BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz employees worked behind the scenes to prepare a fully-equipped and ready space in the Baumholder Military Community, where Soldiers returning from Ebola response efforts in West Africa will undergo a 21-day controlled monitoring regimen ordered by the Department of Defense.
Garrison members prepared these facilities to support the 21st Theater Support Command's task to fulfill Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's recent guidance that all returning personnel remain in isolation long enough to ensure they did not contract the disease while deployed.
"This is our core business -- taking care of Soldiers -- and we are very good at it," said Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr., U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander. "The work we've done here will ensure our men and women returning home have a safe, comfortable space where they can spend their time under the careful eyes of medical professionals to guarantee their clean bill of health before they reintegrate into their workplaces and communities."
Wells spoke to garrison staff in Baumholder Friday about the current situation.
"What we have here are people who have deployed to support the efforts to contain the Ebola virus disease, but have themselves had no known contact with Ebola patients," Wells said. "While the most of our deployed are not medical professionals, they have played a large role in helping the efforts in West Africa and should be commended for their efforts."
To that end, the garrison has sectioned off several buildings on Smith Barracks in Baumholder to accommodate the Soldiers' return. The garrison's Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation stepped up to provide equipment and entertainment.
"The Army FMWR is comprised of a team of professionals who are committed to providing professional quality programs and services. This work is just an extension of continuing those services to Soldiers who are going through this transition," said Steve Pelletier, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director.
Pelletier and his staff have provided four pool tables, four foosball tables, 40 laptops equipped with webcams, flat-screen TVs, Playstations and more. Each room has free Wi-Fi, American Forces television programming and complimentary coffee machines. Soldiers can also take advantage of recreation packages, including badminton, other sports and gaming, and call family back in the States at no cost. Army Europe Libraries has provided kits that include books and magazines, as well as updated online content.
"The Soldiers have everything they need to be ready and resilient. Whether it's via Skype and the Internet, so they talk with friends and loved ones, or through the fitness equipment that will help keep them staying fit and in the fight, FMWR is there to take care of them. This is what we do, and this is who we are," Pelletier said.
Other garrisons within Europe also provided linens on short notice to help make the facility ready as soon as possible, according to Deborah Reynolds, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz deputy to the garrison commander.
Pelletier and his staff's efforts were also enhanced by those of USO Kaiserslautern, which arranged for welcome bags for each Soldier, consisting of shampoo, conditioner, soap, tissues, razors, tooth-brushing materials and more.
"The USO's mission is to lift the spirits of our troops and their families. The USO will remain 'always by their side,' especially during times of operational challenges. The current global challenges confronted by our troops only strengthen our resolve to do what the American people want, and that is to provide immediate and impactful support to keep our forces strong," said Konrad Braun, USO Kaiserslautern's area director.
The USO also contributed laundry washing materials; a DVD library with more than 100 DVDs of classic and popular movies; ground coffee, hot chocolate and tea; books; playing cards and board games.
"We believe our contributions in Baumholder will increase the quality of life for our troops during this difficult period. The USO will always be prepared to support," Braun said.
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