Get AFRC information at www.AFRCEurope.com

Transcription

CRUSADER
Vol. 10, No. 4
Serving the 98th ASG and the 235th, 279th, 280th and 417th BSBs – Army communities of excellence
February 22, 2002
The GermanAmerican
Men’s and
Women’s clubs
donate flags
to high school
See Page 6
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Turn up the radio
Black beret
debuts with
flair in ASG
The Armed Forces
Network, Wuerzburg,
changes its radio
schedule to deliver
high-quality entertainment programming to the 98th
ASG. New programming and schedule
changes also allow
for more command
information to be
Susnir
broadcasted. For more
information and the new schedule, call
AFN at 350-7411 or (0931) 8897411, or go
to www.afneurope.army.mil.
Get into shape
Sign up for the civilian fitness program
through your local health promotion office
and get three hours a week as part of your
regular workday to get fit. Registration is
required. For more information, contact the
98th ASG health promotion coordinator at
350-6335 or (0931) 8896335.
Visit hobby fairs
A hobby market where more than 140
freelance artists offer their work for sale is
set for March 10 in the Fuerth city hall from
10 a.m.-5 p.m. The same market moves to
Erlangen to the Heinrich Lades Hall March
17 with the same opening times.
Safe tires a must
Tires shipped to the United States must
meet U.S. safety standards. Vehicle owners
must fit only Department of Transportation
approved tires to any vehicle intended for
shipment to the U.S. This applies to both
loose tires and tires fitted to vehicles. For
more information, go to www.nhsta.dot.
gov/cars/testing/UTQG, or contact your
local customs office.
Offices close
The entire Wuerzburg Civilian Personal
Advisory Council and all satellite offices
close for training March 18-19. For more
information, call 351-4612 or (0931)
2964612.
New museum opens
A new museum in Wuerzburg opens to
the public Feb. 22. Its name is the “Kulturspeicher,” or culture attic. The protected
historic building, located on Veitshoechheimer Strasse next to the Cinemaxx theater in
downtown Wuerzburg, has been reconstructed on the inside to house works of art.
It has 12 showrooms holding a large variety
of art collections and styles. Also, there will
be changing art collections on exhibit. It
also offers a café, beer garden, museum
shop and cabaret theater. Opening hours are
Tue-Sun from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is
EUR3 for adults and EUR1.50 for children.
Avoid theft
The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS,
recently announced a new fraudulent scam
conducted over e-mail that taxpayers need
to be aware of. Taxpayers may receive an email from a non-IRS source indicating that
the taxpayer is under audit and asking for
social security numbers and other confidential information. The IRS does not
have e-audits and usually lets taxpayers
know of an audit. Do not provide the requested information as this may be an attempt of identity theft. Contact the Identity
Theft Fraud Hotline at 375-6669 or e-mail
at [email protected].
Run Wuerzburg
Take part in the 8th Wuerzburg Memory
Run March 16 at 11 a.m. The run is sponsored by the Leprosy Relief Association
and commemorates the destruction of the
city March 16, 1945. Call 351-1600 or
(0931) 29641400 for more information.
Spec. Kris Steward
Spec. Shawntae McClain,
right, information system
analyst of Headquarters and
Headquarters Battery, 69th Air
Defense Artillery Brigade,
assists Spec. Olivia Gregg,
administrative specialist, also
of HHB, as they don their
berets for the first time during
a battery ceremony Feb. 12 at
the Giebelstadt Army Airfield.
McClain demonstrates the
proper way to wear the beret
with long hair. In accordance
with guidance from Army
Chief of Staff Gen. Eric
Shinseki, soldiers around the
world began wearing the beret
last June, however, the date
was pushed back for Europe.
Motivation improves EEO program
Managers, officers move
in the right direction
by Olivia Feher
CRUSADER
Motivated people stating they want to do a
better job for their command and the U.S. Army
is what the new equal employment opportunity,
or EEO, program is all about.
“Despite limited resources, we’re turning
ideas into reality,” said Rosetta Green, Headquarters USAREUR EEO officer, at a managers’
quarterly meeting on Leighton Barracks Jan. 25.
“It has not been easy getting to this point,” she
said. Faced with challenges to revitalize a once
proactive EEO program, she continues to see
improvement.
“EEO professionals throughout USAREUR
are coming together on a regular basis, working
to change a system that must improve the way it
operates. The ultimate goal is to improve the
image of the USAREUR EEO and make it the
best in the Army,” Green said.
According to Green, a lot of people were
going in different directions and the program
wasn’t getting the attention it needed.
“I decided that if we were going to succeed,
we needed everyone focused and striving for the
same goal,” Green said.
She took immediate action to identify the problem areas at the base level. She then set up a
team of motivational experts who helped
establish focus groups and arranged brainstorming and problem-solving sessions.
“These sessions gave each of us a chance to
learn more about one another and the daily
problems we were faced with. Once everyone
started talking, ideas relative to program improvement emerged. It was at this point I knew
we were headed in the right direction.
“During the sessions, new core values, an
EEO team vision statement, a cheer and a team
song were formulated and adopted. Everyone
sings the song and cheers at the beginning and
end of each group meeting. It’s great as everyone
participates,” Green said.
As a direct result of this team-building meeting, focus groups were established to address
concerns within the EEO program. These groups
meet independently, and once each quarter, all
come together and present their ideas for a better
program.
“These focus groups have been instrumental
in identifying areas where change is definitely
needed,” said Bennie Howse, 98th ASG EEO
manager.
“We all agreed with Rosetta Green that the
program as a whole needed to be revitalized.
Everyone now seems to be part of the same
team, working together to improve the total program in Europe. It’s refreshing to have someone
come in and initiate positive changes,” Howse
said.
“Although work is far from completion, we’re
on the road to success. We’re taking positive
steps in the right direction. When I depart
Fighting crime rewarding
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
A life of crime can be rewarding – if you’re
on the right side of the law.
The Bavaria Battalion of the Army Criminal
Investigation Command, or CID, is accepting
applications for those interested in a career
change.
“I have never regretted the decision I made
about staying with CID. It’s been very rewarding
for me,” said Cesar Abreu, special agent-incharge of the Schweinfurt CID resident agency.
Abreu was about to step out of the uniform for
the last time in 1986, when he was referred to a
CID agent about a possible career with the
Army’s investigative branch.
“I have had the opportunity to learn a lot of
things,” said Abreu, who has been trained in
several criminal investigation disciplines,
including protective services and child abuse
prevention interrogation.
Soldiers interested in becoming CID agents
must meet a battery of qualifications.
For example, soldiers who are U.S citizens
must have already served in the Army for two
years, have no convictions in civil or military
courts, and must have a general technical test
score of at least 110.
Olivia Feher
Left to right, Sylvia Durchholz-Wilhem,
Ernestine Moya, LuEy Corbett and Noma
Filiki take part in a brainstorming session during the recent EEO quarterly
meeting.
USAREUR, I want to leave the EEO program in
better shape than I found it,” Green said.
Community focus
Sports women watch
Women who watch sports on
television enjoy the NFL
more than all other sports.
O NFL
33%
O Baseball
25%
Soldiers also must be at least 21 years old,
must be a sergeant or lower and have at least two
years of college.
O NBA
“After completing an apprentice special agent
course, those accepted into the program incur a
36-month service obligation,” Abreu said.
O Fig. Skating
18%
See REWARDING on Page 8
Source: ESPN Sports Poll
24%
By: Elaine Nicholas
Get AFRC information at www.AFRCEurope.com
2
Team of Teams!
Crusader, February 22, 2002
Safety is
everyone’s
concern
and
prevents
accidents
Paying close attention to safety helps keep soldiers, civilians
and their family members healthy and alive.
Safety is the prime mission of every soldier and civilian
employee in the 98th Area Support Group, and as the
commander, I’m also the safety officer.
Everyone plays a vital role in protecting our force from
senseless accidents, injuries and loss of resources due to
negligence of improper safety practices.
Every mission, every task, and every aspect of daily life
requires our soldiers, civilians and family members to increase
their emphasis and attention on safety.
You can assess risks by first identifying factors or hazards
associated with whatever it is you are about to do. Determine
what effect the hazard will have on you if it happens – this is
called risk assessment. It can be used in everyday life and simply
reduces the risk by looking at possible results caused, for
instance, by lack of sleep, weather conditions or extensive
training.
We all need to take a closer look at the things we do and ask
the following: Is this safe? What hazards can influence what I’m
about to do? How can I reduce the risk involved in what I’m
doing?
Every soldier, civilian and family member is a critical part of
the 98th ASG team. We can’t afford to lose anyone, even for a
short period of time.
Team of Teams!
DENNIS W. DINGLE
Colonel, Air Defense Artillery
98th Area Support Group Commander
Thumbs up – Thumbs down
Thumbs up to the soldiers, civilians,
unit augmentees and volunteers of
the 2nd and 3rd platoons of the 38th
Postal Company for their efforts
during the holiday mailing season. These exceptional individuals provided outstanding service to the Schweinfurt and Bamberg communities.
Nicole Bires, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to Ken Rheault and his worker
bees at the CFMO. They worked hard to get our
incoming National Guard soldiers the furnishings they needed when they arrived. Their
courteous, expedient and diligent service has
been a blessing.
Kevin Pies, Giebelstadt
Thumbs up to Beatrice Strickland, manager
of the Schweinfurt Army and Air Force
Exchange Service, for authorizing check cashing services for our retirees and widows while
our finance department check-cashing office is
under renovation.
Lorie Khatod, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to the Masonic Lodge #836, the
417th BSB BOSS, the Leighton PWOC, and
the Wuerzburg Community Spouses’ Club
for their generous support of the Angel Tree
project this past Christmas. Without your donations of gifts and money, the program would not
have been possible.
Collen Archer, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to Dr. Jim McLauchlan and his
staff at the Leighton Veterinary Clinic. They
have helped me take care of my diabetic cat with
patience and understanding. Thanks to Jason
McCain who generously agreed to watch our cat
while we were on vacation.
Deanna Patterson, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to the Bamberg Bowling Center,
Burger King and AAFES for supporting the
father-daughter bowling event sponsored by the
Bamberg Girl Scouts.
Carol Anderson, Bamberg
Street talk:
CWO 3 Brett Halstead, Troop B,
2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry,
Storck Barracks, Illesheim
“I can get myself ready in
about 30 minutes, after I
have some coffee. But if I
have to get my kids ready,
it takes a lot longer.”
Thumbs up to Ted at the Ansbach Sight and
Sound for helping me exchange the bike that
Santa Claus brought.
Jaimie Devine, Ansbach
housing, encouraged us to use her telephone to
call home, and generally made us feel like neighbors.
David Osteen, Illesheim
Thumbs up to Sgt. Gerrine Lizama of Deteachment C, 38th Personnel Support Battalion, Ansbach, for her diligence and devotion
to duty. She went out of her way on numerous
occasions to make sure my officer’s record brief
was updated for a promotion board. Thanks for
a job well done.
Denise Costa, Illesheim
Thumbs up to Lynne Hanson and Sharon
Woolever. These two ladies worked long into
the night on several occasions to create the backbone of the Army Family Action Plan submission process. Thank you both for sharing
your innate capabilities and delightful personalities to help our community ‘Envision the
Change.’
Tanya Skaarup, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to Cantigny Club manager, Teri
Bailey and her staff members, Dennis Swain,
Michael Sullivan and Chuck Estright Sr. for
the outstanding job they did in helping coordinate and set up our welcome ceremony for
the new 98th ASG command sergeant major.
Their hard work and flexibility ensured that the
ceremony was a success.
Thomas Stiefermann, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to Dr. (Capt.) Sean Thomas,
U.S. Army Hospital, Wuerzburg, family
clinic. When traveling to an overseas assignment, the first fear you have is receiving quality
health care. My family receives quality health
care from professionals. Thank you, Capt.
Thomas, for all your care and support. This
community is blessed to have you!
Anastasia Bennett, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to The New Birth Rose Croix,
Chapter 13, Queen Ester, Chapter 122, Maj.
Gen. Bantz and Mrs. Linda Craddock, the
WKW Military Lodge 30, the Kitzingen
Community Spouses’ Club, the American
Legion Murphy Post Gr. 30, the Masonic
Cornerstone Lodge 836, the Society of the 1st
Inf. Div., the 417th BSB Family Support
Group, Ann Cantrell, the 417th BSB Coffee
Group, and the Wuerzburg Community
Spouses Club for their generous donations that
helped the Holiday Assistance Program to help
364 families have a great Christmas dinner.
Kaethe Pittman, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to the two soldiers from Wuerzburg for helping me with my car after it had
broken down on highway 8. I had been there for
20 minutes. They pulled my car to a garage in
Wuerzburg. They went above and beyond, and I
can’t thank them enough.
Amanda Villiers, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to CWO 3 Mike Yeager for
outstanding sponsorship. He met our family at
Rhein-Main, showed us the available housing
areas, moved us to Bad Windsheim, hauled us to
the PX, bank, commissary, etc., and even loaned
us a TV and VCR. Thumbs up to Gloria Jones
for making us welcome in our new home. Gloria
loaned us linens and pans our first night in
“Thumbs up-Thumbs down” is about people who do
a good job. It’s also about people who need to be more
considerate of others. This column is not about
institutions, units, agencies or situations that could be
subject to legal action under the Uniform Code of
Military Justice.
Submissions must be brief and include the writer’s
name and telephone number and include the first and last
name of the person identified. The identity of the
submitter will be published along with the comments.
Send comments to Thumbs up-Thumbs down:
CRUSADER; 98th ASG PAO; Unit 26622; APO AE
09244. Or bring them to room 216, building 208,
Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg. Phone-in submissions
will not be accepted.
Congratulations to Michael Galloway
for his contributions to the 98th ASG. For
this he was awarded the ‘Team of Teams’
lifetime membership.
Galloway also received a certificate of
appreciation from the 98th ASG for
superior performance in the internal review
office. His consulting and audit engagements have resulted in monetary benefits,
process improvements, and improved internal controls in the 98th ASG from July
1997 to Feb. 2002.
Congratulations to Cheryl June for receiving the Flying Eagle Award form the
98th ASG commander for her continued
support and volunteer service to Company
D, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment,
Giebelstadt Army Airfield. Her genuine
concern for soldiers and their families has
made a definite impact on the quality of life
and readiness of the Rebels.
Congratulations to MSgt. David Zapata
for his contributions to the 98th ASG. For
this he was awarded the ‘Team of Teams’
lifetime membership.
A job well done to Patricia Biondolillo
for receiving the Commander’s Award for
Civilian Service for outstanding performance of duty as the ACS consumer affairs
and financial assistance program manager
from May 1995 to July 2001. Her concern
and commitment to the well-being of military families significantly contributed to the
Bamberg military community’s mission to
improve and maintain the readiness and
retention of soldiers in the area.
Congratulations to Spec. Virgil Looney
Jr. for his contributions to the 98th ASG.
For this he was awarded the ‘Team of
Teams’ lifetime membership.
Congratulations to 3rd Battalion, 158th
Aviation Regiment, Giebelstadt Army
Airfield for being honored with the Lt.
Gen. Ellis Parker Award as the top aviation
battalion in the Army.
Milestones recognizes individuals and
organizations who have received honors.
How long do you need to get ready in the morning?
Spec. Charles Nehr, 630th Military Police Battalion, 279th
BSB Warner Barracks, Bamberg
Rebecca Sovel, University of
Maryland Field Representative,
Ledward Education Center,
Ledward Barracks, Schweinfurt
“I spend approximately
30 minutes in the bathroom each morning. I like
to take my time because I
enjoy taking long showers. After that, no time at
all.”
“I need 90 minutes to get
ready. Walking and feeding the dogs takes the
most time, so I have to
make sure to get up early
for that.”
CRUSADER
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency
Roswitha Lehner
Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 Weiden
Telefax (0961) 67050-32
Internet:
❋ ❋ ❋
Milestones
www.milcom.de
Free classifieds (0931) 2964397 · Fax Crusader (0931) 2964626
Frank Schleehuber, 98th ASG
Public Affairs Office, Faulenberg Kaserne
“It takes me about 20
minutes to get ready in
the morning. I jump out of
bed, clean up and get
dressed, and then I am
out the door.”
Brian Twigg, family member,
Storck Barracks, Illesheim
“It usually only takes me
about 30 minutes to get
ready. But mornings like
this one, when I’m running late, I can get ready
in 10 minutes.”
Photos by CRUSADER staff
SSgt. Kevin Johnson, 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery,
279th BSB Warner Barracks,
Bamberg
Beate Williams, Administrative
Assistant, 280th Base Support
Battalion, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt
“I spend an average of 45
minutes in the bathroom
getting ready. I may need
more or less time depending on where I’m
going.”
“I walk my dog. I have to
get my kid ready for
school and then do everything to get myself ready.
I need about an hour for
everything together.”
The “CRUSADER” is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under
the provisions of AR 360-1 for the members of the 98th Area Support Group.
The “CRUSADER” is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by the “MILCOM
Advertising Agency”, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States
Government or Department of Defense.
The contents of the “CRUSADER” do not necessarily reflect the official views or
endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army or the 98th
Area Support Group.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does
not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,
physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit characteristic of the
purchaser, user or patron.
Circulation is 21,000 copies per issue.
Editorial content is provided, prepared and edited by the Public Affairs Office of the 98th
Area Support Group. The 98th ASG hot line is 351-4800 or (0931) 296-4800.
The editorial offices are located in building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg,
telephone 351-4564 or (0931) 2964564.
Mailing address:
Editor – The CRUSADER, 98th ASG-PAO, Unit 26622, APO AE 09244.
email: [email protected]
Kyle Grenier, family member,
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion,
158th Aviation Regiment, Giebelstadt Army Airfield
“It takes me a while to get
ready. It’s hard getting up
early in the morning, but
if I pretend I’m going outside to play, I am ready to
go in a flash.”
The Ansbach, editorial office is located in building 5257, Barton Barracks, Ansbach,
telephone 468-7649 or (0981) 183649.
The Bamberg editorial office is located in building 7089, Warner Barracks, Bamberg,
telephone 469-7581 or (0951) 3007581.
The Kitzingen editorial office is located in building 145, Harvey Barracks, telephone 3558575 or (09321) 305575.
The Schweinfurt editorial office is located in Robertson Hall, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt, telephone 354-6381 or (09721) 966381.
98th Area Support Group Commander . . Col. Dennis W. Dingle
98th ASG Public Affairs Officer . . . . . . . . . Donald Klinger
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olivia Feher
Assistant Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elaine Nicholas
Journalist (Ansbach) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Eichhorn
Journalist (Bamberg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Boujnida
Journalist (Schweinfurt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Heeter
Journalist (Kitzingen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proofreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sigrid Peña
Reader contributions are welcome but will be published at the discretion of the editor.
235th Base Support Battalion: Ansbach, Illesheim
Get help with
your taxes
For help with your
taxes, turn to the tax
assistance centers in
the 235th BSB. According to Capt. Margaret Schuck, tax assistance coordinator,
235th BSB, the tax
centers can handle a
wide range of taxfiling issues. In Katterbach, the center is
located in building
Shuck
5817 and is open
Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
and Thu from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For information, call 467-2323 or (09802) 832323.
In Illesheim, the tax assistance center is in
building 6506 and is open Mon, Tue and Fri
from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. The center
is open on Wed for appointments, and Thu
from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. For more
information in Illesheim, call 467-4857 or
(09841) 83857.
Enjoy classic play at
Terrace Playhouse
The 235th BSB Terrace Playhouse presents the classic production of Man of
La Mancha. Performances are scheduled
March 21-23 and April 4-6 at 7:30 p.m.
each night. Two matinees are also scheduled March 24 and April 7 at 2 p.m. The
cost is adults $8 and students $6. For more
information or for reservations, call 4677636 or (0981) 183636.
Enter essay contest
Budding writers may be interested in
entering the Armed Forces YMCA Read,
Write and Win Essay Contest 2002. This
annual essay contest is an excellent opportunity for young writers to perfect their
craft in competition for savings bonds of up
to $500 each. It is open to youth from first
to 12th grades through March 18. Call the
library in Katterbach at 468-1740 or (0981)
183740, and in Illesheim at 467-4675 or
(0981) 183675 for more information.
Find the perfect job
at Illesheim ACS
The Illesheim ACS can help you find the
perfect job. They offer a federal resume
class each Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. For
more information, call 467-4555 or (09841)
83555.
Know your home
Capture the love of being in Germany by
joining our People Encouraging People, or
PEP, Program. It will help you to help
yourself during your stay in Germany. The
program teaches you a wealth of information on the available services. For the
dates and time of the next PEP meeting, call
467-2883 or (09802) 832883.
3
Soldiers, kids take time to read
Story swapping a great
success in Katterbach
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
There were lots of smiles and excitement for
some lucky kindergarteners as local soldiers
took time out of their busy day to read some
stories and listen to some, too.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation,
visited with students at Ansbach Elementary
School as part of an ongoing relationship that
has soldiers interacting with students on a
regular basis.
“We welcome soldiers at our school anytime
because the students just love it. The soldiers
who come for the first time are a bit timid at first,
but by the time they leave, all I see are big smiles
on their faces,” said Dottie Beam, principal.
Taking time out to read, Spec. Brad Pond,
mechanic, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Bn., 1st Avn., paired up with 5year-old Rebecca Sproul who was all giggles.
“This has been a lot of fun. It’s great to get
away from the motor pool for a while and do
something like this. It really makes me feel more
connected to the community. These kids see us
all the time, but never really have a chance to
interact with us, I think it’s good for them to see
we’re just people too,” Pond said.
Pond’s reading partner excitedly explained
how much fun it was having him read to her.
“He really helped me read this book. These
big guys are better readers than us kids, ya’
know,” Sproul said.
Having the soldiers there wasn’t just about
reading, according to class teacher Theresa
Gunn.
“We love having them read, but it also gives
the kids time with some soldiers. Many of these
children have parents deployed right now and
you can tell by their responses today that they
Lisa Eichhorn
Spec. Brad Pond, mechanic, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 1st
Avn., reads with 5-year-old Rebecca Sproul at Ansbach Elementary School.
really miss them. That’s why we love to have
soldiers volunteer to come in and work with the
kids. It’s so important for them to stay connected
to what their parents do, and these soldiers are
important role models for the children,” Gunn
said.
Join in Ansbach’s spring cleanup
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
The city of Ansbach will host their spring
cleanup March 9 and invite the 235th BSB
community to join in the fun.
The 235th BSB Directorate of Public Works,
or DPW, environmental office is in charge of
organizing the event. They say last year more
than 50 people from various organizations
within the American community participated in
the cleanup, and they’re hoping for the same
enthusiasm this year. Military units, community
and school groups are encouraged to attend.
“We had a really good response last year from
the various organizations and units in the 235th
BSB. We are hoping to have even more volunteers this year so that we can hit several areas
around Ansbach,” said Otto Dawid, 235th BSB
environmental office acting chief.
City officials say they have always been
pleased with the effort from the American
community during the cleanup, adding that it
shows just what a great relationship the city has
with the military community here. They also say
they appreciate that Americans share their concern for keeping the city clean.
If you are interested in helping in the effort,
you can meet DPW officials in the theater
parking lot on Bismarck Kaserne March 9 at
8:30 a.m. A bus will take you to the various
clean-up points. Participants will be treated to a
lunch by the city at 1 p.m.
Large organizations are encouraged to sign up
ahead of time so organizers can plan for bus
space. For more information, call Otto Dawid at
467-2158 or (09802) 832158.
Cougar cheerleaders
take division honors
The Ansbach American Middle/High
School Cougar cheerleaders perform
at the Division III South cheerleading
championships. Their performance
won them the Division III South crown,
beating the Baumholder cheerleading
squad. The competition took place
between the boys’ Division III South
tournament. Several girls from both
squads were named to the all-Division
III South team. Alex Bogguess and
Krysta Rangel took the honor for the
Ansbach squad, and Alyssia Torres
from Baumholder was also selected.
The Ansbach squad performed several
cheers and a dance routine.
235th BSB
The Crusader, 235th Base Support Battalion, editorial office is located in building 5257, Barton Barracks, telephone 468-7649 or (0981) 183649. Mailing
address is PAO, Crusader, 235th Base Support Battalion, CMR 463, APO AE 09177.
Internet web site address http:\\www.ansbach.
army.mil
The 235th BSB hotline is 468-7800 or (0981)
183800. The patient liaison number is (09841) 83512.
235th BSB
Commander .............................. Lt. Col. Cindy Connally
Public Affairs Officer ............................ Frauke Davis
Journalist ................................................ Lisa Eichhorn
Lisa Eichhorn
235th BSB action plan issues to be sent forward
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
The leadership of the 235th BSB community gathered Feb. 11
to hear issues at this year’s Army Family Action Plan, or AFAP,
symposium.
The AFAP symposium takes place each year. Members of the
community, both military and civilian, gather into focus groups
to discuss quality of life concerns and to come up with recommendations on how to fix the problems.
“The issues are brought forward not just by those who attend
the conference, but also by issues raised in forums like the town
hall meetings. The most important thing that comes out of the
annual AFAP symposium is that even a small community like
this one can be heard by Army leadership,” said Lisa McCrary,
AFAP program manager. “We worked very
hard to make sure we presented the most
pressing issues, but will track every one that
was brought up.”
Some of the issues raised this year were:
● Quality and selection of merchandise
at small AAFES stores;
● Quality and price of school lunches;
● Broadening the guidelines for receiving AER funds; and
● Reducing rates to hold child care slots
while soldier is on leave.
McCrary
McCrary said these issues would be reviewed by a steering
committee to determine which will be sent forward to the 98th
ASG. Local leadership was impressed with the scope of the
concerns.
This year’s issues were wide-ranging and showed a sincere
effort by the focus groups to improve services and living
standards in the community, according to Lt. Col. Cindy
Connally, 235th BSB commander.
“We have a lot of great issues, some are new and some have
been around for a while. I’m looking forward to working on them
with the community and being able to solve the ones we can take
care of locally and decide which ones need to be sent up to the
next level,” Connally said.
6
279th Base Support Battalion: Bamberg
Youth services
relocate
Jasmyn Brunson and Najla Shabazz, both 4, mug
the camera at a
central registration and family
child care, or FCC,
grand opening ceremony Feb. 7.
The programs are
now relocated in
renovated rooms
Brunson, Shabazz in building 7340.
Central registration staff register youth while FCC staff
trains home-care givers and assists families
with day-care needs. For more information,
call 469-7716 or (0951) 3007716.
Get on recovery road
If you have a desire to stop drinking
alcohol, attend an Alcoholics Anonymous,
or AA, meeting at the community activity
center, room 409, every Wednesday and
Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Go touring
Make the most of your tour in Germany
by traveling. Enjoy a three-castle bus tour
that departs March 9 at 5 a.m. and returns at
11 p.m. for a cost of $20 per person. Cruise
the Rhein River March 23. Depart at 5 a.m.
and return at 11 p.m. Cost is $20 per person.
Take a tour of decorative Easter fountains
March 30. Depart at 10 a.m. and return at 5
p.m. Cost is $15 per person. To sign up, call
469-8837 or (0951) 3008837.
Toe tapping talent lets loose
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
If you love music, then you won’t want to
miss the Stable Theater’s next show.
Just about every music genre from country to
calypso and rap to jazz is incorporated into the
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice production
of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
“The show has a lot of flair – people will
easily relate to musical numbers,” said Melissa
Gitlin, director.
She explained Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tells the story of Joseph
based on the Bible through music. Gitlin, who
instructs music at Bamberg American High
School, is an accomplished violin and viola
musician. She has teamed up with choreographer Kate Leonardo, set designer Phil
Lohrenz and musicians CWO 2 Gordon
Kippola, pianist, and Jack Austin, guitarist, for a
fanciful production.
“There’s a lot of creative freedom in this
production because we just received the music.
Normally you would get some additional
guidance, but it gives us a lot of room for
choices. The show becomes our statement,”
Gitlin said.
More than 30 cast members from age 5 to over
45 will dazzle viewers with tuneful routines.
Rich Walrath and Lori Bickett play the lead roles
of Joseph and the narrator. Both thespians
recently relocated to Bamberg.
“It’s entertainment for the entire family,”
Bickett said.
Cast members are energized to volunteer.
“This gives me something to do in my free
time rather than sit at home. It’s my first time
acting, but you can be sure it’s not my last time,”
said SSgt. (Ret.) Patrick Satchell.
Portraying a teenybopper and a wife, German
student Jennifer Utley, 16, devotes more than 10
hours a week to rehearsals.
“I like the atmosphere and people – it’s a great
way to have fun,” she said.
Performance dates for Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are March 1,
2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17. Friday and Saturday
evening plays start at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees
begin at 2 p.m. Cost per person is $10. Students
and soldiers E-4 and below pay $9. Purchase
tickets in advance and save $1.
Colors fade in, out,
strengthen local ties
Learn skills
Don’t put off writing your resume any
longer. Attend a resume workshop at Preston Hall Feb. 27 from 1-3 p.m. Learn about
getting a loan to buy your dream house at
the Army Community Service building
Feb. 27 from 1-3 p.m., or take part in active
parent parenting classes on the same day
from 12:30–2 p.m. To sign up, call 4697777 or (0951) 3007777.
Celebrate Women’s
History Month
Attend a Women’s History Month breakfast buffet at the Warner Club March 8 from
7-8:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Col. Belinda
Pickney, 266th Finance commander. Cost
per person is $5. To purchase a ticket, call
SFC Shelly Satchell, 7th Corps Support
Group equal opportunity advisor, at 4697136 or (0951) 3007136.
Be a star on stage
Show off your abilities at an open microphone night at the community activity center, or CAC, March 1 at 7 p.m. Musicians,
vocalists, poets, comics and other visual
artists are welcome to participate. For more
3008837.
279th BSB
The Crusader, 279th Base Support Battalion, editorial office is located in building 7089, room 423,
Warner Barracks, Bamberg, telephone 469-7581 or
(0951) 3007581. Mailing address is PAO, Crusader,
279th Base Support Battalion, Unit 27535, Warner
Barracks, APO AE 09139.
3004800. Patient liaison number is (0951) 3007492.
Internet web site 279th BSB:
http://www.bamberg.army.mil
279th BSB
Commander ................................ Lt. Col. Timothy Hill
Public Affairs Officer .......................... Renate Bohlen
Journalist ........................................... Cheryl Boujnida
Cheryl Boujnida
Karl Posley crafts a chariot for the Stable
Theater’s upcoming production.
Cheryl Boujnida
Gabi Trinkl, right, president of the
German-American Women’s Club, and
Helmut Funke, vice-president of the
German-American Men’s Club, bestow
new American and German flags to
Bamberg’s American High School
principal, Dr. Sandra Matthys, and Lt.
Col. Timothy Hill, 279th BSB commander. The rendering of the flags
strengthens the strong friendship
bonds between Germans and Americans in Bamberg. Junior ROTC students retired the colors and presented
the German flag to Sgt. Maj. (Ret.)
William Scofield, and the American
flag to Sgt. Maj. Gary Rimpley, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 279th BSB. Speaking to more
than 300 students and club representatives.
Be wary of the sweet tooth, cavities
Brush and floss teeth
regularly, see dentist
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Something is crawling in your child’s mouth
– it’s a sugar bug and it bites.
Dentists at the Bamberg Health Clinic often
refer to cavities as sugar bugs.
“Serve milk and juice sparingly – at mealtimes only. Even 100 percent juice contains
sugars, and milk does, too. Offer children water
at an early age because it helps to reduce their
desire for sweetened drinks,” said Theresa
Bermea, dental assistant.
She cautions parents from putting children
down to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice.
“It’s a shame to see children with rotten and
blackened front teeth because they went to bed
with a bottle. They can drink a water bottle, it
doesn’t harm them,” she said.
Children should start seeing a dentist at 12
months old.
“Primary checkups promote care of baby’s
teeth and get a child accustomed to visiting a
dentist,” Bermea said.
Caring for baby teeth is important because
decayed teeth can cause problems for permanent
teeth, causing them to grow in crooked. Proper
care of baby teeth fosters good dental hygiene in
youth.
“Children should brush their teeth a minimum
of two times daily and begin flossing at age
three. The best time to floss is at night because
mornings tend to be hectic getting ready for
school and work,” said Dr. (Capt.) Scott Rankin.
He stressed parents need to take an active role in
children’s dental care.
“Parents have to be directly involved. They
should watch children brush their teeth and in
some cases brush children’s teeth for them,”
Rankin said.
SFC Alfredo Ducusin helps his two children
to care for their teeth. “It’s my job as a parent to
train them to brush correctly,” he said. Ducusin’s
daughter Janelle and son Justin visited Rankin’s
office for a checkup.
“I have to be told to brush my teeth, but I
brush them until they shine. I take care of my
teeth so they look good when I smile,” Janelle
said.
Cheryl Boujnida
Dr. (Capt.) Scott Rankin examines
Janelle Ducusin’s teeth at a dental exam.
Black history program captivates Bamberg crowd
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Before he uttered a word, the audience rose to their feet and
welcomed him with a round of applause.
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Joe Ballard, the Army’s 49th chief of
engineers, spoke to more than 200 people at the Warner Club
Feb. 7, in honor of Black and African-American History
Month.
Ballard talked about an ideal society that would no longer
honor Americans with reference to the color of their skin.
“On that day, society will view the achievements of black
Americans as we view the achievements of other Americans –
person-by-person,” Ballard said.
Speaking about black Americans’ contributions and service in
America’s defense, Ballard recanted the
words of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Curry,
United States Army Military District of
Washington commander.
“Any minority willing to work hard and
play the game that has to be played in
bureaucracy can become successful,” he
said.
Ballard spoke of Dr. Carter Godwin
Woodson.
“He was a visionary who devoted his life
to the cause of equal opportunity. He
Ballard
wasn’t popular. He was a man ahead of his time. His viewpoint
and outspoken style were far more compatible with the climate
of America today than that of his time,” he said.
“Regardless of our roots, we remain first, last and always
Americans,” Ballard said.
Maj. Christopher Ng quoted Dr. Martin Luther King in his
invocation and benediction, and Sharon Yelder read an
introspective poem “I’m not giving my black back.” Sgt. Robert
Paige sang a gripping song, and the New Life Baptist Choir held
the audience spellbound with gospel sounds.
“Today’s program was very different. I really enjoyed it, and
it’s great to see all types of people enjoying fellowship together,”
said SSgt. David Sims.
8
280th Base Support Battalion: Bad Kissingen, Schweinfurt
Clinic services
available
Anyone who has a
primary care manager, or PCM, can
make an appointment
at the Schweinfurt
Health Clinic. Each
PCM has a registered
nurse and a medic for
assistance in delivering care. The staff’s
philosophy is to do
today’s work today,
Noyola
according to 1st Lt.
Claudia Noyola, executive officer at the
clinic. To make an appointment, call 3546781/6374 or 09721 (966781). At that time,
you will be given an appointment with your
PCM or given an alternative if your PCM is
unavailable. The clinic has allotted a certain
block of the day for PCM appointments.
Customers are also reminded to update their
phone number and address at the Tricare
Service Center.
Guest visits library
Join the community library in building
242 on Ledward Barracks for its Dr. Seuss
event Feb. 28 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Children
of all ages are invited to come in pajamas,
bring a toy or blanket, and make themselves
comfortable while they enjoy the stories.
For additional information, call 354-1740
or (09721) 961740.
Registration begins
The University of Maryland registers
students for Term IV classes March 11-22,
and classes begin March 25. For more information, call the Ledward Education
Center at 354-6398 or (09721) 966398 or
the Conn Education Center at 353-8861.
Join deployment
session
The 280th BSB Army Community Service, or ACS, welcomes the community to
come to a special session on how to help
children understand deployments. “My
Daddy/Mommy is a Soldier” will be held
March 5 from 3-5 p.m. in the ACS classroom. For information, call 354-6751 or
(09721) 966751.
Chapel group meets
The 280th BSB Protestant Women of the
Chapel, or PWOC, will hold their monthly
activity meeting March 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the
Ledward Chapel. This month’s theme is
“Sharing the Fruits of Your Garden.” The
program is followed by lunch. For more
961570.
Enthusiasts have full plates
One shy of complete
U.S. state collection
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Maine has a duck, New York has Lady
Liberty, Georgia has a peach, and Michael Hau
has Idaho.
Hau, a clerk at the 280th BSB Vehicle Registration Center on Conn Barracks, needs just one
more license plate to achieve his goal of acquiring license plates from all 50 states of the
United States.
“At first, I only wanted a few states, like
Texas, New York and Florida – the big states that
are very well known in Germany,” said Hau,
who began collecting 22 years ago when he
worked at the auto skills center.
“When people came by to get the car fixed or
to work on their cars, I asked them if they would
donate their plates,” Hau said.
His first license plate, Hau believes, came
from Texas, and he has another from New
Mexico dated 1956. After a while, he realized
there was more to the United States worth
collecting than his original list of well-known
states.
“All of a sudden, I had 20 or 25 plates. So I
thought maybe it would be a good idea to collect
all 50,” he said.
Then his big break came.
“When I got this job, I was even closer to the
plates,” Hau said, referring to his position as
one of the first people customers see when they
have to replace their old license plates with
USAREUR tags.
Hau is not the only person they see, though,
and that has created a bit of friendly competition
between him and one of his colleagues.
“I thought it was a nice hobby, of course, and
the idea definitely was from my co-worker,” said
Christina Carmona.
Just a few feet away from Hau’s desk,
Carmona, also a vehicle registration clerk,
works proudly against the backdrop of her own
license plate collection.
“It’s always a nice thing to start a conversation about home,” Carmona said of the
attention the collections get from the customers.
The blended colors filling the walls behind
both workers’ desks catch people’s eyes as soon
as they walk into the office.
Both collectors admire the plates that portray
slices of American history.
Hau calls his South Dakota plate, with its
image of Mount Rushmore, and Arizona, with
the Grand Canyon, his favorites.
Meanwhile, Carmona calls her Alabama
“Active Reserve” plate and specially marked
Georgia plate from a Purple Heart recipient her
prizes – for now. A collector for eight months,
she has plates from 30 states.
By the way, Hau expects to receive his
Nevada plate soon from a friend in America.
Mark Heeter
Christina Carmona with her collection of
license plates.
Program aims to set job hunt straight
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
The problem could be a
job code. Or you might be
writing in the wrong kind
of preference.
The Civilian Personnel
Operations Center, or CPOC,
uses the RESUMIX system
to fill Army appropriated
fund positions in Europe.
LamsonRecently, some job seek- Poeschel
ers have been reducing
their chances of being selected for jobs because
of a few common mistakes, according to Patricia
Lamson-Poeschel, 280th BSB Army Community Service, or ACS, employment readiness
program manager.
“I see a lot of frustration when people are
dealing with the job-search procedures here,
especially new arrivals to the community,”
Lamson-Poeschel said.
“When they come here, it’s very foreign to
them and they don’t know where to begin,” she
said.
One suggestion might be the regularly scheduled RESUMIX classes offered at ACS.
“I think anyone who is looking for a job
should stop at the ACS employment readiness
program,” said Jo Eells, director of the 280th
BSB ACS.
“The key component of RESUMIX is that the
program manager here is trained to understand
every aspect of the RESUMIX system,” Eells
said.
According to Lamson-Poeschel, people sometimes make mistakes on the RESUMIX that
prevent them from ever getting referred for jobs.
For example, some enter the incorrect job code
or do not enter a city of availability.
“Generally speaking, these people haven’t
attended the RESUMIX class. They’ve gone
ahead and done a RESUMIX on their own,” she
said.
Although the CPOC provides the public the
RESUMIX job kit on its web site, some choose
not to use it or they read it incorrectly.
“Another problem is the words people use to
describe their previous experience,“ LamsonPoeschel said.
“If they don’t understand how the process
works, they write their work experience in a way
you would normally write it for a resume,” she
said, explaining that the skills-oriented nature of
RESUMIX requires different wording.
“An increased number may find themselves
looking at jobs and the way they get referred
differently after they visit ACS,” Eells said.
For more information about the RESUMIX
training or job hunting in the community, stop by
ACS in building 242 on Ledward Barracks, or
call 354-6751 or (09721) 966751.
Be a smart girl
The Youth Services Smart Girls’ Club
meets at the teen center in Askren Manor
Feb. 26 from 6-7 p.m. The club promotes
health, fitness and education for girls in
grades 9-12. Call 354-6974 or (09721)
82181 for details.
Opportunity taken
to upgrade road
A team of construction workers carry
wire mesh to its resting place in the
ground on Hayes Street on Ledward
Barracks, the road that leads to the
closed east gate. A stretch of approximately 300 meters is being repaired to correct the sub-standard
condition of the road, which was full of
potholes, had extensive patchwork repair, and was serviced by deteriorated
and undersized sewer lines. The 280th
BSB Directorate of Public Works,
which oversees the project, has had
cooperation from the using units
throughout the construction, which is
expected to be complete in May.
280th BSB
The Crusader, 280th Base Support Battalion, editorial office is located in Robertson Hall on Ledward
Barracks, Schweinfurt, telephone 354-6381 or (09721)
966381. Mailing address is PAO, Crusader, 280th Base
Support Battalion, CMR 457, APO AE 09033.
964800.
Internet web site 280th BSB:
http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil
280th BSB
Commander ........................... Lt. Col. Timothy Gorrell
Public Affairs Officer ................................ George Ohl
Journalist .................................................. Mark Heeter
REWARDING
From Page 1
“That’s the thing about CID. Most of the guys who come into
this field become career individuals,” he said. In fact, one of his
agents in Schweinfurt could not stay away from the CID call.
“I couldn’t find another job like this in the United States. It’s
the best job in the Army,” said Brett Brandon, a special agent
who returned to CID and his current position after a break in
service.
One of the main benefits of working in CID is the flexibility
the agents have to work their cases, independent of direct and
constant supervision, he said.
“The direction is there if you need it, but you have to be
Mark Heeter
motivated,” Brandon said. Others agreed.
“This is one of the few jobs in the military where
come in and decide what you’re going to do today,”
said Paul McNelly, another special agent.
The ever-changing caseload and the unpredictability of what the day will bring in law enforcement
keeps the job interesting, according to Abreu.
“It gives me the opportunity to come to my job
every day, knowing that I’ll have something different
to do. Every day is a challenge,” Abreu said.
In addition to jobs as special agents, CID soldiers
and civilians can work in any of a number of different
specialties, including laboratory forensics, computer
crime services and criminal intelligence collection.
Regardless of the area of law enforcement, the
ability to help others is one of the intangible rewards
for a life in the CID, according to McNelly.
“Whether or not someone says ‘thank you’ for the job is not
important, but you know you’re helping,” he said.
CID has an agent or office anywhere in the world
where there is an Army interest, according to Abreu,
who counts his training among the most significant
parts of being a CID agent.
Rulings in the federal court system and doctrine of
the U.S. Department of Justice are among the quickly
changing aspects of CID agents’ training.
“Those things are incorporated into our daily
routine, and we learn something new every day,”
Abreu said.
Those interested in a possible career with the Army
Criminal
CID are encouraged to call 354-6628 or (09721)
Investigation
966628 in Schweinfurt, or 469-7776 or (0951)
Division Shield
3007776 in Bamberg, Abreu said.
“Law enforcement is a rewarding career,” he said.
you can
10
417th Base Support Battalion: Giebelstadt, Kitzingen, Wuerzburg
Learn English
Take English as a second language classes at the Leighton or Giebelstadt Army
Community Service, or ACS, offices. For
more information, call David Sutcliffe at
350-7268 or (0931) 8897268.
Go shopping
Take a shopping trip to the Czech Republic March 9 and buy inexpensive crystal, then go to the Vietnamese Market. Passports are required. The cost is $35 per
person. Call 355-8629 or (09321) 305629.
Start talking
Take the Couple Communication workshop at the Leighton ACS March 13 and
learn skills to increase the power of your
relationship. For more information, call
Danielle Bivens at 350-7103 or (0931)
8897103.
Attend bazaar
Attend the Wuerzburg Spring Bazaar
March 15-17 at the Leighton Physical Fitness Center. The bazaar is open from 10
a.m. to 7 p.m. March 15-16, and from 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17. The event is open
to all ID card holders; checks and credit
cards are welcome. Enjoy eating at the
international food tent. The bazaar is not
stroller friendly, please use baby backpacks.
Forum
gives
area issues
Fasching,
madvoice
days,tofoolish
order
Army action plan looks
at service, traffic, youth
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
Helping put a voice behind the issues, the
Army Family Action Plan, or AFAP, forum held
Feb. 6-7 on Leighton Barracks gave community
members and delegates the chance to voice their
concerns about issues within the 417th BSB.
“Over 100 issues were raised, 86 were presubmitted and we had over 25 submitted by
delegates on the first day of the conference,”
said Stephenie Palmer, Army Family Action
Plan services coordinator.
The AFAP is a tool local commands use to
gauge many items, such as customer service and
quality of life. The AFAP is a Department of the
Army sponsored program.
“We see a broad spectrum of issues and then
we focus on the most important ones, and some
of these will go outside of the community. This
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
A satellite office for the issuance of ID
cards and passports is now open on
Leighton Barracks. The office is in building
13, with the SATO travel office and the area
support team. The office is open from 9:30
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday,
but services are provided by appointment
only. For more information, or to set up an
appointment, call 350-6469/6476 or (0931)
8896469.
Learn skills, join
group
Obituary
The 12th Aviation Brigade gave a sad
farewell to PFC Igor Smolyanov Jan. 31 in
the Giebelstadt Chapel. A soldier from
Headquarters and Headquarters Company,
3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment,
Smolyanov was a heavy wheel mechanic.
He and his family immigrated to the United
States to have a better life, and to do this,
Smolyanov joined the U.S. Army July
2000. He is remembered for his dedication,
willingness to serve, and extraordinary
ability to fix anything. He is survived by his
wife of 15 years, Renata, and his son,
Nikita. Smolyanov died Jan. 14.
417th BSB
The Crusader, 417th Base Support Battalion, editorial office is located in building 109, Harvey Barracks,
telephone 355-8575 or (09321) 305575. Mailing
address is PAO, Crusader, 417th Base Support Battalion, Unit 26124, APO AE 09031.
305999.
Phone numbers for patient liaisons are: Kitzingen,
355-8415 or (09321) 305415; Wuerzburg and Giebelstadt, call the 67th Combat Support Hospital, 350-3874
or (0931) 8043874.
417th BSB
Commander ..................................... Lt. Col. Russ Hall
Public Affairs Officer ........................... Gabriele Drake
Journalist ............................................
focus this year was on issues specific to living overseas.
“For example, children
with attention deficit disorder don’t have a specialized plan like they do in
the Unite States, our teens
face different issues in
Europe, and then there is
always the issue with the
post exchange,” Palmer Hall
said.
It’s a program that gives back what is put in.
“The potential is only realized when delegates
realize the potential they have to make changes
and affect the entire system. What we put into it,
we certainly get back,” Palmer said.
“Making things better for the customer, the
soldier, family members and civilians, that is our
goal. Coming together like this provides us with
the interaction we need to find dynamic ideas
and solve our issues to benefit the whole community,” Hall said.
Telling tall tales, kids spin yarns
Satellite office opens
ACS on Leighton Barracks, Wuerzburg,
offers many support groups. From single
parents, to adoptions, to assertiveness awareness, these ongoing groups offer skills, relief, and the chance to network and make
friends. For more information and a schedule of upcoming classes, call 350-7103 or
(0931) 8897103.
forum did a great job of capturing the little
details of what we need to change in the
community,” said Lt. Col. Russ Hall, 417th BSB
commander.
Issues from speeding and parking to unfair
pricing policies, to community mail room hours
and the insistence on improved customer service
had participants cheering and clapping.
“We had nine workgroups that dealt with
three issues each along with their subject matter
experts. They had to find a solution to the issues.
Not a very easy task,” Palmer said.
“Some of these issues
will pull together with
those from other areas and
become a bigger issue that
has the potential to make
changes across USAREUR,” Hall said.
The increase in the Servicemembers’ Group Life
Insurance program was an
issue raised during an
Palmer
AFAP forum. But the
Elaine Nicholas
Samuel Coachman clutches his book
and reads to Justin Watson, Germaine
Ancheta and Christopher Ballesteros
during the storytelling club.
Far away in a hot country, where the forests
are very thick and dark and the rivers swift and
strong, there lived a storyteller. The gift was
strong in one such as this – so powerful was she
that children flocked to her fireside to hear tales
that sparkled and took them to places where
wishing still made a difference.
Valerie Stiglicz, second grade teacher at
Wuerzburg American Elementary School, lifted
an eyebrow and looked at her audience of
second- and third-graders participating in the
after-school storytelling club.
“Storytelling is shared by the storyteller and
the listeners. Storytellers use the words to paint
pictures, and this makes a story come to life,”
Stiglicz said.
The stories did come to life as she demonstrated the techniques of the art form to a very
attentive audience.
“It’s important to do a book check, and we
must make sure that it’s in the right reading
level, has bright illustrations, and a problem to
be solved,” Stiglicz said.
She showed the children the importance of
lifting their voices as they read and using small
gestures, such as a turn of the face to animate the
story.
Jesse Sobel, an eight-year-old, landed in the
hot seat and had his chance to spin his yarn,
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.”
“The children that have been in the club since
Sept. 2001 have had more practice, they know
what to look for in a good book. You have to
make sure it’s good for those you will be reading
to,” Stiglicz said.
As the club continued with book checks and
more advice, the children began calling out their
suggestions to their fellow classmates.
“Those colors are great!” one student called
out.
“There are way too many words on the page,”
another offered.
“The children choose one book and stick with
it. They have to get to know the story and
characters so they can read it out to other
children and impart the magic of the story,”
Stiglicz said.
“Getting children interested in reading and
storytelling can only help them. It builds selfconfidence and their reading skills,” she added.
So then our tale is complete, and they lived
happily ever after... or if they didn’t, it’s none of
our business.
High school benefits,
gets into shape
Spec. Andrew Ester, Spec. Zigfred
Guerrero, PFC Michael Kruka, and Pvt.
2 Derek Baare from Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion,
158th Aviation Regiment, Giebelstadt
Army Airfield, unload weight equipment at the Wuerzburg American High
School. Using their part of funds
coming from the Army Community of
Excellence Award, the 12th Aviation
Brigade and the Giebelstadt community bought new gym equipment for
their physical fitness center. The only
dilemma that was faced was where to
put the old equipment. It was then that
the members of the Giebelstadt community learned of the high school’s
need. Twenty-five pieces of weight
equipment and benches with free
weights were donated, providing a
greater opportunity for success for the
students and athletes at the school.
Elaine Nicholas
Bad conduct, carnal acts get soldier discharged
At a general court martial held in Bamberg Jan. 22-23, Pvt. 2
Paquiot Nerona, Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, Katterbach, was sentenced to 26 months confinement,
reduction to the lowest enlisted grade, and forfeiture of all pay
and allowances. Nerona, who pled not guilty, was found guilty
of committing indecent acts with a minor, conspiring to commit
indecent acts with a minor, and of carnal knowledge for having
sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 16.
At a general court martial held at Leighton Barracks, Wuerzburg, Jan. 28, SFC Steven Koogler, 1st Military Police Company,
Wuerzburg, was sentenced to 6 months confinement and
reduction to the grade of private. Pursuant to his pleas, Koogler
was found guilty of failure to obey a general regulation and
possession of child pornography, and for keeping and viewing
child pornography on an official government computer.
At a general court martial held at Conn Barracks, Schweinfurt,
Jan. 24-26, Spec. Brian Powell, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion, 77th Armor, was sentenced to 18
months confinement, reduction to the lowest enlisted grade, total
forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and a bad conduct discharge.
He was also assessed a $3,000 fine, which if left unpaid, will be
converted into an additional 12 months confinement. Powell
pled not guilty to unlawful entry into another soldier’s barracks
room and stealing more than $7,000 of personal property. A
panel of officers and enlisted members returned a verdict of
guilty on housebreaking, larceny, and wrongfully endeavoring to
influence a witness. Powell was sentenced on Jan. 26 at 11 p.m.
At a general court martial held at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Pvt.
Christopher Peters was found not guilty of the willful destruction
of military property, rendering false statements under oath, and
for wrongfully endeavoring to impede an investigation. The
verdict was handed down by a military judge, sitting alone.
Technology helps improve facilities
The year 2002 is going to
be another great year for the
1st Infantry Division and the
98th Area Support Group as
the “Army of One” continues
to move forward with the
Army Facility Strategy of
improving how we live, train
and work.
Why am I so optimistic
about 2002?
The staffs of both the 98th
ASG DPW and the four BSB
DPWs in the 98th ASG were
very successful in developing
some technological changes
in 2001 that will help many of
the 45,000 civilians, family members and soldiers in our diversified communities.
Currently, the only way any of the many units in our
communities can notify the BSB DPW staffs of their desires to
fix facilities is via a telephone call or directly walking into a
DPW work reception office to fill out a work order.
Although effective, we recognized during 2001 that a
worldwide web, Internet-based alternative for any customer to
submit work orders was required. Books or car parts are ordered
via the Internet, so why can’t you request facility repairs via the
same process?
We highlight this new capability in an article below.
The 98th ASG DPW and BSB DPW staffs also recognized we
needed to simplify how the customers in our communities could
telephonically contact the work reception staff.
In the fall of 2001, these staffs successfully worked closely
with the 69th Signal Battalion to coordinate a single defense
switched network, or DSN, phone number that customers can
easily remember to call in work orders.
Now, in any community, the customer only has to dial the
local DSN prefix and 5000 to reach the local BSB DPW work
reception desk.
Finally, the ASG and BSB DPW staffs successfully deployed
several hundred mobile cell phones to improve communication
among the 900 plus project managers and workers.
Why is a cell phone important?
Empowering both the managers and workers with the ability
to coordinate the work activities at any small or large project site
is not only time saving, it saves money and valuable resources.
DPW staffs are very happy that they can now better react to
changes in projects in the event of emergencies or don’t have to
waste time waiting for the delivery of construction materials.
Just-in-time logistics work well in the private sector and we will
make it work well in the government sector, too.
What are we doing in the future with technology?
Both the current Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the
Army stated that the military must do a better job of identifying
what it costs to do our business of facility construction and
maintenance. The 98th ASG DPW staff is working very closely
with the four BSB DPW staffs to deploy a management tool
called activity-based management, or ABM, and activity-based
costing, or ABC.
How will we achieve this ambitious goal?
During this year and next, the BSB DPWs will receive the
ABM/ABC management tools so we can improve the accuracy
of calculating how much it costs to do the business of facility
sustainment, restoration and modernization. The ABC process
will be applied to the current DPW database called Integrated
Facility System, or IFS. This will result in an ABC/IFS “Oracle”
software-based system that captures all areas of the DPW that
involve resources: budget, contracts, labor, materials, supplies
and time.
Where will these DPW technology improvements take us?
Another area the ASG and BSB DPW staffs are intensively
working on are all aspects of master planning in each of the
communities. Master planning involves using many types of
reports on the location and stationing of units to make sure we
are putting all community and tactical unit activities in the right
location at the right time. Master planning also ensures that
workspace is properly allocated for administrative, educational,
maintenance, motor pool and training requirements for the tenant
units in our communities. Web-based Internet technology
provides a variety of solutions to collect and manage the many
reports generated and required by the Army to manage the
overall master planning process. For example, the forms many
tenant units are required to complete on space utilization for the
installation status report could potentially be completed in the
future via the Internet.
Why is this technology thing important to me?
As events throughout 2001 showed us, computer
digitalization helped us in strategic, operational and tactical
military operations. The compiling of technical drawings and
pictures of installations are some of the potential areas we will
examine in this year to apply to our everyday operations. The
98th ASG DPW and BSB DPW staffs are going to take
advantage of these technological capabilities to ensure we
construct, maintain and repair the right facilities at the right time
for the right price.
The civilian and military members of the 98th ASG DPW and
BSB DPW staffs thank you for your participation and support in
improving your communities last year.
We ask for your continued interest this year as we proceed to
improve our facilities.
RICHARD B. HOOK
Lieutenant Colonel, Engineer
98th Area Support Group Directorate of Public Works
Ground breaking set for
Conn fuel and mini mall
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
A late change in plans set back the construction of a 24-hour fuel and shopping center
on Conn Barracks that was scheduled to begin
last year.
Crews are set to break ground in April, according to Maj. Dave Pedersen, 280th BSB Directorate of Public Works director.
Army and Air Force Exchange ServiceEurope, or AAFES, officials called for the
change to include a new Popeye’s chicken restaurant.
“We have to make a facility that’s usable for
AAFES and gets all the things they need inside
the store,” Pedersen said.
“It was the right thing to do, because Popeye’s
was the oldest in Europe and we needed a new
building,” said Trevor Jordan, facility engineer
and DPW deputy director.
In addition to a shoppette and the Popeye’s,
one of the highlights of the complex will be 24hour fuel pumps, a new feature to the Schweinfurt military community.
“People should be able to get gas 24 hours a
day there,” Jordan said. The new facility will
have two dispensers with a total of four eight
pumps.
“AAFES headquarters has a template of how
their facilities should look,” Pedersen said.
“Though there’s not a lot of flexibility as far
as the layout, there’s enough leeway in the plan
to implement another fresh feature – a propane
exchange point.
“Knowing that we didn’t have one, that was
one feature I ensured they included in the project,” Pedersen said.
“That was just something I picked up at one
of the town hall meetings,” he said, referring to
a customer who raised the issue.
Pedersen added, once construction has begun,
the project is expected to take roughly eight
months.
Mark Heeter
Tyrone King, left, and Kenyetta King stock merchandise at the shoppette on Conn
Barracks. The shoppette will move to the new mini mall.
Keeping stride with technology
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
Olivia Feher
Lt. Col. Richard Hook explains the new web work order
site to customer Elaine Nicholas.
It’s as simple as clicking on your web browser. Filling out
work orders, no matter what part of the 98th ASG you are in, has
never been quicker.
“We wanted one 98th ASG DPW web site that was standardized for each BSB. This makes it easier for customers to put
in a work order request, whether it’s day or night,” said Lt. Col.
Richard Hook, 98th ASG DPW director.
From dishwashers to leaky faucets or doorframe cracks – the
DPW web site can take requests for work orders in personal
living quarters, barracks or facilities.
“We designed the web site to be very user-friendly. We at the
DPW often speak in ‘engineerese,’ we wanted the site in plain
English,” said Eldon Anderson, management engineering systems branch chief.
The layout of the web site is clear and easy to navigate.
“Customers will notice similarities to commercial web sites.
For example, all the blocks must be filled in or you get the pesky
window telling you what you missed. The site is designed in
bright colors and organized by area, by map or by BSB. Customers also receive a reply and a phone call to make ar-
‘We wanted one 98th ASG DPW web
site that was standardized for each
BSB.’
– Lt. Col. Richard Hook
rangements for the repair,” Anderson said.
“The site also supports the ability for customers to submit email inquiries and work orders for telephones. We see that more
and more the U.S. Army is moving to web-based technology for
knowledge management. We are striving to provide that same
technology to manage work orders and provide continuous
quality engineering and housing services,” Hook added.
To log on to the 98th ASG web site, go to www.98asg.
wuerzburg.army.mil and click on Submit Maintenance Request. The DPW site is also accessible from the 98th ASG or
BSB web sites and the 1st Infantry Division home page.
For more information, call your local DPW work order
section.
A1
Photos by Cheryl Boujnida
A collection of building materials awaits construction workers. School age services and youth services middle
schoolers will occupy the new facility in June 2002.
Bamberg youth on the move
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Bamberg youth are on the move.
School age services, or SAS, a before-and after-school day
care program, is relocating to the middle school youth services,
or YS, building in June 2002.
Currently housed at Bamberg American Elementary School,
SAS is moving to make room for full-time kindergarten children
who will attend school in September 2003.
“The new location will better suit children’s needs because it
will be constructed to our specifications,” said Lt. Col. Timothy
Hill, 279th BSB commander.
Program alternatives will benefit youth academically.
“Renovations include improvements to the middle school
portion of the building, which allows for more academic based
activities that are directly in line with elementary and middle
school programs. Children will have the opportunity to use a
computer room, an art room, or study,” Hill said.
The YS facility, under construction since Oct. 2001, will be
ready for occupancy in June 2002. Large amounts of snow
shortened the building season, but haven’t affected construction
deadlines.
A new wing was added onto the former YS facility to accommodate program needs. It now features a kitchen and
cafeteria, and an administrative and multipurpose room. An ageappropriate playground will be erected behind the building.
Department of public works, or DPW, staff members cater to
customer needs.
“Staff members ensured an existing contract was modified to
erect a playground at the YS. Two projects will be completed
concurrently,” said Michael Kempner-Strehlow, DPW director.
Combining youth programs positively impacts costs. “Two
programs using one building implements a synergy effect
meaning the co-usage of a facility. Using one facility instead of
two is financially advantageous because two age groups will
share common areas,” he said.
Modifications to the YS facility meet force protection
standards.
“By installing safety glass windows and relocating refuse
containers, renovations coincide with the 279th BSB force
protection plan,” said Hans Juergen Betz, chief, DPW
engineering planning and services division.
He explained the building was updated to meet handicap
specifications. “A few modifications, such as installing an
elevator, makes life easier for children with special needs,” Betz
said.
Architects Matthias Dietz and Wolfgang Schmitt coordinated
with the directorate of community activities to design the new
youth facility.
“It’s essential to incorporate user needs into design plans. It’s
going to be a first-class youth center that community residents
will be proud of,” Dietz said.
A crane hovers outside the youth services building in
Bamberg during the facility expansion phase.
A worker drills holes for electrical lines.
New apartments in Skyline improve quality of life
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
The apartments in Skyline, Leighton Barracks, Wuerzburg, have met their timely end.
Built in the early 1950s, these buildings have
long needed a makeover.
The 417th BSB DPW housing division and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers planned and
are carrying out an entire whole neighborhood
revitalization, or WNR, to bring these buildings
into the 21st century. The project will span eight
years and is expected to be completed in 2010.
The first of these apartments have been
finished and the new residents moved in Feb. 11.
“We moved from the third floor to the first.
We were so excited to be among the first to move
in,” said Lashun Littleton, family member,
Company A, 67th Combat Support Hospital.
“These buildings have met their life cycle. We
want to bring the apartments up to standard and
to increase the quality of life for our enlisted
personnel,” said Jon Henderson, 98th ASG
housing division chief.
“If you come back in three years and look, the
entire neighborhood will look different,”
Henderson said.
It already looks different, the insides are
bright, have new windows and a warm finish to
the cabinets and kitchen area.
From landscaping to private laundry facil-
ities, those who will move into these refinished
apartments will have many luxuries. Some of the
luxuries include 110 voltage power outlets,
many phone jacks, a ceiling fan, and, better yet,
a washer and dryer in the apartment.
“The 110 volt power outlets in every room are
fantastic. It’ll make things easier. We were using
transformers for all of our appliances, and half of
them were in storage, now we can use them all
without the transformers,” Littleton said.
“We gathered our engineers together and
figured out what meant the most to our soldiers.
First, we took a look at the safety issues. We are
installing a 100 percent fire protection system to
include a sprinkler system. Next, we looked at
storage space. We planned the apartment to
maximize space. No one likes going up and
down several flights of stairs to store their belongings. We spent a lot of time making closets,
cabinets and wardrobes,” said John Offen, project engineer, Army Corps of Engineers.
“There’s more space inside the buildings so
residents will have their own laundry facilities in
their own apartments,” Offen said.
It will seem a little bit more like home with
fresh paint, built-in dishwashers and bigger
bathrooms.
“Ceiling fans, two deep sinks in the kitchen,
and 110-volt outlets are other additions our
engineering team came up with,” Offen said.
Storck clinic gets face-lift
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
The Illesheim Dental Clinic moved into
temporary office space in the 1970s, and there it
has been ever since. But in just a few short
months, the clinic will move to a new location,
along with state-of-the-art equipment.
“We are very excited to be able to move out of
the current building and into office space that is
more efficient to work in. The new space will be
designed like what most people are used to in the
civilian world. Gone will be the assembly line
setup that we currently have,” said Lt. Col.
David Reid, clinic commander.
The clinic will be moving into building 6506
on Storck Barracks, Illesheim.
“This building previously housed the recruiting office and Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 11th Aviation Regiment. They
moved out earlier this year so the building could
be renovated,” said Capt. Margaret Schuck,
235th BSB DPW operations officer.
“This project is actually being managed by
A2
the Medical Command. Our role was to make
sure the new location was ready for the renovations. So we went in and did the demolition
kind of work, like removing things that were not
going to be needed for the clinic. We’re done
with that, and now it’s ready for them to start.
The plan calls for room for two full-time
dentists with two chairs for each. The space is
also being designed to accommodate two fulltime dental hygienists and a fully operational
laboratory.
“We have taken great care to work with the
Medical Command to design the clinic to be
functional for us and our patients. We are not
only updating the facility with new dental chairs,
but we’re also going to be getting new equipment,” said Cpl. Stephen Dyer, clinic NCOIC
and project manager.
“We are also going to be able to have our own
classroom in the basement of the new building,
which is something we don’t have at all right
now,” he said.
Lisa Eichhorn
Currently patients at the Illesheim Dental Clinic share the room with three others.
When the new clinic is ready, all patients will have their own examination area.
235th BSB animal clinic provides better care
New veterinary clinic
opens later this year
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
All the little furry animals in the 235th BSB
will soon have a state-of-the-art facility for all
their health care needs.
Plans are in the works for a new clinic to be
constructed in Katterbach near the child development center. The current clinic, located in
the Bleidorn housing area, has allowed the community to receive care locally for their pets. But
according to Capt. Kelly Brooks, clinic officerin-charge, the new facility will allow her to
perform many more services.
“Right now we can do basic things, like spaying and neutering. When the new clinic is ready,
we will have a surgery ward that will have a
sterile environment. That will allow us to do a
variety of surgeries, like orthopedic procedures.
Right now I can’t do that because the location we
are in isn’t to the standard that you’d need for
those kinds of procedures.
“We will also have a full lab and X-ray capabilities. That alone will help out so much, because currently if an animal needs an X-ray, we
have to send it to a civilian clinic and that can be
costly,” Brooks said.
“Building a new clinic came about because
the Medical Command found they had some
funding to allow them to build a few new
facilities around USAREUR,” said Capt. Margaret Schuck, 235th BSB DPW operations officer.
“We got a very welcome call one day asking
us to find a location for the project. After we
looked at several sites, we decided on the loca-
tion in Katterbach. We think it will be great to
build near the housing area as that’s where most
of the business will come from. We think it will
be very convenient for pet owners to receive the
care their animals need,” Schuck said.
Brooks agrees and hopes the new location
will raise awareness that veterinary services are
offered inside the installation.
“Our clinic will be open full-time and offer
full services, so it will be very easy and affordable to receive pet care. Plus, the location
will be a big help. Right now it’s kind of hard to
find us. But we’re here, you don’t have to wait
until the new clinic opens to come see us,” she
added.
Veterinary services are also offered on Storck
Barracks in Illesheim once a week. The new
clinic is currently scheduled to open later this
year.
Lisa Eichhorn
Dr. Carla Barker, one of two veterinarians
for the 235th BSB gives a furry patient a
check-up.
Solution to calcium buildup ends cleaning trouble
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
Designed by
Elaine Nicholas
Chalk, lime and calcium buildup, all of these
can make keeping your house clean a nightmare.
From clogging your dishwasher to leaving a
white trail of dust on your floors and a blue ring
in your toilet, Germany’s hard water poses a
serious nuisance to any clean-freak.
According to DPW experts, there are solutions out there. Hard water and chalk is not an
issue many Americans had to face in the United
States. By accident, trial and aggravation, and by
using friendships made with local nationals,
solutions have been found.
No longer do you need to suffer with white
film on dishes and cups, or spend hours re-washing the floor.
Vinegar, lemon juice, rock salt and Soft Scrub
bleach with gel can transform your house from a
chalky one to a bright, sparkling, although a bit
smelly, one.
Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic; therefore,
the vinegar kills, demolishes, and loosens the
calcium and chalk buildup.
For the dishwasher, you can locate and buy
the Somat rock salt at the commissary; not the
fine salt, but the large grains. Fill the salt
dispenser in your dishwasher with the entire box
and keep it full. That will effectively halt the
chalk and calcium buildup from appearing on
your dishes. Your dishwasher will stay cleaner,
too. It is also recommended to clean the dishwasher once a month with a lime-remover solution. These are available at local supermarkets.
Somat does it as well.
For the nasty blue ring in the toilet, use Soft
Scrub with bleach, or the gel. Applying the gel
every night for three or four days will remove
that ring. No more scrubbing with the brush for
what seems like hours.
Now the stinky part: Vinegar works better
than a charm on your kitchen sink, especially if
it’s made of metal. Vinegar in German is
“Essig.” It loosens the calcium buildup from
sinks, metal countertops, floors, and even pots
and pans. It is natural and won’t pollute the
environment, just be prepared to open your
windows. It’s recommended that we air out our
homes every day anyway, so this will help you
right along in mold prevention.
For more tips, contact your local DPW work
order section.
Maintenance brings it all together
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Photos by Mark Heeter
PFC Joe Serna tightens the seat of a modified 5-ton
truck.
Spec. Vasna Pong, behind, looks on as Spec. Ramiro
Garcia works on a generator at the current maintenance facility.
A chunk of barren ground near the back of Conn Barracks in
Schweinfurt will soon be put to good use for the 299th Forward
Support Battalion, or FSB.
“This will provide a consolidated direct support maintenance
facility,” said Trevor Jordan, 280th BSB Directorate of Public
Works facility engineer and deputy director.
The 299th FSB offers maintenance and other types of support
to the entire 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division.
“Basically, anything the Army has we can fix, with the
exception of some highly specialized communication
equipment,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Soles, Company B, 299th FSB.
“They have facilities scattered throughout Conn Barracks, and
this facility will allow them to consolidate all their operations,”
said Maj. Dave Pedersen, 280th BSB DPW director.
The project is scheduled to begin with excavation in March,
weather permitting, and the scope of work costs roughly $12
million, according to Jordan.
In addition to centralizing the battalion’s maintenance centers,
the consolidated facility will simultaneously serve as an upgrade
from the unit’s current home.
“The existing facilities have deteriorated badly. Now we’ll
have a state-of-the-art maintenance facility,” Jordan said.
Pedersen acknowledged a highly involved unit taking an active
role in the design of its maintenance area.
“We’ve had a lot of great cooperation on this project,” he said,
explaining that representatives from the 299th FSB were
frequently active players in planning meetings and other major
decisions.
At one point, according to Pedersen, the unit and DPW
officials even went to Vilseck to scout a similar facility so
maintenance battalion personnel could gather ideas about the
finished product wanted.
“The work will not be intrusive for either DPW or the 299th
FSB personnel,” Pedersen said.
“The new facility will be constructed and finished before we
bring the 299th in from where they are now,” he said, satisfied
that a consolidated maintenance facility would benefit the entire
2nd Brigade.
“Having it all new will be nice. I’ve seen the plan, and it looks
great,” Soles said.
Sgt. Darwin Barcus, left, gives a helping hand to Sgt. David Adams, who is tightening a race ring on a tank turret.
A3
Asbestos can’t take the heat
Loses miracle mineral status
by Elaine Nicholas
CRUSADER
Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance and was hailed by
the Greeks as a miracle mineral.
The word itself means inextinguishable and was admired for
its ability to withstand heat. It was also used for wicks in sacred
lamps.
In the late 1800s, extensive deposits were found in Canada. It
was then that asbestos emerged as insulation for boilers, pipes
and other high-temperature applications. “During the late 1960s,
evidence showed that asbestos fibers were hazardous to the
health of those who came into contact with it. The dust contains
fibers that stay in the lung tissue and can cause cancer,” said
Ludger Henning, environmental engineer, 417th BSB DPW.
By the 1970s the U.S. federal government took action, and in
the 1980s the concerns about asbestos grew and removal
programs began.
“Asbestos wasn’t used in Germany as extensively as it was in
the United States; it was very expensive to import. We have
found that in the areas it was used and is deteriorating, it can pose
a health risk, especially in utility rooms,” Henning said.
Asbestos is banned in Germany.
Many of the regulations about abatement came from the
removal programs introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
“Our first project started in 1988 when the U.S. Army began
focusing on the issues surrounding asbestos removal, which is a
part of our renovation programs that are ongoing,” said Gerda
Koss, 417th DPW environmental office chief.
Asbestos alone is not a problem, the danger occurs when the
asbestos becomes damaged and releases fibers.
“When we remove asbestos, we contain the area with plastic
foil to seal it and avoid dust generation. We then create a negative
pressure, the asbestos fibers are then blown through a special
filter and sent for proper disposal,” Henning said.
“There are many areas in the 98th ASG that have asbestos
floor tiles, but as long as they are bound, they are perfectly safe,”
Koss added.
Even though asbestos isn’t a major issue in the 417th BSB,
Henning and Koss offer these tips to those who may have
concerns.
“If residents see pipes crumbling, or other items that look
questionable, they should call for an inspection. We can take a
sample and test the materials,” Henning said.
“We maintain a database on all the buildings within our
footprint, and we’ll know if there is a safety hazard,” Koss said.
Bamberg soldiers see changes
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
The lifestyle of a single soldier stationed in Bamberg is
transforming.
Seventeen troop buildings on Warner Barracks will be renovated to the Department of the Army’s one-plus-one standards
by June 2007. One-plus-one refers to two soldiers occupying two
bedrooms, a kitchenette, and a bathroom.
“Overall, improvements create a higher quality of life for
soldiers. Creating a better lifestyle makes the U.S. Army more
attractive to potential recruits and impacts reenlistment figures,”
said Michael Kempner-Strehlow, 279th BSB DPW director.
Kempner-Strehlow explained the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, based in Wiesbaden, occupies a branch office in Bamberg and acts as USAREUR and DPW consultant managing the
Barracks Upgrade Program.
“Technical supervision and overall responsibility stays within
the BSB,” Kempner-Strehlow added.
“It’s a huge undertaking that one person couldn’t be in charge
of,” said Gary Christian, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project
engineer.
Construction on barracks buildings dating from around 1930
began in October 2000. Five of the 17 barracks are in various
stages of construction.
“Basically we’re taking the buildings down to a skeleton.
Renovations to living spaces, exteriors, utilities, communications and fire alarm systems are underway,” Christian said.
Challenges in large construction projects are inevitable.
“We found hazardous material in several buildings. The
material is not dangerous to people but causes environmental
problems when it’s disposed of. These unforeseen discoveries
cost time and money,” said Chuck Swanson, U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers project engineer.
Soldiers are expected to occupy the first few renovated
barracks in June. The renovations directly impact single soldiers
E-4 and below.
“Soldiers are used to sharing a small bay area. Renovations
will lesson the discrepancy between living in barracks and family
housing. The changes are significant. The buildings should be
reclassified as single soldier quarters – they’re not barracks
anymore,” Christian said.
Photos by Mark Heeter
Construction workers Frank Hirsch, right, and
Anton Deichert work in what will become an office
at the new community counseling center.
Cheryl Boujnida
A construction
worker gathers
materials outside of a
barracks
building on
Warner
Barracks.
The building
is being
converted to
Department of
the Army
standards
where two
soldiers share
a bathroom.
Work will be
finished in
November next
year and the
building
occupied in
March 2003.
DPW Milestones
Congratulations to Stefan Groetschel,
235th BSB fire chief, for winning
USAREUR’s DPW Support Executive of
the Year award. The 235th BSB has the
lowest fire damage statistics within
USAREUR. This is a direct result of
Groetschel’s programs, as well as an
aggressive fire prevention education program that includes the animated Dalmatian
dog to help teach children. The fire
department also screens and responds to all
DPW after-hours emergency calls.
Groetschel
Otta
A4
Congratulations to Herbert Otta, 235th
BSB buildings and grounds division
chief and DPW acting deputy director,
for winning runner up in the Operations
and Maintenance Executive of the Year
category of the USAREUR DPW awards.
In addition to his division chief and acting
deputy director duties, Otta is an active
contracting officer, handling the vast
majority of maintenance and service
contracts.
A job well done to Gert Saar, 280th
BSB DPW, for winning the DPW Engineer
Resource Management Executive of the
Year award. He won for outstanding performance in the information management
arena. Saar’s development of programs
resulted in improved customer satisfaction
and work processes. He has had a direct
impact on managing and improved
efficiencies in the maintenance and repair
of facilities in the Schweinfurt military
community.
Saar
Congratulations to Maj. (P) Joseph
Moore, 417th BSB Directorate of Public
Works director, for winning the 2001
USAREUR Executive of the Year award
from DPW. Moore has been instrumental in
providing a high performance team, changing and providing excellent customer service, maintaining positive host nation relations, practicing sound environmental
stewardship, shaping a capability to meet
future needs and manage resources, and for
executing projects during a time of constrained resources.
Moore
Anton Deichert measures a piece of foam for the
walls in the new facility.
Domino effect aids
youth, counseling
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
The director of the 280th BSB Directorate of Public
Works considers it the domino effect.
“If we want to move an organization from one facility to
another, generally, we don’t have any unoccupied buildings
to move people into. We don’t really have any excess space
to think of,” Pedersen said.
As part of a multifaceted project currently underway, the
community counseling center, which has been located in the
basement of the community health clinic, will move to the
second floor of the Abrams Entertainment Center in building 444 off-post.
That space was previously the teen center, which will
move to the Ledward Gym after renovations are complete.
The projects began as a solution to what Pedersen called
“inadequate facilities” with very small rooms.
“We’ve wanted to get teens out of there for a very long
time, but we haven’t had a place to put them,” he said.
At the same time, the master planning team wanted to get
the teen center more centrally located for the community,
rather than in an off-post facility.
“We don’t have to worry about the teen center being offpost now, so security is better for the kids,” said Dave Coldwell, 280th BSB Youth Services, or YS, director.
Another bonus with the move to the Ledward Gym is the
centralization of two important programs, according to
Coldwell.
“Now we’ll be able to have a partnership between the
teen center and the YS sports program,” he said.
While the project in building 444 involves partitioning an
old conference room into smaller offices for the community
counseling center’s counselors, the center will occupy both
sides of the second floor hallway.
As for the Ledward Gym, the project involves a bit more
work, according to Pedersen, because of building upgrades.
“The gym is a little bit more because we are adding in a
computer room, and there is a lot of utilities involved in
that,” Pedersen said of the extra electrical outlets and computer connections.
16
Sport
Magicians win seesaw battle over Rattlers
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Hanging on the rim just a legal second after his two-handed
slam dunk off a fast break, Roger Cabiness – along with his
Schweinfurt teammates – wanted to send a message to the other
team.
Moments later, down 31-23, their opponents called a timeout
to regroup.
Although the entire game was not so easily under their control,
the Schweinfurt Magicians men’s community basketball team
defeated the Kitzingen Rattlers 98-90 at Finney Fitness Center in
Schweinfurt Feb. 3.
The home team jumped to an early 6-3 lead, but watched while
their opponents climbed back, capped by Kitzingen’s Ken
Johnson three-pointer, which lifted the visitors’ lead to 13-8.
After using a timeout, Schweinfurt regained control and began
to build its lead once again.
With six minutes to play in the first half, and moments after
his breakaway dunk, Cabiness hit a three-point jumper to give
the Magicians a 34-27 lead.
Then the Rattlers built up another leg of steam to bring
themselves right back into the game. Johnson’s jumper,
capitalizing on a turnover, in the lane at 3:40, tied the score at 36
a piece.
In a dramatic moment at the buzzer at intermission,
Schweinfurt guard James Harris buried a jumper from deep in
three-point territory – but it was a split second too late, not in
time to increase the Magicians’ 47-40 lead.
Turnovers were a nagging problem that the Magicians needed
to work on, according to head coach Morris Thomas.
“We need to work on turnovers. That was one thing we didn’t
do well today,” Thomas said after the game.
“We would build up a lead and kind of sit back like the old
Lakers used to do. But we got back into it,” Thomas said of his
team’s disappearing leads.
Schweinfurt came out of the gate burning in the second half,
opening up a 57-41 lead, in a flurry of five consecutive baskets.
Then the fire went out.
Once again, the Rattlers proved they did not come to
Schweinfurt to give up. Kitzingen made its own unanswered run
of baskets, capped by Solomon Loving’s three-point basket to
close the gap to 57-53.
The two teams played evenly and traded baskets for much of
the remainder of the game, as Schweinfurt slowly built another
lead – before watching it dwindle again.
With just under a minute to play, Schweinfurt’s Michael
Edwards nailed a three-point jumper to close the scoring at 9890.
“We put the ball in the hole. Everybody played together as a
team,” Thomas said following his team’s victory, a day after they
dropped a game against Ansbach.
“We lost a game yesterday that we shouldn’t have, but we just
came out today focused and played hard,” Harris said.
“Every game is hard, but we were out there playing hard and
having fun,” he said of his team’s success.
Tournament brings out exciting moves
Bamberg boys take top
slot at Division III
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
Great hoop action was on hand for the boys’
and girls’ Division III South championship Feb
8-9. Although the winners were no big surprise,
it was not an easy tournament for those topseeded teams.
The Bamberg Barons easily won the championship game against the Baumholder Bucs 6836 at the two-day tournament in Ansbach. The
most exciting championship game was the one
between the Ansbach Cougars and the Hohenfels Tigers for third place.
Ansbach won the game 70-68 in overtime.
A three-point shot by Ansbach’s Anthony
Woodson tied the game with seconds left in
regulation play. In overtime, Ansbach’s defense
and Hohenfels’ cold shooting allowed the
Cougars to take the third-place title.
“We knew we could beat them, but we knew
it wouldn’t be easy because we had always had
close games. During the regular season we beat
them once, and they beat us once in overtime, so
even though we were tired we knew we had to
play hard. We had just come off a bad game with
Bamberg, too, so we needed to prove we are a
good team,” said Cougar sophomore Shawn
Bachtel.
In girls’ action, Baumholder’s Lady Bucs
proved too tough for the Hohenfels Lady Tigers
to take the championship. The Lady Bucs were
seeded number two to the Lady tigers, but both
will now go forward to the European championships. As in the boys’ tournament, the pre-
dicted teams took top honors, but it was hard
fought for both teams.
In Hohenfels’ first game, the forth-seeded
Lady Cougars of Ansbach pulled out a surprise
43-34 win that left Hohenfels’ Lady Tigers a bit
stunned. This win and Ansbach’s win over the
Lady Barons of Bamberg put Ansbach in
contention to go to Europeans. If the Lady Tigers
had won the championship game, then the Lady
Cougars would have taken second place at the
round-robin tournament. The team was very
pleased with their performance.
“On Thursday after we beat Hohenfels, we
just decided to go for it. We had been beaten by
them twice in the regular season, so we kind of
surprised ourselves,” said junior Laura Bond. It
was disappointing that we lost our chance to go
to Europeans, but we’re setting our sights on
Baumholder; next year they’re toast.”
Roundup
Cycle to fitness
Cycle those pounds off at the Katterbach
Fitness Center indoor cycling classes. The
classes are for any fitness level and feature stateof-the-art cycling equipment. Classes are each
Mon, Wed and Fri from 9-10 a.m. and noon-1
p.m., and Tue and Thu 6-7 p.m. For more information, call 467-2810 or (09802) 832810.
Learn to fish
Get your license to fish in Germany by taking
the USAREUR fishing course. Course registration is March 8 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Classes
are March 11-15 from 6-8 p.m. and March 18-22
from 6-8 p.m. The test is March 24. The course
costs $35, payable by check or money order. Call
Tom Lively at 467-2923 or (09802) 1635 for
more information.
Register youth
Register Bamberg youth to play softball or
baseball through March 13 at the central regis-
tration office, building 7340, next to the JFK
Physical Fitness Center. Register youth ages 615 to play softball, t-ball, league baseball, and
big league baseball. For more information, call
469-7716 or (0951) 3007716.
Play ball
Bamberg soldiers interested in playing unitlevel volleyball and softball may register at JFK
Physical Fitness Center March 1-29. For more
information, call 469-8890 or (0951) 3008890.
YS needs coaches
The Schweinfurt Youth Services sports program needs volunteers to coach youth. While
offering service to the community as a role
model and mentor, a coach also teaches children
the fundamentals of games. For more information, call 354-6822/6313 or (09721) 966822.
Trainer available
For those looking to get back into shape, a
personal fitness trainer is available at the Finney
Sports and Leisure Center on Conn Barracks,
Schweinfurt. The fitness trainer also offers nutrition counseling. Sessions cost $15 each and are
available at a rate of five for $75. Call 354-6270
or (09721) 966270 for details.
Start running
The Wuerzburg American High School track
program needs volunteers to help the team get
running. Track practice begins March 4 at the
high school. Call John Sullivan at 350-7176 or
(0931) 7028428. Folks in all areas of expertise
are invited to help.
Catch fish
Fish the icy waters of the East or North Sea
March 30. Cost is $75 per person and the price
includes your transportation, guide, fishing
permit, tackle, and a ship with a crew. Call
Harvey Outdoor Recreation for more information at 355-8629 or (09321) 305629.
Ansbach and
Schweinfurt tops
in racquetball
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
The U.S. Forces, Europe, racquetball
championships were held at Kessler Fitness Center, Schweinfurt, Feb. 2.
Ansbach and Schweinfurt took first and
second place, respectively, in the tournament, which brought players from different
branches of service throughout Europe.
“I think we have a pretty good split right
down the middle between the Army and
Air Force,” said Steve Gauthier, 280th
BSB sports director.
Frances Palmer from Schweinfurt won
the women’s masters’ division.
“This is a good turnout,” Gauthier said,
while tracking the games and updating the
bracket board.
In the men’s open division, Winston
Abreu from Sembach finished first, followed by Michael Grinston of Vicenza.
Otto Carrizon of Mannheim took top
honors in the men’s seniors’ division,
while Jerry Buchanan of Ansbach finished
second.
In the men’s masters’ bracket, Glenn
Drew of Hohenfels edged Vilseck’s Davis
Leach for the championship.
Finally, in the men’s senior masters’
division, Edwin Torres of Hanau finished
second behind Ron Ruiz of Kaiserslautern.
“Compared to last year, this is great,”
Buchanan said of the high turnout of
players, explaining that a higher level of
publicity helped spread the word about this
year’s tournament.
“And the hospitality here has been
great,” he added.
Chaplain assistants find
time to volunteer on court
by Caroline Lohmann
98th ASG Religious Education Director
A whole lot a hoopla
Cheryl Boujnida
Bamberg American High School player Shalota Williams, center, pushes the ball
above her opponent’s block. The girls’ basketball team, coached by Anita Hunt
and SFC Marcus Dixon, tied for third place in the Division III South regional
tournament with conference champs Hohenfels, but dropped to fourth place due
to a head-to-head record.
Do you find yourself postponing volunteer
opportunities because you’ve never tried it before? Most of us would probably answer yes.
However, chaplain assistants within the 98th
ASG Chaplains’ Office didn’t let that stop them.
Instead, they stepped up to the court when girls
from the 417th BSB junior basketball league
needed help.
“The girls asked me if I would coach, but I
told them I had never been a coach. I found out
they couldn’t play in the league without a coach,
so I told them I would do it,” said SFC Esaias
Jackson. He and Spec. Deedra Murray make up
the official coaching staff, but are also supported
by Spec. James Gray.
“The girls increase their performance with
each game they play. Their skills are getting
better and they are learning to play the game of
basketball at a higher level,” Jackson said.
“I try to instill discipline, knowledge and
teamwork in each player in order to bring out the
best in each of them,” he said.
Shundra Williams, a seventh-grader at Wuerzburg American Middle School said she is ex-
cited about playing on the team.
“The girls are friendly and helpful, and the
coaches are great. They don’t give up on us no
matter how bad we mess up.”
The students aren’t the only ones who are
grateful. SFC Angela Williams, 98th ASG Equal
Opportunity Office, is very grateful.
“Since last September, our soldiers have been
on guard duty on an every-other-day basis.
Jackson, Gray and Murray have been a great
asset to our community. After duty, they take the
girls to the games or go back on duty the next
day after a game. I’m a single parent, and I
appreciate each of them taking the time out of
their busy schedules and dedicating this time to
the girls and to the community.”
“The girls have a long way to go, but they are
better than expected. They are 4–1 so far,”
Jackson said.
As a community team, the girls play teams
from the Schweinfurt and Hohenfels communities.
The team practices at the Wuerzburg American High School Mondays and Wednesdays at
6:30 p.m., and they play on Saturdays.

Get AFRC information at www.AFRCEurope.com

Transcription

Similar documents

July 20, 2001 - MILCOM Advertising Agency

Celebrate Military Spouses` Day May 10 School attendance vital

social raquet - ALEXANDER PARK TENNIS CLUB

November 19, 2004 - Typo

June 17, 2005 - Typo

January 30, 2004

crusader - MILCOM Advertising Agency

July 9, 2004 - Typo

ELL SALINE HIGH SCHOOL CHEER AND DANCE TRYOUTS

August 25, 2006

November 3, 2006

Building Foundations for Success

April 2016 - Crusader Holidays

Crusader Chronicle S - St. James Lutheran Church