German leaders receive 'keys to the garrison'

By Mr. Stefan Alford (IMCOM)May 23, 2016

Key recipients
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- United States Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Commander Col. G. Shawn Wells Jr., recognized representatives from host nation offices with a "key to the garrison" for their sustained commitment to U.S. forces during a reception at Armstrong's Club, Vogelweh, May 17.

Emulating a tradition where the mayor of a city presents an ornamental key to special honorees, called the "key to the city," Wells presented the token of appreciation to the recipients for their continuing service in partnership with the U.S. Army in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz.

"We certainly don't ever forget that we are guests in your country," Wells said. "Without your support and cooperation we would not be as successful as we have been in our mission -- and that's a big mission as we are here under the NATO umbrella to provide support for the security and stability to all of our European allies."

Among the recipients were Elena Mazzola, chief of Department 355 Armed Forces within the Rheinland-Pfalz State Ministry for Interior, Sports and Infrastructure; Paul Junker, county commissioner of Kaiserslautern county; Dr. Klaus Weichel, lord mayor of the city Kaiserslautern; Col. Fiepko Koolman, director of the training center for the German military's Indirect Fire and Artillery Corps; Gudrun Heß-Schmidt, deputy county commissioner of Kaiserslautern county; Peter Lang, mayor of the Baumholder district; and Oliver Vollmer, police liaison for the Police Headquarters Westpfalz.