GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Members of the Eschenbach City Council including Mayor Peter Lehr, joined Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment for a day of weapons training here, Feb. 18.
"This training event is another great opportunity to continue our strong relationship with our hosts in the City of Eschenbach. Many of our soldiers live in Eschenbach, so it's very rewarding for us to share a slice of Army culture and give our neighbors a glimpse into the every-day life of a U.S. Soldier," said 2nd Lt. Charles Thompson, assistant squadron fire support officer.
The council members received a safety briefing, and basic instructions on position, aiming, breathing and trigger squeezing. Donning their gear, they then headed out to the range for the basic weapons qualification round. Council members fired at targets ranging from 50 meters to 300 meters in the three basic positions, supported prone, unsupported prone, and foxhole or kneeling.
"For me, this is not new," said Lehr who trained at Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels several times during his thirty years in the German Bundeswehr. Some of the other council members could not say the same.
"I have never fired a gun before," said Sabine Schultes. "I think 50 meters will be enough for me."
It was the first time for Peter Nasser as well, who nevertheless scored a respectable 26 points and said he had a great time.
"It was very nice to come here and see the training and what the guys are doing here," he added.
"An important part of being good neighbors is fostering a shared understanding of how we live, train, and work. We appreciate the hospitality of our German hosts and neighbors, and value the opportunity to show them what we can do. It's an added bonus if we get to have some fun doing it," said Thompson.
While Eschenbach community members have been invited to participate in training before, this marked the first time the City Council was invited. Eight of the 16 members attended.
Lt. Col. Kyle A. Reed, commander 1-91st Cav. Regt., said the squadron enjoys a great relationship with their partner city.
"We have made an effort to include them in our significant ceremonies, events and festivals, as well as being a part of their community," Reed said. "The benefit of understanding their culture and their experience, and of them in turn understanding how we operate, helps the partnership but more important it helps our understanding of each other."
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