Dec 17, 2012

Jenni Lowell: Teacher, mother and Army spouse. She's married to the Army, and her husband is deployed to Afghanistan. Like many military spouses, Lowell turns the chaos of single parenthood into order while her spouse is deployed. She was willing to sit and share her experience.

Dec 14, 2012

SEMBACH, Germany -- The U.S. Navy has opened a Warrior Transition Program at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern, a step that leaders say will continue to support Sailors returning to naval duties after serving ashore in combat zones. Leaders from several units at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern joined Rear. Adm. Kevin Scott, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, during a Dec. 12 ribbon cutting ceremony on Sembach Kaserne.

Dec 14, 2012

PULASKI BARRACKS, Germany -- Cowboy hats and boots were the order of the day at the Kazabra Club on Pulaski Barracks as country music star Aaron Tippin pulled into Kaiserslautern as part of his "Stars for Stripes" Armed Forces Entertainment tour. Tippin, a longtime supporter and advocate of the U.S. Military got his life, as well as his career started in the military.

Dec 13, 2012

After 50 years on the air, American Forces Network icon Gary Bautell, is just getting started.

Dec 13, 2012

It's become a tradition for Louise Gregory's first grade class to perform during the U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder's annual National Native American Heritage Month celebration and this year was no exception. The children danced, sang and chanted several Native American oriented numbers to the fascination of all the guests.

Dec 13, 2012

There's more to lighting a Christmas tree on Baumholder than just pulling a switch. The U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder's Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 6 included musical performances by children from the U.S. and German communities, the first of which was Sarah Holliday. She braved the cold and entertained the crowd with her rendition of "Silent Night," just moments before Santa made his appearance on a shiny red fire truck in front of the Rheinlander Community Club.

Dec 12, 2012

Smart meters provide real-time data on buildings' energy usage and allow garrison officials to increase efficiency.

Dec 12, 2012

An initiative here aimed at curbing a spike in drunken driving cases by providing a vehicle pick-up service is set to get underway Dec. 14 and 15.

Dec 11, 2012

Could you write 1,667 words every day for 30 days straight? That's exactly what Kristin Agcaoili set out to do in November, and at the end of the month she had created a 51,577 word tale about a young girl with magical powers on the run from a government that considers her dangerous. Agcaoili, a Patch High School junior participating in the 2012 National Novel Writing Month, found time to write between classes, while on the bus to and from school, and late at night.

Dec 11, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany --- Just as ground troops must become proficient at weaponry and a myriad of warrior skills and tasks, there is also an expectation that commanders and their staff master the their mission of orchestrating movements on the ground.

Dec 11, 2012

Representatives from U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza Fire Department were invited to the official opening of the Volunteer Fire Department Center of Bondeno, a town near Ferrara, about 75 miles south of Vicenza.

Dec 11, 2012

Böblingen Elementary/Middle School officially unveiled its National Blue Ribbon School award Dec. 6. While Department of Defense Education Activity officials announced the win in September, the award was not presented to the school until Nov. 12 in Washington, D.C. BEMS officials elected to publicly celebrate the award in conjunction with a December academic awards assembly.

Dec 11, 2012

While holiday shoppers browsed the aisles of the Panzer Exchange Dec. 8 and 9, they discovered they could give a meaningful gift that wouldn't cost a dime. Boy Scouts from Troop 154 asked shoppers to sign up to become marrow donors. Seventy-seven people agreed to register through a relatively quick and easy process.

Dec 11, 2012

For some, living overseas can be scary and frustrating. Vicenza military community members had a chance to speak to mayors of their respective communities to ask questions, voice concerns, and sample local products. About 30 municipalities of the Vicenza province displayed their specialties in the fourth 'Meet the Mayors' event.

Dec 10, 2012

This holiday season, toss aside last-minute shopping and employ DIY gifts instead.

Dec 10, 2012

Full Spectrum Ops and Night Fire Rock Band deliver a new twist on Christmas carols

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany -- The concerns of junior enlisted Soldiers were the focus of attention Nov. 28 at the Tony Bass Fitness Center. Sgt. Maj. Keith Craig of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service-Europe and Command Sgt. Maj. Sa'eed Mustafa, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, invited Wiesbaden-area E-4s and below to ask questions of representatives of the Exchange, Defense Commissary Agency, USO, Housing, Education Center, the garrison's Transformation and Stationing Management Office and the Directorate of Family, Morale Welfare and Recreation.

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany -- "I've moved a lot and I know what it feels like to be the new kid." That's how Wiesbaden Middle School sixth-grader Karissa Schnitz described the desire to help other newcomers in the Junior Student-2-Student program.

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany -- You could tell the food was being made with love on Thanksgiving at the Wiesbaden Dining Facility. As cooks hustled through the kitchens preparing roasts, stuffing, vegetables and hundreds of buns for baking, they couldn't help but throw a few dance moves into the mix. And from the smiles on diners' faces it was obvious the positive groove in the kitchen had permeated the cooking.

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany -- Col. David Carstens, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, can begin to tally the amount of money volunteers save the community. The American Red Cross alone, which tallied nearly 5,000 volunteer service hours last year, saved the garrison more than $100,000. What Carstens cannot begin to tally, however, is the worth of comfort given to deployed Soldiers and their families, the lives saved through donated blood, and the skills and knowledge that youth have learned from volunteers.

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany -- A group of 42 Wiesbaden High School students spent five days in London last month, visiting famous landmarks, colleges and taking in a show. The trip was the last of three trips Wiesbaden Youth Services has conducted to the United Kingdom over the last 18 months. A $100,000 grant from the Maytag Corporation for winning and Boys and Girls Clubs of America Dependable Club Award has paid for the program. Wiesbaden's club was one of seven clubs out of nearly 4,000 to win the award.

Dec 10, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - As the person in charge of the switch that would turn on the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden holiday tree of 2012, Joe Harris had his work cut out for him. Well before the appointed time for the tree lighting, children started lining up to pull on the rope that would turn the switch on. Lighting the Serbian Pine was the job of children this year, and they were eager to take it on. Harris' job, however, was to keep them from pulling it too soon.

Dec 7, 2012

The Fun Run raised food, blankets and gifts for the Weiden Tierheim

Dec 7, 2012

Netzaberg Elementary School vie to be 'top bee' during spelling contest

Dec 7, 2012

Follow a few simple tips for celebrating and driving safely this holiday season.

Dec 7, 2012

Keep children safe this holiday season with simple guidelines during National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Dec 7, 2012

Brig. Gen. Paul M. Benenati assumes command of the 7th Civil Support Command, replacing Gen. Mark S. Hendrix

Dec 7, 2012

Vehicle rodeo evaluates Soldiers' knowledge and driving skills to perform mission essential tasks with a Humvee.

Dec 7, 2012

Dec 6, 2012

Santa and Saint Nikolaus bring presents for all in this year's ceremony

Dec 6, 2012

More than 80 fifth-graders from Patrick Henry Elementary school in Heidelberg joined the ranks of nearly 40 million children around the world, Nov. 27.

Dec 6, 2012

he sounds of smooth holiday jazz and the sights of singing candy canes and tiny Christmas elves set the stage for U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg's final Holiday Magic event Friday at the Village Pavilion Community Center in Heidelberg. The annual celebration featured live music, a Christmas market, train rides, food, horse carriage rides, a prize drawing, holiday crafts and a community tree-lighting ceremony.

Dec 4, 2012

Children create one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for parents during Santa's Secret Workshop.

Dec 4, 2012

Athens offers an authentic trip through history with a modern-day twist.

Dec 4, 2012

Volunteering earns one family a nomination for Military Family Appreciation Month

Dec 4, 2012

The Hohenfels Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team wrestled its way to third place among 115 teams at the North American Grappling Associations (NAGA) international event in Paris, recently.

Nov 30, 2012

Master Sgt. Erwin Jamieson, U.S. Army Garrison Vicenza Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security, was selected to serve as the 2012 All-Army assistant soccer coach. Jamieson's soccer background began during his childhood days in Colombia, South America, and then in the United States at Club Soccer in Brandon, Fla., and high school, where he was selected as All Hillsborough County, Fla.

Nov 30, 2012

Work nearing end, Del Din opened Nov. 16 to more than 50 local construction firms coming to learn more about the newest and greenest U.S. Army military construction site in Europe.

Nov 30, 2012

Wounded warriors to compete for Commander's Cup bragging rights in Heidelberg next week.

Nov 30, 2012

It might be hard for some to imagine that as recently as the 1970s, men were not always allowed to be in the delivery room with their wives. To say that there have been vast improvements in the birthing process would be an understatement. The U.S. Army Health Center Vicenza began a program about two years ago that is helpful not only for women in labor but their newborns.

Nov 30, 2012

The streets of Vicenza have been abused the past few months by Vicenza military community marathon runners training. In the past month, more than 10 runners have entered races and brought back medals in three different countries.

Nov 29, 2012

Employee Assistance Program offers community a way to obtain overall health with "Tune-Up Thursdays."

Nov 29, 2012

A Female to Female social networking event, also known as F2F, will be held at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Dec. 6 to proactively create a nurturing social environment that puts single women, whether Soldiers or civilians, at ease and in touch with other women in the community as they begin and adjust to their overseas tour.

Nov 29, 2012

Elementary students take the opportunity to sample fine dining during the VCSC-sponsored event "Dining at the Ritz."

Nov 29, 2012

With Thanksgiving over and winter holidays on the horizon, U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg directorates have looked for ways to help ensure community members can afford a dish on the table or a little sparkle on the tree.

Nov 28, 2012

ACS celebrates the Gurneys' community outreach for Military Family Appreciation Month

Nov 28, 2012

For aspiring students, the prospect of college seems to be a never-ending list of questions ranging from entrance requirements to financing to extracurricular activities. In an effort to answer some of those questions, Hohenfels Middle-High School, Child, Youth and School Services, and Army Community Service teamed up to present a College Planning Workshop here, recently.

Nov 26, 2012

Students and administrators got in on the action at the Native American Heritage Month observance at the Wiesbaden Middle School, in Germany, Nov. 13, 2012.

Nov 26, 2012

It was a trip to look, listen and give thanks that led Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal and Army Vice Chief of Staff General Lloyd J. Austin III to Afghanistan and Germany over the Thanksgiving holidays.

Nov 23, 2012

In the early morning darkness 140 Comanche Troop Soldiers, from the 1st Squadron 91st Cavalry Regiment currently stationed at command outpost Baraki Barack in Afghanistan, ran more than 1200 miles helping raise over $70,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project on Nov. 8 as a part of the Running of the Herd event.

Nov 21, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Angela Roelofs had no idea how closely knit the Soldiers at the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Warrior Transition Unit were until she attended the unit's open house Nov. 15.   Roelofs, an Army Career Alumni Program counselor, said she attended the open house because she often works with WTU Soldiers and wanted to know more about the unit, but also because she wanted to let them know about the services ACAP offers.

Nov 21, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Neither rain nor the first snowfall of the season could stop the Boy Scouts and Army volunteers from attending to Frankfurt's littlest Americans who were laid to rest up to four decades ago. These volunteers gathered at the American Children's Cemetery (in German, the Amerikanisches Kinderfeld) in Frankfurt Oct. 27 to care for the small area which holds the remains of 178 American children.

Nov 21, 2012

Students at Aukamm Elementary School in Wiesbaden, Germany, laid quarters end to end throughout the school and raised $1,454 for victims of Hurricane Sandy, Nov. 16, 2012.

Nov 20, 2012

IMCOM's commander, command sergeant major encourage everyone to look after each other this holiday season.

Nov 20, 2012

Ring in the holiday season and visit one of the many festive markets in Germany.

Nov 20, 2012

Sgt. Christopher Balles took one last look at the numerous boxes of inventory lining the walls of a refrigeration unit outside of the Coleman Consolidated Dining Facility in Mannheim, Germany. The blasts of arctic air help keep the many boxes of turkeys, vegetables and other Thanksgiving fare perfectly preserved until the big day.

Nov 20, 2012

A year after asking Soldiers and civilians to take a hard look at whether or not they truly embody the Army's Values in their daily lives during the launching of Operation Solemn Promise, 5th Signal Command's Brig. Gen. Bruce T. Crawford was joined by Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald L. Tyce with a reinforcing message, Nov. 16, 2012, at the Wiesbaden Fitness Center.

Nov 20, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Everyone loves a long weekend -- a chance to put work aside and to spend time with family and friends. But some of those long weekends were designed to give Americans a chance to remember the service and sacrifices of the few for the greater good of all.

Nov 19, 2012

U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr commander meets with DoDEA educators to discuss community issues and concerns.

Nov 19, 2012

Five hundred years ago this month, Michelangelo's masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was unveiled to the world for the first time. To honor the anniversary, Hohenfels Middle-High School art students have rendered their own versions of many of the classic figures and created their own masterpiece on display now in the school's Great Hall.

Nov 19, 2012

Baumholder's civilian workforce takes its job serious. A total of 1,735 years of service was recently accumulated by 50 U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder civilian employees.

Nov 19, 2012

An air evacuation nurse with the Canadian forces deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center as part of the casualty support team recently visited children at Smith Elementary School on Smith Barracks but instead of focusing on her job Capt. Denise Olson talked to the children about bagpipes.

Nov 19, 2012

The unexpected early snowfall in Baumholder and the white rolling hills made the already challenging cross country course a bit more exciting for all participants in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools European Cross Country Championships Oct. 27.

Nov 16, 2012

The stories are all over the Internet: fear, anxiety and demoralization, spoofed identities, teen suicides. It's bullying in the digital age and it's everywhere you go. Educators at DoDDS-Europe schools in Vicenza, Italy, are reaching out to parents to create effective, nonpunitive approaches to protecting middle and high school students from the adverse effects of online bullying.

Nov 16, 2012

Master Sgt. Ganege Dayaprema first participated in the U.S. Army 10-Miler, third largest 10-miler in the world, in 2008 and then again in 2010 as a Fort Bragg Masters Team member, but due to deployments and official travel he had missed out on other opportunities to return to the race.

Nov 16, 2012

The U.S. Ambassador David Thorne hosted a special ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Rome Oct. 30 to honor Paolo Costa, the Italian government's Special Commissioner for the construction of Del Din, the military base formerly known as Dal Molin.

Nov 16, 2012

ACS helps honor the Smith's kindness for Military Family Appreciation Month

Nov 16, 2012

Community members can follow Staff Sgt. McGraw starting Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. as he competes against 11 other finalists.

Nov 15, 2012

Wounded warrior prepares fellow Soldiers from WTB-Europe for life after the Army in Heidelberg.

Nov 14, 2012

Soldiers from U.S. Army Europe and their partners from the Bulgarian Land Forces are working together at Novo Selo, Bulgaria, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 10, 2012, to certify a Bulgarian battalion as part of exercise Allied Force 12.

Nov 14, 2012

Community gathers at the historic synagogue in Floss on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass."

Nov 14, 2012

Living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker's chances of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent.

Nov 13, 2012

For a new perspective on Christmas markets, head south of the Alps to several cities in Italy.

Nov 13, 2012

ACS honors a local family for going above and beyond and volunteering in the Grafenwoehr community

Nov 13, 2012

A local ice hockey team announces upcoming practices as it prepares for a big tournament in Garmisch

Nov 13, 2012

Dr. Rory Cooper urges wounded warriors to seek higher education through rehabilitation and employment

Nov 13, 2012

Football game unites the best high school players in Europe to show their stuff

Nov 13, 2012

As the official kick-off event to one of the United States' premier marathons, the fourth annual City of Philadelphia Marathon /U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels First Wave Race allowed participants here the opportunity to connect with runners back in America by providing the countdown that will start the Nov. 18 race.

Nov 13, 2012

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 Armistice Day in remembrance of Germany's signing of the Armistice that effectively ended major hostilities of the First World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918.

Nov 9, 2012

It's been nearly 70 years since the end of World War II, but for 87-year-old U.S. Army veteran Gilbert Unger, some memories refuse to fade.

Nov 9, 2012

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment and other units with U.S. Army Europe participated in a Decisive Action Training Environment rotation with multinational partners, Oct. 13-31, 2012, between the Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas in Germany.

Nov 9, 2012

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Military members and their families have a brand new Chaplain Family Life Center at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern. The center, dedicated Oct. 3 at Pulaski Barracks, is open to anyone in the Kaiserslautern Military Community for pastoral counseling and education. It's also a resource for Unit Ministry Teams within the KMC.

Nov 9, 2012

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Three communities and three military branches came together here for the first tri-community Armed Forces Action Plan conference Oct. 23-26. Delegates, volunteers and subject-matter experts from the U.S. Army Garrisons Kaiserslautern, Baden-Württemberg and Baumholder, representing the Army, Air Force and Navy, blended together for the conference, which also included team members from the Airman Family and Readiness Center from the 86th Airlift Wing.

Nov 9, 2012

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Cutting the ribbon on Pulaski Barracks' new thrift store ushered in a new era to the Kaiserslautern Landstuhl Spouses Association's ongoing devotion to the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

Nov 8, 2012

A teacher who got her start as a substitute is changing the face of education with "flipped" lessons.

Nov 8, 2012

KATTERBACH ARMY AIRFIELD, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe's 12th Combat Aviation Brigade honored late Chief Warrant Officer 5 John C. Pratt in a Nov. 2 ceremony renaming the brigade headquarters building here for CWO5 Pratt.

Nov 7, 2012

Despite the fact that most were ineligible to vote, students exhibit political fervor in a mock presidential debate and choose their leader on Election Day.

Nov 7, 2012

When Heidelberg Girl Scout Cara Burmedi, 17, started working with Razia's Ray of Hope two years ago, she didn't realize the impact the Afghanistan-based organization would have on her. Burmedi invited friend and mentor Razia Jan to speak with community members at the Village Pavilion Community Center in Heidelberg, Germany.

Nov 7, 2012

Heidelberg High School faculty and staff members gathered in the school's gymnasium Nov.2 to show their support for the school's latest initiative against bullying.

Nov 7, 2012

The United States Army Europe Band and Chorus gave its last German-American Friendship Concert hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Württemberg at the Rokokotheater in the Schwetzingen Palace, Oct. 28.

Nov 6, 2012

11/5/2012 VICENZA, Italy- Tucked in the corner of the Vicenza Exchange food court is a display of Native American art that looks like it is on loan from the Seattle Art Museum. Hand carved wall murals, wooden masks and sculptures, crafted over forty years by local Italian artist Natalino Soffia are on display at the base as part of Native American Heritage month. Soffia said he fell in love with the Native American art and culture of the Pacific Northwest when he was working in Seattle in the 1970's.

Nov 6, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Delegates spent two days examining quality-of-life issues at the Wiesbaden Entertainment Center during the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Army Family Action Plan Conference Oct. 18-19. After prioritizing the top issues, conferring with local subject matter experts and hammering out the wording to formalize the "Conference Report Out," delegates presented six issues for further attention by the command at the local level or to be considered at higher level AFAP venues.

Nov 6, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Sgt. 1st Class Ifiok Ette made clear the mission of the V Corps Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Spouses Combat Day from the outset.   "What's the purpose of today?" Ette asked the 20 or so of us who had signed up and were standing in formation.   "To have fun?" one of us ventured.   "That's right. To have fun," Ette answered. "Hooah?"

Nov 6, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - When Michele Vanella started working for U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, coal heated the homes in Crestview Housing. That was more than 40 years ago, and he would work another 40 if he could, Vanella said shortly after a ceremony honoring garrison employees for the length of service they have worked for the U.S. government Oct. 26.

Nov 6, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - More than 60 Soldiers and parents joined the anti-bullying effort at Wiesbaden Middle School Oct. 17. They came to share their personal experiences and invite students to make the "SAVVY Commitment." "SAVVY stands for Students Against Violence and Victimization of Youth," said Dr. Frankie Nielsen, the program's originator and a counselor at the school.

Nov 6, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - If only it were that simple. Gather a hundred or so concerned individuals and send them out with candles and good intentions for an evening walk through a local housing area to stop the increasingly growing instances of domestic violence. At least it's a start, according to all those who dedicated their time to focus on raising domestic violence awareness during the "Take Back the Night" candlelight walk Oct. 25.

Nov 5, 2012

Army civilians serve alongside soldiers every day, in every theater. From state-side garrisons to forward operating bases in Afghanistan, Army civilians write contracts, deliver goods, manage networks, operate ranges, manage business operations and provide support functions that would otherwise present distractions to training and wartime operations. From the sound of reveille to when a soldier turns out the lights at the end the day, soldiers are supported by their civilian counterparts.

Nov 2, 2012

Vicenza Middle School students took part in a one-mile fun run Oct. 22 that kicked off National Red Ribbon week. The program which is the oldest and largest drug prevention program, according to the national Family Partnership, is a way for individuals to show their personal commitment to living drug-free. VMS principal, Dr. Julio Gonzalez said the school decided to kick off the week with a fun run because it was a great way to get kids involved in living a healthier lifestyle overall.

Nov 2, 2012

Mother Nature couldn't dampen the spirits of Halloween goers at Villaggio this year. Despite the cold rain throughout the evening, an estimated 2,250 Italian children and their parents from the Vicenza area came to the American housing area for Trick-or-Treating. American and Italian children enjoyed the collection of candy and treats together.

Nov 2, 2012

Hundreds of Vicenza Military Community members gathered at the post chapel on Caserma Ederle Nov. 1 to pay tribute to a fallen Sky Soldier and civilian killed in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Daniel T. Metcalfe and Kevin O'Rourke were killed in action Sept. 29 when their patrol was attacked with small arms fire at Tactical Command Post Columbus, near the mouth of the Tangi Valley in Sayed Abad District, Wardak Province, Afghanistan.