October 20, 2006

Vol. 14, No. 20
October 20, 2006
Ansbach • Bamberg • Illesheim • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Ansbach firemen respond to blast
Cheryl Boujnida
Motivational speaker Bob Mortimer encourages youth to take a stand against drug
abuse.
Red Ribbon Week aims
anti-drug message
at area communities
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
Middle and high school students will focus on “running
their own lives” during Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23-27.
The Red Ribbon campaign is a nationwide anti-drug
movement that targets America’s youth and stresses the
importance of living drug-free. This year’s theme is “Run
Your Own Life”.
Activities will take place at schools on military installations throughout the readership area, but the campaign’s
efforts are not limited to educators.
“Red Ribbon Week serves as a kickoff and catalyst for
yearlong prevention efforts which includes parents, law
enforcement officials, religious leaders, educators and
other community resources working in a unified way with
a consistent message,” said Linda Riddle, Bamberg High
School Adolescent Substance Abuse Counseling Service
(ASACS) counselor.
“The week-long campaign is a chance to be visible and
vocal in our desire for a drug-free community,” Riddle
said. “We know that children are less likely to use alcohol
and other drugs when parents and other role models are
clear and consistent in their opposition to tobacco, alcohol
and drug abuse.”
When it comes to role models, Bob Mortimer, a motivational speaker who is visiting schools during Red Ribbon Week, has a straightforward message.
“I was like you are and filled with dreams too, but find
those dreams in healthy places because alcohol and drugs
will only take you on a road that spirals down and not up,”
he said. “Find strong friends and not weak ones who will
bring out the best in you. A weak a friend will pop a top,
roll a joint, and or line up the powder – they’ll watch you
die while a strong friend will tell you to stop or get help.”
See Red Ribbon, page 12
Red Ribbon Week events:
USAG Ansbach
– Prayer breakfast at the dining facility Oct. 25 at 6:30 a.m.
– Community presentation at the Reel Time Theater Oct.
25 at 10 a.m.
– Middle and high school assembly Oct. 25 at 1:30 p.m.
– Lyrics without Liquor presentation at Ansbach
Middle/High School Oct. 26 from 7-9 p.m.
For more information, call Rick Petersen at 09802-832153.
USAG Bamberg
– Protestant service at Warner Chapel Oct. 22 at 11 a.m.
and potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m.
– Middle and high school assembly Oct. 27 at 1:30 p.m.
– Presentation to 173rd Special Troops Battalion at the
Reel Time Theater Oct. 27 at 10 a.m.
For more information, call Linda Riddle at 0951-303-103.
USAG Schweinfurt
– Prayer luncheon with Bob Mortimer at the dining facility
at noon Middle school assembly Oct. 24 at 1:40 p.m.
For more information, call Carrie Zilcoski at 0931-8047584.
Wuerzburg
– Prayer breakfast at the dining facility Oct. 24 at6:30 a.m.
– School assemblies Oct. 24 at 9 (middle school) and 10:30
a.m. (high school)
For more information, call Zilcoski at 0931-804-7584.
by Jim Hughes
The Point
Emergency responders from USAG Ansbach’s Katterbach Fire Station
rushed to the nearby community of Lehrberg Sept. 22, arriving minutes after a
gas explosion had ripped through a local bakery.
Five people were killed and 16 others were injured in the blast. No Americans were involved.
“It looked like someone threw a bomb on the village,” said Stefan
Groetschel, Katterbach fire chief.
A gas leak in the building that housed the bakery was discovered days earlier, and a workman was on site to repair the leak, reported Walter Schwab,
Ansbach County fire chief. During repairs the leak got bigger. The workman
notified the police and fire departments right away and people were being
evacuated from the area when the explosion occurred.
Schwab said it was fortunate the area was being evacuated or more people
may have been killed or injured.
“I was surprised at how much damage was done. The bakery collapsed.
There were fires in other buildings and a gas truck was flipped over and leaking gas – it was a big incident,” Groetschel said.
After Schwab alerted them at 8:13 a.m., the Katterbach station dispatched
rescue workers, fire trucks and life detector equipment to the scene, joining
German firemen and rescue workers.
“I requested the garrison’s fire department right way, not because they are
the only ones in the area with a life detector system, but because I knew I would
get immediate and competent help,” Schwab said.
“It was not really clear what had happened out there,” Groetschel said. “We
arrived on the scene at 8:22 a.m. with five people and three trucks.”
The firefighters, stunned by the devastation they saw, quickly went to work,
erecting an inflatable tent to triage and treat the injured, fighting a fire on the
roof of a nearby pub and searching for victims in the rubble.
The pub was empty, but people were trapped under tons of debris from the
bakery building, Groetschel said.
“The life detector system can listen down in the debris and hear almost any
sound, from a fly buzzing to a human heartbeat,” he said.
After hours of clearing rubble by crane, shovel and hand, the firefighters
heard a heartbeat from below.
“Unfortunately, it took three more hours to get through the debris. There
were no survivors in the area,” Groetschel said. “We only found bodies.
Sabina Searles, fire prevention inspector, arrived in the afternoon to take her
shift and continue clearing debris.
“You see things on the news from explosions, but that can’t even come close
to seeing it for real,” Searles said, adding that the firefighters kept things in perspective.
“We’re definitely a fire department we can all be proud of. We’re a team.
We have each others’ backs and we can talk to each other about anything,” she
said.
– Burg Frankenstein haunted castle near
Darmstadt. Open 6 p.m. to midnight.
Call 06151-501953 for ticket
information.
Oct. 21
– Flamenco bazaar in Nuernberg. See
dancers perform the flamenco at the
Kulturzentrum K4, Konigstr. 93.
Entrance between 3 and 6 p.m. is free,
after 6 p.m. tickets are €18.
– Flea market at Rothenburger Str, Nuernberg 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 22
– Flea market at Marktalle Marktbreit,
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 27-28
– Halloween Party, Schweinfurt Stadthalle
(city auditorium), live music, 7 p.m.
– Halloween Party at Castle Mainberg
(near Schweinfurt), DJ night Friday, live
bands Saturday, 8 p.m.
Oct. 27-29
– Fall Fair/Market, Schweinfurt
Messeplatz (parking lot behind ErnstSachs-Bad), 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 28-29
– Wuerzburg Jazz Festival, Felix Fechenbach-Haus, 7-10 p.m.
Link: www.jazzini-wuerzburg.de
Oct. 29
– Flea market at Festplatz, Uffenheim
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oct. 29
– Classic car show at castle Mainberg,
11 a.m.
Nov. 25-Dec. 3 – “Wuerzburger Bachtage”, classical music concerts, St. Johanniskirche, see:
www.bachtage-wuerzburg.de
Talking to each other was important after the Lehrberg explosion,
Groetschel said.
“It takes a while to get over something like this. We sat together and talked
about what we felt. We also went to a memorial service in Ansbach Oct. 1 held
for the rescue workers. That helped as well.”
Reminders of that day linger.
“I drive by there every day on my way to work,” Searles said, “and I see that
big gap in the middle of town and the fence across the street adorned with flowers. It makes me think about the people that were affected – family, friends,
neighbors. I feel for them.”
The accident continues to be investigated by German authorities.
Spouses to Teachers expands to Europe
by Sgt. Aimee Millham
U.S. Army, Europe, Public Affairs
Military spouses in Europe interested in teaching can participate in the Department of Defense Spouses to Teachers (STT) program, which had been only
available stateside.
The program’s services include information on state-specific educational
requirements, teaching credentials and scholarship options, along with a maximum reimbursement of $600 for teacher certification examinations.
The program, directed by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational
Support (DANTES), is open to spouses of all servicemembers, including Reserve Soldiers and guardsmen. There are no higher-education requirements to
enter the program, and it is commitment-free.
“You can change your mind and opt out any time,” said Marti Readel, Eu-
ropean DANTES advisor.
Those interested can contact the Spouses to Teachers network to be assigned
a counselor designated for the state where the spouse is interested in teaching.
The interaction between spouses in Europe and their STT counselors will be
via the Internet and by phone.
Spouses can find a list of several military cooperative teacher certification
programs available through distance learning at www.dantes.doded.mil.
There are two websites – military.com/spouse and milspouse.org – that
compliment the STT program serving as career centers where spouses can research career information, post resumes and make job searches.
Spouses interested in the STT program in Europe can log onto
www.spousestoteachers.com, and click on the “OCONUS” link. They also can
contact the national STT office at 922-6282, 1-800-231-6282, or at
[email protected].
Briefs
Retiree health fair
Walk the line
The 2006 Wuerzburg Retiree Health and Dental Fair is Nov. 9 from 8 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at the Wuerzburg Clinic. Dental exams are 8 to 11 a.m. followed by
onsite appointments for dental cleaning and fillings. Do not eat or drink after
10 p.m. the night before if you wish to have blood tests.
The 29th memorial walk commemorating the Battle of the Bulge, the largest
land battle in U.S. Army history, is Dec. 16 in Bastogne, Belgium. The walk
goes north of where the Band of Brothers, E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, made its stand. Walkers may choose 6-, 14- or 20-kilometer
distances.
The self-paced walk begins between 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the sports center at
Porte de Trèves, across from a shopping center on the road to the museum.
There is a mandatory €4 registration fee per person which includes a certificate from the city of Bastogne, a brochure and a cloth patch of the 506th PIR.
Pre-registration and payment before Dec. 2 is recommended. After Dec. 2, the
walk is €5. There are no refunds.
The walk ends in time for three wreath-laying ceremonies in the center of
Bastogne. The public is invited to participate in the memorial parade, scheduled to begin about 2:30 p.m.
Americans in Germany are asked to register through Ed Lapotsky at [email protected], by fax at 49-06507-80-2617 or by telephone at 49-065078292. Walkers can also register the day of the walk between 7 and 9 a.m. at the
starting point.
Turn back time
Calendar
Photo courtesy Katterbach Fire Department
The village of Lehrberg was devastated by a gas explosion
in a bakery Sept. 22. Five people were killed and 16 others
were injured in the blast.
Daylight Saving Time ends Oct. 29 at 3 a.m. Set your clocks back one hour
before retiring Oct. 28.
Oct. 21-23
and 28-30
Contribute to IRAs
Perfect pumpkins
Cheryl Boujnida
John Paul Vargas, 7, and his brother, Andrew, 8, shop for
pumpkins at the Bamberg Commissary in time to carve
jack-o-lanterns. See page 11 for Halloween events in your
community.
The Heroes Earned Retirement Opportunities (HERO) Act allows Soldiers
to contribute to an Individual Retirement Account while serving in a combat
zone tax exclusion area. Soldiers who make CZ contributions for either the current year or for 2004 or 2005 to a traditional IRA may deduct those contributions if they otherwise qualify.
Until HERO, most Soldiers deployed to a CZ from January through December could not contribute to their IRAs. Those deployed for less than the full
12 months often found that they could not contribute the full amount usually
allowed because while they had some taxable income, it was less than the maximum allowable contribution.
Under HERO, the Soldier can contribute the full allowable amount. The
HERO Act is retroactive to tax year 2004. Soldiers who did not make an IRA
contribution during 2004 or 2005 because of the combat zone tax exclusion
have until May 28, 2009, to contribute to an IRA for those years.
For more information, call Gary Jones at the Bamberg Legal Assistance Office at 469-7609.
2
Team of Teams!
The Point, October 20, 2006
Transformation
becomes
reality
in
Franconia
The effects of the Army’s ongoing transformation are becoming more and more evident in USAG Franconia, er, I mean, the
U.S. Army Europe Region Transformation Group (Nord Bayern)(Provisional), what we’re now calling the ETG. We cased the
garrison’s colors in ceremonies just last week.
The transformation has moved along at a steady pace in recent
months. Kitzingen’s Harvey and Larson Barracks and Giebelstadt Army Airfield will soon be returned to host nation officials.
While there is no timeline for the closure of Wuerzburg’s
Leighton Barracks, facility changes and shifting services make it
clear that this once robust area is very much a part of the transformation. USAG Schweinfurt is now responsible for the day-today operations and services on Leighton Barracks and the hospital.
While garrison activity in Wuerzburg may be slowing, other
area garrisons are flourishing.
USAG Bamberg is now home to Soldiers and families from
the 173rd Special Troops Battalion (Airborne), many of these
Soldiers and families having relocated from Vicenza, Italy, in the
past year.
USAG Ansbach now houses the majority of the Army’s European aviation assets under the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
Many people and aircraft were relocated there from Giebelstadt,
Schweinfurt and other areas in Germany.
USAG Schweinfurt is headquarters for the now-deployed 2nd
Brigade Combat Team. Most 2nd BCT Soldiers were members
of the former 1st Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade and migrated
into the operational control of 1st Armored Division as part of its
2nd Brigade Combat Team. These Soldiers continue to wear the
Big Red One patch.
The 2d BCT’s current deployment to Iraq is challenging
Schweinfurt support agencies as they care for families and develop programming and address other changing requirements
there.
I understand that many of the changes that are being made impact on our routines and force us to adjust to new surroundings
or to different hours.
I see how traffic has increased at the Leighton Shoppette as
people begin to rent and return movies there.
I understand how the Wuerzburg Community Activity Center
is in search of an identity and needs patronage from the community it serves. Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division people
are working diligently to provide programming there.
Street talk:
Spc. Tiffany Ruff, Co E, 2-159th
Aviation Regiment, cook, Storck Barracks, Illesheim.
“Right before I went off
to boot camp, I was terrified. I heard all these
scary stories about how
hard it was going to be
and how they would yell
at you and make you
stand at attention for
hours. Once I got there,
it wasn’t as bad as I
thought it would be.”
quality programs to their respective communities. During the transformation in the
Wuerzburg footprint, he played a key role
in the moving and closing of programs, ensuring staff members found alternative
jobs, continuing to provide quality services
to members of the Wuerzburg community.
Congratulations to Hyoa Sharrock who
received the Commander’s Award for
Civilian Service for providing exemplary
service as the Morale, Welfare and Recreation specialist and management specialist
for the MWR director from August 2000 to
October 2005. She demonstrated consummate management skills in overseeing the
complexities of appropriated and non-appropriated funds programs, funding and
personnel. She was an expert in manpower
issues and resolved most problems on her
own with little or no guidance. She implemented and monitored sound business
practices and processes with the directorate
which resulted in a more efficient organization.
Congratulations to Sgt. 1st Class David
Reveal, Staff Sgt. Michael Kleiber, Staff
Sgt. Willie Williams and Spc. Ashley
Dozier who received the German
Schutzenschnur (marksmanship badge)
from VBK 67 (German Bayreuth) at the
USAG Franconia inactivation ceremony
Oct. 13.
New campaign asks us to be all we can be
To the Army family:
For 231 years our Army has
been the vanguard of freedom
around the globe. Our ability
to fulfill this vital role for the
nation depends on each of you,
and on the work you do every
day. It also depends on our
ability to fill the Army’s ranks
in the future with committed
and capable volunteer Soldiers.
On Oct. 9, I announced the Secretary Harvey
beginning of our effort to inform you about the Army Strong ad campaign at the
Association of the United States Army Annual
Symposium in Washington, D.C. The Chief of
Staff of the Army, Gen. Pete Schoomaker, and I are
confident that the new Army Strong campaign captures the unique character of the Soldier. As we all
know, you become a stronger person by becoming a
Soldier. This is a special kind of strong.. it’s Army
Strong!
We will take a full 30 days to explain this campaign as well as possible to help you – our Soldiers,
Army civilians, family members and our community champions understand what it is and the meaning behind it. Watch the video which represents the
essence of this campaign on AKO (www.us.army.
mil). The public launch (television commercials,
new posters, etc.) will take place Nov. 9.
Army Strong stands for a big idea. It speaks to
the truth about the U.S. Army – that Soldiers develop mental, emotional and physical strength
forged through shared values, teamwork, experience and training..that by making the decision to
join the Army, an individual is choosing to recognize potential strength within him or herself and develop it further.. that an individual Soldier is choosing to take charge of his or her future and career..that
Soldiers actively choose to make a difference in
their lives, their families, their communities and
their nation.
I firmly believe Army Strong is the truth. I speak
often with Soldiers as I know you also do. In different words and in different ways, over and over
again, I hear the story of strength.
General Schoomaker and I are asking for your
support of this important campaign. Every time you
go into your community, when you walk through an
airport or any other activity in your daily life, you
are the most effective demonstration of the Army
Strong. We are asking you to represent Army
Strong. We are asking you to encourage others to
visit www.goarmy.com to learn more about the U.S.
Army.
You are Army Strong.
Francis J. Harvey
Secretary of the Army
What one thing scared you the most in your life?
James Boyd, USAG Bamberg
DPTMS, Warner Barracks
“There were two scary
things that have impacted my life. The first was
leaving my family to go
to Korea during wartime
and the second was getting out of the U.S. Army
after 20 years of service.”
Sgt. Ricardo Mangual, 1st
Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, Conn Barracks, Schweinfurt.
“Gas prices, because
every week they are increasing, but the gas in
the ground is supposed
to be paid for already.”
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency
Roswitha Lehner
Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 Weiden
Telefax 0961-67050-32
Internet:
RUSSEL D. SANTALA
Colonel, Air Defense Artillery
Commander, U.S. Army Europe Region
Transformation Group
(Nord Bayern)(Provisional)
Army Strong
Milestones
Congratulations to Sgt. 1st Class Max
Feltz who received the Meritorious Service
Medal for service Aug. 2, 2002 to Aug. 10,
2006, as station commander for the Kitzingen Provost Marshal’s Office.
Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Myra
Paulus and Staff Sgt. Keith Chisholm
who received the Army Commendation
Medal for service as military police desk
sergeant in USAG Franconia’s Directorate
of Emergency Services.
Congratulations to Sgt. 1st Class
Sherry Davis and Sgt. Jana Matras who
received the Army Commendation Medal
for service as military police investigator in
USAG Franconia’s Directorate of Emergency Services.
Congratulations to Sgt. Christopher
Matras who received the Army Commendation Medal for service as traffic accident
investigator in USAG Franconia’s Directorate of Emergency Services from Jan. 19,
2005, to Dec. 12, 2006.
Congratulations to Charlemagne Tertulien who received the Commander’s
Award for Civilian Service for providing
exceptional service as the USAG Franconia
Business Operation Manager and Community Recreation Division chief from May
2000 to August 2006. He provided guidance, recommendations and insight assisting all garrisons in the footprint to provide
I understand how transformation affects community services
– from the process of renewing passports to testing for a driver’s
license – services previously maintained locally are now shifting
to USAG Schweinfurt.
For longtime members of the Wuerzburg community, I understand how painful it is to witness your community seemingly
ebb away. Many of you are challenged personally by being asked
to relocate or find other means of employment as part of the
Army’s transformation.
My promise to all of you is that we will continue to keep you
informed of changes, hopefully before they occur, and will continue do our best to minimize any personal turmoil caused by
transformation.
We also understand that receiving your feedback and using
that feedback to guide our programs is absolutely critical. We remain committed to providing the best possible support and services. With your assistance Wuerzburg and our other communities will continue to be great places to live and serve.
Team of Teams!
www.milcom.de
Free classifieds 0931-2964397 · Fax The Point 0931-2964626
Staff Sgt. Michael Novak,
USAG Schweinfurt, Provost
Marshal’s Office, Wuerzburg
“When I was scuba diving
near
Neu
Schwanstein, my air
tank froze and I was
dumping air at 60 feet.
Luckily I had enough air
to surface.”
Spc. Drew Sentouktsi, Co E, 2159th Aviation Regiment, NBC
weapons defense, Storck Barracks, Illesheim.
“My roommate believes
there is a World War II
Nazi ghost living in our
closet. He says it wears
a black leather jacket
and likes to hang out in
the kitchenette. I don’t
believe in that kind of
stuff, but it scares my
roommate.”
Photos by The Point staff
Daniel Lalonde, assistant force
protection officer, Warner Barracks
Elvira Gladwell, administrative
assistant, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt.
Sgt. Chris Frazier, USAG
Schweinfurt, Provost Marshal’s
Office, Wuerzburg
“The scariest thing I
have ever experienced
was during Desert
Storm, going through
the hot zone sitting on
10 tons of ammunition
and watching tracers fly
over my head.”
“The bird flu scares me
more than anything. A
pandemic like that
spreads so easily. The
chaos it would cause
would be uncontrollable.”
“The thought of leaving
Germany. I have lived
here eight years and my
family is here.”
THE POINT is an authorized unofficial Army newspaper, published every two weeks
under provisions of AR 360-1, for members of U.S. Army Garrisons Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweinfurt and Franconia. A commercial enterprise, THE POINT is printed by
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, or the U.S. Army.
The appearance of advertising, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense. Everything advertised in THE
POINT 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 non-merit characteristic of the purchaser, user or
patron.
Editorial content is provided, prepared and edited by the Public Affairs Office of the
European Transformation Group. Editorial offices are located in building 208,
Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg, Germany, telephone DSN 351-4564 or CIV 0931296-4564. Mailing address: Editor – THE POINT, European Transformation Group
PAO, CMR 475, APO AE 09036. By e-mail: [email protected] or scott.
[email protected]. Circulation is 12,000 copies per issue.
Col. Russel D. Santala
Donald Klinger
Commander
Public Affairs Officer
Roger Teel
Scott Rouch
Editor
Assistant Editor
European Transformation Group – Faulenberg Kaserne, 351-4749 or 0931-296-4749
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Larry Reilly
USAG Ansbach – Building 5257, Barton Barracks, 468-7649 or 0981-183-649
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Jim Hughes
Volunteer Journalist.................................................................................. Emily Gourgues
USAG Bamberg – Building 7089, Warner Barracks, 469-7581 or 0951-300-7581
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Cheryl Boujnida
USAG Schweinfurt – Building 354-6381, CIV 09721-96-6381)
Command Information Officer ................................................................. Mark Heeter
Journalist ................................................................................................... Kimberly Gearhart
Focal Points
The Point, October 20, 2006
3
In Schweinfurtʼs Abrams Entertainment Center production of
“Heroes: Final Roll Call,” Emily, played by Sarah Small, seeks to
comfort Hillary, played by Kesha Yond, who awakened with
flashbacks from OIF. Written by Small, the play won first place for
playwriting at the Festival of One Act Plays. “I was surprised, but
glad that the message was heard by so many people, and
understood,” Small said.
Below, Ronnee Gonzales and Mary Ann La Lave perform in the
Ansbach Terrace Playhouse production of “Bugged Out: An Evening
of One-Act Comedies.” The play won best overall design at the
festival.
Kimberly Gearhart
Emily Gourgues
Thespians take center stage
Local community theaters took home several awards at the
Festival of One Act Plays held in Heidelberg Oct. 5-8.
Bamberg and Schweinfurt each captured a first place trophy.
Participant comments:
“It’s an incredibly invigorating, informative weekend, with
extraordinary performances from around USAREUR as well. I
consider myself very fortunate – as I’m sure our volunteers do
too – to be a part of the theater world in DoD community theater
programs,” said Jack Austin, entertainment director in Bamberg.
“Bamberg did itself proud, especially the performers themselves, as evidenced by the two trophies brought home,” he
added.
“It was really great to be able to play to an audience of our
peers, because their responses were incredibly enthusiastic,” said
Bamberg’s Holly Matesick.
“We competed against 15 other productions from installations
all over OCONUS in the Region 10 American Association of
Community Theater Festival. There were productions there from
all over Europe and even Korea,” said Ansbach’s entertainment
director and playhouse manager Vikki Hanrahan.
“I’m very proud of the cast and crew. We took an idea and developed it using these three different one-act comedies, all from
a bug’s perspective on the topic of relationships.”
The process of being part of a one-act plays is noteworthy, said
Austin.
“It’s great to offer opportunities to perform and produce theater in small bites. More people can be involved, and the awards
program at the IMA-E level validates the effort and provides a
great event for anyone in USAREUR.”
Schweinfurt’s Crystal Brown, who won 2nd place for best
supporting actress, said the results were invigorating even
though she wasn’t at the festival in Heidelberg.
“I wasn’t there when the announcement was made. (Garland)
Travis called me, and I was so surprised. I haven’t been in plays
in 15 years,” she said. Travis is USAG Schweinfurt entertainment director and director of the play.
Local winners were:
Achievement Awards for Excellence – 1st Place: Sarah Small, Playwriting, “Heroes,” Schweinfurt Entertainment Center
Best Performance in a Minor Role – 1st Place: Elisabeth Ritscher, “The Flattering
Word,” Bamberg Stable Theatre
Best Support Actor – 2nd Place: Jason Lloyd, “Bugged Out,” Ansbach Terrace Playhouse
Best Supporting Actress – 2nd Place: Crystal Brown, “Heroes,” Schweinfurt
Abrams Entertainment Center
Best Show – 3rd Place: “Bugged Out,” Ansbach Terrace Playhouse
Best Actor – 3rd Place: Sgt. Michael Malizia, “The Flattering Word,” Bamberg Stable Theatre
Best Stage Manager – 3rd Place: Jennie Oberschlake, “Bugged Out,” Ansbach Terrace Playhouse
Best Overall Design – 3rd Place: “Bugged Out,” Ansbach Terrace Playhouse
Bless the animals
Funny car a big hit
Cheryl Boujnida
Malik Dugas, 4, Jewel Williams, 7, and sister Catelyn, 5, get up close to a funny car outside Bambergʼs post exchange Oct. 13. Race car driver Harlan Thompson, sponsored by Exchange New Car Sales and Chrysler, is visiting military installations throughout Europe and the Middle East.
Scott Rouch
Chaplain (Maj.) Gary Fukes prepares to bless Pat Weidermeyerʼs guinea pigs in the Leighton Chapel parking lot Oct. 4. The Blessing of Pets, in remembrance of
St. Francis of Assisiʼs love for all pets, included five
dogs and 18 guinea pigs.
8
U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach (Illesheim, Katterbach)
The Point, October 20, 2006
Illesheim Soldiers ready for deployment
Time away from families still hard pill to swallow
by Emily Gourgues
The Point
Illesheim Soldiers are preparing to deploy for
Kosovo this month where they will be attached
to a U.S. Army National Guard unit as a part of
the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Known as Team Havoc, the Soldiers are primarily from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 159th
Aviation Regiment and some from 3-159th.
KFOR, as the U.N. international military
force in Kosovo is known, is comprised of military units from countries all over the world.
1st Lt. Dabney Clifton, platoon leader and executive officer for Team Havoc, formerly of 3159th, volunteered for the mission.
“I’m excited. This is a unique opportunity to
work with other countries. It’s an experience
I’ve never had,” she said.
Kosovo is a region that maintains joint multinational military involvement. The country has
had U.S. troops present since 1999 when NATO
air strikes led to Serbia’s withdrawal ending 10
years of repression and ethnic cleansing of
Kosovo Albanians.
The region has been pushing for independence and part of Team Havoc’s responsibilities,
as with all KFOR military units, is to ensure public safety, security and order in compliance with
the U.N. Security Council resolution.
Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Wilson said he is confi-
dent in his team and
all are excited to be a
part of the mission.
Clifton agreed,
adding, “We have really come together
as a team and are
ready for what’s
ahead of us.”
In addition to
what Team Havoc
will face in Kosovo,
team members said
that one of the hardest parts will be time
away from their
families.
“You have to
think ahead and plan
Emily Gourgues
ahead for your family,” Wilson said. Team Havoc Soldiers from Illesheim work on an AH-64 Apache as they prepare for an upcoming deployment
The Cub Scout to Kosovo.
Pinewood Derby is
in April and he has already helped his boys build tions, “It’s still really hard to prepare for what’s zone, but families will still be apart for a long
to come in the year ahead.
time.
their car.
“We hear different things about when they are
“Even though I won’t be there to watch, I can
“I am always available to talk to any of the
leaving and how long they are staying, so, as a family members,” she said. “I’m someone who
at least be part of it now.”
Michelle Miller, Team Havoc’s family readi- spouse, it makes it hard to make plans or antici- will listen. I will also dispense any information I
ness group (FRG) leader, said while she has been pate the future.”
get from Captain Elias (Team Havoc commanreading books about pre-deployment and all its
Miller said there is some comfort in the fact der). I value the FRG and I understand its imphases and talking to her spouse about expecta- that Kosovo is not considered a typical combat portance as a support system.”
Soldiers go shopping to help set COLA
by Jim Hughes
The Point
Courtesy Bundeswehr
Partners in arms
A German soldier from the Kreisverbindungskommando Stadt Ansbach demonstrates the use of the
German G 36 assault rifle to Sgt. 1st Class Lee Taylor
and Staff Sgt. Barry Brill, USAG Ansbach military police, during a partnership event hosted by the KVK
Ansbach Sept. 30. During the first partnership event
between KVK Ansbach and the garrison, Soldiers from
both units conducted training on German-model small
arms. The joint U.S. and German team came in fourth
during the shooting contest for qualification on the
German shooting badge.
Fourteen community Soldiers in seven teams will be sent window shopping at local businesses Oct. 26-27.
But it won’t be early Christmas presents they’re looking for.
They’ll be gathering information on the cost of items and services on the economy as part of the Cost of Living Allowance
Retail Price Schedule Survey.
The results will help determine future COLA rates in Ansbach, said Capt. Kathryn Giles, USAG Ansbach Headquarters
and Headquarters Detachment commander and COLA locality
point of contact.
“This is an important mission and we’re going to stress that
when we hold the training for the Soldiers Oct. 23,” she said.
“The results will have a direct effect on Soldier’s pocketbooks,
so it needs to be done right.”
The power shoppers will come primarily from the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade who make up the majority of the military
population in the Ansbach and Illesheim areas.
“They’ve been very supportive in responding to this short-notice request,” Giles said. “CAB leadership realizes how important this survey is and we hope to have the teams built soon.”
But it won’t be just any Soldiers. The Per Diem Committee
asks installations to send out what it considers the average Soldier: staff sergeant with about 10 years of service and three family members.
Giles will arm the Soldiers with lists of items they need to research, extensive lists that will keep the teams busy for the two
days.
Family members aren’t just invited to go with their Soldiers,
they’re encouraged to go, Giles said.
“We would definitely like to see the people who do the shopping go along on the survey,” she said. “The more accurate findings we get the better off our Soldiers and families will be in the
future.”
A lot goes into determining COLA rates, as evidenced by the
ever-shifting amounts Soldiers receive.
“Last year we had the living pattern survey that determined
where the typical Soldier here shops and that, along with this survey, determines the index rating Ansbach will receive when it
comes to COLA,” she said.
Other determining factors for COLA include the results of
contractors going throughout the U.S. to determine the average
cost of living there and dollar exchange rates, Giles said.
With the many variations in the COLA equation, the Army
and Giles feel compelled to give some advice that might be understandably hard for some people to heed.
“COLA is designed to offset the cost of living overseas,” she
said. “It should not be counted on as extra income. You may
make more money when you live here, but we all know that it
also costs more money to live here. Counting on COLA to be a
certain amount can cause people problems.”
If you’d like to know more about the COLA process, go to
https://secureapp2.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/allowcol.html or
call Giles at 468-1610 or 0981-183-1610.
High-tech trainer gives Soldiers an edge
by Jim Hughes
The Point
Determining friend or foe during the war on terror is a complicated matter for deployed Soldiers.
Is that guy reaching for his ID, or is it a gun or trigger device
for a bomb?
Making those life-or-death decisions in a split second should
get easier for area Soldiers when they take advantage of the latest and greatest in high-tech Army training–Lot 6 of the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 that opened up on Storck Barracks Oct. 2.
A cross between a video gamer’s dream come true and realistic hands-on Army training, the EST gives Soldiers an indoor
learning environment that is a true training multiplier, said
Frederic Browning, chief of the Regional Training Support
Center in Schweinfurt.
“You don’t have to go draw ammunition, you don’t have to
travel to the range, you don’t have to do all that stuff,” Browning, a former special forces Soldier, said. “You just pack the
troops up, bop down here and go to work–it’s like a tenth of the
time.”
Complete with a giant video screen, customizable and realistic training scenarios, realistic weapon systems with the same
look and feel of the real deal, lasers and the realization that the
only lives on the line are computer pixels, the training is invaluable in preparing Soldiers for combat, said J.D. Pipok, a
former Ansbach Soldier with 2-1 Aviation and now technician
with the Training Center in Ansbach.
“I used one when I was a Solider in Vilseck and it was truly
amazing,” Pipok said. “It was fun, but it was amazing training,
too. Training is often boring, but this is a system you can have
fun with and at the same time get some great training.
“It’s all hits and no misses with this system.”
The first unit to take advantage of the new system was the
‘It’s all hits
and no
misses
with this
system.’
Hans Peter Stoehr
Soldiers use the Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 that opened on Storck Barracks in
Illesheim Oct. 2.
2-159th Aviation Regiment at Illesheim, and Pfc. Gregory Gentert agrees with Pipok’s assessment of the EST.
“I love it because you can react to it and it’s realistic,” he said.
“For those of us who haven’t gone into combat before, we always hear about what we should do and how we’ll react, but
that’s just verbal.
“You can picture it in your mind, but you can’t really grasp
it until you experience it and the system helps with that,” Gentert added. “And the guns are really accurate.”
The system also allows units to tailor the training to suit their
needs for upcoming missions or things they need to work on,
Browning said.
“The system comes with 200 scenarios, but even better, the
S-3s of the units can conjure up scenarios they want to see,” he
said. “They just need to talk to the operators and they will create them. One of our people operates the system, but he’s not in
charge of the training–the Soldiers are.”
Scenarios include marksmanship, shoot-or-don’t-shoot, and
squad training.
“The collective section allows Soldiers to work together as a
team and talk to each other as enemies approach,” Pipok said.
“And people can’t hide from what they do. The training leader
knows exactly who shot at what, who hit what and who didn’t
shoot at all.”
For more information on the trainer or to schedule training at
the EST, call Pipok at 467-1398.
Garrison Roundup
The Point, October 20, 2006
11
USAG Ansbach
Shopping extravaganza
The Ansbach Spouses’ and Civilians’
Club, in conjunction with the community
morale, welfare and recreation division,
hosts the Holidays in Bavaria Bazaar Oct.
20-22 in hangar 4 on Katterbach Kaserne.
More than 60 vendors will be there. Hours
are: Oct. 20 – 3:30-8 p.m., Oct. 21 – 11 a.m. to
7 p.m. and Oct. 22 – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
bazaar is open to U.S. ID card holders only.
For more information call 467-2921 or 09802832921.
teers to drive to the Alps for ski trips. Trips
will be free of charge for the drivers. Call
ODR at 467-3225 or 09802-833-225.
Solve the murder
MWR’s Entertainment Branch and
Painted Past Productions host murder mystery theater Oct. 26 at 6.30 p.m. at Eddie’s
Place on Bismarck Kaserne. Tickets are $15
for dinner and the show. For reservations call
the Terrace Playhouse at 468-7636 or 0981183-636.
Halloween activities
Underground party
Trunk or Treat is at the Illesheim fitness
center and the Katterbach Youth Services
parking lots Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. Be in place
ready to hand out treats by 5:30 p.m. For information, call Russ Jackson at 467-2916 or
09802-832-916, or e-mail russell.jackson@
cmtymail.98asg.army.mil. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) hosts a Halloween party with dancing and a costume
contest Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the BOSS Center
in the basement of building 5843E on Bismarck Kaserne. Call Sgt. Emily Fraiser at
0170-884-4191.
Get in the game
Poker tournament
BOSS is sponsoring a poker tournament
and barbecue Oct. 21 from 2 p.m. to midnight
at the Illesheim BOSS center. Participants
must be 18 years or older and have a valid
U.S. ID card to enter the tournament. Call
0151-10144133.
Temporary move
The Yellow Ribbon Room on Katterbach
Kaserne will move temporarily to building
5845 on Bismarck Kaserne. For more information, call 467-2883 or 09802-832883.
Hit the slopes
Outdoor Recreation is looking for volun-
Don’t miss the Karaoke Bash at the Underground Club at Bismarck Kaserne every
Thursday at 7 p.m. The Underground is also
hosting a masquerade ball Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.
Prizes will go to the best masquerade ensemble. Call 467-2935 or 09802-83-2935.
Registration for Child and Youth Services
basketball, wrestling and cheerleading programs runs until Oct. 31 at central enrollment registration in building 5817 on Katterbach Kaserne, or in building 6651 in
Illesheim. Cheerleading and wrestling are
open to children ages 6 to 15, and basketball
is open to ages 3 to 15. For more, call the
youth sports staff at 468-7866 or 0981-183866.
New commissary hours
Ansbach Commissary will be closed Mon,
open Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and
Fri. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Passport planning
Renew your passport at least six months
before it expires. Processing time is eight to
12 weeks. Money orders are the only accepted form of payment. Express or expedited services are not available overseas. Call
Jim Hughes
Paint your friends!
The Katterbach Kanyon Paintball Course, behind Soldiers Lake near Shipton
Kaserne, is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $20 for all required
equipment except paintballs; $10 if you have your own gun and mask. For more,
call 467-3225 or 09802-83-3225.
467-3456 or 09802-883-456.
Craft classes
Cobbled Corner Crafts on Barton Barracks offers a variety of October classes, including beginner’s sewing, pottery basics,
framing and matting and wood shop safety.
For more, call 468-7627 or 0981-183-627.
Update DEERS
Soldiers need to ensure the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System has
complete and current information about
them and their families. Go to http://tri-
care.osd.mil/deers/default.cfm or call Ansbach Tricare at 467-2619 or 09802-832-619, or
Illesheim Tricare at 467-4349 or 09841-834349.
Local culture
USAG Ansbach’s Public Affairs Office
publishes a monthly cultural calendar to help
you find something to do in the local area.
The calendar is available at both Katterbach
and Illesheim Army Community Service locations. To subscribe to the e-mail distribution list, send a short e-mail to [email protected].
USAG Bamberg
Halloween happenings
Cheryl Boujnida
Harvest decorations in Warner Barracksʼ
housing areas add to the beauty of the
season.
Halloween events and activities are happening on Warner Barracks. The library’s
second annual pumpkin carving party is Oct.
24 at 6 p.m. Pumpkins are provided, bring
your own carving tools. The Harry Potter
costume contest will be held at the library
Oct. 30 starting at 5 p.m. Visit the Haunted
Hotel Oct. 27-28 from 6-11 p.m. in building
7001 on the corner of 16th and Zollner
streets. Signs and balloons will guide you to
the Haunted Hotel. Admission is $4, or $3 for
the spook-free toddler zone. All children
must be accompanied by an adult. Birchview
Lanes Bowling Center has a moonlight Halloween bowl Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. Youth who
show up in costume will receive a coupon for
free bowling and shoe rental. Trick or treat
hours Oct. 31 are from 6 to 8 p.m.
out the remodeled facility. Renovations include certified bowling lanes, new front
counter, kitchen, party and amusement
rooms and food concessionaire.
Support blood drive
The German-American Red Cross blood
drive is Nov. 8 at the Basics Building from 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to give
blood. Donors must have returned from deployments from Afghanistan, Iraq or Kuwait
before May 2006 and not received any vaccinations in the past six weeks. For more, call
469-1760 or 0951-300-1760.
Gate expands hours
Gate five, near the high school, has new
outbound operating hours: Mon-Sat 6 a.m. to
10 p.m. and Sun 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bowling center re-opens
Live theater
The Birchview Lanes Bowling Center reopens Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. Stop by and check
See performances of “Annie” at the Stable
Theater Nov. 9–12 and 16–19. Performances
start at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays which begin
at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for
students and Soldiers E4 and below. A family ticket is $25 and group rates are also available. For more, call 469-8647 or 0951-3008647.
CPAC closure
The non-appropriated fund Civilian Personnel Advisory Center will be closed Oct.
25-27 in order to relocate to building 7107
next to gate one.
Skate to music
Skate to the latest hits at the roller realm
Oct. 28, Nov. 18 and Dec. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m.
The roller realm is open to Child and Youth
Services registered youth. Those in grades
six-12 can skate from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission
is $4, rental skates are $1. Wear orange Oct.
28 and get a dollar off admission. Call 4697452 or 0951-300-7452.
USAG Schweinfurt/Wuerzburg
Rocky Horror Halloween
The cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will play at the Wuerzburg Community Activity Center, building 5 on
Leighton Barracks, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. Dress as
your favorite character and bring your own
toast (or use the club’s supply). Free food
and snacks and more than one showing are
planned.
Retiree appreciation
The U.S. Army, Europe’s 26th Annual Retiree Appreciation Day is Oct. 21 from 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. at Heidelberg’s Patrick Henry Village Pavilion.
GI Bill increases
The GI Bill will soon be worth $38,700 – an
increase of nearly $1,500 over last year’s rate.
If you are GI Bill eligible, you receive the increase no matter when you became eligible
or begin using it.
Evaluate services
Use the interactive customer evaluation
system (ICE) to rate USAG Schweinfurt/
Wuerzburg services. ICE is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week at www.
schweinfurt.army.mil. Click on the ICE logo
and tell us how we are doing.
‘My Turn’ series
USAG Schweinfurt’s Ledward Library
needs people to share their expertise, knowledge and skills. Presentations for the “My
Turn” series will be as varied as community
interests. Contact the library director at 3546121 to schedule your presentation, workshop or seminar.
Take back the night
October is domestic violence awareness
month and USAG Schweinfurt/Wuerzburg
Army Community Service sponsors a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on Askren
Manor Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Take a
step against preventable crimes. Call ACS at
354-6751 or 09721-96-6751.
pendent children of retired Soldiers. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need
and on academic achievement and individual
accomplishments. Mail the application and
all requested documents by March 1, 2007.
Applications for the 2007-2008 academic
year scholarships will be available Nov. 1 on
the AER website at www.aerhq.org
Habla Espanol?
Wuerzburg Army Community Service is
assessing community interest for future
Spanish classes. Call ACS at 350-7103 or
0931-889-7103 to express your interest and
preregister.
Trunk or Treat in Wuerzburg
Wuerzburg’s AAFES Main Exchange is
sponsoring Trunk or Treat Oct. 31 from 6 to
8 p.m. in the PX parking lot. Participants
should in place by 5:30 p.m. A pumpkin carving contest and a best decorated car contest
will be held. Free horse and carriage rides
will also be available for community residents. For more information, call Matthew
Beatty at 0931-3577-104.
Commo for couples
USAG Schweinfurt/Wuerzburg Army
Community Service offers a couples’ communication class Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
in the Leighton Barracks Education Center,
building 12, room 8. Learn communication
and conflict resolution skills. Call 354-6751
or 09721-966751.
AER scholarships
Army Emergency Relief (AER) offers financial aid for full-time college study for de-
Run/walk and be aware
USAG Schweinfurt Morale, Welfare and Recreation hosts a 5K run/walk for
breast cancer awareness Oct. 28 at 9 a.m. on Schweinfurtʼs Kessler Field. Wear
pink to show your support for breast cancer research and survivorship. Participants receive a T-shirt. Sign up in advance at your local fitness center or the
morning of the event. Contact your fitness center or Angela Hunter at 354-6793
or 09721-96-6793.
12
U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg
The Point, October 20, 2006
Students find ‘spirit’ in activities
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
About 250 Bamberg High School students
showed their zest for their school during spirit
week Oct. 2-7.
Students in seventh- through 12th-grade took
part in various activities at the school such as
hat, costume, wacky tacky and blue-and-gold
days.
“Spirit weeks are traditional and foster school
spirit,” said Hollie Mick, BHS student council
faculty advisor. “Educational research shows
that if students are invested in their school they
will perform better academically. It does not
matter how they go about it in terms of organizing activities, but the important thing is participation.”
Mick said spirit week planning was student
driven with representatives from each grade, student council members and additional chairpersons who made key decisions.
“The students ultimately decided what they
wanted to do. Through their involvement in the
planning process and by attending activities, students develop an attachment to their school,”
Mick said.
While some events were tailored to specific
age groups such as the middle school fall homecoming dance and fun night and the high school
homecoming dance, events like the pep rally
brought all the students together.
Before students started cheering at the pep
rally, Jen Clark, 17, sang the national anthem.
She noted the drum line was a big hit at the rally,
which was initiated by students who started the
performance.
Red Ribbon
from page one
Mortimer, who heads Bob
Mortimer Motivational Ministries, travels nationwide to
inspire youth and adults and
lift them above their circumstances while speaking candidly about his life.
“My father was a drug
addict and alcoholic and I’m
not the only one in this room
who can say that, but I can say
it out loud,” he said. “When I
was young, I grabbed a mask
and pretended to be something else that someone or
anyone might like, but I was
hiding behind a mask and it
was a handicap,” he said.
Later, Mortimer discovered his father dead from a
drug overdose and eventually
got involved in drugs and
alcohol too. He ended up losing his limbs to a power line
that his brother hit while driving intoxicated.
“I’m not handicapped
because I’m missing my legs
and arm, but I’m talking
about real handicaps – we are
crippling ourselves with our
own handicaps such as low
self esteem, prejudice attitudes and drug use,” Mortimer said.
Mortimer has teamed up
with Army chaplains and
ASACS counselors in Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweinfurt
and Wuerzburg to speak with
youth and adults directly. Parents are encouraged to attend
high school assemblies.
“His story of tragedy to triumph is inspirational and all
can benefit from hearing it,”
said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Tom
Wild, USAG Bamberg chaplain.
Richard Petersen, Ansbach
High School’s ASACS counselor said the Red Ribbon
campaign serves as an early
intervention tool.
“It’s important to reach
youth before they begin
experimenting with drugs and
or alcohol because curing an
addict is like trying to put
toothpaste back into the tube
meaning that it’s more a difficult treatment, but there’s
always hope,” Petersen said.
Wyona Aquino
Students dress down for wacky tacky
day.
William Byrd
Bamberg High School students show their enthusiasm for school at a pep rally
Oct. 5.
Seniors wore togas to the pep rally.
“Doing something different like wearing a
toga really brought out my spirit,” said Marvin
Gholston, 17.
Gholston, who plans to attend college after
graduation, said there are advantages of going to
a small school.
“Students benefit from getting one-on-one
attention at our school,” he said “We don’t need
to be so big to show we have spirit. We just need
to come together.”
Ashlee Kozel, 16, said spirit week brings out
the best in all students.
“It gets kids excited and motivates them to do
well at school. And that’s good spirited,” she
said.
Alysha Worrell
A student teaches her pet parrot to talk
on costume day.
Helping Soldiers, families with career options
by Cheryl Boujnida
The Point
Olivia Manconi helps Soldiers and family members make career decisions and plan for the future.
Manconi, an Army Career and Alumni Program
(ACAP) career counselor, offers customers direct
and informative counsel based on her 12 years of
experience in occupational guidance.
“I’ve been told I do things differently than others
in my field,” she said. “I don’t know about that, but
I’m passionate about what I do and positive results
affirm that what gets done here is working.”
She said Soldiers retiring from the Army can use
ACAP services up to two years prior; regular ETSing
Soldiers one year before and stop-loss Soldiers 18
months ahead of their exit from the Army.
“Starting early is important, even if it’s a phone
call and questions,” she said. “I encourage Soldiers
to start working on their future career plans immediately.”
Manconi uses practical tools to assist Soldiers. To
write resumes, Occubrowse, a software program,
helps Soldiers translate their military occupational
skills into civilian terms. A web-based program helps
get them a Verification of Military Training (VMET),
and gives them a snapshot of everything they’ve
done in the Army.
“VMET includes information on a Soldiers’
schooling and training and provides the equivalent in civilian
credit hours, which is helpful,”
Manconi said.
Soldiers also get help just by
talking frankly about their pursuits with Manconi.
“We talk about things and I
offer handouts and worksheets
that help them in the process,”
she said. “What’s really important is that it makes sense to the
Soldier. They may decide to re- Manconi
enlist after doing job market
research, and I support them in that choice too.”
For Soldiers who want to craft a killer resume,
ACAP offers resume writing labs two times each
month.
“We start at the beginning,” she said. “I help with
questions, grammar and revisions. There are very
specific phrases they can use to translate deployment
experience into a resume.”
Manconi has sample resumes customers can refer
to.
Hugs and kisses for returning Soldiers
Families wait to greet Soldiers assigned to 54th Engineer Battalion
at Freedom Fitness Facility during welcome home ceremonies Oct.
7. About 75 Soldiers with 71st Corps Support Battalion and 54th
Engineer Battalion recently returned from a one-year deployment in
“Some Soldiers have had many jobs and others
have had one, and there are many resume formats for
professional presentation,” she said.
Calvin Robinson, a 19-year U.S. Army Reserve
veteran, just returned from a one-year deployment in
Iraq. Using ACAP services to expedite his job search,
Robinson has already been referred for several positions.
“I’ve received professional assistance here, which
has given me more confidence and knowledge of the
job-hunting process,” he said. “Crafting and streamlining a strong resume is important, and I picked up
several good interview tips to focus an employer’s
attention on what I can do for a company versus solely selling myself.”
ACAP services are available to Soldiers and family members and adult children, too.
“I know planning one’s future can be worrisome
and nerve-wracking, and I am here to support my
customers. It’s a plan of actions that gets results.”
Next up is a resume lab at Preston Hall Nov. 6 and
20 from 1 to 3 p.m. There’s a TAP workshop at Preston Hall Nov. 14-15 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For more information, log onto www.acap.
army.mil or call Manconi at 469- 8925 or 0951-3008925.
Brenda Swartz (2)
Iraq. Families and friends greeted the Soldiers with hugs and kisses.
More Soldiers are expected to return to Bamberg in late October. A
community welcome-home ceremony for 54th Eng. Bn. 71st Corps
Spt. Bn. and 317th Maintenance Company is planned for Dec. 8.
14
U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt
The Point, October 20, 2006
2d BCT holds record reenlistment in Kuwait
by 2nd Lt. Katharine Smith
2nd Brigade Combat Team
Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team
(2d BCT), 1st Armored Division, made history
by conducting the Dagger Brigade’s largest
mass reenlistment ever at Camp Beurhing,
Kuwait, Oct. 4.
Maj. Gen. Fred D. Robinson, commanding
general, 1st Armored Division, gave the oath of
reenlistment to 61 Soldiers from 2d BCT and
one from the 596th Maintenance Company.
After administering the oath, Robinson shook
each Soldier’s hand and gave them a division
coin for excellence with their names engraved
on it. Many of the Soldiers reenlisting are in their
second deployment in support of the Global War
on Terrorism.
There was a mixture of initial, mid-term and
career Soldiers willing to “Stay Army.” According to the reenlistment office, 21 first-termers,
13 mid-careerists, and 28 career Soldiers recited
the oath. Many reenlisted to stay in their current
unit while also taking advantage of the “Dagger
to Books” college incentive.
Col. J.B. Burton, brigade commander, ap-
‘Lunch
Bunch’
ventures
onto local
economy
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
There are always challenges when
you move to a new community. They
can be even more pronounced when
your new community is in a foreign
country and you don’t speak the language.
“There are all these great programs
like SNAPS (Schweinfurt Newcomers Awareness Program for Spouses)
and the beginner’s German classes,
but when they’re over, they’re over,”
said Carol Haager, who came to
Schweinfurt in July when her husband, Lt. Col. Tony Haager, took over
as garrison commander.
“A few of us went through all the
classes at the same time and we
wanted to keep it going,” Haager
said.
Haager talked with her classmates
and with Monika Goodman, the
Army Community Service representative who ran their beginning German classes, and found the interest in
continuing to meet was high.
“We talked to ACS and they really
jumped on the idea. It became the
Lunch Bunch,” Haager said.
The Lunch Bunch is for anyone interested in going off post and exploring what the local culture has to offer.
If you’ve worried about not being
able to speak German, or if you just
don’t like going out alone, the Lunch
Bunch may be the right choice for
you.
“The Lunch Bunch is a great opportunity for people to go out and
learn more about the host nation.
They will always be accompanied by
a German-speaking member of the
ACS team who will translate and answer any questions that may come
up,” Goodman said.
“It is important to get out and do
these things. We all come from different backgrounds, and our husbands are of all different ranks, but
we are here together, and this is our
community,” Haager said.
There is no cost to join the Lunch
Bunch for an outing, though you need
to bring euro for food.
Children are welcome, too. The
first Lunch Bunch meeting Oct. 12,
was at the Wildpark Gasthaus. Participants enjoyed the park after lunch.
The Lunch Bunch will meet
monthly and travel from the ACS on
Ledward Barracks to a different
restaurant each time. Call Schweinfurt ACS at 354-6751 or 09721-966751, Leighton at 350-7103 or 0931889-7103, for more information or to
RSVP by the Monday before the outing.
proved this incentive to allow Soldiers who
reenlist the opportunity to stay with the team and
attend a semester of college upon their redeployment.
Staying with the team is a common motive for
reenlistment. Spc. Tyrell Zierlein, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment,
reenlisted to, “stay in with my little brother who
recently enlisted, following in my footsteps.”
Robinson, who first addressed Dagger
Brigade during farewell ceremonies in Schweinfurt, came to Kuwait to perform the ceremony
and considered it an honor.
“Talking to Soldiers keeps me going,” he said.
“Having him come down here attaches great
importance to the reenlistment,” said Staff Sgt.
Alfred Boateng, Headquarters and Headquarters
Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment. It was Boateng’s fourth reenlistment and,
for him, his most memorable.
“To have someone that high ranking to come
all the way from Germany to reenlist us is great,”
said Spc. David Salas, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.
“Today was about Soldiers and noncommis-
Spc. Richard Boyles
Maj. Gen. Fred D. Robinson, commander, 1st Armored Division, administers the oath
of enlistment to 62 Soldiers Oct. 4. at Camp Buehring, Kuwait.
sioned officers reenlisting, knowing they are in
harm’s way for their nation, the Army, and for
their team,” Robinson said.
Sgt. 1st Class Robert Staley, senior career
counselor for 2d BCT, said he was impressed by
the number of Soldiers wanting to reenlist and
expects to see the number increase as Soldiers
experience the teamwork and companionship
that comes with a deployment.
Operation I CAN returns to help
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
As the war in Iraq reaches its fourth year, many
in the Schweinfurt community have watched their
spouses move out on a second tour in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The current 2d Brigade Combat Team deployment also marks the second go-round for Operation I CAN.
Operation I CAN, the Iraqi Children Assistance
Network, collects school supplies and other items
such as toys, hygiene products, and school supplies
to distribute to children in Iraq.
The effort this year is headed by three family
members from 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment.
“Over 400 packages were sent downrange from
Schweinfurt last deployment. We hope to meet or
exceed that goal this year,” said Melanie Thornton,
whose deployed husband, Ralph, is a member of
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-26.
Barbara Caiado began the Operation I CAN program during 2nd Brigade’s last deployment. She
sent packages to her husband, Joshua, also of 1-26,
Kimberly Gearhart
Johanna Snyder, left, and Melanie Thornton collect donations of school supplies
for Operation I CAN.
and they distributed the supplies to schools in their
area of operations.
This year donated items will go to children in
Baghdad schools that have been hit hard by violence in the area.
“We’re mainly concerned with school supplies,
but like-new toys, quality clothing, and other items
are always welcome,” Thornton said.
Johanna Snyder rounds out the trio organizing
the donations. She helped coordinate drop off
points for donations on the German economy,
since they see Operation I CAN as an opportunity
to bring the German and American communities
together for a good cause.
“We’ve talked to German schools and businesses and they’re excited to help,” Thorton said.
Donations can be dropped off at the Krazy Cow
Restaurant, just outside Askren Manor, at the Eselshoehe branch of Stadt Sparkasse Schweinfurt,
or at the Historischer Foerderkreis in Gochsheim.
The focus of Operation I CAN is to help rebuild
a functioning school system, and help earn the trust
of the Iraqi people. They feel this will help create
a safer environment not only for Iraqi children, but
also for the American troops deployed in support
of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“We’ll continue to take and send donations
while our Soldiers are downrange,” Thornton said.
For more information about Operation I CAN,
visit the website at www.operationican.net.
Learning safety lessons during Fire Prevention Week
Kimberly Gearhart
USAG Schweinfurt firefighter Dittmar Wehner suits up, showing
Trish Evansʼ kindergarten class touring the fire station Oct. 12
what fire rescue workers wear. Fire Prevention Week is always the
week of Oct. 9, in memory of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Scott Rouch (2)
Fire Inspector Markus Groetsch shows Keith Rose, above, the
proper way to hold a hose when fighting a fire. Francheska
Malanum, 4, right, meets Sparky the Fire Dog at the Wuerzburg
Main Exchange Oct. 13. The fire departmentʼs appearance was
part of Fire Prevention Week in the ETG.
European Transformation Group
The Point, October 20, 2006
17
USAG Franconia transforms to ETG
Staff set standards
others will follow
by Scott Rouch
The Point
One year after coming to life, USAG Franconia was inactivated in a ceremony on Leighton Barracks Oct. 13.
Before a standing room only audience at the Wuerzburg Community Activity Center, the garrison leadership cased the unit’s
colors and then reactivated the organization as the Europe Region Transformation Group (Nord Bayern) (Provisional), or
ETG.
The ETG’s lifespan is expected to be even shorter than the garrison’s as it is slated to be disbanded in the July 2007 timeframe.
“The short life span of the USAG Franconia is not unique in
Army history, but it is probably one of the very few organizations
whose inactivation was announced before it was created,” said
Col. Russel D. Santala, ETG commander, moments after he
cased the USAG Franconia flag and uncased the ETG flag.
When it activated Oct. 1, 2005, the former 98th Area Support
Group headquarters had possession of orders to execute its own
inactivation in support of the first phase of the Army’s rebasing
and transformation strategy for Europe.
Not only did USAG Franconia support the first phase, they became the first garrison in Europe to inactivate.
USAG Franconia provided command and control for USAGs
Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt. Now, as the ETG, the mis-
Gate hours,
access
to change
next week
Changes to access and operating hours of entrance and
exit gates for Leighton Barracks and Faulenberg Kaserne
become effective Oct. 22.
The changes are due to the
Department of the Army’s established standards for installation access control points to
ensure full force protection
while keeping security costs
reasonable.
Antiterrorism
experts,
along with representatives
from the U.S. Army, Europe
Office of the Provost Marshal
and the Army Audit Agency,
recently traveled to each installation access point in Germany to review the layout,
traffic patterns and security
and safety considerations. The
team’s recommendations were
discussed with U.S. Army garrison leaders before any
changes were implemented.
Where normally there
would have been four to five
guards at a particular gate during slow traffic periods,
Bradley said, “there now will
be two or three. There will be
no degradation of installation
security,” said Col. Charles
Bradley Jr., chief of U.S Army,
Europe’s Antiterrorism Division, and Office of the Deputy
Chief of Staff for Operations.
Following are the gates and
new hours for Leighton and
Faulenberg, all other gates will
be closed.
Leighton Barracks: The
Jackson Gate will be used as
an entrance and exit gate MonFriday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
only.
The Headquarters Gate
will be open 24 hours, but as
an exit gate only. Pedestrian
traffic will be allowed on and
off post through this gate 24
hours a day.
The Gerbrunn Gate will
remain open 24 hours a day as
both an entrance and an exit.
This gate will be the only entrance gate onto Leighton Barracks on weekends and after 5
p.m. on weekdays.
Faulenberg
Kaserne’s
main gate on Nuernbergerstrasse will be open 24 hours a
day as an entrance and exit for
vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
For more information, call
351-4439 or 0931-296-4439.
sion has changed.
“The Europe Region Transformation Group is a provisional organization established to prepare three
currently indirect report garrisons to
be full standalone garrisons over the
course of the next nine months,”
said Brad Hannum, ETG Transformation Team Stationing and Operations analyst.
USAG Schweinfurt now takes responsibility for daily garrison operations and support of Soldiers, civilians and family members living in
Wuerzburg.
With Col. Karen Adams, Installation Management Agency-Europe
deputy commander in the audience,
Santala touched on three main goals
the garrison had for its year in existence, most of which are complete.
Scott Rouch
He reported that 90 percent of
employees that wanted follow-on Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Ford and Col. Russel D. Santala uncase the ETG colassignments had been placed; units ors at the Oct. 13 ceremony.
have been successfully deployed,
filled its mission and completed all tasks to standards,” Santala
redeployed, inactivated, returned and restationed; and the task of
preparing the Kitzingen and Giebelstadt military installations for
said. “As a matter of fact, members of the Franconia team have
return to the host nation is on schedule.
set the standards that will be used by other garrisons here in EuSantala was proud of his garrison’s performance.
rope as they transition and transform in the coming months and
“I can report that the U.S. Army Garrison Franconia has fulyears.”
72nd Med Soldiers come marching home
by Scott Rouch
The Point
After nearly a year in Iraq, 72nd Medical Detachment
(Veterinary) commander Lt. Col. Eric Toring delayed
dismissing his Soldiers for a few minutes to get a few
last words in.
Before a crowd of families and well-wishers at
Leighton Fitness Center Oct. 5, Toring told his troops to
enjoy their week of transition leave, to keep comrades
still deployed in mind and to thank their family members. He ended with an emotional, “I love you guys!
“These guys went downrange – and we’re a very
small unit (58 Soldiers) – and were responsible for veterinary services throughout Iraq. I couldn’t be prouder
of them,” Toring said.
When done talking, Toring dismissed his Soldiers
and they headed straight to their families and friends.
While still in formation, Staff Sgt. Ward Lacy saw his
son, ninth-grader Kehlen, wearing his ROTC uniform
for the first time.
“I was holding it back, back there,” Lacy said. “I almost lost it.”
Once dismissed, it was still an emotional moment for
him.
“It was harder. I wanted to run to them, but I also
wanted to walk and soak it in.”
Waiting a year for their Soldiers was difficult for
family members in different ways.
“The hardest was being a single parent and getting
kids up in the morning for school,” said Karen Douglas.
“I’m glad he’s home – he (Staff Sgt. David Douglas) can
wake them up now.”
Douglas said she didn’t sleep well the night before
the unit’s return and neither did daughter Jaime, 11.
Wearing a “My Dad Rules” T-shirt, Jaime said, “I couldn’t sleep. I woke up at 4 a.m.” She said she missed her
dad’s jokes the most.
Ron Betts from Schweinfurt couldn’t pinpoint anything specific about what he missed most about his wife,
Spc. Catherine Betts. “I just missed her altogether,” he
said.
Nicholas Watts, 5, knew exactly why he was happy
that his dad, 1st Sgt. Randall Watts, was coming home.
“Because then he’ll get to stay home forever,”
Nicholas said.
What did Chief Warrant Officer 2 Tony Hemphill
miss the most during his deployment?
“Freedom. I don’t have to worry about ducking and
dodging. I can walk outside and not worry about anybody shooting at me.”
Scott Rouch (3)
1st. Lt. Matthew Bedell, left, beams as he catches sight of his wife Leigh at the 72 Med.
Det. welcome home Oct. 4.
Staff Sgt. Ward Lacy poses with his
son Kehlen after seeing him in his
ROTC uniform for the first time.
1st Sgt. Randall Watts totes six-year-old son
Nicholas through the Leighton Fitness Center.
Soldiers say thanks to
Wuerzburg students
by Scott Rouch
The Point
Before taking off on leave, Soldiers from the 72nd Medical Detachment (Veterinary) stopped by Ann
Breaux-Reiss’ class to say thanks.
Arriving home after a year deployment to Iraq, single Soldiers found
gift baskets in their rooms.
“It was really nice,” said Spc. Israel Sanchez. “With no family here, it
was nice to come home to something
like that.”
Accompanying Sanchez were Sgt.
Chris Fulp and Lt. Col. Eric Toring,
72nd Med. Det. commander.
In anticipation of the Soldiers’
visit, the class prepared an ice cream
cake iced with “Welcome Home.”
Toring thanked the class for their
generosity and passed out commander’s coins while the Soldiers had a
chance to bond with the students.
Fulp and Mike Gukeisen found
they had the same birthday and were
soon chatting away like old friends.
“It was lots of fun hangin’ out with
the Soldiers,” Gukeisen said.
“It was good. It put a smile on my
face to see them, they put so much effort into it (the baskets),” Fulp said.
Scott Rouch
From left, Spc. Israel Sanchez, Sgt. Chris Fulp and Lt. Col. Eric Toring
thank Ann Breaux-Reissʼ class for their welcome-home baskets
Oct. 12.
Sports
The Point, October 20, 2006
19
Ansbach Cougars smother Hohenfels, 34-6
Remain unbeaten, claim
Southern Division title
by Jim Hughes
The Point
Heart, hunger, the thirst for revenge and a stifling defense was the
recipe for the Ansbach Cougars’ 34-6 homecoming thrashing of rival Hohenfels Oct. 7.
Squaring off against the Tigers, who ended Ansbach’s record 28-game
win streak last year and downed the blue-and-gold for the 2005 Division
III championship, the Cougars were out for revenge and a happy homecoming.
Anticipation was at an all-time high, said Cougar running back Xavier
Sheppard.
“Hohenfels is our motivation this year. Just saying Hohenfels gets us
focused,” he said. “They took two things from us last year – our winning
streak and the championship. We want the championship back.”
After beating Giessen, 39-0, Oct. 14, the Cougars became the regular
season DIII South champions, finishing an unbeaten regular season with
a 5-0 record. They now have home-field advantage for the first two rounds
of the DIII playoffs, beginning Oct. 21 against Manwith Hill.
Outsized by Hohenfels, with nine 200-pounders and one 300-pounder
on the roster, the Cougars knew they had their work cut out for them.
“Size is a big factor, but it’s all about who wants it more,” Sheppard
said. “If you want it more, just go out there and take it from them.”
The Cougars wanted it more and it showed early on.
Sheppard ripped off a 69-yard touchdown run on the Cougars’ third
play and a 6-0 lead after the extra point attempt failed.
The defense then forced a Hohenfels fumble and the Cougars capitalized on the turnover with a 49-yard drive, climaxed by a Shane
Williams’one-yard touchdown run. Quarterback John Willis-Morris’
extra point run made it 14-0 near the end of the first quarter.
The Cougars extended the lead to 28-0 with two second-quarter scores.
Williams ran for a two-yard score and Willis-Morris hit Thomas Graham
on a 22-yard scoring strike following a Jacob Burnside interception.
Ansbach struck again midway through the third quarter. Willis-Morris
and Graham hooked up again on a 23-yard scoring pass for a 34-0 Cougar
lead.
Staunch defense, with sacks by Ansbach’s Baraka Waweru and Storm
Freeman, kept the Tigers scoreless until 240-pound Brandon Merriweather crashed over from three yards out to spoil the shutout.
“It was sweet revenge today, but at the same time it’s all about taking
steps and getting better every game,” Waweru said. “We’re one step closer
to getting the championship back. That’s what we’re focused on. I think
we can go all the way if we execute and play Ansbach ball.
“Hohenfels won last year and they probably should’ve won last year –
they outplayed us,” head coach Marcus George added. “They had an outstanding football team today, but we outplayed them. Football is a strange
game. It all boils down to blocking and tackling, and whichever team does
the best job tends to win.”
George and his team realize the win was just another step toward regaining the crown.
“I remember at football camp everyone looked at our players and said,
‘What happened to Ansbach?’ We’re little and very young,” George said.
“It’s so rewarding and satisfying to watch our guys, who weren’t expected
to dominate, step out and play the football they’ve played.”
Ansbach Cougar
running
back
Xavier Sheppard
takes off on a 69yard touchdown
run on the third
play of the game
to give Ansbach
an early lead in
their 34-6 win
over Hohenfels
Oct. 7.
Roundup
Tennis
Oct. 14 – Wuerzburg hosted Mannheim
Girl’s singles: Lori-Ann Daley (W) def. Kirsten Norwood 6-2, 6-4; Sarah Rosenstein (M) def. Stefanie Montano (W) 8-3; Kelli Montano (W) def. Jennifer Wheeler
8-2; Jade Vaughn (M) def. Stephanie Mooney (W) 8-2; Rachael Nevinger (M) def.
Jessica Tavares (W) 8-1.
Girl’s doubles: Montano/Montano (W) def. Rosenstein/Wheeler 6-2, 6-1; Norwood/Murray (M) def. Mooney/Tavares (W) 8-6.
Boy’s singles: Chris Modica (M) def. Sean Danganan (W) 6-2, 7-6; Adam Pauley
(M) def. Brandon Danganan (W) 8-2 (exhibition); Jeremy Junker (M) def. Adam
Tavares (W) 8-4 (exhibition).
Boy’s Doubles: Pauley/Junker (M) def. B. Danganan/Tavares (W) 6-2, 6-1 (exhibition).
Oct. 7 – Wuerzburg at Vilseck; boys lost 9-0, the girls lost 6-3
Girl’s singles: Lori-Ann Daley (W) def. Katherine Shaffer 6-1, 6-4; Sarah Kleine (V)
def. Stefanie Montano (W) 8-2; Kelli Montano (W) def. April Fearzelle 8-2;
Stephanie Mooney (W) def. Rebecca Lamp 8-4; Amber Hendricks (V) def. Jessica
Tavares (W) 8-0.
Girl’s doubles: Kleine/Shaffer (V) def. Montano/Montano (W) 6-1, 6-3;
Lamp/Fearzelle (V) def. Mooney/Tavares (W) 8-3.
Boy’s singles: Chad Perkins (V) def. Sean Danganan (W) 6-0, 6-2; Brandon Danganan (W) def. Kevin Stark (V) 8-3 (exhibition); Adam Tavares (W) def. Erick Arroyo (V) 8-3 (exhibition).
Boy’s Doubles: McLaughlin/Taylor (V) def. Danganan/Tavares (W) 6-1, 3-6, 7-6
(exhibition), Danganan/Tavares (W) def. Young/Bonar (V) 8-4 (exhibition).
Mixed Doubles: S. Danganan/Daley (W) def Taylor/Klein (V) 6-1.
Volleyball
Oct. 14 – The shorthanded Wuerzburg Wolves lost to Hohenfels 25-10, 17-25, 2521, 17-25, 11-15, and beat Ansbach 25-15, 25-20, 25-15, to go 4-4 for the season. Brittny Dallen was strong from the back line with 19 consecutive serves. Ansbach also lost to Giessen.
In Baumholder, Bamberg fell to Brussels 14-25, 25-16, 14-25, 22-25 and lost to
Baumholder 17-25, 13-25, 16-25.
Oct. 7 – Wuerzburg def. Naples 17-25, 27-25, 25-23, 25-20 and lost to Aviano 1725, 15-25, 5-25.
In Bitburg, Ansbach lost to Hohenfels, 25-12, 25-22, 28-26 and lost to Baumholder
7-25, 17-25, 10-25.
Cross Country
Oct. 7 (Wuerzburg at Aviano) – Katherine Riley was 15th (23:33); Cassie Gonzales 19th (25:19) and Kirsten Brewster 25th (25:59). Boys – Patrick Mooney was
19th (22:45) and Dominic Letourneau (23rd) ran his first race in 26:26.
Football
Oct. 14 – The Bamberg Barons (2-3, 2-3 DIII South) finished their regular season
on a three-game losing streak, falling to Hohenfels 42-8.
Oct. 7 – Bamberg lost to Hanau, 42-14. Adam Worrell ran a kickoff back 80 yards
for a score and Dillon Baker added a five-yard touchdown for the Barons.
Join Aqua Barons
Join the Bamberg Aqua Barons youth swim team. No experience necessary to join.
For more information or to join the team, call 0951-209-0367.
Bamberg hosts half marathon
Register now for Bamberg’s half marathon May 6, 2007. The course winds Bamberg’s historic old town and over seven hills through a UNESCO World Heritage
city. Registration is limited and must be done online at www.weltkulturerbelauf.de.
Cost is €28. For a peek of the course, practice runs will be held Oct. 22 and Dec.
10 at 9 a.m. at Markusplatz.
Open hoop tourney
USAG Schweinfurt/Leighton Open Basketball Tournament is Oct. 28-30 at Finney
Fitness Center, Schweinfurt. Free entry, open to military ID card holders 18 years
or older who are not in high school. Sign up by Oct. 24, the first eight teams participate. Teams may have 10 players and two non-playing coaches. The tournament
is used to identify players for USAG Schweinfurt/Leighton community squads.
Prizes for first- and second-place teams. Call 354-6264 or 09721-96-6264.
Jim Hughes (2)
Ansbach defenders Josh Hale (30) and
Rancel Arrocha (31) take down Hohenfelsʼ B.J. Denson during the Cougarsʼ
34-6 win Oct. 7 on homecoming weekend.
Wolves miss out on home cooking
Playoffs begin in Bitburg Saturday
by Scott Rouch
The Point
The Wuerzburg Wolves football team let a golden opportunity
to start the playoffs at home slip through their fingers Oct.7.
A win against the winless Vilseck Falcons would have secured
a first-round home game in the Division II playoffs.
Instead, the Wolves (2-3, 2-2 Southern Division) fell to fourth
in the southern division after a flat performance against the Falcons, losing 62-26. They followed that with a 41-0 loss to Naples
Oct. 14.
The Wolves now open the Division II playoffs on the road Oct.
21 against Bitburg.
“What really hurt us were turnovers and letting big plays pop
for big yards,” said Wolves head coach Eric Mead.
The Wolves started the game against the Falcons in spectacular fashion as Donald Bryant went around right end for a 54-yard
score on the first play of the game.
By the time the first half ended, however, the Falcons turned
three Wolves turnovers into touchdowns. They scored on runs of
56, 12 and 22 yards, adding a 62-yard touchdown pass and forged
a 35-12 halftime lead.
Any hopes of a quick turnaround in the second half were
squashed when Robert Wright scooped up the second-half kickoff and galloped 85 yards for a touchdown to give the Falcons a
41-12 advantage.
Forced to throw for quick scores, Carlos Figueroa found Taylor Dallen for an eight-yard touchdown and later connected with
B.J. Harvey for a 25-yard score.
CYS sports registration runs on two fronts
by Kimberly Gearhart
The Point
The USAG Schweinfurt/Leighton Child and Youth Services
(CYS) sports and fitness director Daniel Jones is running full-tilt
these days.
“We are supporting the Wuerzburg community, as well as here
in Schweinfurt,” Jones said of the schedule of youth sports programs underway in both communities.
Registration for basketball and cheerleading is Oct. 23-Nov.
17. Children 4 and older may participate in basketball, and those
24,000 Army Strong
Local area runners were among the more than
24,000 taking part in the 22nd annual Army
10-Miler in Washington, D.C. Oct. 8. The U.S.
Army, Europe, womenʼs team finished fifth
among 19 teams entered in the active-duty
open womenʼs division. The team was led by
Amanda Newsom, 173rd Special Troops Battalion, Bamberg, who finished in 1:09:34.
Other local runners included Genevieve
Rochefort (1:16:12) and Michael Cohen
(1:02:17).
Ray Johnson
6 and up may sign up for cheerleading.
In Schweinfurt, people can sign up in The Commons, building 224 on Ledward Barracks, at the CYS central registration
desk. In Wuerzburg, the child development center serves as registration point for all CYS activities.
“All youth sports participants must be registered with CYS
and have a current physical on file,” Jones said.
For those who need physicals, the USAG Schweinfurt Health
Clinic has a sports physical registration day Nov. 8., and a date
for Wuerzburg will be announced soon.
Teams will be formed by age and, if interest is high enough,
age groups 10 and above may have gender-separated teams. Otherwise, all teams will be co-ed.
“The important thing is that we serve all the children. Participation is key,” Jones said.
CYS programs are not geared to be competitive and standings
are not be tracked or posted.
“The older teams will travel, and have home and away games,
but it’s still all about fun. Everyone who wants to play, plays,”
Jones said.
Uniforms will be provided once teams have been formed.
CYS is looking for volunteer coaches to help with this year’s
program, as well as paid officials. Officials must be certified in
order to qualify.
For more information, contact either the CYS youth sports director at 354-6822 or 09721-96-6822, Central Registration in
Schweinfurt at 354-6414 or 09721-96-6414, or the Leighton
CDC at 350-7148 or 0931-889-7148.