June 17, 2005 - Typo

Bikers
deliver
toys in
Schweinfurt
See page 12
Vol. 13, No. 12
Serving the 98th ASG and the 235th, 279th, 280th and 417th BSBs – Army communities of excellence
June 17, 2005
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Army schools lawyers
The Office of the Judge Advocate General is accepting applications for the
Army’s Funded Legal Education Program.
The program is open to commissioned officers in the grades of second lieutenant
through captain, and applicants must have
at least two years – but no more than six
years – of total active federal service at the
time legal training begins. Eligible officers
should register for the earliest offering of
the Law School Admission Test. For more
information, contact your local Staff Judge
Advocate.
Salute to the fallen
New badge coming
The Combat Action Badge featuring a
bayonet and a grenade, may be awarded to
any Soldier performing assigned duties in
an area where hostile fire pay or imminent
danger pay is authorized, who is personally
present and actively engaging or being engaged by the enemy, and performing satisfactorily in accordance with the prescribed
rules of engagement. The CAB should be
available late this summer or fall through
unit supply and military clothing stores.
Boy Scouts needs
boys to sign up
Boy Scout Troop 135 in Kitzingen is
looking for boys in the 5th grade or older to
join for a fun and adventurous summer of
backpacking, swimming, camping and
community service. Learn leadership and
life skills while having fun. The troop meets
Thursdays at the scout hut on Harvey Barracks from 7 to 8 p.m. Upcoming events:
June 24-26 – day backpacking trek, July 1617 – rappelling and overnight at the Berg
Rein Eck Castle. Call Jay or Crissy Anson,
355-2733 or (01762) 7141654, or e-mail
[email protected]
Rap for prizes in
summer safety contest
Amateur rappers can show off their
skills, help others stay safe and maybe win
a weekend for four at Garmisch’s Edelweiss
Lodge by competing in the V Corps Safety
Office’s summer safety rap contest. Entrants must submit an original rap that spotlights summer safety themes or prevention
of heat injuries, up to one minute in length.
The contest is open to Soldiers, civilian employees and family members, who are valid
ID card holders. Prizes will go to the top
three raps. The first-place prize is a weekend for four at the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch; the second-place winner
wins a $50 Army and Air Force Exchange
Service coupon and the third-place prize is
five passes for a free movie at AAFES theaters. The deadline to enter is July 13. For
more details, call the V Corps Safety Office
at
370-5665,
370-5673,
(06221)
575665/673.
Army Post Offices
get ICE
All Army Post Offices in Germany were
added to the Interactive Customer Evaluation system, a web-based customer survey
tool used as a primary measure of customer
satisfaction. Go to http://ice.disa.mil, select
Army/Europe, the community where the
APO is located. At the community page, select “Communications” where the APO
comment card is.
OIF memorial dedicated in
solemn June 6 ceremony
by Mindy Campbell
The Point
They were friends, comrades, sons,
daughters, husbands, wives and parents.
Underneath a dark and gloomy sky,
hundreds of friends and family members
gathered in Victory Park on Leighton
Barracks to say goodbye to their loved
ones.
Some sat quietly, wiping a tear or two
from their eyes as they listened to the
mournful sound of taps as it drifted
through the air. Others reflected on memories of their friends and loved ones
when the final roll call was made for 193
Soldiers who died during the 1st Infantry
Division’s deployment to Iraq
On Monday, June 6, Maj. Gen. John
Batiste, 1st Inf. Div. commander, dedicated a monument in honor of those Soldiers in the 1st Inf. Div. and its attached
units who died during Operation Iraqi
Freedom I and II. The monument includes a Soldier looking into the distance
with a weapon in hand and crushing a
snake with his boot. In front of the statue,
193 names are etched in stone.
“The Soldier on the monument will
forever stand guard and protect each of
these memorial stones. He will never quit
his post,” said Batiste during the dedication ceremony. “Today we honor our
fallen comrades and acknowledge their
incredible sacrifice on behalf of their
country and all of mankind.”
It was a painful, yet wonderful day for
family members of 26 fallen Soldiers
who made the trip to Germany.
For Audrey Campbell and her daughter Gena Hicklin, the trip from Missouri
was a wonderful way for them to honor
their son and brother, Spc. Michael C.
Campbell, of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment in Schweinfurt.
“It was important for us to be here today,” Hicklin said.
Campbell was impressed with the ceremony and memorial.
“It is a wonderful memorial and tribute to the Soldiers,” Campbell said.
See Memorial on Page 15
Photos by Mindy Campbell
Helpful tips for a smoother move
by Roger Teel
The Point
Every community throughout the Installation
Management Agency–Europe is experiencing a
high volume of Soldiers and families leaving
Europe this summer.
If you and/or your family are one of them,
here are some tips to help make the shipment of
household goods (HHGs) and privately-ownedvehicles (POVs) go a bit more smoothly:
p Get to your local transportation office 45days before you would like to move. If you get
your orders with less than 45-days, go to the
transportation office as soon as you have your
orders.
p Remain flexible with HHG pickup dates.
Have alternate dates in mind and be prepared to
accept them.
p Get a confirmed HHG pickup date before
you make other plans. Don’t book plane tickets
or make vacation plans until you know when
your goods will be picked up.
p Husbands and wives should attend the
transportation office counseling session together.
p Be aware of host-country requirements
when assigned overseas. Special emphasis
should be placed on shipment of privatelyowned-firearms, motorcycles, and other unique
items. Contact the customs office for details
about shipping some of these items.
p When shipping a POV, have seven copies
of your orders and any amendments. Also, have
one certified and two copies of the original vehicle title.
p Ensure your POV has less than one-fourth
tank of fuel.
p Have your valid driver’s license, proof of
ownership (title and registration), and a photo
ID.
p Have a complete set of keys, to include gas
cap and wheel-lock keys, if applicable, when
you deliver your POV to the vehicle processing
center. Retain a complete set of keys and have
them with you when you pick up your POV.
p Turn off or disconnect auto alarms or anti-
theft devices.
p Make sure your POV is in a safe and operable condition.
p Make sure your vehicle is clean. The center will not accept a POV laden with dirt, soil, or
mud on the vehicle, including the undercarriage.
p Empty all pockets and compartments
p Have the make, model, color, year, and serial number of your POV available.
p Provide a destination address, phone number and/or e-mail address where you may by notified that vehicle is ready for pickup.
p Make sure your POV meets any host-nation emission control and safety standards.
p Since your POV may be exposed to freezing temperatures, safeguard the cooling system
with a permanent-type antifreeze solution to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
p Be aware of the different requirements
about vehicle registration, titles and license
plates where you plan to register your POV.
For more information contact your community transportation office.
PCSing? Are you ready to make your move?
2
Team of Teams!
The Point, June 17, 2005
Enjoy
your
travels
but
remember
to stay
safe
You can be almost anywhere in Europe in less than 12 hours
by car, bus, train or plane. From Piccadilly Circus in London to
the canals and windmills of Holland, to the sights of Paris, to the
beaches of France or Spain, or to the tranquility of the Alps, they
are all readily accessible.
If you don’t want to travel so far, look in your own backyard.
Take a day or two, or a long weekend, and visit some of the many
attractions that we have right here in Franconia. Like the Playmobil Fun Park near Nuernberg, the Franconian Beer Museum
in Bamberg, the old town with its many shops and restaurants in
Kitzingen, or the Residenz and Marienberg Fortress in Wuerzburg.
If you’re not interested in visiting historical or cultural sights,
try volksmarching or stop by one of the wine fests in the outlying villages and towns.
Take the opportunity to make friends with our German neighbors. Seek them out, you’ll find them to be gracious hosts.
p Don’t show large rolls of money or credit cards in public.
p Safeguard your identification and valuables, never leave
them in your vehicle.
p Be alert for pickpockets in crowds.
p Don’t go into areas locals avoid.
If you live off post, prevention will help keep your home safe
for your return. Tips include:
p Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.
p Don’t let mail and flyers pile up in your mailbox.
p Create the illusion you’re at home by using timers that will
turn lights on and off in different areas of your house.
Enjoy your stay in Europe. Take advantage of the unique historical and cultural opportunities, but always remain vigilant.
Remember, force protection is everyone’s business.
Team of Teams!
Use the following tips to more safely and securely enjoy the
season’s festivities.
p Report suspicious activities.
Those of us stationed in Bavaria have opportunities to experience Germany and Europe that few of our fellow Americans will
ever get, especially during the spring and summer months.
p Blend in if at all possible and when traveling pack your
things in inconspicuous baggage.
RUSSEL D. SANTALA
Colonel, Air Defense Artillery
98th Area Support Group Commander
p Don’t stand out as an American.
OK, so what’s The Point?
Commentary
by Roger Teel
Editor, The Point
Several weeks ago, as I mulled over the pluses and minuses
of taking on this job as editor of The Point, I came to several
realizations that eventually brought me to the keyboard where
I now sit.
First, and most importantly, as this command and our BSB
communities face the inevitable changes the future will bring,
I believe there is a real need for the information being delivered in our community newspaper. I see people still pick up our
free community newspaper, if for nothing else than to read
headlines, look at pictures, look at ads, and check to see who
may have gotten a thumbs down.
Second, the quality of writers that now staff our newspaper
are exceptional and I, having been in relative seclusion in my
previous position at Wuerzburg hospital, had come to miss the
bickering and backstabbing and other jostling with working
journalists. Now I’m smack dab in the middle of that, cracking the editorial whip, acting like Perry White and getting all
the perks that comes with being in charge.
Third, this is what I do. I’ve been a player in Army public
affairs for more than 30 years and I’ve made more silk purses
out of sow’s ears than you can ever imagine. As the saying
goes, “Once you get printer’s ink under your fingernails,
you’re hooked.” Well, that’s me. I’m hooked on telling the
Army story, hooked on Soldier stories, hooked on the nobility
of being a Soldier and I’m hooked on the notion that in our
newspaper we try to capture the essence and importance of
day-to-day life in our communities.
Seriously, I had major reservations about taking this job.
My predecessor and friend, the late Olivia Feher, sat in this
Street talk:
Street talk:What was your biggest blessing in disguise?
Capt. Kevin Castro, Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment, 235th BSB, Barton Barracks, Ansbach
Zachry Garcia, Army and Air
Force Exchange Sales Associate, Warner Barracks, Bamberg
“I have a couple of them.
One of them is getting my
dream and becoming an
officer in the military.
Number two, my family,
my daughter, and being
able to travel the world
with my family.”
“My two boys definitely
turned out to be a blessing in disguise – they
are my little helpers.”
Staff Sgt. James Weaver, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion, 26th
Infantry, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt
“Going into the Army so
late in life. I joined the
Army when I was 29. I
graduated from college
and spent seven years in
the civilian world. I joined on a whim and it was
the best thing I ever did.”
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency
Roswitha Lehner
Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 Weiden
Telefax (0961) 67050-32
Internet:
chair for a number of years and I always marveled at her direct and even-tempered approach to getting the paper out. We
bumped heads often over layout and design and newspaper
style, but we respected each other. Since I felt I was always
working FOR her, I was hesitant to take her chair. But now,
seven months since her death, I think she would want me here,
remembering the good times, and taking over where she left
off.
The interim editor, Scott Rouch, as many of you alert readers are aware, has done a superb job keeping things together,
keeping the newspaper on the street, and keeping it real. The
BSB journalists – Larry Reilly, Mindy Campbell, Cheryl
Boujnida, Margot Cornelius, Kristen Toth, Kristen Golby, and
Jim Hughes, and the PAO staff of Don Klinger, Frank Schleehuber, Sabine Hanbury and Elaine Nicholas – have worked
diligently to keep our communities current on matters that
matter.
Please note that throughout this commentary I have referred
to The Point as OUR newspaper. That is because I believe it is
as much YOURS as it is mine or anyone else’s. This paper belongs to every Soldier in our footprint, every family member
in one of our communities, every commander, every local national who works for us, everyone who picks it up.
And that means, in a community sense, that I’m your editor, too. So here’s your first assignment: submit pictures of
your events, photos of your kids shooting each other with the
garden hose, your travels around Europe, or announcements of
your group or unit activities, or recaps of events that we may
have been unable to cover.
Look down the road, plan ahead, and remember we have
deadlines here, so send your items well in advance to:
[email protected]
This is OUR newspaper, and that’s The Point I’m trying to
make.
www.milcom.de
Free classifieds (0931) 2964397 · Fax The Point (0931) 2964626
Spc. Reginald Campbell, Battery D, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air
Defense Artillery, Larson Barracks, Kitzingen
Spc. Rashad King, Headquarters, Headquarters Company,
4th Aviation Brigade, Katterbach Kaserne, Ansbach
“The deployment. It helped me out financially and
with my parents. I wasn’t
always the best kid growing up. With the deployment, my parents saw
that I am doing something with my life and
they are really proud of
me.”
“I’d have to say my wife
because I’ve been on deployments the last two
years and she always
wrote me letters and sent
me packages in the mail
to make sure my spirits
were up. She’s always
been there for me.”
Photos by The Point staff
Savanna McMurchy, 54th Engineer Brigade Family Member,
Warner Barracks, Bamberg
“My stepmother and I
took the opportunity to
grow closer together during my dad’s deployment.”
“The Point” 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 Point” 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 Point” 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 16,000 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 Point, 98th ASG-PAO, Unit 26622, APO AE 09244-6622.
email: [email protected]
Sgt. 1st Class Ray Trent, Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Field
Artillery, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt
“I’d have to say the full
support of my family upon
my deployment and redeployments. Just knowing that I have their support no matter where I go
is a blessing.”
Traci Youman, 417th BSB Social Work Services, Harvey Barracks, Kitzingen
“Being stationed here in
Germany. I was worried
because we were moving
away from our family and
I didn’t know what to expect. However, it has
been a blessing. We’ve
built a spiritual foundation and started a family
here.
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 114, Harvey Barracks, telephone 3558575 or (09321) 3058575.
The Schweinfurt editorial office is located in Robertson Hall, Ledward Barracks, Schweinfurt, telephone 354-6381 or (09721) 966381.
98th Area Support Group Commander . . Col. Russel D. Santala
98th ASG Public Affairs Officer . . . . . . . . . Donald Klinger
Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger Teel
Assistant Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Rouch
Journalist (Ansbach) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Hughes
Journalist (Bamberg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Boujnida
Journalist (Schweinfurt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristen Toth
Journalist (Kitzingen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Larry Reilly
Reader contributions are welcome but will be published at the discretion of the editor.
4
The Point, June 17, 2005
Celebrating Mother Earth
35th anniversary of Earth Day stimulates student interest, awareness
In Bamberg The 35th anniversary of Earth Day was
celebrated by about 650 children at
Bamberg’s Engineer Lake June 1.
The combined efforts of the 279th BSB
Department of Public Works Environmental Office and Bamberg Elementary
School Gifted Education Specialist
Dr. Delome Greenwald-Schmitt gave
students the opportunity to interact with
nature.
“This is the eighth year that we’ve
honored Mother Nature (here), and it’s
vital that our students learn the
importance of preserving our
environment,” Greenwald-Schmitt said.
Earth Day was first celebrated in the
United States on April 22, 1970, the
combined efforts of government,
grassroots organizations and
conscientious citizens. Earth Day has
evolved into a worldwide campaign to
protect the environment.
“Combining nature conservation and
education gives students a hands-on
opportunity to truly experience nature,”
said Dr. Konrad Albert, DPW
In Schweinfurt -
Dr. Greenwald-Schmitt, Juergen Betz, and helpers from Betty Krout’s class plant
a tree in honor of Earth Day.
Bamberg Elementary School students
make music during the Earth Day celebration.
Terrence Adolphus pots a plant.
“We take a lot of things for granted. We
are here to let people know that nothing
is unlimited,” said Lothar Rueckert, chief,
environmental department, 280th BSB
Directorate of Public Works.
In honor of Earth Day, Environmental
Awareness Day was organized by the
280th BSB DPW environmental division
with help from Schweinfurt American
Elementary School teachers.
Around 250 third- and fourth-graders
from the school came to the recycling
center on Conn Barracks.
The students rotated through eight
stations where experts led 15-minute
demonstrations. Topics included
recycling, the use of compost, small
living creatures in our waters, a live-fire
exercise and a military working dog
presentation.
Many presenters volunteered from
German government offices and
agencies and their participation and
enriched the event by providing the
environmental specialist. He noted that
Engineer Lake has seen aesthetic and
environmental improvements in the last
five years.
Students walked the nature trail and
path of senses, viewed static
environmental displays, and learned
about water physics by using a spiral
pump and made music on wooden plates
and stones. The program began with
theatrical and musical performances by
several classes.
“It’s fun to get out of school and be
outside. I really liked using the water
pump and walking around the lake. It’s
like a paradise here,” said Mahpiya
Vanderbilt, 7.
A German school from Oberschwarzach was also invited to visit
Warner Barracks and participate in Earth
Day activities. Students from Jessica
Riedelbauch’s German immersion
classroom assisted the visiting students.
“It’s great that we have combined
cultures to make the world a better place.
It’s up to all of us to treat our environment
with respect,” said Katie Pulli, 11.
children with hands-on ways to learn
about and care for the environment.
Three of the stations dealt with aspects
of recycling.
“Americans need training in recycling.
The recycling program in Germany is
complex and most Soldiers and family
members have little experience with
recycling,” said 280th BSB environmental
deputy Wolfgang Froehling.
Evelyn Pannell was one of many
parents who accompanied their children
to the event.
“Children will correct their parents if
they are recycling something incorrectly
and it’s often the children who end up
taking the recycling seriously,” Pannell
said.
Students also learned that the
principles of environmental responsibility
can be implemented throughout the year.
“We can continue to celebrate Earth
Day by recycling and conserving energy.
Conserve gas, heating, oil, and water,”
Rueckert said.
Students get up close to mosquito larva.
Stories and photos by
Cheryl Boujnida
in Bamberg and
Kristen Chandler Toth
in Schweinfurt
Jacob Williams shovels dirt at the tree
planting.
Schweinfurt students were quizzed about recycling procedures.
6
235th Base Support Battalion: Ansbach, Illesheim
The Point, June 17, 2005
Take dad to brunch
The
235th
BSB Dining Facility-Illesheim
hosts a Father’s
Day
Brunch
June 19 from
10:30 a.m. to 1
p.m. Menu includes spaghetti/
meatballs,
shrimp scampi,
lemon-baked cod, fried catfish, rice pilaf,
noodles Jefferson, broccoli, corn O’Brien,
apple pie, banana cake and soft ice cream.
It is open to everyone authorized to eat at
the dining facility. The cost is $4 except for
family members of E-4s and below, who
pay $3.45.
Learn to mentor
The Army Family Team Building program has Level III training in the Katterbach Army Community Service classroom
June 21-24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The program expands people’s leadership skills,
helps build effective communications
techniques and teaches people to mentor
others. Attendees will be reimbursed for
child-care expenses. For more information, contact Pam Lindenmeyer at (09802)
832370 or by e-mail at [email protected].
VFW reaches out
The Ansbach Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post offers outreach services to the veteran
community at their office on Barton Barracks the third Tuesday of each month beginning June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m. Assistance
to veterans and their family members is free
and VFW membership isn’t required. For
more information, call Pat Buckman at
01743971947 or e-mail Norberto “Tony”
Millet at [email protected].
Buy and sell stuff
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers has a flea market at the Katterbach fitness center June 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rent a table for $10 and turn your old stuff
into cash. Food and refreshments will be
available. For more information or to reserve a table, call Emily Frasier at 0170
8844191.
Get support
The Illesheim Chapel offers a deployment support group for all ages the second
and fourth Wednesdays of each month from
6:30 to 8 p.m. in the chapel. For more information, call Dyan Langley at 467-4555
or (09841) 83555, or the chapel at 467-4642
or (09841) 83642.
Enjoy the play
The Terrace Playhouse in the Bleidorn
Housing Area presents its production of
“Love, Sex and the IRS,” June 17-18 at
7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $8 for adults and $6
for students. Call the playhouse at 4687636 or (0981) 183636.
235th BSB
The Point, 235th Base Support Battalion,
editorial office is located in building
5257, Barton Barracks, telephone 4687649 or (0981) 183649. Mailing address
is PAO, The Point, 235th Base Support
Battalion, CMR 463, APO AE 091770463.
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. John Reilly
Public Affairs Officer ............................ Frauke Davis
Command Information Officer ................. Jim Hughes
Journalist .......................................... Kathryn DeBoer
Jim Hughes
Two supermoto motorcycle racers from Ansbach show their cornering skills.
Bikers buzz Army airfield
by Kathryn DeBoer
The Point
Roaring engines and a high-octane aroma are
nothing new to the Katterbach Kaserne airfield,
but June 4, the engines belonged to vehicles of
the two-wheel variety – from motocross to sport
to cruiser motorcyclists, bikers took over the
flight line.
About 20 community motorcyclists participated in the 235th BSB Summer Safety Campaign Motorcycle Rodeo to have fun, spend
quality time with their bikes and to put their driving skills to the test, said Hildegard Schumann,
battalion safety officer.
“Lt. Col. John Reilly (235th BSB commander) came up with the idea for the rodeo so community motorcyclists and spectators could have
fun and learn tips about motorcycle safety,”
Schumann said. “We even had a supermoto team
from the TAF motorcycle shop in Ansbach
putting on a demonstration for everyone. They
usually charge about €25 for the show, but they
did this as a favor to the Army.”
The supermoto racers included Europe’s
fifth-ranked racer, “Wild” Willy Graf, who
screamed around a curvy circuit on the flight
line.
“We set up four obstacle courses and separated the bikers into two classes of motorcycles:
cruisers and sports bikes,” said Ken King, 235th
BSB’s Driver’s Testing Office. “Three events
had community riders driving through the
course in the fastest time while avoiding as many
cones as possible. The last event required the
riders to navigate the course, avoid the cones and
complete the obstacle in the slowest time.”
For the majority of the riders, including Command Sgt. Maj. Guy Niles, 601st Aviation Support Battalion, the last course was quite a challenge.
“The runs are always challenging because
you are going at different speeds than you would
normally go on the road and the turns are
tighter,” Niles said. “Any obstacle course like
this one is a test of eye and hand coordination
and overall driving skills.”
Three certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation coaches were on-site: Kevin Smith, from
the Illesheim Area Support Team, and Louise
Wagner and Steve Rice, both from the driver’s
testing office.
The coaches provided hands-on recommendations and safety information to the rodeo riders, King said.
“This event is certainly not required. The
rodeo was designed for fun, but our hope is that
people learned something, too. We hope participant walked away with more knowledge of how
to handle their motorcycles. A biker has to be
concerned about other things besides just riding
straight down the road. A rider has to be aware
of road conditions and upcoming turns and
swerves on the highway.”
Schumann added that the rodeo was for
“safety and accident prevention, to give tips to
the motorcycle drivers and to teach safety requirements. This event provided guidelines on
what to do, what not to do, and illustrated the
right personal protective equipment required by
German law.”
BSB operations, the driver’s testing office
and the safety office coordinated the event, the
first-ever motorcycle rodeo in the 235th BSB,
Schumann said.
And it all came off to good reviews by participants, including Staff Sgt. Eddy Hensley, Company A, 601st Aviation Support Battalion.
“This was a learning experience,” said Hensley, who recently purchased the motorcycle he
brought to the event. “I haven’t had the opportunity to operate the new bike at the slow-speed
maneuvers and it was definitely a challenge. I
would certainly recommend the rodeo to both inexperienced and experienced riders – even the
most skilled riders will face new challenges with
the course layouts.”
Niles agreed, adding that, “any day to ride is
a good day. I have been riding on two wheels for
34 years and I will still take something away
from this event.”
Avoid stupidity to stay safe
by Jim Hughes
The Point
There have been 270 vehicle accidents – ranging from minor to severe – among drivers in the
Ansbach military community this year, up from
159 at this time last year, according to Sgt.
Daniel Chenoweth, traffic accident investigator
for the 235th BSB Provost Marshal’s Office.
Chenoweth said the increase isn’t from drivers suddenly taking stupid pills or driving like
they’re in a demolition derby, but more likely
due to bad road conditions the longer winter season brought to the area this year.
At the same time, he said people are known to
do some stupid things behind the wheel of a car.
“People need to know that when they’re driving they’re behind the wheel of a weapon and
they can kill people if they’re doing the wrong
thing or not paying attention,” Chenoweth said.
Leading causes of accidents are drivers not
maintaining control, going too fast, pushing
older cars past their limits and inattentiveness,
Chenoweth said.
“In the summer, people don’t realize that with
the changing of the temperature from the 70s in
the day to the 60s or lower in the night, the roads
can become slippery,” he said. “When it’s hot
out, water and oil can seep up through the road
surfaces. That makes for slippery conditions and
people caught unaware can lose control of their
vehicles.”
For some people, coming to Germany and
buying a BMW means a license to go fast
Chenoweth said.
“But what some people forget is that they
didn’t buy a new BMW – they bought an older
one,” he said. “Just because it passed inspection
doesn’t mean you can go out and drive it 100
mph. You wouldn’t drive your older car that fast
in the States, so don’t do it here, either. We see a
lot of accidents caused by defective vehicles or
people pushing them too hard.”
Inattentive drivers continue to be a menace to
others on the road.
“Just three seconds of inattentiveness on the
part of a driver can result in the death of somebody,” he said. “Four years ago, we had a person
driving up to Illesheim who reached down to get
a CD, took their eyes off of the road, crossed
over the double white line, hit another vehicle
and killed the driver. He ended up getting three
years in prison for it.”
But not every accident results in a fatality, of
which there have been two in the past year involving people from this community. Chenoweth said 67 percent of the accidents in this area
take place in parking lots.
“If you took cars away from everyone except
two people, those two would eventually run into
each other in a parking lot,” he said.
Jim Hughes
4-star visit
Gen. B.B. Bell, U.S. Army, Europe,
commanding general listens to a
question from a Soldier’s family
member during a lunch with Storck
Barracks Family Readiness Group
members at the Illesheim Dining Facility May 31. The general visited
Storck Barracks and Katterbach
Kaserne near Ansbach to hear concerns from rear detachment, family
readiness group leaders and young
adults of units deployed from the
235th BSB area.
‘Beyond Glory,’ fireworks to light up Freedom Fest
Jim Hughes
The Point
The 235th BSB will celebrate American Independence Day
July 4 from 3 to 10:30 p.m. at the Illesheim Theater parking lot.
The Community Freedom Fest will feature inexpensive rides,
game booths, barbecue and beverages, free bowling, the Department of Defense show “Beyond Glory” and fireworks.
As part of the Freedom Fest, the National Endowment for the
Arts, in partnership with U.S. Army, Europe, present Stephen
Lang in the play “Beyond Glory,” at 7 p.m. in the Illesheim The-
ater. The performance is free, but is not intended for children younger than 13.
Lang brings to the stage the stories of
eight American servicemembers. Adapted
from Larry Smith’s book, “Beyond Glory:
Medal of Honor Heroes in Their Own
Words,” Lang’s one-man performance portrays veterans from World War II, Korea
and Vietnam, including Admiral James
Stockdale and Senator Daniel Inouye.
An award-winning actor, Lang has Lang
earned critical and popular acclaim in film, television and on
stage for more than 30 years. Lang played Gen. George Pickett
in the feature film “Gettysburg” and Stonewall Jackson in “Gods
and Generals.”
This performance is a part of the NEA’s Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience, a program that documents and preserves the wartime experiences of men and women
in uniform and their families.
For more information on “Beyond Glory” or the Community
Freedom Fest, please call Vikki Hanrahan at 468-7636.
8
279th Base Support Battalion: Bamberg
The Point, June 17, 2005
38th PSB has a new
commander
Silver anniversary class graduates
Lt. Col. Richard
Shepard has taken
over the position as
battalion commander
for the 38th Personnel
Service Battalion; a
position formerly held
by Lt. Col. Patrick
Gawkins. Gawkins is
heading to Carlisle
Barracks, Pa. Sheppard arrives having
served as director of
Shepard
Enlisted
Personnel
Management at the 1st Personnel Command and was also formerly assigned to the
Adjutant General School Combat Developments Department of the Soldier Support
Institute at Fort Jackson, S.C. His first tour
in Germany was in 1986 in Stuttgart. He is
married to Maj. (Ret.) Deidre King-Shepard and they have two sons, Ryan, 13 and
Quentin, 10.
Tour Italy
Come along with the Community Activity Center as they explore Italy, visiting
Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Venice.
The trip leaves Bamberg at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 30, returning at 1 p.m. Monday,
July 4. Cost is $299 for adults and $269 for
children. For more information, call 4698837 or (0951) 3008837.
Feast on Father’s Day
Enjoy a Father’s Day Brunch at Bamberg’s Warner Club June 19 from 10:30
a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch has a broad
assortment of breakfast and lunch options
and costs $13.50 for adults and $7.50 for
children under 12. Children under 5 years
of age are free. To reserve a seat, call 4697596 or (0951) 3007596.
Know your protocol
Join the Military Terms, Acronyms,
Customs, and Courtesies class at Army
Community Service June 22 at 9 a.m. The
three-hour class at Preston Hall is part of
the Army 101 class series and will help you
feel more comfortable in the Army. With
upcoming changes of commands, military
balls and official ceremonies at hand,
knowing military customs is a must. Call
469-7777 for more information.
MPs change
command
The 102nd Military Police Battalion
command was transferred to Lt. Col.
Hillary Baxter June 15. Baxter comes to
Bamberg from Fort Lewis, Wash. where
she was the 42nd MP Brigade Deputy
Brigade commander. She has a master’s
degree from Central Michigan University
in general administration and has received
the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster
and the Purple Heart. Her deployments
include Operation Uphold Democracy,
Operation Iraqi Freedom II and Operations
Iraqi Freedom 04-06. She took command
from Lt. Col. Mark Darden who is moving
to Washington D.C. on assignment with the
Office of the Provost Marshal General at
the Pentagon.
Livingston to take
command
Lt. Col. Russell Livingston will be taking command of the 71st Corps Support
Battalion. He will be joined by his wife,
Jan. and five of their six children: Riley, 16;
Austin, 12; Tessa, 9; Micah, 2 and Ethan, 5
months. Their daughter Jenny attends Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Helen Garneau
There’s nothing better than walking away from school for the summer, but for seniors at Bamberg American High School it’s
even sweeter knowing they won’t be going back in the fall. Forty-one members of the school’s 25th graduating class crossed
the stage June 10 to receive their diplomas. Included in the celebration were valedictorian Lindsay Edwards, salutatorian Jessica Mayfield, and four new National Honor Society members.
Command unveils OIF Memorial
Monument
dedicated on
Army birthday
by Helen Garneau
The Point
The Bamberg community came together to celebrate the U.S. Army’s
230th birthday June 14 with the dedication of a new monument in Memorial
Park.
Formerly known as Desert Storm
Park and located across from the Warner Barracks chapel, Memorial Park has
undergone major renovation the past
three months with the addition of lights,
trees and the collection of monuments
from various places around post.
The newest monument, the Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial, stands
over seven-feet high and weighs more
than 40,000 pounds. The stone and
bronze monument was manufactured
locally with help from H. Fischer from
SKE and H. Graumann from the EP&S
Division.
Embedded into a bronze map of Iraq
on the face of the monument are 13 battalion coins representing where 1st
Infantry Division Soldiers were located. Encircling the face is a flat bow that
represents a yellow ribbon, a familiar
symbol of support for the troops.
The decision to overhaul the park,
the concept and layout was a collaborative effort by senior tactical commander Brig. Gen. John W. Morgan III and
279th BSB commander Lt. Col. Daniel
Thomas.
According to David Thompson,
director of the 279th BSB’s Directorate
of Public Works, more monuments
could be installed in the park in the
future.
Engineers designed Memorial Park
for future installments by running conduit lines into the center section and
saving space for a fountain.
“It was designed to house memorials
from all over post. Overall we are really happy with the way the whole thing
turned out,” Thompson said.
Attendees at the dedication reacted
positively to the new addition. The ceremonial cutting of a yellow ribbon by
Gen. Morgan and the unveiling of the
monument by members of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars were visual representations of the Army’s 230 years of service.
The park is now open to the public.
Helen Garneau
Bamberg’s new OIF Memorial
CYS provides summer sports
Healthy alternatives
to video games and TV
by Helen Garneau
The Point
279th BSB
The Point, 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, The
Point, 279th Base Support Battalion, Unit 27535, Warner Barracks, APO AE 09139-7535.
The 279th BSB hotline is 469-4800 or (0951)
3004800. Patient liaison number is (0951) 3007492.
Internet web site 279th BSB:
http://www.bamberg.army.mil
279th BSB
Commander ............................ Lt. Col. Daniel Thomas
Public Affairs Officer .......................... Renate Bohlen
Journalist .................. Cheryl Boujnida, Helen Garneau
For parents worried about their children turning into couch potatoes now that school is out,
worry no longer. The Child and Youth Sports
center is holding its fifth annual Summer Sports
Extravaganza.
CYS director Tony Puskorius says this year
there is something for all young people. For
those ages six to 18, the camps are geared toward
those who like to be active and want to try a new
sport.
“I enjoy hanging around with the kids and
watch them develop their skills through the
week,” said Puskorius. “You can really see improvement in muscle tone and overall skills in
just a week.”
Cases of childhood obesity, heart disease and
diabetes are on the rise. The camp helps young
Helen Garneau
Bamberg youth can hone their hoop
skills during the Summer Sports Extravaganza.
adults get involved in sports and helps teach that
exercise is fun. Sport camps also help youth
learn to socialize, cooperate and to interact with
other children and adults in an environment a
little different than school.
Being such a popular program, many come
back every year and spaces are sold out fast.
Puskorius said that if a child lives in Bamberg for consecutive summers, they will most
likely attend camp regularly. With limited
space and popularity of many of the programs,
waiting lists form early forcing CYS to turn
some away.
The exciting “Adventure Week” has been
one camp that has had waiting lists in the past.
Over the course of the week, teenagers try
their hand at several outdoor sports such as
mountain biking, canoeing, hiking and even
scuba diving.
Other weeks offered to all ages include basketball, soccer, football and baseball.
In this safe and educational environment,
youth not only learn about the sport but gain the
basic skills needed to try out for sports at school.
Call 469-7716 or (0951) 3678 for more information.
12
280th Base Support Battalion: Bad Kissingen, Schweinfurt
The Point, June 17, 2005
Clear your POV
Know the regulations regarding the
shipping, sale or disposal of your privately-owned-vehicle. If you are shipping your POV, access
www.whereismypov.
com for information.
The POV registration
must be active to ship;
expired registrations
Tanis
will not be accepted,
according to Tim Tanis, the Directorate of
Logistics program analyst. If you are selling or giving your car to another ID card
holder, go to the vehicle registration office,
building 64 on Conn Barracks, to formalize
the transaction. For more information call
Tanis at 353-8878 or (09721) 968878.
Throw a pot
Learn how to throw pottery on the potter’s wheel at the crafts studio, building 203
on Ledward Barracks, Saturdays from 1 to
3 p.m. The class is six sessions with practice times between classes. The cost is $35.
For more information call 354-6903 or
(09721) 966903.
Fish the North Sea
Go deep-sea fishing in the North Sea
with Outdoor Recreation. The trip departs
June 24 at 10 p.m. and will return June 26
around 2 a.m. A fishing license is not required and the cost is approximately $100.
Call Outdoor Recreation at 354-8080 or
(09721) 968080.
Learn to buy a home
Attend the Home Loans workshop at
Army Community Service Center, June 16
from 2 to 3 p.m. and quell fears about buying a home. The class will cover all aspects
of buying a home including applying for a
home loan, Veterans Affairs loans, mortgage loan fees and procedures involved in
processing a home loan. Call 354-6751 or
(09721) 966751.
Celebrate freedom
Make plans to attend the 280th BSB Independence Day celebration on Kessler
Field in the Yorktown housing area July 2
through 4. Various tournaments will be happening throughout the weekend, including
tennis, volleyball, and horseshoes. Events
including children’s rides, live music, a
state flag ceremony, and fireworks will
round out the July 4 weekend. Call 3546605 or (09721) 966605.
Amuse yourself
Go on the “Family Friendly Fun” trip to
Geiselwind Amusement Park June 28 with
the Finney Sports & Leisure Center. For
more information or to reserve a seat call
354-6270 or (09721) 966270.
280th BSB
The Point, 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, The Point, 280th
Base Support Battalion, CMR 457, APO AE 090330457.
The 280th BSB hotline is 354-4800 or (09721)
964800.
Internet web site 280th BSB: http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil
280th BSB
Commander ......................... Lt. Col. Jeffrey Feldman
Public Affairs Officer ................................ George Ohl
Journalists ................................................ Kristen Toth
Air cavalry units stand down
by Kristen Chandler Toth
The Point
Three Schweinfurt air cavalry troops cased
their colors in a sun-drenched Conn Barracks
ceremony May 25, as the Army’s aviation transformation plans hit home.
Soldiers from the three troops – D, E, and F
Troops of the 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry –
will scatter to other aviation units, while the
ground cavalry troops will remain in Schweinfurt.
“The transformation plan takes aviation assets from the brigade level and transforms them
into aviation ‘units of action,’” said Maj.
Michael McCurry, 1st Sqd., 4th Cav. senior aviator and deputy squadron commander.
“It’s a sad day to lose this great organization,”
said Lt. Col. (Ret.) Hugh Mills, commander of
“Darkhorse Troop” in Vietnam in 1972 and author of “Low Level Hell,” a recounting of his
time as a scout helicopter pilot with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam. Mills was an invited
guest at the deactivation ceremony.
Some Soldiers and family members echoed
Mills’ sentiment at the loss of these units and the
results of deactivating.
“It’s making me leave Germany early and I
don’t want to. I love it here,” said Sgt. 1st Class
Jimmy Goins, of F Troop.
“I’m sad because all of my friends are leaving
and not just a few people. It’s the entire ‘air cav’
at once,” said Tysher Turner, a family member
who will stay here as her husband takes another
command in the squadron.
“I’ll miss the ‘cav’ mentality. Besides the
Stetsons and the spurs, it’s a frame of mind. To
go to an aviation unit, you leave part of the esprit de corps behind,” Goins added.
Not everyone is sad to be leaving the cavalry.
Some are excited to go to a unit that will focus
on the aviators.
“It’s a good change, I think. We don’t get as
much support as we would in an aviation unit.
But we will miss being in a ground unit because
that makes training easy,” said Capt. Keith Hill,
Kristen Chandler Toth
Leadership cases the guidon of D Troop during May 25 ceremonies on Conn Barracks.
a platoon leader in E Troop.
Family member Susie Sims agreed.
“I think we will be better taken care of if my
husband’s in an aviation unit. Then all of his
commanders will have flown and we won’t be
just an add-on,” Sims said.
During the ceremony, Capt. Nathan Springer,
the squadron adjutant, gave the official order.
“Effective 15 June, 2005, the air cavalry
troops of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry will deactivate,” he announced.
Upon receiving the order, the command teams
of D, E, and F Troops cased their guidons. The
motion of rolling and encasing the flags in a can-
vas bag served as a powerful symbol of the end
of these units’ story, a story that includes remarkable achievements in Iraq.
Brig. Gen. John W. Morgan, 1st Infantry Division’s assistant division commander for maneuver, highlighted the achievements in his
comments.
“These men and women of Darkhorse, Eagle,
and Witchdoctor Troops accomplished what no
other Kiowa Warrior Squadron has to date. They
trained, deployed, fought for a year, and redeployed without losing a single aviator or aircraft.
That is the true testament to the dedication
and professionalism of the ‘air cav,’” Morgan
said.
Bikers show a softer side
Annual ‘Toy Run’
aids foster kids
by Kristen Chandler Toth
The Point
Titus Choi’s wide eyes drank in the spectacle
before him: a two-hour parade of rumbling motorcycles descending on Schweinfurt’s Marktplatz.
Titus, 9, rode in with his dad to join bikers
from all over Europe gathering for the 5th annual
“Schweinfurter Toy Run,” June 4.
Shedding their leather-and-muscle image for
the day, 320 motorcyclers stuffed toys and animals into their saddlebags and delivered them to
children at “Kinderheim Gottesgüte,” a German
foster home in Oberlauringen.
Titus excitedly talked about the toy he was
giving to someone at the orphanage.
“It’s a new red car,” he said.
Titus’ father, Chaplain (Capt.) Ed Choi, 1st
Battalion, 26th Infantry, brought his son along to
share “the joy of riding” and show Titus that
there are kids in need, that world is bigger than
he is.
“It’s a good opportunity for him to meet foster
kids and help take care of them,” Choi said.
Once assembled, the train of motorbikes
roared out of the Marktplatz behind German po-
lice escorts, who supported the event, as did the
city fire department and lord mayor Gudrun
Grieser.
Common in the motorcycle world, toy runs
are opportunities for bikers to gather, check out
each other’s bikes, and give back to the community.
“It’s always fun to be together, almost like a
brotherhood. Any reason to get on a bike is a
good reason, but especially if it’s for kids,” said
Sgt. 1st Class Ben Cortes, 1st Battalion, 7th
Field Artillery.
“When we rolled up, the kids were waving
yellow flags. They were so happy to see us,” said
David Coldwell, a U.S. Army civilian and member of the event organizing council. He said the
“Toy Run Team” presented the children with a
foosball table.
“It’s just what we wished for!” several youth
exclaimed.
After visiting and sharing with the kids, the
caravan hit the road again, this time to a lawn
party arranged by organizers. As a live band took
stage, many bikers pitched tents and stayed the
night.
Coldwell wore his usual homemade skeleton
costume. Kids and bikers came by to have a
photograph taken with the smiling “Nightmare,”
as Coldwell calls himself.
“Ride safe and live long,” Coldwell called out
as he jumped on his Harley-Davidson and rode
out to join the caravan.
Kristen Chandler Toth
Bikers head out from Schweinfurt’s
Marktplatz to take their donations to
“Kinderheim Gottesgüte,” a German foster home in Oberlauringen.
Work in the community recognized by USAREUR
by Kristen Chandler Toth
The Point
The industrious staff of the 280th BSB Department of Public
Works was recognized June 7 at U.S. Army, Europe’s annual incentive awards ceremony in Heidelberg.
They weren’t just recognized; they won in three categories.
Time constraints challenged DPW employees the past year.
Many large projects with specific deadlines had to be complete
by certain hard hit times, said Maj. Kari Otto, 280th BSB director of Public Works.
The Installation Management Agency-Europe project called
“Installations as Flagships,” provided funding to upgrade barracks facilities, but only if the projects were completed before the
Soldiers’ return from deployment.
The Engineering, Plans and Services
Team won the Design and Construction of
Quality-of-Life Projects category, largely
because of their successful completion of
the “Flagship” project.
“The collective experience, skills and
flexibility of the team enabled them to exceed standards in complex projects,” said
Walter Mortimer, acting DPW deputy director.
“We do what is necessary, so that the
Mortimer
Soldiers’ quality of life is very high,” said
Klaus Jones, a member of the team.
Also from the 280th BSB, Horst Cimmander, a carpenter, was
named “Blue-Collar Worker of the Year.”
“I like my work and want to do it well,” Cimmander said.
“He operates as though it were his own business, providing
quality workmanship and customer satisfaction,” Mortimer said
of Cimmander.
Herbert Rink, the DPW paint shop foreman, was named
“Foreman of the Year” at the awards ceremony.
Rink leads with a strong work ethic and conducts research to
maximize efficiency and exceed costumer expectations.
“He trains craftsmen in new techniques from the private sector, always staying abreast of changing technology,” Mortimer
said.
417th Base Support Battalion: Giebelstadt, Kitzingen, Wuerzburg
Volunteers needed
The 417th BSB needs volunteers for a
mass casualty exercise June 25 on Leighton
Barracks. The exercise will enhance disaster response capabilities and the working
relationship with host nation agencies. For
more information, call 355-1530 or (09321)
3051530.
Dental assistant
program
The American Red Cross is accepting
applications for its dental assistant program
which starts Sept. 12. The program will be
held at the Leighton ARC office. Application packets can be picked up at the Larson
Barracks ARC office. Once completed, applications need to be turned in by July 13.
For more information, call 350-1760 or
(0931) 8891760.
Learn to sponsor
The 417th BSB Army Community Service is conducting a sponsorship training
session Thursday, June 23, at the Larson
Education Center, building 9, room 304,
from 9 to 10:30 a.m. For more information,
call ACS at 350-7103 or (0931) 8897103.
SKIES has
summer fun
Children are invited to join the SKIES, or
Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills, program for several
events this summer. SKIES is hosting a
martial arts week June 27-July 3; a martial
arts tournament July 1-3 at Leighton Fitness
Center; Battle of the Bands Saturday, July
16 at Leighton’s Dickman Field at 7 p.m.;
and an outdoor adventure week July 25-29.
For more information or to register, contact
Phil Ricci at 355-7407 or (09321) 3057407.
Marriage retreat
offered
The Point, June 17, 2005
15
Camporee brings girls together
by Mindy Campbell
Lori Koch, a local troop leader and Camporee coordinator, said the “Survivor” theme
was chosen because they wanted something
different that was fun but also forced the girls
to interact.
The Point
In typical “Survivor” TV show fashion, the
eating contest featured some pretty nasty
cretures: worms, lizard eyes and moldy
cheese.
The competition was fierce as contestants
pushed their way to the table and surveyed
what they had to eat as teammates cheered
them on.
The eating contest, which actually featured
items such as peas for gecko eyes and Chinese
noodles for fried worms, was part of a three-day
“Survivor”-themed Girl Scout campout on
Giebelstadt Army Airfield June 3-5.
However, in this “Survivor” competition, no
one got voted off the airfield. Instead, the 130
girls from 417th BSB communities, and
Illesheim, Stuttgart and Schweinfurt, learned
basic camping skills, had fun and got to know
each other, said Stephanie Fiochetta, troop
leader and Camporee coordinator.
The Girl Scout Camporee is an annual event
for the local troops. This year, leaders decided
to add a twist and came up with the “Survivor”theme. The Camporee included competitions
such as a sleeping bag relay race, an obstacle
course, a word search and scavenger hunt. The
girls also learned how to make box ovens, set
Memorial
From Page 1
“I am so glad we were able to be a part of this.
It is also wonderful to be here with other family
members and share in the grief.”
Lawrence Thomas came from Massachusetts
to honor his son Pfc. Markus Johnson, Battery D, 4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery
in Kitzingen. Thomas said Johnson always
wanted to be in the military.
“We wanted them to see that they didn’t have
to be with just their troop to have fun,” Koch
said. “Girl Scouts is about getting to know each
other and about helping girls grow up to be independent and self-confident.”
Leaders help establish that self-confidence
by teaching the girls new skills.
“As a leader, we show them they really can
do things even if they think they can’t,” Fiochetta said.
For 13-year-old Wuerzburg American Middle School student Allissa Foster, the Camporee was a huge success.
“The “Survivor” theme is cool,” she said.
“It’s just like the TV show. My favorite thing
has been all the competitions.”
Mindy Campbell
Samantha Fillmore, 8, reacts to eating a
prune during the eating contest.
up tents and had to deal with a thunder and
lightning storm the first night.
“Markus got to do a lot of things before this
happened which was mainly due to the Army
and I am thankful for that,” Thomas said.
“Markus gave the ultimate sacrifice. He, and
everyone else who died, should be greatly respected.”
In addition to the memorial statue, the 1st Inf.
Div. also officially opened the new OIF wing of
the division’s museum, which is located just behind Victory Park. The new wing features mementos, testimonials and pictures from the deployed Soldiers, rear detachment commands and
1st Inf. Div. families.
Batiste, who welcomed everybody into the
Despite being a little homesick, Harmony
Maitland, 8, was enjoying the weekend.
“I like hanging out with friends and exploring nature,” said Harmony. “The best part about
being in Girl Scouts is being with people I
like.”
new wing, praised the Soldiers, family members
and rear detachments for the enormity of what
they accomplished during the deployment.
“This will put (OIF) into context and answer
the question of why,” he said.
After touring the museum, Sgt. 1st Class
Matthew Phelps of Company B, 1st Battalion,
63rd Armor Regiment in Vilseck was impressed
and thought it would serve a valuable purpose
for family members.
“You can talk to your family and tell them
about Iraq but they can’t really understand,” he
said. “This exhibit gives them a good visual of
what it was like down there.”
The 417th BSB Chaplain’s Office is
hosting a marriage retreat July 7-8 at a hotel
in Rothenburg. Lodging, meals and child
care will be provided. For more information, contact Chaplain Walker at 350-1570
or (0931) 8891570, or stop by the Family
Life Center, building 47 on Leighton Barracks.
Sign up for camp
The 417th BSB Child and Youth Services is now taking registrations for summer camp. Camp will be held from June 20
through Aug. 26 and is for students age six
to teens. Registration is available at the
Giebelstadt Child Development Center,
Kitzingen School Age Services and the
Leighton School Age Services buildings.
For more information, call Central Registration at 355-2812 or (09321) 7022812.
417th BSB
The Point, 417th Base Support Battalion,
editorial office is located in building 114,
Harvey Barracks, telephone 355-8575 or
(09321) 3058575. Mailing address is
PAO, The Point, 417th Base Support Battalion, Unit 26124, APO AE 09031-6124.
The 417th BSB hotline is 355-5999 or (09321)
3055999.
Phone numbers for patient liaisons are: Kitzingen,
355-8415 or (09321) 3058415; Wuerzburg and Giebelstadt, call the 67th Combat Support Hospital, 350-3874
or (0931) 8043874.
Internet web site 417th BSB:
http://www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil/417/
417th BSB
Commander ................................. Lt. Col. Thomas Fass
Public Affairs Officer ........................... Gabriele Drake
Journalists .................... Larry Reilly, Mindy Campbell
Mindy Campbell
An emotional Leslie Garza-Munoz touches her son’s stone at the Fallen Soldier Memorial. Sgt. Javier Marin Jr., 2nd Battalion,
2nd Infantry Regiment, died Jan. 24 in a Bradley fighting vehicle accident.
Fireworks, music to fire up Independence Day
by Mindy Campbell
The Point
A day of music, children’s activities and fireworks will kickoff Independence Day weekend for the 417th BSB.
The celebration will be held Friday, July 1, on Dickman Field
on Leighton Barracks in Wuerzburg. American and German
bands will be featured as well as the 1st Infantry Division band.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
According to Garland Travis, 417th BSB entertainment direc-
tor, the event will include several bouncy rides, children’s activities and games as well as circus entertainers including firebreathers, clowns and jugglers.
“There may be a few more surprises that you won’t want to
miss,” Travis said. “It will be a great way to kickoff the 4th of
July weekend.
The fourth of July actually falls on a Monday, so Soldiers will
be given a U.S. Army, Europe, training holiday on Tuesday,
July 5.
Kojak, a pop/rock band, will kick off the entertainment in the
early afternoon, followed by the Donny Vox Band.
The 1st Inf. Div. concert band will entertain the crowd later in
the evening, followed by the division’s rock band.
According to Master Sgt. Cameron Porter, 1st Inf. Div. Public Affairs Office, the official portion of the celebration will
start around 10:30 p.m. with the playing of Peter Tchaikovsky’s
“1812 Overture” and a cannon salute to the nation along with
fireworks.
For more information call 355-1550 or (09321) 3051550.
16
The Point, June 17, 2005
Wuerzburg seniors embrace their future
by Larry Reilly
The Point
More than 100 seniors received
diplomas during the Wuerzburg
American High School commencement
ceremony at the city’s Congress
Centrum June 9.
In lieu of an individual guest speaker,
a number of seniors addressed the
audience and spoke about the trials and
tribulations during their parents’ past
and present military deployments.
Class valedictorian honors were
shared by Sara Greenberg and Nicholas
Ward, and Kimberly Delaney was the
class salutatorian. All three shared
special words of wisdom.
The senior class chorus sang “Think
on Me,” and a number of students
gathered on stage to provide lyrics and
instrumental accompaniment to the
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
Larry Reilly
Lindsey Shellhammer, senior class
president, provided a special
presentation and senior class secretary,
David Collins, led his peers in the
turning of the tassels and the tossing of
the caps.
Above, class
co-valedictorian Sara
Greenberg addresses her
fellow graduates. Right,
Kimberly Delaney, class
salutorian, and Nicholas
Ward, co-valedictorian, also
shared words of wisdom.
Principal Walt Seely and Department
of Defense Education Activity, Bavaria
District, Superintendent Ronald McIntire
presented the seniors their diplomas.
Last platoon of division Soldiers returns
by Master Sgt. Cameron Porter
1st Infantry Division Public Affairs
A small ceremony at Kitzingen’s Larson
Barracks marked a significant moment for the
1st Infantry Division May 29, as the last platoon of division Soldiers redeployed safely
from Iraq.
The 101st Military Intelligence Battalion’s
tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platoon served more than a year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II.
Its mission in Iraq was unprecedented – flying
more than 3,000 hours on more than 700 missions – one of the highest recorded UAV flight
records ever.
“I’d say they were the best UAV platoon out
there as far as missions flown, hours flown and
safety,” said Capt. Richard McDonald, Company A commander.
Staff Sgt. Micheal Lucas, a tactical UAV operator, said he and more than a dozen Soldiers
from the platoon were school-trained as UAV
operators and maintainers just over a year ago.
He reclassified into the job field, had nine
months of advanced individual training and
three months of readiness training before de-
U.S. Army photo
Members of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle platoon prep one of their birds for another
mission in Iraq.
ploying from Fort Huachuca, Ariz., to the sands
of Iraq.
“They formed our platoon from students
straight out of graduation – two separate classes
– with five others who had prior UAV experience,” he said.
Lucas said he believes the UAV operators
and maintainers from his platoon performed
above the system’s standards – all things considered.
“More hours in the air, the ability to get a bird
up in a moment’s notice and the number of sorties we flew without incident or accident – our
record speaks for itself,” he said.
McDonald said there were “no problems or
concerns” after Company A and the rest of the
1st ID redeployed to Germany, leaving the UAV
platoon in Iraq where it was aligned with the
42nd Infantry Division.
“These guys are all experienced pilots and
professionals,” McDonald said. “They were
flexible enough and knowledgeable enough to
transition from one command to another without
their daily missions being affected.”
Lt. Col. Frank Hall, commander, 101st MI
Bn., welcomed the UAV platoon home, saying
they contributed to making America and the
world a safer place.
“History will forever be thankful for your service,” Hall said.
Airmen test minds, bodies in Firehawk Challenge
by Capt. Justin Wieland
2nd Air Support Operations Squadron
Thirty-four Airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations
Squadron set out on a 12-mile ruck march early one morning in
May, the first event of an intense two-day competition called the
Firehawk Challenge, which would identify the strongest,
smartest, and ultimately the most combat ready Airman in the
squadron.
The 2ASOS Firehawks modeled their competition after an Air
Force-wide event known as the Lightning Challenge, which selects the best Tactical Air Control Party team in the Air Force.
The Lightning Challenge is to take place this fall.
Competition included an obstacle course, a physical fitness
test, a radio and communications troubleshooting competition, a
land navigation event, two academic tests, a weapons assembly
competition, and a threat-recognition exam.
Held at Camp Robertson, an Army training facility near
Schweinfurt, the event put competitors’ minds and bodies to the
test under the toughest conditions possible outside of combat.
Just back from a one-year tour in Iraq with the 1st Infantry Division, the Firehawks wanted to re-evaluate their skills as well as
their readiness.
The 2ASOS is spread among three locations in Germany
(Wuerzburg, Schweinfurt, and Vilseck), and the squadron had
been operating at five separate locations in Iraq, so the event
served as an opportunity for every Airman in the squadron to
train and compete together.
Competing with his Airmen, squadron commander Lt. Col.
Joseph Dill completed the obstacle course with only one boot, his
face caked in sand and dirt. Though it was unclear why he had
lost a boot, the cheering line of Airmen that greeting him at the
finish seemed to care less. It was clear, however, that the esprit
de corps in the 2nd ASOS had not been hurt by recent operation
tempo or combat experience. There was a sense of camaraderie
that seemed to transcend the event itself, as competitors cheered
each other and worked together while striving for individual success.
In the end, Staff Sgt. Michael Huffman and teammate Staff
Sgt. Jason Campbell won the competition, edging out fellow
Vilseck competitors Staff Sgt. Jared Shellhorn and Staff Sgt.
Darrel Demotta for first place. Highlights included a near perfect
299 score on the Army Physical Fitness Test by Staff Sgt. John
Ruch and a lightning-fast weapons assembly time of 3 minutes
and 2 seconds to completely break down and reassemble both an
M-4 and an M-9 by Senior Airman Derek Wilson.
Staff Sgt. Devin Pelt
Two 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Airmen try
to find their way out of a fog during the land navigation
test in the Firehawk Challenge.
18
Sports
The Point, June 17, 2005
Roundup
Students bowl
for free
Department of Defense Dependents
Schools students can take advantage of the
student summer bowling program which
entitles each student to one free game and
shoe rental on several dates throughout the
summer. Stop by the Kessler Bowling Center to pick up a summer bowling pass. Call
354-6332 or (09721) 966322.
Hit the best ball
Participate in a best-ball golf tournament
in Loeffelsterz, June 18. In this tournament,
each player on the team plays his or her own
golf ball throughout the round and on each
hole the low score, or “best ball,” of the
group serves as the team score. For more information, call Dave Coldwell, 354-6264 or
(09721) 966264.
Run for fun
Independence Day
Come out to the Independence Day 5K
and 10K fun run at Kessler Gym in the
Yorktown housing area July 2. Registration
starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9
a.m. Awards will be given to the first- and
second- place finishers in each age group.
For more information, call Kessler Gym at
354-6735 or (09721) 9696735.
Register for sports
in Bamberg
Register for Bamberg Child and Youth
Services soccer and football programs at
Central Registration through Aug. 19. Cost
is $50 per youth for football and $30 for
soccer. For more information, call 4698871 or (0951) 3008871.
Bamberg women are
IMA-E champs
The Bamberg Women’s Community Volleyball team won the 2005 Installation
Management Agency-Europe Community
Level Championship and placed first in the
USAREUR final four competition, beating
the top team from the U.S. Air Force, Europe, the Ramstein Lady Rams. Coach
Shelly Muhlenkamp credited setter and
player of the year Mieko Jackson with leading the team to the title.
Bamberg CYS teams
win tournaments
Three Bamberg CYS teams have had exciting seasons this year. The junior girl’s
softball team, The Heat, took first place in
the 2005 Installation Management AgencyEurope championships. Bamberg also took
control of the 98th ASG championships,
taking home two out of the top three trophies. The Bantam Cardinals took first
place in the tournament and the Marlins
placed third.
Go to football camp
in Ansbach
The Department of Defense Dependents
Schools-Europe sanctioned summer European football camp will be held at Ansbach
American High School Aug. 16-19. Training will focus on fundamental skills, conditioning, group work, position skills and
drills. Students should see their school’s
coaches to receive and complete application materials. DoDDS-E will not provide
transportation or funding for participants or
trainers. Athletes must be accompanied by
a coach or have contacted the director for
other arrangements. All campers must prepare a power of attorney in advance with
the attending coach named on it and a complete a physical exam. Cost is $96 and must
be paid at registration by cash or checks
drawn on the School Activity Fund only.
No personal checks will be accepted. All
meals, except for check-in day and lunch on
checkout day are covered. Campers should
bring helmets with names taped front and
back, cleats, shoulder pads (optional for all
but linemen), a sleeping bag, air mattress
and pillow, sufficient clothing, the signed
power of attorney and physical exam, cash
for fees and money for meals and other incidentals. For additional information, contact school coaches or Karen Seadore at
338-7470, (0611) 3807470 or by e-mail at
Karen. [email protected].
Scramble fever!
German and American memberships, the Thursday Night Scramble endures.
“I like the scramble because you never know
who you might draw as a partner,” said Chris
Baker, a 10-handicapper who routinely takes
by Roger Teel
part.
The Point
Golfers need to sign up for the scramble no
If your foursome is falling apart and you’d
like to meet other area golfers, a good place to later than 5 p.m. in the 19th Hole (restaurant). A
do so is at the Thursday Night Scramble at volunteer coordinator usually sits at a table near
the door to register golfers and take their €5
Kitzingen Golf Club on Larson Barracks.
entry fee.
Initiated several years ago as a way to introPlayers are then categorized by handicap (if
duce golfers and foster goodwill between the
they have one, not a requirement) as either A,
B, C or D players, A
being the lowest handicap, D being the highest. The A players then
pull their teammates’
names out of a hat.
Once the teams are
sorted, play begins at
5:15 p.m.
Play is a 9-hole
scramble
wherein
every team member
tees off, the best shot is
selected, and the second shot is played by
all team members from
the same spot.
“Golfers
who’ve
Photos by Roger Teel never played golf beDrawing for teammates is a fateful experience. The best play- fore can learn a lot
about the game just by
ers always want someone who wields a hot putter.
Area golfers mingle
on Thursday evenings
“Show me the money!” says Dave
Cepeda as he prepares to divvy the tournament entry fees to the winning teams.
playing in the scramble,” Baker added. “The A
players will usually give the newbies a few tips,
plus just watching someone who knows what
they’re doing is beneficial.”
After the round, the winning teams collect
their prize money – all the entry fees are divided
among the winners.
“Winning is part of it, but not the most important thing,” said Dave Cepeda, one of the
scramble volunteer coordinators. “The most important thing is that we all have a good time –
and we always do.”
Kitzingen biker wins in Ansbach
by Jim Hughes
The Point
From a defending champion almost lapping
the field to a 7-year-old winning his first race, to
sliding wipeouts, the Installation Management
Agency-Europe’s 2005 U.S. Forces Europe
Mountain Bike Championship Series leg in Ansbach had a little bit of everything June 11.
The series leader in the men’s military open
category, Jack Cartwright from Kitzingen,
sprang into the lead from the start and never
came close to relinquishing it. The win was the
fourth in the five races the series’ defending
champion has run this year. He finished the five
laps on the 2.6-mile course in 1:08.06; more
than 11 minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.
“Last year I was here and it was rainy and
muddy,” he said. “I flatted out on the first lap and
didn’t finish. It was dry this year and it’s a great
course.”
Darmstadt biker Kate Freasier, the defending
champion in the women’s military open category, currently second in the standings, also left
little in doubt on her winning run as she easily
outpaced the rest of the women’s field.
Seven-year-old Justin Swandal from Kitzingen led off the racing on a roughly .5-mile children’s course, and being the only rider under 13
participating, there was little doubt of the outcome.
“It was fun,” he said. “It was hard, but fun. I
had some trouble on one of the hills because the
old grass was thick and I forgot to shift gears.”
Brandon Stewart of Kitzingen won the youth
13 and older category, also as a lone competitor.
Formerly known as a flat, endurance race
course, Ansbach course designer Russ Spears, a
racer himself who works at the firefighter training center on Katterbach Kaserne, went to work
about a year ago to make a new course to challenge the racers.
“I have been racing for about 20 years and I
designed some courses in Florida,” Spears said.
“I just used my experience and also talked to a
bunch of the racers to find out what they wanted.
Everyone wants something different, so I tried to
combine a little of everything. There is a tight
woody section, good hills and a wide-open backside.”
“In the trees it was technical, it zigzagged, it
had steep verticals and I had to be really careful
going through the trees and rocks,” Cartwright
said. “Every year Ansbach gets better and better.
Now, they’re right up there with Aviano, Hohenfels and Grafenwoehr.”
Freasier agreed, adding, “It was very demanding, but it was really good, even though I
was cursing parts of it. It was a good challenge
and made the ride worth it. The people at Ansbach really put on a good race, organized it well
and they should keep it up. They should keep
this course the same, too.”
Jim Hughes
Jack Cartwright makes his way through
the technical portion of Ansbach race
June 11.
Perfect Phillies are baseball champions
After four days of competition at the Aviano (Italy) Sports
Complex June 2-5, the Wuerzburg Phillies walked away as the
US Forces Europe Junior Baseball Champions.
The Phillies finished the season a perfect 18-0 after sweeping through the double-elimination field, outscoring Aviano,
Stuttgart and Hohenfels by a 5613 margin.
To qualify for the Europe
Championship, the Phillies won
the 417th BSB playoff and then
the four-team 98th ASG Tournament.
Dan Barry
The Wuerzburg Phillies show off their first-place trophy after winning the US Forces Europe Junior
Baseball championship. They finished with an 18-0 overall record.
The members of the team are
Ryan Barry, Joe Hall, Dustin
Loggins, Patrick Mooney,
Daniel Riley, Taggert Salcedo,
David Selsemeyer, Michelle
Selsemeyer, Ben Snyder, Troy
Tyler, Josh Walker, Stuart
Williams. The coaching staff is
comprised of Adam Selsemeyer
Doug Loggins and Dan Barry.