We are very proud to present you with this new edition of The Bavarian News in a new and practical magazine format. The Bavarian News will be published every quarter, with content focusing on helping you better navigate life in your new home-away-from-home at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. Whether you are living on or off post, we have tips and information on the communities surrounding the garrison, including events and festivals, cultural traditions, travel suggestions, and more.
In this issue we spotlight to discovering Europe with your dog, a perfect way to enjoy summer traveling. We also have you covered on local German dialects. Try and learn some new phrases, make new friends and dive deeper into German culture. There are also some ideas for must-see places in Bavaria, that you’re sure to remember long after your tour in Germany is over.
Are you ready to start exploring? We’ll be by your side with a new issue for every quarter.
Sincerely, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria
04
Community members make pilgrimage to chapel in Graf’s training area
Events 06 The Museum for Cultural and Military History Grafenwoehr 08 Discover Europe with your dog 10 A weekender’s guide to Bamberg
12 Fourth of July celebrations across USAG Bavaria
14 USAG Bavaria celebrates partnership by raising maypole
16 Sprechen Sie deutsch? How about the local dialect?
17 Vilseck clinic reaches out to adjust spines, consult on health, more at Hohenfels
18
USAG Bavaria celebrates three Stalwart Award winners
20 ASAP/SHARP Prevention 5K Color Runs held throughout Bavaria
Community members run to honor at USAG Bavaria
Community members make pilgrimage to chapel in Graf’s training area
Believers from Vilseck and the surrounding area made a pilgrimage to the Wolf Hunter Chapel in the restricted area of the military training area May 26.
The Wolf Hunter Chapel was built in gratitude for the rescue of a hunter from certain death over 300 years ago. According to the legend, a hunter who had gone missing while hunting wolves was found and rescued after he invoked the Holy Trinity.
Since the great expansion of the military training area in 1938 by the Wehrmacht from 96 to 230 square kilometers (37 to 89 square miles) access to the chapel had been limited for the general public until the U.S. Army took over the military training area after World War II.
the chapel and hold their service there. Led by the Vilseck altar boys, the pilgrims made their way along the tank road through the woods to the chapel, the last intact little church in the entire training area.
Chaplain Gerst Acker commemorated with songs, prayers and texts.
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Garrison commander Col. Kevin A. Poole and his wife Patricia von Rekowski participated in the event.
“I think this is a wonderful event,” said Poole. “There is no better way to connect with our host nation partners and to join them here for this wonderful event.”
“There are great people out here,” Poole continued. “I even met someone who was born in this area. She is 88 years old, and it is just a very special event to connect with her and the rest of the people here.”
“As long as I can, I will try to come here every year”
Ottilie “Tilly” Gebhardt
Now every year on Trinity Sunday citizens of the neighboring area can make the pilgrimage to
Special guest to the pilgrimage was 88-year-old Ottilie “Tilly” Gebhardt, who was born at the Erzhäusl (small ore house), a former community of a few houses and an inn next to the Wolf Hunters Chapel. Gebhardt’s parents ran the restaurant in this former community where Gebhardt was born in 1935.
The Erzhäusl was replaced in 1938 when the training area was extended. The Gebhardt family moved to Grünwald, a former village on the site of today’s Rose Barracks, and later to Vilseck.
Gebhardt herself worked as a secretary for the U.S. Army. Even after her retirement, she still maintains many connections to her friends in America as well as the memories of her birthplace, the Erzhäusl.
“As long as I can, I will try to come here every year,” said Gebhardt.
Another special guest was Alexander Krone, new forestry director.
“I just started this job last fall, and I am happy to be here today and be part of this event since the forestry office has a special connection to this chapel since we took it under our care in 1967,” said Krone.
The Federal Forestry Office saved the chapel from decay in 1967 and has maintained it ever since.
The pilgrimage ended with traditional German sausages and drinks served by the foresters.
Story & photos by Natalie Simmel USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Events
July 21-August 3 ...........
Classic Open Air Music Festival
Nürnberg
Classic Music Festival
https://klassikopenair.nuernberg.de/en/
July 23-August 8 ..........
Summer festival
Amberg Music Festival
https://www.sommerinderstadt-amberg.de (only in German)
July 26-28 ........................
Bardentreffen (Meeting of bards)
Nürnberg
Germany’s largest music festival with free admission
https://bardentreffen.nuernberg.de/en/
July 27 ..............................
Summer Nights festival
Bayreuth
Four stages with many bands, amazing liveacts, stunning light-shows.
Upper Palatinate meets America — A temporary home - Music, Art, Literature, Theater, ...
August 2-18 ...................
Drachenstich Town Play Furth im Wald
Spearing the Dragon - 1431 in August a bloody chapter of the world history was written. A giant army of knights assembled to crusade against the rebelling Bohemians.
August 4 ............................
Stars im Luitpoldhain Nürnberg
Night of Jazz and Friends https://stars-im-luitpoldhain.nuernberg.de/en/
August 9-19 ...............................
Gäubodenfest
Straubing
With around 1.5 million visitors, the Gäubodenfest in Straubing is one of the largest folk festivals in Bavaria. gaeubodenvolksfest.de
August 10-19 ............................
Volksfest
Dachau
Known for its low beer price, the festival attracts over 300,000 visitors each year and is being held at the central square right at the beginning of the historic centre. volksfestdachau.de (only in German)
August 22-26 ......
Sandkerwa
Bamberg Folk Festival right in the middle of the historic old town. sandkerwa.de (only in German)
August 23-
September 8 ........
Dult
Regensburg Folk Festival regensburg-bayern.de/dult (only in German)
Organic grass-fed meats right from the farm!
Photo by Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock.com
Photo by Valter.Chiorino/Shutterstock.com
Photo by Andreas Wolochow/Shutterstock.com
The Museum for Cultural and Military History Grafenwoehr —
Showcasing German-American relations since 1945
D& photos
elve into the history of Grafenwoehr and learn how the town and its people have been shaped by the presence of the U.S. military in the Upper Palatinate region of Bavaria.
After the end of the Nazi regime and World War II, U.S. troops march into Grafenwoehr and occupy the city as well as the existing military training area. Over time, a friendly German-American coexistence develops: Former enemies become allies and occupants become friends.
The Museum for Cultural and Military History Grafenwoehr presents the history of everyday life and culture in Grafenwoehr at the beginning of their exhibition. The back wing of the museum focuses on the history of the military training area. Both, the city and the military training area are closely entwined and have shaped the history of the town together. The museum is an homage to Americans and Germans living as neighbors from 1945 until today, and is the only museum of its kind in Bavaria.
Why did they shoot at Swedish horses in the 17th century? Why was the biggest cannon of World War II blown up near the
military training area? What did Elvis Presley look for in Grafenwoehr’s Micky Bar? What is the reason behind the John F. Kennedy memorial in Grafenwoehr? These and many more questions are answered during the fascinating tour through the museum. If you are interested in group bookings, please call the museum during opening hours.
Museum for Cultural and Military History Grafenwoehr Martin-Posser-Str. 14, 92655 Grafenwoehr
Call 09641-8501
Write to info@museum-grafenwoehr.de www.museum-grafenwoehr.de
Opening hours: Tue-Thu 2-5 p.m., Sun 2-5 p.m.
Story
by Museum for Cultural and Military History Grafenwoehr
Photos by Kultur- und Militärmuseum Grafenwöhr, Norbert Eimer.
Discover Europe with your dog
by Marion Rhodes contributing writer
Instead of accompanying their owners to faraway places, our canine companions habitually spend their vacations at a boarding kennel or with a dog sitter. But you don’t have to leave your pet behind to explore Europe. Look around and you are likely to find dogs in restaurants, on trains, and on the beach.
Every country is different
Most are very dog friendly, and taking furry friends along may actually be easier than trying to find a place for them to stay behind. There are various websites, like www.hundeurlaub.de, that make finding and booking a dog friendly accommodation easy.
Dogs are generally allowed to roam on the beaches but some countries restrict their beaches during the main travel season in July and August. During that time, dog owners are asked to seek out specially designated beaches where their pets may roam and play.
Photo by Makayla Casey/Shutterstock.com
Photo by vrsasi/Shutterstock.com
Eastern Europe is also rather dog-friendly, but dogs are often seen as working and guard dogs and might be treated differently. Tuscany and Croatia are also good destinations for traveling with dogs.
In southern Europe, dog owners may have more difficulty finding dog friendly hotels and beaches. Unlike in the northern countries, restaurants in the south usually limit dogs to outside patios.
A tricky country is Denmark. Although the people there are very friendly toward dogs, the law is not. Dogs resembling one of the restricted dog breeds might get confiscated and euthanized.
When booking a hotel, travelers need to announce their intention to bring a dog in advance, even if the hotel says it allows dogs. If the hotel’s website doesn’t state whether dogs are allowed, you can just call and ask before making a reservation. Hotels do tend to charge an extra cleaning fee.
Regulations for dogs in Europe
For any travel abroad, dogs need to have a microchip implant. That chip needs to adhere to the European standard, otherwise the owner needs to take along a proper chip scanner. Dogs also have to have a current rabies vaccination that needs to be noted in an EU pet passport, which is available
at any German vet.
Although rabies is the only required vaccine for entering a European country, there may be other suggested vaccines to protect pets from foreign viruses, so it is worth checking with a veterinarian beforehand.
For more information on entrance requirements, such as antibody tests to avoid quarantine, visit the European Union website https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/animal-plant/index_de.htm
Road trips are particularly pup-friendly. When traveling by car don’t forget that Germany’s law requires dogs in cars to be secured in either a kennel or with a seatbelt or safety net.
If a dog gets car sick, withholding food before the trip may help. Plan on making a stop at least every three hours and give the dog plenty of water. Older or sick dogs should be checked by a vet before going on any trip. However, even if the car ride takes a bit longer due to more stops, for most dogs, staying at a kennel is more stressful than a four- or five-hour car ride.
So next time you plan a trip, take a bit of time and find a place where your best friend can accompany you. You won’t regret it.
Photo by Jaromir
The bold, the beautiful and the bacon
by Dr. Krystal White contributing writer
Aone and a half hour drive from Grafenwöhr brings travelers to one of the most quaint German towns in the country. Old timbered houses, colorful facades, friendly water canals, and some of the most delicious beer you’ll drink await you.
A weekender’s guide to Bamberg
Located in Bavaria, Bamberg is one of the few cities in Germany that was not destroyed by World War II bombings. A nearby German artillery factory prevented planes from getting near Bamberg, and therefore many spectacular buildings were spared from ruin. The architecture is simply gorgeous and pleasant. Medieval- to baroque-era buildings nestled along the water offer superb photography shots or a simple summer
stroll. More than 3,000 buildings comprise this very pleasing town, now a UNESCO world heritage site.
A sunny Saturday morning offers weekenders a quaint farmers market. Don’t worry if you find yourself there during the week as the market is held six days a week.
At this market you will find some of the best tasting honey in the area,
Photo by
Old city hall Bamberg with two bridges over river Pegnitz.
as well as farm fresh eggs, produce and cheese.
Bamberg is also home to eleven breweries: Brauerei Fässla, Brauerei Greifenklau, Brauerei Schlenkerla, Brauerei Kaiserdom, Brauerei Keesmann, Klosterbräu, Mahrs-Bräu and Brauerei Spezial. It is also home to one brewpub, Ambräusianum. In a city with a population of over 70,000, the residents are ensured to have easy and entertaining access to quality beer and a jovial atmosphere.
Hundreds of years ago, many beers were prepared in the same environment where meat was smoked, giving it a very particular flavor. The grain, usually something like barley, was smoked over fires to dry until the 1700s.
The procedures were lost with the Industrial Age, but now, the German town of Bamberg fans the flame of tradition by producing a beer worthy of worship with its own special “rauchmalz” (beechwood smoked malt).
If you ask a handful of locals or read a few beer enthusiasts’ blogs, they will say Aecht Schlenkerla is the best smoked beer in the world. This tried and true method of researching has yet to fail, and from the moment a visitor enters Schlenkerla, he or she will feel a bit like they’ve stumbled upon local gold.
The tavern occupies a building first mentioned in 1405, and its low timbered ceilings and dark wood reflect the high sun of a summer’s day with welcoming ease.
The dark, chestnut beer tastes a bit like maple and the subtle woodiness of smoked meat. The weiss (light) smoked beer tastes assertive and tangy.
With a hint of tobacco, this beer is easy to settle down with after a trying day.
The word “Schlenkerla” means to “shake, like when drinking,” or literally, I learned later, “to dangle.”
And the beer lives up to its name.
If most Franconians are considered reserved, then Schlenkerla shakes their inhibitions loose a bit.
This beer smokes the competition. Grab your best bud and head to Bamberg soon!
Bamberg is famous for its bacon beer, called “Rauchbier.”
Photo by Dr. Krystal White
Domplatz Bamberg with Bamberger Dom (Cathedral)
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria celebrates 248th anniversary of U.S.A. with events at its different communities
Fourth of July celebrations across USAG Bavaria
USAG Bavaria celebrates partnership by raising maypole
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Commander Col. Kevin A. Poole, together with distinguished guests, celebrated the raising of the maypole at the parade field at Tower Barracks, May 8.
Traditionally on the first day of May, communities across Bavaria hoist a decorated maypole – the “Maibaum” or “May tree” – to usher in the coming of spring and warmer weather.
On May Day, spectators and participants wear traditional Bavarian attire and celebrate with music and dancing.
“Our tree here is a partnership tree that continues the tradition started here in Grafenwoehr by units of the past,” said Poole. “It symbolizes the countless friendships and excellent partnerships that the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and all its tenant units have established here in the Oberpfalz with their German friends and partners since 1945.”
The USAG Bavaria partnership tree is decorated with ribbons and wreaths and features the crests of units stationed in USAG Bavaria and their local partner communities as a symbol of the German-American partnerships within USAG Bavaria.
This year an additional crest was added to the partnership tree. The crest of the city Nuremberg, which partnered with the 7th Army Training Command in 2023.
“Back in the day Nuremberg used to have a garrison with more than 30,000 U.S. Soldiers and never lost its importance for the United States
Army and their community members here,” said Andre Potzler, 7th Army Training Command community relations officer. “That’s why we are really happy that their crest hangs on the partnership tree together with 7ATC’s today for the first time to showcase our partnership.”
The tree was donated by the local Federal Forest Office. The tree and the signs on it were prepared by the team of the garrison’s Directorate of Public Works.
“We are all here today to support the raising of the partnership tree as one big community, firefighters and Soldiers together,” says USAG Bavaria Fire Chief Josef Rodler. “Today is a special day because all our community representatives came here today to celebrate together: to celebrate partnership and togetherness. And the partnership tree symbolizes this connectivity and friendship, and it will be here for the next few months for all newcomers to see the friendships we have.”
Firefighters from the City of Grafenwoehr Volunteer Fire Department and the Tower Barracks USAG Bavaria fire department team put up the tree together with participating Soldiers.
“We heard that that would be a maypole event today, so we got some people together to come out and support,” says Spc. Jonathan Reece Richards, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade.
Richards physically helped lift the tree.
“I have been to a maypole event last year outside in a town, and it’s just a really nice event that brings the communities together,” he said. “It brings the townspeople together and it brings even the bases together and it just allows everybody to do something fun. And it gives everybody the opportunity to have a good time.”
Another long-standing tradition of May Day is the attempt by neighboring villages to steal one another’s maypoles in exchange for ransom. To date, the most spectacular theft occurred in 2004, when locals flying a helicopter took the maypole planted atop the Zugspitze — Germany’s highest peak.
Story & photos by Natalie Simmel
USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
HOW ABOUT THE LOCAL DIALECT?
by Nicole Karsch-Meibom contributing writer
Your German teacher may have taught you how to say hello, “Guten Tag,” but have you ever been answered with a friendly greeting of “Grüß Gott,” “Moin” or “Guude”?
Don’t worry if you didn’t understand. You have been introduced to the German dialect, and some Germans may not understand, either.
Just as the different U.S. states have varying slang words and dialects, so do the different regions in Germany. For example, a fisherman from the Frisian Islands up north will find it hard to talk to a winemaker from the Palatinate area or a skiing teacher from the Alps.
Everybody has their own dialect. And this problem was even noticed by church reformer Martin Luther when he complained in 1538: “There are just too many dialects in the German language, that one might not understand each other properly.”
The reason dates back to early Germanic tribes who each had individual languages.
Through the centuries, the scattered regionalism and small territories didn’t help much to unify the language. It was Luther and his Bible translation, as well as the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, that set a standard for what was eventually to become “Hochdeutsch,” the dialect-free standard version of German you learn in school.
Today, Germany has 16 major groups of dialects, but there are countless regional, even local, variations to each dialect. Other than
in Great Britain, where speaking the regional tongue is a political dead-end, German politicians found it to be very helpful for their career to prove their belonging to a special region by means of dialect.
You will encounter a stronger type of dialect in the rural areas than in metropolitan regions, and it is not uncommon for villagers to pride themselves on their very own language variation.
So, as an example, if you are hungry and want to buy a plain bread roll: In the German capital of Berlin, you order “Schrippen,” whereas the Swabian bakery sells “Weckle,” its Franconian colleague offers “Breedla,” and the people in the south Baden talk about “Weggli.” They are called “Rundstücke” in the northern metropolis Hamburg, but “Semmeln” is your word in Bavaria. You need to ask for “Luffe” in the Braunschweig area, and that’s not yet counting Austrian and Swiss dialects.
But, if your German isn’t advanced enough and you are having trouble trying to cope with Ruhrdeutsch, Hamburgerisch, Kölsch, Hessisch, Sächsisch, Berlinerisch, Pfälzisch, Badisch, Plattdeutsch, Bayerisch, Schwäbisch or Fränkisch dialects, just stick with what you know — Hochdeutsch — and say, “Ein Brötchen, bitte!”
And if the German language and all its dia-
lects don’t confuse you enough, here’s the bonus round! In contrast to other German dialects, “Bayerisch” differs so much from standard German that even native German speakers have difficulties speaking and undererstanding it.
So, the next time you are enjoying yourself with the locals, listen for some of these phrases, or maybe try to use some on your own!
Hello! Could you tell me where to find a nice restaurant around here?
Griaß Eahna Gohd. Kenna Sie uns sogn, wo ma bei Eahna a guade Wirtschaft findt?
I would like to order a large glass of beer, please! I mog a hoibe, bitschee!
Would you please bring me a menu? Taatn S uns bitte d Speiskartn bringa?
Do you have roast pork with bread dumplings? Hom’s a Schweinsbrohn mit Semmekneedl?
We would like to pay. Mir mechatn gern zoin.
Thank you very much and have a nice day! Dank schee und an scheena Tohg wünsch I!
The Armed Forces Wellenss Center and occupational therapy are available the second and fourth Fridays.
Vilseck clinic reaches out to adjust spines, consult on health, more at Hohenfels
Story & photos by Bryan Gatchell USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
To better accommodate the Soldiers of the Hohenfels community, several health services from U.S. Army Health Clinic Vilseck are providing outreach services to Hohenfels.
Soldiers at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center now have access to chiropractic care, nutrition consulting, occupational therapy and more without the hour one-way drive to Rose Barracks.
Chiropractic care is available at U.S. Army Health Clinic Hohenfels the first and third Fridays of the month. The Armed Forces Wellness Center and occupational therapy are available the second and fourth Fridays. The physical therapy clinic, an annex building on the rear side of the main clinic, is open for normal services 10 hours a day Monday through Thursday, which allows for the visiting services to use the facility on the first through fourth Fridays.
“It works out for the patients,” said Lt. Col. Casey McKenna, the commander of U.S. Army Health Clinic Hohenfels. “All those patients who require – especially those who require occupational therapy – would have otherwise had to drive to Vilseck to get those services. So, we bring the care here to them, which is much more efficient and convenient for our patient population. It keeps them off the road and gets them back to duty.”
Maj. Danny Harris, the associate deputy commander for clinical services at Medical Activity
Bavaria, said that the providers are staying busy when they visit Fridays, and furthermore, the service receives positive comments through the Interactive Customer Evaluation specifically regarding local availability.
“We have some really awesome providers who are willing to do whatever it takes to fill the mission,” Harris added.
Dr. Jon Lopez, chiropractic physician for MEDDAC-Bavaria at U.S. Army Health Clinic Vilseck, has been working in the chiropractic field 12 years, 7.5 of which were in the Army.
“It helps readiness, cuts down on profiles, so I think that benefits the active-duty community,” he said of the chiropractic care. “Pilots cannot take certain kinds of medication, so it’s nice to offer them other options to manage their pain.”
“The misconception with chiropractic care is that we are only manipulating and adjusting,” Lopez continued. “That’s what we’re known for. But there’s more to it than just that. We do prescribe exercise to help correct any muscular imbalances, to improve readiness, reduce injuries. We also do manual therapy soft tissue treatment. There are different tools that we have.”
The Armed Forces Wellness Center provides community members prevention programs and services so they can live healthier.
Dr. Randall Watkins, the director of the Armed Forces Wellness Center, helps ensure that the functions of the AFWC are presented to the communities that AFWC serves.
“Not every Soldier has access to a vehicle,” said Watkins. “Sometimes public transportation is compromising. So it’s really about proximity and about being available to Soldiers so they
can benefit from the services.
“We see Hohenfels service members, Grafenwoehr, Vilseck, Garmisch, Ansbach, Illesheim, the entire Bavarian footprint,” Watkins continued. “We cover a large aspect of wellness. The main focus that we have is in many communities is the weight management.”
They make recommendations to their patients on what they need to do to lose, maintain or gain weight or to increase lean muscle mass. They base their recommendations on the patient’s current caloric consumption, their metabolism and their physical activity. They can also assess blood-oxygen level and how patients process lactic acid.
Watkins added that AFWC addresses Family members, general schedule employees as well as service members.
Not every part of the service is available from Vilseck. The “bod pod,” the white egg-shaped module users can sit in that uses air pressure to assess body composition, is not mobile enough to travel biweekly to and from Hohenfels.
“At least they can do the consultation portion and at least get some rudimentary diet and exercise advice from the Armed Forces Wellness Center,” said McKenna. “And the Armed Forces Wellness Center staff can refer them to more services.”
“We are always open to trying to make things more patient-centered,” said Harris. “There are many services offered. If they’d like to see something else kind of rotationally out there in those areas a need that’s not being met just let us know.”
To learn more about chiropractic care, the Armed Forces Wellness Center, occupational health and other services now offered at Hohenfels, contact the clinic by visiting their website at https://mhseurope.tricare.mil/hohenfels.
Clinic Hohenfels Dec. 15, 2023.
Sgt. Robert-Michael Osorio, left, Soldier with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, consults with Dr. Jon Lopez, chiropractic physician with U.S. Army Health Clinic Vilseck, during Lopez’s regular visit to U.S. Army Health Clinic Hohenfels Dec. 15, 2023. Chiropractic care is available at U.S. Army Health Clinic Hohenfels the first and third Fridays of the month thanks to clinical outreach from Vilseck.
Dr. Jon Lopez, top, chiropractic physician at U.S. Army Health Clinic Vilseck, performs an adjustment on Sgt. Robert-Michael Osorio, Soldier with 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, during Lopez’s regular visit to U.S. Army Health
USAG Bavaria celebrates three Stalwart Award winners
Story & photos by Natalie Simmel
USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Three U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria professionals received the Installation Management Command’s Stalwart Award during the Garrison Command Team Conference June 4, 2024 in San Antonio.
The Stalwart Award honors IMCOM civilian professionals who have distinguished themselves from their peers through dedicated service, initiative and drive, achieving significant results that support Army and IMCOM objectives and promote the readiness and resilience of the Army’s people and installations.
“Stalwart Award winners are IMCOM’s very best,” said IMCOM commanding general Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, who hosted the conference in San Antonio. “These professionals represent our commitment to finding innovative solutions and solving our most challenging problems in taking care of the Army’s Home. We look forward to harnessing these winners’ experiences and ideas to further our ability to invest in our IMCOM workforce and ensure the highest Quality of Life for the Army’s Soldiers, Families and Civilians.”
The three Stalwart Award winners from USAG Bavaria are Collin Guy, director of garrison S6; Ekaterina Piotrowski, Directorate of Public Works program analyst; and Andreas Kreuzer, public affairs specialist.
“The fact that we have three winners from USAG Bavaria this year really speaks to the immense amount of talent that sits in the garrison,” said Dwayne Key, deputy to the garrison commander.
Key himself previously won the Stalwart Award. “It is really rewarding and humbling to be considered one of the top professionals in the region and in headquarters IMCOM,” said Key. “I’m just super proud of all the awardees, and I’m really
grateful to the supervisors who put their names forward.
”So not only do we have to have employees doing tremendous things,” Keys continued, “but we also have to have engaged leaders who take the time to highlight and herald their accomplishments in these venues so that they can be properly rewarded.”
Guy’s achievements include but are not limited to brokering crucial agreements with telecommunications providers to address IT and cellphone network gaps, enhancing training readiness and quality of life for deployed soldiers at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. He also spearheaded the implementation of A365 for improved knowledge management capabilities and infrastructure, leading to gains in productivity and time and building positive relationships with various Army entities and industry partners. As a result of his work, USAG Bavaria became pilot site for multiple technology programs and became the first garrison in Europe to undergo mass email migration to Army 365 Exchange Online. Guy also helped launch the USAG Bavaria Cyber Competency Campaign (C3) to improve workforce technical capability and operationalize data, leading to enhanced situational awareness and services delivery.
in the garrison,” Guy continued. “So I’m so happy that it didn’t have to be one of us but all three were selected. And I know for the other two that they are absolutely deserving of it.”
Piotrowski has showcased exceptional talent and leadership as a local national employee within IMCOM-Europe, significantly impacting the organization’s mission. Her groundbreaking development of the Base Operations Expense Worksheet revolutionized accounting practices, leading to a 67 percent increase in reimbursable payments to USAG Bavaria, totaling $9.1 million over two years. Spearheading the DPW Reimbursement Program, Piotrowski meticulously calculated refunds for various services, driving significant improvements in reimbursement rates.
“It is extremely exciting for us to nominate and have Ekatrina be selected as a Stalwart Award winner to help recognize the tremendous work she has done,” said John Sturtz, director of public works. “It’s the employee’s skills, knowledge and abilities where they have done so many tremendous things that in some cases, make it easy for a supervisor or a leader to write up their accomplishments.”
“The thing I’m the most happy about is that it shows that technology and the IT- and Cyberside of things in IMCOM is valuable and it can serve the IMCOM mission even if it is not customer facing,” said Guy. “So that is a way to communicate it, and there’s a value in supporting what IMCOM does traditionally from the back side of things.”
“I talked with the other awardees, and they absolutely deserve it too because they are really hard working and they make things better here
USAG Bavaria DPW presented a Stalwart winner the second time in a row. Peter J. Suh, chief of the Business Operations and Integration Division at the Directorate of Public Works, USAG Bavaria, was one of nine Army civilians who received the 2022 Stalwart Award.
Kreuzer showed innovative initiatives, such as establishing a public affairs apprenticeship program and enhancing social media engagement. These initiatives have had a lasting impact on communication and community outreach. His leadership in developing projects like the My Army Post App pilot and hosting the Better in Bavaria podcast showcases his commitment to
Collin Guy, director of garrison S6
Ekaterina Piotrowski, Directorate of Public Works program analyst
leveraging technology for effective messaging. Additionally, his coordination of the garrison commander’s Fireside Chat and Dive-In radio show demonstrates his ability to deliver timely and engaging content across various platforms, further solidifying his reputation as a cornerstone of communication within USAG Bavaria.
“I’m over-the-moon thrilled Mr. Kreuzer is being spotlighted with this important honor for his tremendous public affairs work for the U.S. Army; he truly epitomizes what this award stands for…courage, loyalty and determination,” said Linda Read, garrison director of the public affairs. “His bold commitment to telling the Army story is seen and felt throughout our entire garrison.”
“Communication is our daily business in PAO. Communication is crucialmost issues in this world stem from poor communication, while good communication can solve nearly anything. Receiving this award is an extraordinary honor for me, it reflects the hard work of our PAO team. I’m especially thrilled to share this recognition with my USAG Bavaria friends Ekaterina and Collin, said Kreuzer. “Thank you all for inspiring me to keep pushing forward.”
The 2023 IMCOM Stalwart Award Winners are:
HQ IMCOM/AEC:
• Sarah Nelson (HQ IMCOM G3)
• Randall J. Cerar (AEC)
ID-Europe:
• George Brown III (Rheinland-Pfalz)
• Arcelio Alleyne (Wiesbaden)
• Collin Guy (Bavaria)
• Andreas Kreuzer (Bavaria)
• Ekaterina Piotrowski (Bavaria)
ID-Pacific:
• Ed Kosbab (Fort Wainwright)
ID-Readiness:
• Cody Bratton (Fort Johnson)
• Steven Milton (Fort Riley)
ID-Sustainment:
• Phillip M. Trued Jr. (Anniston Army Depot)
• Adrianne McLaramore (Detroit)
• Kristen L. Pellaton (Watervliet Arsenal)
• Amy Gopel (Picatinny)
ID-Training:
• Cynthia Richards (Fort Novosel)
Andreas Kreuzer, public affairs specialist
ASAP/SHARP Prevention 5K Color Runs held throughout Bavaria
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s Army Substance Abuse Program and the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention programs hosted four Prevention 5K Color Runs/Walk throughout Bavaria in April.
In total, nearly 1,900 color-splashed runners attended the Prevention Run 5K run/walks at Garmisch, Rose Barracks, Garmisch, and Tower Barracks.
Garrison commander Col. Kevin A. Poole provided opening remarks at the Tower Barracks event.
“We are here today to build camaraderie amongst this great garrison,” Poole said.
“Everything that we are doing here today is to bring awareness to and discourage things that plague our Army – because our Army, our team, functions well when it is underpinned by dignity and respect for our brothers and our sisters to our left and our right.”
Abuse Awareness Month. The month serves as a focal point for raising prevention and awareness in the military by promoting resources available for service members, Army civilians, and their families.
“The 5k prevention walk/run serves as a unifying force, bringing together our communities and organizations,” said Anna Almodóvar, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, USAG Bavaria.
“It transcends differences, fostering unity among individuals and all our communities. It also provides visible support to victims and survivors of sexual assault.”
“The 5k prevention walk/run serves as a unifying force, bringing together our communities and organizations.”
Anna Almodóvar
The month of April is recognized as Sexual Assault and Prevention Month and Alcohol
When asked about the planning four events in four different locations, Breanna Mafnas, Employee Assistance Program Coordinator at USAG Bavaria, quickly expressed gratitude to the volunteers.
“Thank you to the hundreds of incredible community partners and volunteers at each location,” said Mafnas. “They helped make these events possible; we couldn’t have done it without them. Throughout April, the community has come together as one. What makes USAG Bavaria special is everyone’s eagerness to help make a difference.”
During the month of April, the SHARP and ASAP teams worked together to host several events in all four communities. These events involved community campaigns and tabling events, where they held discussions with the public about the importance of intervening, responsible drinking, and common misconceptions about alcohol consumption.
For more photos of the events, visit https://flickr.com/photos/usagbavaria/albums/72177720316325943 https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8370075/asap-sharp-5kprevention-color-walk-run-2024
Story & photos by Kayla Overton
USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Runners pause for a group photo at the ASAP & SHARP Prevention 5K Color Walk/ Run at Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr, April 26.
Runners pause for a photo at the ASAP & SHARP Prevention 5K Color Walk/Run at Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr, April 26.
Runners charge through an explosion of color as the ASAP & SHARP Prevention 5K Color Walk/Run kicks off at Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr, April 26. The Department of Defense observes Sexual Assault and Prevention Month by focusing on creating the appropriate culture to eliminate sexual assault and requiring a personal commitment from all U.S. service members.
A runner stops by an information booth at the ASAP & SHARP Prevention 5K Color Walk/Run at Tower Barracks, Grafenwöhr, April 26.
Community members run to honor at USAG Bavaria
Family members, Gold Star and survivor Families, Soldiers and civilians gathered May 18, 2024 for U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s five-kilometer Run to Honor.
Ninety-five runners took to the route in the rain while wearing the names of those to honor on their race bibs.
Providing opening remarks before the run, Col. Kevin A. Poole, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria commander, reminded runners of the significance of the run.
“As you’re running this route, think of all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and enabled us to live the life we do today,” said Poole. “They not only enable us but also inspire us to be better as Soldiers as we continue to protect our nation and its values.”
With Memorial Day coming up May 27, this event offered a venue for community members to take time to honor the memory and sacrifices of the fallen.
“Community events like this strengthen the community foundation and provides us a sense of belonging,” said Cathy Ignacio, Gold Star Spouse, Survivor Outreach and Community Services coordinator for Army Community Service at Garmisch. “Most importantly, runs like this bring healing to our wounded hearts. This is why it is so important to honor and remember. Despite the emptiness resulting from the loss of our Fallen Hero, remembering them preserves their memories and reminds us of the significant life they once lived.”
“Although the absence of our Fallen Heroes brings sadness,” Ignacio continued, “remembering them perpetuates an ongoing healing knowing they are never forgotten.”
Military boots adorned with American flags were lined up to represent loved ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice in a memorial boot display coordinated by U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s Survivor Outreach Services. The run was hosted by the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center.
For more photos of the event, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagbavaria/ albums/72177720317131611/
For more information on Survivor Outreach Services, visit https://grafenwoehr.armymwr.com/programs/ army-community-service-acs
Story & photos by Kayla Overton
USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
2nd Lt. Michelle Evans, stands at the finish line of the Run to Honor at Tower Barracks, May 18.
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Command Sgt. Maj. Hermes Acevedo (middle) stands with Gold Star Spouses, Cathy Ignacio (left) and Daniela Bechert (right).
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Commander Col. Kevin Poole (right), stands with Gold Star Spouses, Cathy Ignacio (left) and Daniela Bechert (middle) at the Run to Honor at Tower Barracks, May 18.
Kelly and David Brown, run to honor Zach Brown, at the Run to Honor at Tower Barracks, May 18.
Upcoming movies
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River after an unexpected family tragedy. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life soon gets turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter discovers a mysterious portal to the afterlife. When someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times, the mischievous demon gleefully returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton
Borderlands
Returning to her home planet, an infamous outlaw forms an unexpected alliance with a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they battle alien monsters and dangerous bandits to find a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power.
Director: Eli Roth
Cast: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Bobby Lee, Jack Black, Edgar Ramírez, Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Gina Gershon, Jamie Lee Curtis
Rated PG-13
Deadpool & Wolverine
The Time Variance Authority, a bureaucratic organization that exists outside of time and space and monitors the timeline, pulls Wade Wilson / Deadpool from his quiet life and sets him on a mission with Wolverine that will change the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Matthew Macfadyen
Director: Shawn Levy
Rated R
Grafenwöhr Tower Theater
Bldg. 607, Tower Barracks 92655 Grafenwöhr
Vilseck Rose Barracks Theater
Südlager 354
92249 Vilseck
Katterbach AAFES Theater
91522 Ansbach
Hohenfels Movie Theater
Bldg. 3, 92366 Hohenfels
German cinemas showing movies in English language Amberg
