Trent to gain an in-depth understanding of her weapon system’s functions and employability but also instilled valuable skills which will assist her in the Maneuver-SHORAD fielding and transition.

Brig. Gen. Gregory Brady, commander of 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, said that Staff Sgt. Trent exemplifies the best of who we are in 10th AAMDC. “I am eager to see how she will use her new expertise to train other Soldiers and enhance the unit’s capabilities; paving the way for the new M-SHORAD fielding in Fiscal Year 2021,” Brady said.

Staff Sgt. Tiana Trent with Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command graduates from Army Avenger Master Gunners Course at Ft. Sill, Ok, April 16. Trent is the first African-American female to complete the Avenger Master Gunner course in the U.S. Army. Photo by Staff Sgt.Keith Murphy

The Stryker-based M-SHORAD system will provide better protection of maneuver forces at increased ranges and with exponentially improved mobility.

Upon hearing of her accomplishment, Lt. Col. Todd Daniels, commander of 5-4 ADA, said: “We are proud of all of our NonCommissioned Officers who have passed the Avenger Master Gunner Course,” said Daniels. “I am exceptionally pleased that Staff Sgt. Trent

was able to become the first AfricanAmerican female to earn the title of Avenger Master Gunner and serve as an example for so many others to follow.”

To aspiring Avenger Master Gunners, Trent urges service members to cultivate a positive support system and remain “humble and hungry” while relying on drive and self-determination as propellants toward success. Staff Sgt. Trent remains eager for more opportuni-

ties and challenges to better herself and her organization.

Trent believes that her success in the course is a valuable step in the right direction for more representation of female service members within this elite group in the Air Defense community. She is proud of her accomplishment and is hungry for more opportunities to blaze trails, as she embraces the mantra, “No excuses, failure is not an option.”

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Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

Three ways to be during COVID-19 Photo by EugeneEdge / Shutterstock.com

by Jeff Bright Ramstein Family Advocacy The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 is all over the news and social media. We are bombarded by information on how to stay physically healthy during this pandemic. Our physical body is one part of our well-being but what about the other major part?

Alongside physical workouts, we need to engage in mental activities for peace of mind. By adding three mental workouts, you may have a more complete sense of well-being. #1 Be grateful.

Gratitude leads to happiness. Think about a time when you were happy. Did you experience gratitude as well? Gratitude doesn’t just

accompany happiness, it leads to happiness.

Take time to write three good things that recently happened to you. No matter what lemons you were given today, there are usually three things that you can say were good. Another impactful way to feel gratitude is to first think of a person from your past who did something nice for you.

Take 5-10 minutes today and write them a letter, text, or online message thanking them for helping you, and take note of how this simple action makes you feel. #2 Be mindful.

Mindfulness is being fully aware of what is happening in your life right now. Mindfulness leads to awareness of how you are feeling, how others are feeling and precedes action. When you are focused on what you see, hear, smell,

and feel right now, your mind is not thinking about the past or worried about the future.

Being fully present is the key to feeling peace.

Take three minutes and just notice what you see (shapes, colors), what you hear (people talking, wind, birds), and what you feel (feet on ground, shirt on shoulders). Just observe the items, don’t judge them. As you focus on your five senses at this moment, your mind will quiet down. #3 Be intentional.

Ever feel like life passes you by? This happens to everyone. It can be discouraging to think you just wasted your time. Successful people achieve great things when they plan and do things intentionally. We break bad habits by intentionally planning to do something different the next time.

Take time to plan a few things you will do differ-

ently tonight or tomorrow. If you are working from home, intentionally plan to get up in the morning as you typically do on workdays, then take a shower, and eat a healthy breakfast. Your body and mind will thank you for intentionally planning to start the day off right. Progressive change does not happen without intention.

Take care of your body and mind. COVID-19 will not last forever. Take this time to be grateful for what you have, be mindful of the things around you, and set the intent to make positive changes in your life.

Join us for ‘Mindfulness Mondays’ on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ ramsteinfamilyadvocacy. Call Family Advocacy for support DSN 479-2370. COMM: +49 0637146-2370.

Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

Page 15

Backyard Camping

Photo by RonTech3000 / Shutterstock.com

by Ronnie Juhans Camping is the perfect COVID-19 activity. It allows you to practice social distancing while getting out of the house, enjoying your natural surroundings and taking a break from the cabin fever that is driving so many people slightly bonkers from being cooped up for hours on end.

Camping allows a lot more space and distance than your daily visit to the grocery store, gas station, or many outdoor activities. It also allows you the freedom to select your spot which can even be out of hearing range instead of just a couple of meters away.

Backyard camping is a great alternative for escaping the house and have a great time while staying safe. It is an easy way to have fun without too much planning, packing up the car, traveling to a site, or dealing with making site reservations. Read on for some of the many health perks associated with backyard camping.

Fresh air Research shows that some time outdoors can improve your blood pressure, improve digestion and give your immune system an extra boost. When you spend a few days outside, you get some serious health benefits from the extra oxygen and low levels of pollutants.

Better quality family time Setting up camp, playing games and

being able to just sit around and talk to each other without texting or staring at a screen while having a conversation is something that German families do quite often. Especially during no-school days.

Improved moods Cabin fever is running rampant in households all over the world, especially for families with several children and pets. No matter what size yard you have, backyard camping is a great change of scenery from being in the house for hours on end, which will allow the kids to burn off more energy and take off the edge.

Less stress There is a lot of research about camping and stress reduction. Stress can negatively affect your health in ways that you don’t even realize. The lack of stress while camping is related to increased oxygen levels, higher levels of serotonin and managed levels of melatonin. We are less annoyed and angry over little things when outside and doing something fun.

Exercise Moving around in the yard while camping, gardening and engaging in fun activities burns a lot more calories in a couple of hours than slowly moving from one room to the other in the house and finding the nearest place to sit. The additional exercise outside also results in a better night of good quality sleep.

Photo by Ivan Kovbasniuk / Shutterstock.com

Some activities I planned as a summer camp counselor were setting up a play tent, obstacle course, relay races, musical chairs with pieces of cardboard, nature scavenger hunts, yoga for youngsters, balloon volleyball, building a shelter, survival skills, and outdoor cooking. You can create your own or refer to the web sites listed at the end of this article.

Do: • Use a small grill or pit for campfires • Keep the kids engaged in activities with plenty of breaks for water and snacks • Clean up after every meal and snack • Have enough supplies outside to limit trips inside the house apart

from bathroom breaks • Check your yard for biting or stinging insects and check yourself and kids for ticks or bites Don’t: • Leave a grill or fire pit hot or smoldering • Leave trash or any food items around.

• Ignore German quiet hours and disturb the neighbors • Let electronic devices distract your family from having real fun For more information: www.rei.com www.itsgreatoutthere.com www.pinterest.com

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Reading wine labels in Germany

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Living in central Germany puts you right in the middle of some of the best vineyards in the world. It would be a shame not to learn something about German wine during your stay.

German white wine is as good or better than almost any other in the world, and it is generally very reasonably priced.

German wine law embodies strict rules on labeling wine. It is detailed enough to ensure that you almost always know what you are getting even before you taste the wine.

Here are a few tips to help you decipher German wine labels: 1) The winery/estate This is easy to identify. For example, on the black label on the right side of the photo above,, the winery shown is Wilhelmshof, located in Siebeldingen, Germany.

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2) Vintage This indicates the year the wine was produced. In the photo, for example, two wines were produced in 2008 and one in 2009.

3) The Varietal/Type of Grape The type of grape used to make these white wines are the Sylvaner (the two bottles on the left, above) and the Riesling, a grape that’s spread very widely across Germany and known for being very fine.

4) The Weight/Body of the Wine This is a very important designation. If you have a basic familiarization with these terms, your chances of picking a wine that fits your taste and budget is good. This information is critical to determining key qualities that help you understand what kind of wine you will get: Tafelwein: This is a light and simple table wine without any special attributes. If the label shows the type of grape, it must have at least 85% of this grape in the wine. If the label says “Deutscher Tafelwein,” it is German.

If it only says Tafelwein, it comes from some other country.

Landwein: Also a light and sim-

ple wine ranging from trocken (dry) to halbtrocken (semi-dry), this wine is equivalent in quality to Tafelwein, but the grapes used to make Landwein must originate from one of the 15 German wine regions. Both Tafelwein and Landwein are normally quite inexpensive and often sold in bottles containing one liter. Many shy away from Tafelwein and Landwein thinking they are inferior, but you might be surprised to find these wines fine for everyday use, and they go well with spicy foods like BBQ, oriental or Mexican foods.

5) QbA This is the abbreviation for “Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiet” or “Quality Wine from a Specific Growing Region.”

These are often referred to simply as “Qualitätswein” for short (pronounced Qval-ee-TATES-vine).

Because Americans often have no idea what this means, you might see German labels in the U.S. using “Estate Bottled” as an equivalent designation.

These wines are almost always of a higher quality than Tafelwein or Landwein and are still normally very reasonably priced. If you are squeamish about drinking a Tafelwein or Landwein but are not sure about the other designations to be discussed next, a QbA or Qualitätswein might be an excellent choice. Qualitätswein is very flexible and can easily be enjoyed with casual foods and more sophisticated cuisine alike. You can get this wine in different levels of sweetness: dry, semi-dry, or fruity/sweet (see item 7. below). Bottles of Qualitätswein are normally either one liter or 0.75 liters (the latter is about 2/3 of a quart).

6) QmP This is the abbreviation for “Qualitätswein mit Pradikät” or a “Quality Wine with a Special Attribute.” The Special Attribute is directly related to the amount of sugar in the grape when harvested. It is important to note that the following designations do not tell you what the quality of the wine might be, although the tendency is for the price to rise as the sugar quantity increases. The following are the different categories

of QmP wines starting with the lowest sugar content at harvest: Kabinett: The first level of wines with a special attribute, the word originates from a reference to a wine saved in a cabinet for some special occasion. Of the QmP levels of designation, Kabinett wine has the least amount of sugar of the following categories. It is my opinion that the Kabinett wine is consistently the best wine for the price for most tastes. If you want a Kabinett, then the only other thing you need to decide is the varietal or type of grape, then if you want a dry, semi-dry, or sweet version of the Kabinett (see item 7. below). The Kabinett fits with almost any main course, even with foods that might be a little spicy, but this is a personal choice.

Spätlese: This literally means “Late Harvest” and, since the grapes harvested later will have less water content and will therefore contain slightly more concentrated grape flavors, there will be a slightly higher sugar content than in a Kabinett. These wines are some of the highest quality wines in Germany, and this is usually reflected in the price. But don’t be intimidated by the price. We are not talking about prohibitively expensive wines – somewhere in the €8 to €15 range at a typical wine store, even less if you buy directly from the winery.

Auslese: This refers to a specially selected bunch of grapes, also harvested later than categories mentioned above. The sugar content on Auslese wines goes a notch higher, as does the price. Nonetheless, the sugar content at this level may not be optimum for many tastes which is why most wine drinkers do not have to pay more to get the quality they want. Although a “trocken Auslese” (or “dry” Auslese – see below) might not be too sweet, it would probably be more appropriate to serve this wine after a meal, perhaps with cheese or dessert. For many ladies, Eiswein (pronounced ICEvine) is something sweet and something special. Normally sold in half bottles, this wine is made from grapes harvested during a light frost, enhancing the uniqueness of this wine.

Beerenauslese: This refers to individual grapes picked from the specially selected bunches of grapes.

Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

The intensity of focus on individual grapes is reflected in the price and, as before, the sugar content at harvest is even higher. Beerenauslese can also be found as an Eiswein and, in this case, would normally be bottled in smaller amounts (0.375 liters or about 40% of a quart). These wines would normally never be consumed with a main course, instead reserved for cheese or dessert, although they are often also served with fois gras.

Trockenbeerenauslese: This is dried grapes picked from the specially selected bunches of grapes. These wines have the highest sugar content available. Also served in small, half bottles, these unique wines command a high price and are sometimes so thick in viscosity and so sweet that

some might not recognize them as wine. Strong honey and raisin tones are often detectable. Usually these wines would be enjoyed after a dinner and served on their own without food.

7) Dry or Sweet All of the German wines described herein will be designated either “Trocken” (pronounced TROH-kin) meaning dry; “halbtrocken” (pronounced HAHB-troh-kin) meaning semi-dry; or it will have no such designation which generally means the wine will be fruitier or sweeter.

This designation,, if applicable, would always appear after the weight/body of the wine. Other related designations you might see are “Feinherb” (pronounced FINE-hairb) which is usually

about equal to halbtrocken or semidry, but you might also see a wine described as “lieblich” (pronounced LEEB-lish) meaning medium sweet.

Note: if you were to refer to a person as “lieblich” in German, it would mean lovely or delightful.

8) The vineyard Every winery has different vineyards with unique characteristics such as soil, the direction the vineyard faces (southerly, for example), and flat/hilly, etc. The vineyard shown on the black label on the prior page is Siebeldinger im Sonnenschein.

9) The growing region You will always see the growing region listed. In the Kaiserslautern

Page 17

area, you will often see the “Pfalz” listed or “Mosel-Saar-Ruwer” (the latter being in the Eiffel, north of Kaiserslautern in the area around Spangdahlem). In Wiesbaden, you will often see local wines representing regions near the Rhein-Main area, such as “Hessen”, “Rheingau” but also the “Nahe”. In Stuttgart, you are close to the wine regions of “Württemberg” and “Baden.”

10) The AP Nr This is the “Amtliche Prüfungnummer” or “Official Approval Number”. Portions of this number are specifically assigned separately to a certain village, estate and grower. This helps authorities track authenticity of the wine and the

claims made on the label. Although this knowledge is not critical to your being able to select a good German wine, you can sure use it to impress your friends!

This might sound complicated, but it is really not hard to grasp, and a basic understanding of the contents of German wine labels can certainly add to your enjoyment of German wine.

Of course, there are more details that could be shared about wine labels, but these guidelines should help you get a great start, especially items 4, Weight/Body of the Wine, and item 7, Dryness/Sweetness levels of the wine.

“Cheers!” or as the Germans say, “Zum Wohl!” (meaning “To your Health!”).

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Kaiserslautern American

Page 18

May 1, 2020

Get to know the Mediterranean Diet

by MilitaryInGermany.com

The Mediterranean Diet (MD for short) is a nutritional recommendation based on foods inspired by traditional dietary patterns from the Mediterranean region of the world.

This region consists of countries between Europe, northern Africa and southwestern Asia along the Mediterranean Sea. As this organized nutrition is practiced by more and more people every day, it shouldn’t really be considered a diet but more like a lifestyle.

What is a Mediterranean Diet?

Mediterranean Diet is a selection of foods based on the Mediterranean Diet Food Pyramid. MD requires a high consumption of carbohydrates,

fish, olive oil, legumes, whole grains and vegetables; a moderate consumption of dairy products; and a low consumption of meat products.

Additionally, it requires foods to be organically grown with no genetically modified organisms (GMO) and treated with chemicals as little as possible.

Carbohydrates The main source of energy in MD foods is carbohydrates but not just any kind. Grains are consumed in the form of whole grain bread, whole grain pasta, whole grain couscous etc. Whole grain is a great source of complex carbohydrates and it has a low Glycemic Index (GI). These carbs provide energy for a longer period of time and don’t raise blood sugar levels (at least not much). This means they

don’t provoke insulin spikes. Also, whole grain carbs are rich in vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals (magnesium & potassium) and fibers.

This food group is especially important for feeling full and satiated while enhancing a healthy digestive system.

Starchy vegetables (like potatoes) are also a great source of carbohydrates, especially for people who are physically active. Due to their potassium content, they are very important during periods of extensive sweating.

On the other hand, people who are not physically active should limit their intake of starchy vegetables as well as grains.

Other great sources of complex carbohydrates are beans, peas and other legumes. These vegetables provide vitamins and minerals as well

as serving as an excellent source of digestive fibers. Again, people who are not physically active should limit their legumes intake to keep their carbohydrate intake to desired levels.

Green and leafy vegetables Green and leafy vegetables are consumed as often as possible as they are a rich source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They have low amounts of complex carbs and are digested very slowly due to their fiber content. Additionally, these veggies require the body to burn more energy during digesting than after digestion.

In other words, they literally burn fat.

Some examples of green and leafy vegetables are kale, cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini, cucumbers and more.

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Packing with protein The main sources of protein in MD are fish, cottage cheese, low fat cheese, milk, organic and/or omega3 eggs, poultry and red meat. Fish is consumed sometimes even a few times per day in moderate amounts (200 – 300g per serving). Though it is most healthy to consume fresh fish, it is also okay to eat it salted or smoked or even canned.

It is important to note that most MD fish are seasonal species such as sardines, anchovies, Atlantic mackerel and similar. These are the best choices of fish because they are low in mercury, cadmium and other pollutants.

While tuna and marlins are often considered delicacies, they should not be eaten too often due to their high concentrations of mercury and other toxins.

Eggs are consumed daily, but rarely more than one or two eggs per day. Organic and omega-3 eggs have an excellent high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) ratio and are high in vitamin A and iron.

However, due to their fat content (two medium sized eggs have 12-15g of fats), their daily amount should be limited.

Poultry is a great lean protein and it is consumed once or twice per week. Although red meat is also a good source of protein, it should be consumed only several times a month due to being rich in saturated fats. When cooking red meat, it is a great idea to add lemon juice, garlic, parsley and similar herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. The health benefit of adding lemon juice is that it increases iron absorption.

Balancing your fat intake In order to function properly, the human body requires approximately one third of saturated fats, one third of monounsaturated fats and one third of polyunsaturated fats. In western nutrition unsaturated fats intake is too low, which can lead to many health issues including high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart issues and other diseases.

Fats in MD are very balanced and come mostly from sources like olive oil, fish oil, fatty fish, nuts, organic eggs, butter (from cattle that graze grass and small bushes), whole fat milk (from cows, sheep, goats etc.),

Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

Page 19

Photos by Foxys Forest Manufacture, Valentyn Volkov, losinstantes / Shutterstock.com

cheese and similar items.

Olive oil is full of omega-6 and omega-9 and other healthy unsaturated fats, but it (including extra virgin oil) does not contain omega-3. When preparing fish with olive oil and adding lemon juice; garlic; parsley and some green or leafy vegetables, it becomes a delicacy rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9.

Fatty fish are rich in fat soluble vitamins like vitamin D and E. Vitamin A is often present in the liver of various fish species in such a great amount that it may cause vitamin A poisoning.

Therefore, care must be taken when consuming fish liver.

Dairy products Cottage cheese and low fat cheese are consumed on a daily basis and they both are full of calcium. When cheese is combined with fatty fish (vitamin D), the calcium absorption is increased. When consumed on a regular basis, this helps in avoiding or postponing issues like osteoporosis (a progressive bone disease) and osteomalacia (softening of bones). It also fights against rickets in children.

MD suggests whole fat milk from

grass grazing animals like goats, sheep and cows are to be consumed.

Unfortunately, lactose intolerant people should avoid milk due to the adverse reaction which may cause abdominal bloating, cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Also people should avoid consuming milk that is rich in iron due to its tendency to block or at least hinder iron absorption.

Fruit intake Fruits contain solid amounts of simple to medium complex carbohydrates as well as they are a wonderful source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibers. They should be consumed mostly fresh, but dried or processed in various ways are okay too. When on a diet, one should limit fruit intake but should not entirely be avoided. Fruits of the Mediterranean Diet are oranges, tangerines, figs, cherries, various berries, apricots, apples and more.

What to do when craving sweets Sweets are eaten rarely, once or twice a month, on the Mediterranean Diet. If you do have cravings for

sweets and you need some kind of dessert, fruits or a fruit combination is the solution. A fruit salad made out of wild strawberries, blackberries and nectarine with a slice or two of oranges and few drops of lemon is more than enough to satisfy your taste buds. Not to mention, they are just bursting with vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients.

The downside The Mediterranean Diet is obviously a great diet for life, but one must be aware of its drawbacks. The first drawback is the mercury levels in fish. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) regularly update the amount of mercury and other pollutants in foods (including in fish). For example, the FDA’s report from 1990-2010 stated that the average level of mercury in swordfish was 0.995 parts per million (ppm) (3.220 ppm maximum) and in sardines was 0.013 ppm (0.083 ppm maximum).

In comparison, seven ounces of swordfish had the same amount of mercury level as 529 ounces of sardines. I don’t know about you, but I

like sardines more and more every day.

MD’s second drawback is the relatively high intake of carbohydrates coming from grains, legumes and potatoes. It is important to limit your carbohydrate intake especially if you are not very physically active. Weight gain comes from a calorie surplus (even from a balanced nutrition like MD) and very little or no physical activity.

Therefore, it is best to monitor your weight once a week and decrease or increase your carb intake accordingly.

The long story short about the Mediterranean Diet Mediterranean Diet is a balanced diet, plain and simple. It provides the body with needed nutrients in abundance. If one needs to lose weight, simple portion control of certain foods can decrease daily calorie intake. On the other hand, there are

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no fast foods and similar ‘cheat meals’ when doing the Mediterranean Diet.

If you have an urge to cheat, do it for sanity’s sake. However, don’t do it often (once a month is acceptable) and be sure to continue with your diet right after cheating. MD offers so many opportunities for making delicious meals with limited amount of calories. Many people find that being on the Mediterranean Diet for a long period of time is not a problem at all.

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Kaiserslautern American

Page 20

May 1, 2020

8 basic stress busters

by MilitaryInGermany.com

The deadline for your project at work is tomorrow. The children are fighting and the milk is about to boil over. You’re tense, your shoulders and neck hurt and your head is pounding— welcome to the world of stress!

Find the time Finding time to relax can be difficult, but it’s never too late to stop and take control. Pause a while and think about whether you suffer from any of these problems: • Do you have trouble sleeping?

• Are you unusually irritable?

• Do you get headaches?

• Are you depressed?

• Do you have bouts of uncontrollable crying?

These are just few symptoms of stress. If you answered yes to any of them, you are probably suffering from some levels of stress.

Learning to balance the time you spend with others and the time you set aside for yourself will help you become happier and more productive. Here are eight suggestions that will help reduce your levels of stress: 1. Breathe One of the best ways to combat stress is to take a moment and breathe deeply and slowly.

The way you breathe can have

a significant effect on how you feel. So when you are stressed, you can help yourself if you try to control your breathing pattern. Attempt to eliminate negative thoughts and energy about other people and situations, so that it does not affect you. Repeat the positive thought as you breathe and allow your face to reflect tranquility. The breath tends to be shallow or rapid when body and mind are in ‘guarding state’ under stress or pain. Controlling the breath so that it is slower and deeper, reduces the amount of electrical energy in the body. This gives you the chance to ‘calm down’.

Deep breathing can also relieve headaches and backaches.

2. Exercise Another great way to deal with stress is to start an exercise program. Aerobic exercise strengthens your heart and lungs and improves your overall use of oxygen. Activities such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are excellent aerobic exercises.

3. Move Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body— climb stairs, walk your dog, toss balls with friends and chase your children. Think ‘move’ in small increments of time.

4. Quit Studies have shown smok-

ing to be harmful to health, so give up those cigarettes… one at a time.

5. Music Listen to soothing music, which calms you down when you are stressed out. Spend some leisure time with family or friends who you enjoy being with or watch a funny movie with them.

6. Delay Think twice and keep quiet before getting aggravated and losing your temper.

7. Do Something

Spend time doing something you like. No matter how busy you are, steal some moments for your hobbies. How about adopting a pet? Watching a crawler fish aquarium is one of the coolest stress busters. How about growing a plant of your choice?

8. Think Positive Think positive, be positive.

There is a definite connection between being happy and having a cheerful outlook on life.

Live life better They say “an empty mind is a devil’s workshop.” So, keep yourself busy but not over-exert-

ed to the point of being stressed out. You may not be able to avoid all the stress in your life, but can certainly learn to live with less.

Author Profile: Maitreni Mishra is a part of the content team at Live Your Sport. A true fitness fanatic in fine fettleherself, anything and everything that contributes to one’s personality development and a healthy well-being, is her forte. Striving to unleash the fitness freak in her, she’s exploring further avenues to live fitness with her own flair. You can explore her work further at the LYS Blog.

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Kaiserslautern American

May 1, 2020

Page 21

Cut your own flowers (Blumen zum Selbstschneiden)

by MilitaryInGermany.com During my first spring in Germany, I ooh’d and aah’d at the sight of beautiful greenery and fields of blooms along the road whenever my family went on weekend trips. I noticed several flower fields with a banner that said “Blumen” and a couple of cars parked nearby. I was curious, especially since I knew “Blumen” meant flowers. I wondered: was the farm giving away free flowers to those who stopped by for a visit? I had to investigate.

Economically Priced It turned out that the flowers were not free but still cheap!

Each sunflower (my favorite!) was .30 Euros and the smaller variety were between 10 and 25 cents.

A flower price list was posted beside the “Blumen” banner. We saw the sign “Selbt Schneiden,” which meant I could cut flowers of my own choice. This entailed walking in the fields to choose

the blooms I wanted to harvest.

Also small knives and/or pruning shears were available for use, sitting in a basket above big rocks that held up the banner poles.

A “price list” was posted, giving guidance on how much to pay upon harvest of the blooms.

paid. I love that the Germans are sticklers for honesty and integrity.

Other flower farms often also sell seasonal vegetables and fruits.

They were laid out in big baskets on the ground with a price tag per basket. The same honor system set-up goes for payment.

What to Expect Flower-picking proved to be challenging at first, especially with the thick sunflower stalks that I had to sever in order to get my flowers. I eventually got the hang of it. I did wish that I wore rain boots instead of my Mary Janes, which were eventually enveloped in mud.

Paying for the flowers was based on honor system. You need to pay the exact amount for your flowers (or pay a bit more with a little tip if you wish) as there wasn’t a vendor to provide change for your bills. Payment was inserted in a coin box provided. We stayed a bit longer just to observe the other customers– everybody

Being Prepared Ever since, I have been prepared for spontaneous stops at “Blumen” farms. I now keep my own set of sharp pruning shears in the van, along with old newspapers and plastic bags with which to wrap my flowers. It has become part of our weekend adventure to spot flower fields we have never visited before, especially those that carry interesting varieties.

Author’s Profile: Janice is a military spouse, mom of 3 (a teen, tween and toddler), thrifty traveler, practical crafter and a blogger who currently lives in Stuttgart with her family.

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Kaiserslautern American

Page 22

May 1, 2020

HOME CINEMA HIGHLIGHTS

Photo by repbone / Shutterstock.com

classics! These are just a few from Now’s the time to stream or rent some of the all-timg eservice for availability.

the 90s — Part 6

Check your streamin

COMEDY, DRAMA, ROMANCE

DRAMA

Poster by Lions Gate Films

DRAMA, ROMANCE

Poster by 20th Century Fox

COMEDY

Poster by Paramount Pictures

DRAMA, ROMANCE

Poster by Miramax Films

Poster by 20th Century Fox

Buffalo ’66 (1998)

The Ice Storm (1997)

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

Clerks (1994)

Romeo + Juliet (1996)

Convict Billy Brown dreads going home so much that he tries to get back in prison. In desperation, Billy kidnaps Layla and pleads with her to impersonate his wife and to accompany him home to visit his parents.

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In the 1970s, an outwardly wholesome family begins cracking at the seams over the course of a tumultuous Thanksgiving break. The family’s strained relations continue to grow worse until an ice storm strikes.

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In the middle of 1970s suburban America, lived five sisters, whose doomed fates indelibly marked the neighborhood boys who to this day continue to obsess over them. A story of love and repression, fantasy and terror, memory and longing.

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Dante is called in to cover a shift on his day off. His friend Randal helps him pass the time, neglecting his video-store customers next door to hang out in the Quick Stop. The uneventful day is disrupted by news that one of Dante’s ex-girlfriends has died.

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Juliet is attending a costume ball thrown by her parents. Her father has arranged her marriage to the boorish Paris as part of a strategic investment plan. Romeo attends the masked ball and he and Juliet fall in love.

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Poster by Sony Pictures Classics

Poster by Warner Bros.

Poster by Universal Pictures

Poster by Gramercy Pictures

Poster by Sony Pictures Classics

Orlando (1992)

Singles (1992)

Billy Madison (1995)

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Lone Star (1996)

Nobleman Orlando inherits his parents’ house, thanks to Queen Elizabeth I, who commands the young man to never change. One morning, Orlando is shocked to wake up as a woman and returns home, struggling as a female to retain her property as the centuries roll by.

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In Seattle during the era of grunge music, the lives and relationships of a group of young people, all living in the same apartment building, go through a period of flux. Among them is aspiring architect Janet, who finds herself obsessed with bad boy musician Cliff.

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Man-child and rich kid Billy Madison spends his days partying. When his father becomes fed up with his son’s irresponsible ways, he issues an ultimatum. Since Billy passed all his schooling, he must retake and pass every grade in 24 weeks.

Stars: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin Director: Tamra Davis

Five criminals meet during a routine police line-up. Upon their release, they plan to pull off a dangerous heist involving precious emeralds worth three million dollars.

Stars: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri Director: Bryan Singer

Sheriff Sam Deeds digs up the past when he finds an old skull in the desert. As he traces the murder of Sheriff Charlie Wade 40 years earlier, Deeds’ investigation points toward his late father, the much-loved Deputy Buddy Deeds.

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May 1, 2020

Kaiserslautern American

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