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 in U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria. Whether you are living on or off post, we will have tips and information on the communities surrounding the garrison, including events and festivals, cultural traditions, travel suggestions, and more. In this issue, we focus on the change of season and what you need to do to get your car ready for the colder months ahead. This is also Advent and Christmas market season, from local village markets to the infamous Christkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, you will find details to keep you busy this Winter with events that are sure to impress.
Are you ready to start exploring? We’ll be by your side with a new issue for every season.
Sincerely, USAG Bavaria
Garmisch students learn about fire prevention from host nation partners
IStory & photos by Andrea Griesser USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
n commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began Oct. 8, 1871, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of Oct. 9. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You! strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.
Garmisch Fire Chief, Wolfgang Pauls-Polch conducted a fire drill at Garmisch Elementary and Middle School the morning of Oct. 8. Students and teachers gathered in the designated area next to the school building after the alarm went off and everyone evacuated the building.
Together with the Fire Chief, students practiced how to hold a charged firehose and felt the powerful resistance as the water coursed through it.
Following the demonstration, kindergarten, first and second grade students were met by Freiwillige Feuerwehr (volunteer fire department) Garmisch firefighter “Benni.”
relationship since he joined the Garmisch team in 2005.
“We receive great support from the host nation fire departments, from both Garmisch and Partenkirchen, whenever the need arises,” said Pauls-Polch. “We are very lucky to have such great relationships with all emergency responders in the greater Garmisch area.”
Throughout the year, Pauls-Polch requests support from the Garmisch Feuerwehr not only for emergencies, but also for help with community events, such as the annual tree lighting ceremony when Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive via firetruck. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.
“We are very lucky to have such great relationships with all emergency responders in the greater Garmisch area.”
Garmisch Fire Chief, Wolfgang Pauls-Polch
Together they enjoyed a ride in the firetruck through the housing area complete with sirens and flashing blue lights. Since the Garmisch community doesn’t have its own fire department, the German-American cooperation with the Garmisch-Partenkirchen department is critical. Pauls-Polch has maintained a close working
Pauls-Polch also offered fire warden and fire extinguisher classes throughout Fire Prevention Week. Fire drills were also conducted at the local Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities to ensure children, youth and staff are aware of procedures in case of a real emergency.
In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy.
During his presentations, Pauls-Polch emphasized “to review your fire safety plans within your home and family more often than just during Fire Prevention Week, every October.”
Garmisch Elementary and Middle School students had the opportunity to learn about fire prevention from host nation firefighters during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 6-12.
Christmas Events
Grafenwöhr
Dec. 6
USAREUR Christmas Concert
Stadthalle Grafenwöhr
7 - 9:30 p.m.
Regensburg
Nov. 9 - Jan. 11
Enlightment - Amazing light show in the Minorite Church with animation and music https://www.enlightment-regensburg.de/
Dec. 28-31
Dream Factory in the AudimaxTheatre and Nouveau Cirque https://www.traumfabrik.de
Winter Wonderland - Light Show https://winter-wonderland.online/
From Nov. 28, Faber-Castell Castle Park in Stein near Nuremberg will once again be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland.
New Year’s Eve
Dec. 31 Nuremberg
Gankino Circus - Silvestershow
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
New Year's Eve concert
Meistersingerhalle
6 p.m.
Amberg
Bootshaus
Silvesterparty: New Year's Eve Party
6 - 11:59 p.m.
Silvester Concert
Stadttheater Amberg
7 - 11:59 p.m.
Carnival (Fasching) Parades
Nuremberg
March 2, 2025
Carnival Parade
March 3, 2025
Rose Monday Children’s Parade
Regensburg
Feb. 23, 2025
East-Bavarian carnival parade
Photo by Da
Photo by afotostock/Shutterstock.com
USAG Bavaria welcomes apprentices to workforce
By Natalie Simmel USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Directorates of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria welcomed their five newest apprentices during an onboarding event Sept. 3 and then showed the apprentices their new workplace with a Grafenwoehr training area tour Sept. 5.
USAG Bavaria Command Sgt. Mayor Hermes F. Acevedo and deputy to the garrison commander Dwayne Key welcomed them during their onboarding session.
“It’s really important to us that you all want to be a part of this team, because it really is a great team,” said Key during his brief. “No matter how long you spend with us, I’m just super happy that you’re signing up to be a part of this team.”
Acevedo emphasized the importance of new and good personnel for the garrison and its community members.
“I think it’s very important that we attract the right talent to take care of our family members and our employees and our Soldiers and everybody that comes to visit garrison Bavaria,” said Acevedo. “The talent is what is our strength.”
An apprenticeship in the German system allows interns to obtain on-the-job training while also attending a vocational school. The program provides an innovative way to supplement and rejuvenate the local national segment of the garrison workforce.
“Over 50 percent of our personnel are local national employees,” said Collin Guy, director of integrated technology for the garrison. “They’re really the backbone of our continuity and being able to do any of the work that we do. And so that’s a really important way for us to get new local national employees in and train them up.”
“And it’s going to be hard to attract people, but if we can get them in as apprentices and they can learn with us to do that job, they’re going to be more likely to stay and they’re going to be more successful in their job,” Guy continued. “The Army is a completely different place to work compared to anywhere else you’d find off post.”
USAG Bavaria offered a variety of apprenticeship positions since 1998. So far, there have
been more than 100 graduates of the program. Of the graduates, 77 percent have chosen to continue working with the Grafenwoehr Military Community.
“Our Host Nation apprenticeship and dual study programs are constantly growing; for the candidates, these programs provide a solid foundation for a future career,” said Ann-Kathrin Hartmann, program analyst at Workforce Development. “For the organization, this is a valuable opportunity to groom young, energetic personnel. Apprenticeship and dual study candidates are the subject matter experts and leaders of tomorrow!”
Hartmann herself was a former apprentice and is now responsible for the apprenticeship program at USAG Bavaria.
This year the Directorate of Integrated Technology welcomed the first USAG DIT apprentice.
“I’m really excited because this is the first time ever that in USAG Bavaria, we’ve had an IT apprentice across other directorates,” said Guy. “So it’s kind of a history-making thing for the Directorate of Integrated Technology in Bavaria, and I hope it’s not the last one.”
All five apprentices expressed excitement to work in an international environment, to learn, and to meet new people.
“I applied for the IT position here with the US Army because I am interested in the different work environment compared to the German market,” said Samuel Schmidt, apprentice with DIT. “Of course, I’m also really looking forward to working with American civilians, working with the Soldiers and to help the team. … I can only recommend the apprenticeship program to anyone who wants to make a change.”
“My grandma works for DPW as an electrician; she told me about this opportunity,” said Lilly Kaiser, new Directorate of Public Works apprentice. “I am interested in the international
New apprentices and members of the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria directorates the apprentices are joining, stood on an exterior stairway in the Grafenwöhr training area for a group photo. Directorates of USAG Bavaria welcomed their five newest apprentices during an onboarding event Sept. 3 and then showed the apprentices their new workplace with a Grafenwoehr training area tour Sept. 5.
work environment, and I am looking forward to improving my English skills and to make new connections. So I applied.”
After the theoretical part, the apprentices and their trainer participated in a Water Tower Museum tour where they learned about the history of their new employer.
The onboarding event was followed by a tour of the Grafenwoehr training area, during which the trainees, trainers and other partners and invited guests, such as Mayor Hans-Martin Schertl, explored the training area.
The tour ended with a joint lunch.
The five new apprentices are:
• Selina Goeschel – Directorate of Resource Management
• Lilly Kaiser - Directorate of Public Works
• Franziska Kastner - Directorate of Public Works
• Leonie Mayer - Directorate of Public Works
• Samuel Schmidt - Directorate of Integrated Technology
The onboarding tour was joined by USAG Bavaria’s first dual study student Beatrice Vogel who starts her journey with USAG Bavaria Oct. 1 with DRM.
For a list of American job opportunities and German job and apprenticeship opportunities, visit: https://home.army.mil/bavaria/index.php/employment. For pictures of the onboarding events visit: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBGoJb.
Photo by Natalie Simmel
Competitors row, bike, run during inaugural Hohenfels Driathlon
DBy Bryan Gatchell USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
ozens of athletes took to the Joint Multinational Readiness Center to row, bicycle, and run as part of the Hohenfels Military Community’s inaugural Driathlon Aug. 17 at Hohenfels.
There were 19 individual participants and seven three-person teams coming from Hohenfels, Grafenwoehr and as far away as Stuttgart to compete. Participants rowed for 750 meters on stationary rowing machines, and from there they took to the gravel roadways of the training area on bicycle. The final stage of the race was a five-kilometer run, which started with an uphill climb and ended with an uphill climb.
Despite the name “driathlon,” the weather was not dry, and competitors rowed, biked and ran in wet weather.
Organizations provided food and water at the event start site, and volunteers staffed water tables along the bicycle and running portions of the race.
Below are the results from the event:
Individual Female:
• 1st - Ellie Christensen - 1:43:03
• 2nd - Amanda Butler - 1:43:51
• 3rd - Brittany Martinez - 1:45:04
Individual Male:
• 1st - Joshua Lothspeich - 1:14:51
• 2nd - William West - 1:26:09
• 3rd - Michael Curtain - 1:31:38
Best Teams
• 1st - Tri Hard Crew (Edgar Orellana, Austin Luher, Grayson Haws) - 1:06:38
• 2nd - Califas Brown Bears (Savino Cisneros, Alfred Flores, Hector Ruelas-Godinez) - 1:23:55
• 3rd - M30ABC (Francisco Granda, David Ries, William Holden) - 1:31:33
Above: Community members at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center participate in the annual "Rugged Terrain Driathlon" near Hohenfels, Aug. 17. The Driathlon had over 30 participants and consisted of three events; a 750m row, 20km bike ride, and 5km run. Participants could participate as individuals or as part of a team to complete this timed event. Photos by Spc. Nicko Bryant Jr.
From left, Kimberly Spalsbury, fitness program coordinator; Michael Curtain, third place finisher in the men’s division; Joshua Lothspeich, first place; William West, second place; and Angela Lane, deputy garrison manager at Hohenfels, pose for a photo following the inaugural Hohenfels Driathlon Aug. 17.
honors longterm employees during length of service ceremony
By Natalie Simmel USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria honored 49 longterm employees for their dedicated service during a length of service ceremony Oct. 18 at the Tower View Conference Center.
Honorees have been in government service for at least 20 years, 13 of them serving 40 years, two for 45 years and one for even 50 years.
“You are integral to our community's success: People who do what needs to be done day after day, year after year – and even decade after decade,” said deputy to the garrison commander Dwayne Key during his speech, “all of this without losing your enthusiasm and commitment to providing quality services.”
During the ceremony U.S. and local national employees were honored.
One of the local national employees, Angelika Reinsch was honored for 40 years of service.
“It's just a nice gesture to get honored and treated with respect for your hard work,” said Reinsch about the ceremony.
Reinsch started working for USAG Bavaria in 1984 and has been working for the Directorate of Emergency Services the last 23 years.
“Bavaria is my home,” she said. “And the jobs are secure and well-paid.”
“We are all aware that a company is only viable thanks to its staff and is only able to function smoothly thanks to its most loyal employees,” said Dieter Gebhardt, chairman for the German works council. “No company becomes strong if it doesn't have strong employees. And over the course of such a long time, a close relationship develops with the employer.”
Gladwin Spohr got honored for 50 years of service during the event. Currently he works for the Auto Skills Center at Tower Barracks, but he first came to Bavaria in 1988.
“I started back here in January ’88 in the third or sixth they call missile battalion, and the community's changed a whole lot,” Spohr said. “I've been assigned to a lot of other different posts but down here in Bavaria … it is just better in Bavaria."
“My goal was to do 45 years, but after I passed that one I said, well, let me try for the 50 and I'm still going,” continued Spohr. “It's a good feeling. Not too many of us get to do that these days. I just hope other people are ones that were 45 years can stick around and make 50 also and stay healthy and can contribute to our community here.”
Pictures from the ceremony ca be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBP8oT
If you are interested in pursuing a career with USAG Bavaria visit: https://home.army.mil/bavaria/employment.
50 years
• Gladwin Spohr
45 years
• Peter Linder
• Robert Shoemaker
40 years
• Dennis Foote
• Guenter Hampl
• Serge Kearse
• Silvia Lobenhofer
• Troy Mason
• Angelika Reinsch
• Juergen Schraml
• Erwin Speth
35 years
• Dieter Berger
• Konrad Dotzler
• Heinrich Fenk
• Alfred Hey
• Martina Kaiser
• Martin Poehnl
• Robert Reindl
• Claudia Robinson
• Stephan Wolf
• Ali Zakariah
25 years
• Christian Anderson
• Thomas Herder
• Hermann Gollwitzer
• Sarah Helen Karim
• Walter Kollbrand
• Stefan Kunz
• Clarissa Lamar
• Martin Pscherer
• Ambar Yenz
20 years
• Herbert Diertl
• Stephanie Franz
• Marko Friedrichs
• Gerald Fuerst
• Bernd Hiltel
• Andreas Hoerl
• Shanee Jenkins
• Birgit Joyce
• Stephanie Kaltwasser
• Monja LazarusGreen
• Monica Lynch
• Klaus Meier
• Matthias Pamler
• Hans-Juergen Pfleger
• Michael Ritter
• Marko Roesch
• Josef Scheidler
• Herbert Speth Honorees:
• Stefan Schwemmer
Advent: Germany gets into holiday spirit
By Gina Hutchins-Inman 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Advent is a special time full of century-old traditions as well as modern customs in Germany. The noun “advent” refers to ‘a coming into place, view or being; arrival’. More commonly the term is used to describe the season and the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Advent wreaths
One of the older customs is that of the Adventskranz, a wreath bound out of fir branches and decorated with four candles. The first candle is lit on the fourth Sunday prior to Christmas, taking place on Dec. 1 this year. The second candle is lit on the following Sunday and so forth up to Christmas.
Advent calendars
Another fun-filled tradition, especially loved by younger (and maybe even older) children is the Advent calendar. The calendar can be store bought filled with chocolate, sweets or other small surprises or just as well be homemade using small jute sacks, colorful boxes, cloth pockets sewn onto textile backgrounds or in any other creative style. The individual days are marked with numbers from one to 24 and starting on Dec. 1, the recipient can open one “door” and find a surprise to sweeten the waiting time and countdown to Christmas.
St. Nicholas
to the late Middle Ages, embodying a rich tradition of holiday spirit and community.
Places like Nürnberg, Dresden with Germany’s oldest market, and Trier transform city squares into winter wonderland. The market in Saarbrücken offers a Santa Claus in his sled “hovering” high above St. Johanner Markt, fascinating children and par ents alike. Medieval markets at castles and historic town centers draw guests from near and far and “catapult” visitors into the mystic Middle Ages with ladies, knights and traditional music.
Cheerfully decorated wooden booths offer handcrafted gifts, decorations, toys, candles and ornaments. Delicious Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Rostbratwurst, crepes and sweets will let your mouth water and drinks such as spicy Glühwein, punch and hot chocolate will keep visitors warm on cold winter evenings, while the aroma of cinnamon, cloves and oranges, and scented candles will lift you into the holiday spirit.
Dec. 6 marks the arrival of St. Nicholas who visits children and fills their freshly shined shoes with small presents such as chocolate, fruits, nuts or small toys. The tradition dates back to the fourth century when Bishop Nicholas of Myra (now Demre in Turkey) brought fruits, nuts and tangerines to poor families.
Cheerfully decorated cities
Shops, streets and private houses are brightly decorated with lights, decorated indoor and outdoor trees and colorful ornaments as in many other countries around the world. Glamorously decorated stores are packed with presents to be bought, gifts to be wrapped and special seasonal dishes are on offer.
Christmas markets
Legendary German Christmas markets! Picture fairy lights twinkling against the night sky, the aroma of mulled wine (Glühwein) wafting through the air, and charming wooden stalls brimming with handmade ornaments, festive treats, and unique gifts. These markets date back
Heiligabend / Christmas Eve
Finally, on Christmas Eve on Dec. 24, families traditionally meet for a light dinner and wait for the gentle tingling of a bell. This marks the arrival of the Christkind (Christ child) or the Weihnachtsmann (similar to Santa Claus) who brings children gifts. Some families sing Christmas carols together, others might visit a church service, while it has become popular for the younger folks to head out to swinging Christmas parties after exchanging gifts.
Photo by Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com
Photo by
Photo by
Photo by Kzenon/Shutterstock.com
Photo by Shaiith/Shutterstock.com
Christmas Markets
The Oberpfalz region of Bavaria is known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, making it a delightful destination during the Christmas season. Here’s a selection of some notable Christmas markets in Oberpfalz that you won’t want to miss:
1. Regensburg
Late November to December 23
Highlights: Regensburg’s Christkindlmarkt is one of the most famous in Bavaria, set against the stunning backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a variety of crafts, traditional foods, and live performances.
2.
Weiden in der Oberpfalz
Late November to December 23
Highlights: Located in the city center, this market features beautifully decorated stalls selling handmade crafts, delicious food, and festive beverages. The lively atmosphere includes music and entertainment.
3. Amberg
Late November to December 23
Highlights: Amberg’s Christmas market takes place in the historic old town, offering a cozy atmosphere filled with local artisans, tasty treats, and warm drinks, including Glühwein.
4. Cham
Late November to just before Christmas
Highlights: A smaller, more intimate market, Cham offers local crafts, food stalls, and familyfriendly activities, making it a great spot to soak up the festive spirit.
5. Tirschenreuth
Late November to December 23
Highlights: Known for its community vibe, Tirschenreuth’s market features local artisans and a variety of delicious Bavarian treats, perfect for a cozy outing
6. Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz
Late November to December 23
Highlights: This market is known for its traditional wooden stalls and a wide selection of crafts and food. The festive decorations create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
7. Schwandorf
Late November to December 23
Highlights: Schwandorf’s Christmas market features local vendors, live music, and a charming holiday ambiance. It’s a great place to enjoy seasonal delicacies.
… and of course don’t miss out on the Nürnberger Christkindl Markt, which is not located in the Oberpfalz, but only a bit more than an hour’s drive from Grafenwöhr!
Tips for visiting
Check Local Schedules: Dates and times may vary, so it’s advisable to check local tourism websites for the latest information.
Transportation: Many towns are accessible via public transport, making it easy to explore multiple markets.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local specialties like Lebkuchen (gingerbread), bratwurst, and hot mulled wine!
These markets offer a magical experience filled with holiday cheer, local culture, and the warmth of community. Enjoy your festive adventures in Oberpfalz!
World Wide Car Shipping
Very scary library
library - story time
Villagers return to their roots for All Saints’ Day
By Natalie Simmel USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Each Sunday after All Saints Day, Rose Barracks opens its gates to families whose ancestors used to live in Langenbruck and Haag, towns that were relocated during the expansion of the Grafenwoehr training area in 1937 and 1938.
During the All Saints Day event, the families get the chance to clean and take care of the graves of their loved ones they had to leave behind.
Every year a group of 80 to 100 citizens from the Vilseck and Grafenwoehr surrounding communities come to join the event. This year more people joined. Here, a special thank you goes out to Peter Stuempfel, who volunteered within minutes to drive a second bus for the event to ensure that all eventgoers could participate in the blessing of the graves.
The military training area was established in 1907 by the Kingdom of Bavaria to train troops for the III Royal Bavarian Corps, forcing about 230 people to leave their homes.
Later, in 1937 and 1938, the Wehrmacht underwent a major expansion from 96 to 230 square kilometers (37 to 89 square miles), evicting more than 3,500 people from their villages, including Langenbruck (now Rose Barracks near Vilseck) and Haag (within the Grafenwoehr Training Area).
After the World War II, the U.S. Army took over the military training area. The graveyards in those two towns have endured.
While both cemeteries are normally not available for visiting due their location within the Grafenwoehr Training Area, the Sunday after All Saints Day, a major Catholic holiday dedicated to prayer and memory of the dead Nov. 1, the Vilseck military community opens their gates to give families the opportunity to take care of the graves of their ancestors.
This annual event has been offered since 1991, when both the Langenbruck and Haag cemeteries were first repaired. Since then, the German Bundeswehr has been taking care of the Haag cemetery and the Directorate of Public Works has been taking care of the Langenbruck cemetery.
This year was special because four special guests joint the event. Elfriede Schiessl who was born in Haag December 1937. The two Zeilmanns, Paul and Adolf, who were born there in 1935 and 1936. And the last person born in Haag before the relocation, Ludwig Walter, who was born there in 1938.
Walter moved away from Vilseck in the 1970s and joined the event with his children and grandchildren. They traveled from Munich and Wuerzburg. As a reminder of his roots and to thank him for joining the event, Vilseck mayor Hans-Martin Schertl gifted him a crest of Vilseck.
“I’ve been here a few times before with dear old Haagers, many of whom I no longer knew,” Walter said. “And today we have met Haager people who are much older than me. We were very pleased to see them again after such a long time.”
“You can’t understand what it’s like to lose your home,” he continued. “It’s very, very bad. It always gets to you because you’ve lost everyone. The money issue was less bad. But the people were scattered all over the world. And so few were found and reunited. But this today, that’s what brought many of them together again through this path to the cemetery in Haag on All Saints’ Day.”
Nevertheless, one important person was missing this time. Werner Stubenvoll, who had been organizing this event for decades had recently passed away.
“In the past Stubenvoll organized this event for many years, for decades,” said Schertl. “This trip, this organization of the trip, the fact that it was possible for so many people to participated today and I think even the nice weather today.”
Stubenvoll himself had roots to the village of Haag. His grandfather was mayor there for some time before the villagers had to relocate.
The event continued with a short information tour through Rose Barracks, passing by the housing areas Kittenberg, Gruenwald, Altneuhaus and Langenbruck which have been named after the relocated communities to remember them.
You can find out more about the Langenbruck cemetery through this short movie from 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6NTqV5GDMs
You can find more pictures of the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBQxFD.
As a reminder of his roots and to thank him for joining the event mayor Schertl gifted a crest of Vilseck to Ludwig Walter, last person born in Haag. Photo by Natalie Simmel
WINTER DRIVING: What to do when bad weather hits Bavaria
by USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
Inclement weather brought on by the autumn and winter months can deliver a blow to Bavaria and the surrounding area, affecting your decision to travel.
Garrison officials and street cleaning crews at U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria installations at Garmisch, Grafenwoehr, Hohenfels and Vilseck will do everything they can to keep services running. Snow and ice, however, may result in changes in road conditions, school closures, work delays or a temporary shutdown in some garrison services.
What to do
Be in the know. Here’s how:
Stay connected to home.army.mil/bavaria. In the middle of the page, you will find information about Alert! and road conditions.
Register in Alert! today. Ensure you and your family receive Army Alert messages before bad weather hits. The system notifies users in several ways: as a pop-up on their workstation computer, an email to work and home addresses, a text message to their cell phone, and a voicemail to their work, home and cell phones. For more information on Alert! visit https://home. army.mil/bavaria/Alert.
For information pertaining to weather updates, delays, closures and driving conditions don’t forget to follow us on social media! We’re on Facebook @USAGBavaria or Instagram @USAG_Bavaria.
For current USAG Bavaria road conditions call the “Road Conditions” hotline, at any time of the day, at DSN 475-ROAD (7623) or CIV 09641-83-7623.
Tune into AFN Bavaria the Eagle at Grafenwoehr (98.5 FM), Vilseck (107.7 FM), Amberg (89.9 FM), Hohenfels (93.5 FM), or Garmisch (90.3 FM). Or listen online on the AFN Go app for up-to-date weather, road conditions, and local events.
If you are a Soldier and are still unsure, call your staff duty officer for further guidance.
Driving conditions levels are set as follows: Non-hazardous: Conditions allow for normal vehicle operation.
Hazardous: Drivers are likely to encounter snow, slush and patches of black ice. Caution is advised during vehicle operation.
Dangerous: Drivers are likely to encounter snow, drifting snow, black ice and limited visibility. Extreme caution is advised during vehicle operation.
Extremely dangerous: Drivers are likely to encounter snow, heavy drifting snow, extreme sheet ice, limited visibility and potential “white out” conditions. Only emergency travel should be conducted.
Road conditions are set at green, amber, red and black. These levels only pertain to conditions for dispatching military tactical and non-tactical vehicles. All DOD sedans, station wagons, carryalls, vans, buses and public works vehicles are considered “non-tactical.”
Contrary to popular belief, the driving and road conditions do not dictate whether you as a Soldier, civilian or student should come to work or school, though they are indicators that you should practice caution with the current conditions.
Road conditions are determined for both on- and off-post. Conditions are set based on the most deteriorated spots on-post and within the surrounding communities. Military police patrols may deem amber conditions on General Patton, for example, but red in Schmidmuehlen or Hohenburg. Therefore,
road conditions are red.
If you have concerns but no installation-wide delay or closure has been announced, contact your staff duty officer or supervisor.
The garrison shuttle will not run during red or black road conditions.
Understanding how the Garrison responds to bad weather
When conditions warrant, the garrison command team may direct delayed reporting, early release or closure for schools and garrison employees. This decision is based on a combination of driving and weather conditions.
The garrison command team’s decisions apply to all personnel, mission partners, directorates, agencies and DoDEA-Europe schools.
Work and School Delays, Early Dismissals & Closures
When a delay is announced at any of the USAG Bavaria communities, the garrison’s Department of Public Works needs time to clear roads and parking lots. Primary roads are cleared first, followed by secondary and tertiary roads.
Check with your respective DoDEA school or Child and Youth Services facility for specific information on dismissal or closure procedures. Appointments at medical and dental clinics may be postponed. Always call ahead prior to your visit.
Courtesy photo
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for your own safety. The decision to drive to work or send your children to school is up to you. Weather conditions can vary drastically across Bavaria, as well as change at a moment’s notice.
How to prep your car for winter
Winter is here. While the snow is fun and picturesque, it can also make for hazardous road conditions — especially if you have never driven in snow. Whether you are a winter-driving newbie or an old pro, here is a quick guide to winter road readiness.
Vehicle Checklist
• Ice scraper and Brush
• De-icing windshield spray. The night before an anticipated winter mix, spray the surfaces of your vehicle with a product designed to prevent the formation of ice. Simple formulas involving a few household ingredients are also an option.
• Snow shovel. While you are not expected to shovel the community road, but you may need to clear the area around your vehicle.
• Sand and Tiegen-Eisfrei. When the temperature drops below freezing — as it often does overnight — a layer of ice forms over many ground surfaces. Apply sand to the sidewalks, steps and street around your house to prevent slips and vehicle skids. Road salt is strictly prohibited in Germany and the garrison. TiefenEisfrei, an environmentally friendly deicing product, is permitted and may be used to cover patches of ice.
• Car battery charger.
• Jump start cables.
Winter Tires
As of Sept. 30, 2024, winter tires must be marked with the 3-peak mountain and snowflake. Tires marked only with M+S, which stands for mud and snow traction, are no longer permitted.
The law also applies to motorbikes, trucks and buses, regardless of whether the driver is the owner or is renting the vehicle. These vehicles must also be equipped with winter tires if you drive in snow or icy conditions.
In some parts of Germany, particularly in the southern mountainous region, snow chains may be required if directed by road signs or police. Check route conditions and snow chain requirements before heading out. Know how to put snow chains on before you need them, and make sure you don’t exceed 50 kph when driving with them.
Remember, you can be ticketed if you don’t follow these requirements.
Before you go
Clear your driveway a nd sidewalk
Off-post residents in leased housing and private rentals are responsible for snow and ice removal in their driveways and on public sidewalks bordering their home from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle German law requires that drivers remove as much snow and ice as possible, particularly from windows, mirrors and headlights. Make sure you have maximum visibility and that your vehicle does not present a hazard to other drivers.
Driving in snow
Drive slowly
It is often difficult to determine where patches of ice develop or when a mix of slush will send your tires sideways. Operate vehicle functions smoothly, particularly during turns and braking, and gradually accelerate and decelerate. Give yourself a few extra minutes of travel time.
Following distance
Don’t tailgate. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Your car may require more than twice the amount of time and space than usual to perform unexpected stops or maneuvers.
Avoid parking on poorly treated hills if possible
While driving, use momentum gained before the incline, and apply slight pressure to the accelerator if necessary. Do not stop on a hill.
Tire skidding
Watch out for icy patches, especially on bridges, overpasses and heavily wooded areas. To prevent skidding, drive slowly and make gentle turns. If your vehicle skids, take your foot off the accelerator or brake
Photo by Petair/Shutterstock.com
Photo by Zigmunds Dizgalvis/Shutterstock.com
USAG Bavaria welcomes newest American citizens
By Natalie Simmel USAG Bavaria Public Affairs
As part of a special program to naturalize active-duty service members and their Families, 27 new citizens hailing from 14 different countries were welcomed as citizens of the United States during a naturalization ceremony Oct. 31 at the Tower View Conference Center.
Following the national anthem performed by Karissa Musket, the “Oath of Allegiance” was virtually conducted by Maria Trevizo-Ramirez, a representative with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The citizens naturalized at the ceremony originally came from El Salvador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Colombia, South Korea, Philippines, Germany, Ecuador, Mexico, Russia, Vietnam, Cote D’Ivoire and Uzbekistan.
The ceremony concluded with deputy to the garrison commander Dwayne Key distributing certificates of naturalization to America’s newest citizens.
“Today, the history of our great nation, the very identity of the United States changes for the better as we add the names, the families, the stories of 27 new Americans to the long and distinguished list of those who have completed the journey to American Citizenship,” said Key.
The newly naturalized citizens consisted of 13 service members and 14 civilians.
“The fact that many of you made the choice
to do this on top of being a part of the Armed Forces, whether you are a servicemember or a family member, and not your own places of national origin makes today even more special,” Key said. “I am so grateful, so honored to be here and witness this moment in your lives.”
Jose Andres Donis Arana with the 15th Engineer Battalion has been waiting for this day since he joined the Army.
“I feel really proud to be called an American citizen now,” Arana said. “And I'm so impressed of how many good things that happened to me in a very short period.”
“This is something I was really looking to,” continued Arana. “I feel so happy, so thankful for this nation, for all the opportunities that it has given me. I think that being part of the army is one of the ways to say thank you for all the benefits, opportunities and help that has given to me in all these years.”
He has the following advice for people who are considering the naturalization process:
“Joining the Army is a really good opportunity, not only because of the benefits, also because it will make you grow as a person,” said Arana. “They find you a better way … will make you, like, explore your limits. And definitely the citizenship is one of the benefits.”
The ceremony concluded with the youngest participant, Quang Huy Vo from Vietnam, cutting the cake with Key.
To view the live stream of the event, visit https://www.facebook. com/USAGBavaria/videos/1193775075032818
Here’s a list of all the newly naturalized U.S. citizens:
• Franklin Andres Canas Coreas – El Salvador
• Dana Nicole Clay - Germany
• Ysabel Estefani Diaz Mejia – Germany
• Jose Andres Donis Arana - Guatemala
• Yoel Antonio Estevez – Dominican Republic
• Kervens Fanfan - Haiti
• Andrea Gabriela Flores Villar - Mexico
• Elisabeth Catherine Godfrey - Germany
• Juan Aandres Gomez Saladana - Colombia
• Chrisian Wilfrido Lazo-Lopez - Ecuador
• Dahye Lee – South Korea
• Criselle Joy Cruz Luvedise - Phillipines
• Christiane Antonia Meaney - Germany
• Karla Jeackelin Mendoza - Ecuador
• Clarissa Josefine Moreno - Germany
• Nadja Peery - Germany
• Aaron Perez Gonzales - Mexico
• Hector Portillo – El Salvador
• Elena Viktorovna Priori – Germany
• Melinda Loeffler Pulido – Germany
• Ferlyn Mari Rivera-Martinez - Philippines
• Jose Luis Rodriguez - Mexico
• Semen Sevastianov - Russia
• Esther Townsend - Germany
• Quang Huy Vo - Vietnam
• David Herbert Yangra – Cote D’Ivoire
• Vladislav Yanpolskiy - Uzbekistan
View additional photos of the event at the link here: https://flic. kr/s/aHBqjBQwdt
As part of a special program to naturalize active-duty service members and their Families, 27 new citizens hailing from 14 different countries were welcomed as citizens of the United States during a naturalization ceremony Oct. 31 at theTower View Conference Center. Photo by Paula Edwards
If you are lucky enough to find yourself living in Europe, you should make sure you experience one of its crown jewels, the Alps. Here is a collection of can’t miss destinations for your next ski or snowboard adventure.
Best Variety
Portes Du Soleil, France/ Switzerland
If you are looking for endless variety, Portes du Soleil, France, should be on your short list. The literal English translation is “the Doors of the Sun” but translates to “the Gateway to the Sun” and is situated between Mont Blanc in France and Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
An impressive thirteen resorts makes up the ski region and what is more impressive is your lift ticket covers all of them! It is easy to be intimidated by the second largest ski resort in the world (Les Trois
Vallees, France, is number one) with over 200 lifts in the system that links all the resorts and the fact that it straddles two countries (France and Switzerland). And yes, your passport is required when you are skiing in case you don’t make it back to your country of origin at the end of the day and have to commandeer transportation back. I enjoyed one of the best powder days I have ever had in Châtel, France, when we received three meters of snow in a four-day period (snorkel depth!). The steep and deep was plentiful for advanced skiers. It doesn’t all have to be about powder and fast skiing. There is so much variety, even the most amateur skier can enjoy the endless cruisers going from resort to resort while you explore the Haute-Savoie region.
The resort is so expansive, the best bet for a multi-day trip is to pick your resort for the day and take the free bus to it. If you are looking to see endless valleys while you are getting to your destination, you can ski to your chosen resort, but be aware – you
may take half the day getting there. The variety of this amazing resort should not be taken as a negative. It defi nitely is not. In one single week trip, you can experience what most people need three or four trips to accomplish. Keep in mind you can get a six day pass for about 220 euro. Compare that to resorts in the states like Vail in Colorado which is a fraction of the size and commands a whopping $665 for a fi ve-day pass (in February). Avoriaz, France, is the most modern skiing/boarding of all the resorts and has accommodations totaling 14,000 beds. Morzine is the largest French town with a traditional market center and offers plenty of easy and intermediate skiing right from the village. Châtel is right on the border of Switzerland offering two main areas and easily links to Torgon and Morgins, Switzerland. Les Crosets and Champéry are Swiss villages with plenty of tradition. Les Crosets boasts large fun parks for the kids.
Travel — Make it in an eight-hour drive from the Grafenwöhr area.
Best Hidden Gem Andermatt, Switzerland
If you are looking for a place that is never crowded and is lacking the hustle and bustle of the big resorts in the Alps, but still have the mountain, snow and stunning views, try Andermatt. Located next to the Gotthard pass, Andermatt is the ski town no one has heard of. Snow is aplenty and every type of terrain is available. The Gemsstock offers extreme terrain while Sedrun offers family friendly cruising. The resorts are connected by the Glacier Express train (included in your lift ticket), which is an adventure in itself as it climbs through the Alpine winter wilderness.
Andermatt is not for the late night crowd. Things quiet down around 8 p.m. here. For the traditional Swiss chalet experience, try the Hotel Schweizerhof. If you are looking for an economical stay (think high-end youth hostel, but very clean), try Sust Lodge am Gotthard.
Travel — From Grafenwöhr, you can make it in six and a half to seven hours.
Best Bang For The Buck Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
I pick Garmisch-Partenkirchen as my best bang for the buck for two simple reasons: VAT forms and U.S. dollars! It is rare that you can go to an amazing European Alps destination and take advantage of the logistical support that goes along with serving overseas. It can account for huge savings, especially if you end up going on a little shopping spree at one of the local outdoor shops. Add onto that the local Armed Forces Recreation Center at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, where you pay in dollars and you have saved yourself some serious coin. All active duty and civilian personnel serving in Europe can book a vacation at the Edelweiss, which is a full service resort (see “Edelweiss”
here.) A host of the Winter Olympics, various World Cups and endless other top-tier events, Garmisch offers skiing, boarding and much more. The Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, offers a serious tram ride to the top (look for the new tram in December 2017) with plenty of high-alpine sliding on the glacier. A number of other smaller ski areas are perfect for the family, like Hausberg, Kreuzeck and Alpspitze, which are interconnected. Time your stay right and catch one of the many ski jump events at Grosse Olympiaschanze. While you are there, hike up to the Partnachklamm, an amazing cavern hike along the mountain stream, the Partnach. Travel — From Grafenwöhr, you can make it in about 4.25 hours
Best Everything Sankt Anton, Austria
Whether you are looking for epic terrain, a ridiculous party scene, breathtaking views or amazing hotels, Sankt Anton am Arlberg has it all. To begin with, the resort that is credited for its part in inventing skiing, is part of Ski Arlberg in the Tyrolean region in Austria, which means when you buy your lift ticket, you also gain access to 88 lifts and 305 kilometers of pistes. Resorts such as Lech, Zuers, St. Christoph, Stuben, Warth and Schroecken are all interconnected and offer a wide variety of terrain for the whole family.
To start with, you can find extreme steeps as well as lazy cruisers at St. Anton. You can also find a vast network of trams (Seilbahn) and gondolas (Gondelbahn) that can get you quickly to another area of the resort. In fact, take a minute to look at the engineering that goes into these amazing lifts. It’s not a bad idea to enlist the help of one of the many famous ski/snowboard schools no matter what level you are. You’ll pick up some great pointers as well as have a guide that knows exactly where to go for the best skiing/ boarding experience.
If you are looking to let loose a bit, ApresSki time (anytime after 2 p.m.) has lots of on-mountain sun decks and bars. Keep your eyes open at the end of the day on your last run down the mountain for options, but a can’t miss is the Mooserwirt, known for its great music and packed sun deck. Be sure to store your equipment in a safe spot as things get a bit interesting when the bar closes at 8 p.m. For dinner time, the town of St. Anton has lots of great options from pizza (try Pizza Pomodoro) and sushi to typical Tyrolean fare (Restaurant Maximilian), but take heed… always make a reservation for dinner! Late night clubs are a plenty in St. Anton as well. Many of the restaurants turn into hot night spots that are open late into the night. For lodging, holiday periods will be on the pricey side (as with all resorts), but non-holiday periods are actually quite reasonable considering the quality and location of this worldfamous resort.
Photo by Dmytro Vietrov/Shutterstock.com
AndermattphotobyPeterWey/Shutterstockcom
Travel — From Grafenwöhr it takes about five and a half hours.
Indoor activities
How to exercise safely this winter
Keeping fit and active during the winter months can be challenging, as poor weather conditions, icy surfaces and darkness can pose a danger to your safety.
Following these helpful running tips, however, will enable you to exercise safely throughout the winter period.
• Sticking to a regular running schedule throughout the year is important, particularly during the winter months when your body needs to be fighting fit in order to stave off those pesky winter colds and bugs.
• With less hours of daylight at your disposal, however, winter running often involves being out in the dark. Combined with snow, ice and poorly lit roads and park, running around in the dark can be risky business, as you can easily lose your balance on slippery surfaces.
• As well as the safety risks, there is also the small matter of finding the motivation to leave your warm, cosy home in favour of running around in the cold. Thankfully, however, there are plenty ways to both stay safe and motivate yourself for winter training. Check out these tips on how to stay safe and active during the colder months.
Safety first: A running partner
• Having a running partner is great for motivation, as a few choice words can spur you on and help you find that extra bit of energy required to finish your run. During winter, however, it is also a case of safety in numbers. Having someone who can assist you in the event of an injury is invaluable, and will also help give you peace of mind while you’re running.
• Alternatively, join a local running club and head out with other running enthusiasts – a great way to stay safe and meet new people.
• Choose well-lit running routes
• Reduce the likelihood of an injury by sticking to well-lit running roads and paths. This will help you identify ice patches and other obstacles, as well as insure you remain visible to other runners, cyclists or vehicles.
Dress warmly
Mix things up a bit by taking on some indoor activities, giving yourself a break from the cold while at the same time exposing you to different ways of training. Sign up at your local fitness center and use their treadmills or indoor running tracks.
Always make sure you wrap up warm before embarking on your run. You may build up a sweat, but it’s no substitute for proper clothing. Wearing the right clothes will help protect your muscles from the cold air, thus reducing the risk of injury. Taking time to stretch prior to your run is also important in order to soften up your muscles. Photo
Motivation is key
So just how do you motivate yourself to go running during the winter months? Well, you could give some of these things a try…
• Think of how good you’ll feel
Remember how good you felt after your last run? Well remind yourself of it when you’re lying on the couch feeling sluggish, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll feel motivated to get up and run. Remember, the hardest part is often getting out the door.
• Bribe yourself
Set out on a run by promising yourself a treat once you get back. It could be your favourite dinner, a mug of hot chocolate or a bit of reality TV that you’d otherwise feel a tad guilty about watching.
• Turn up the music
Everyone’s got their favourite songs that never fail to get the adrenaline pumping. Create a playlist and turn up the volume in the house and you may just feel inspired to take on that 10k run. Keep the motivation up by bringing an MP3 player with you and listen to the tunes while you run.
• Just do it!
Advertorial
Upcoming movies
Photo by Tatiana
The room next door
Ingrid and Martha were close friends in their youth, when they worked together at the same magazine. After years of being out of touch, they meet again in an extreme but strangely sweet situation.
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Cast: Julianne Moore, Tilda Swinton, John Turturro
Rated PG-13
Wicked
Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.
Director: Jon M. Chu
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle YeohFineman, James Remar, D. B. Sweeney, and Dustin Hoffman
Rated PG
Mufasa: The lion king
Lost and alone, orphaned cub Mufasa meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destinies.
Director: Barry Jenkins
Cast: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, John Kani, and Beyoncé KnowlesCarter
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
Cineplex Amberg
Regensburger Str. 1 92224 Amberg Tel.: 09621-8979677
