Jun 18, 2012

SULZBACH-ROSENBERG -- It can happen in an instant. A mother looks over her shoulder for mere seconds and in that moment her child begins to drown. Screams ring out and three complete strangers without a common nation, language or background, coordinate seamlessly to save a life; a 4-year-old is given a second chance. Four weeks ago, every parent's fear struck Birgit Mueller. She looked over to see her son, Moritz, floating face down in the pool at the Waldbad swimming area, here.

Jun 18, 2012

VILSECK, Germany -- Dressed in combat gear and carrying weapons, Soldiers from 2nd Cavalry Regiment and airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron tested their speed and dexterity in the Combat Cross Country Race here, June 7. The race was both a team and individual competition. Six teams were mostly divided along platoon or company lines and consisted of five to seven members. Team race times were determined by the combined times of the first five finishers of each team to cross the finish line. The top overall finisher and first three teams received trophies and medallions for their success. Of the 36 men who competed, 35 finished, with one sidelined by injury.

Jun 18, 2012

The words of Mahatma Ghandi ring true for graduating Vilseck High School senior Rebekah Prater. "I wanted to see the change in the world," Prater wrote in an essay recently, regarding her involvement with the Keystone Club, which is a part of the Boys and Girls Club of America. "I wanted to be able to change the world and to better it somehow."

Jun 18, 2012

ISTANBUL -- As the distinct sounds of the muezzins declaring the call to prayer, the realization of being in a place far different from any other city hits you. Istanbul straddles the Bosporus, a narrow body of water that separates the Black and Marmara seas. The city is also a dividing point of Europe and Asia. The western side is often referred to as the European side and the east the Asian side. The European side is further divided by the Golden Horn, a five-mile long inlet of water separating the Old City and New Town.

Jun 14, 2012

Fourth through sixth-graders from Hohenfels' Elementary School took to the trails through the Hohenfels training area to get an up-close and personal look at nature as part of the Earth Day celebrations here, recently.

Jun 14, 2012

With colorful papier-mâché balloons dangling from trees, excited voices and a banner that read "We're off to great places … off and away," the Mannheim Elementary School closing ceremony Friday could have been just another year-end party.

Jun 14, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Ten minutes before the doors opened, lines 30 deep had already formed outside the U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr Dining Facility for the Army's 237th birthday celebration, June 14.

Jun 14, 2012

ESCHENBACH, Germany -- "Whose birthday is it today?" asked Anita Payne-Landgraf, chief of the Child, Youth and School Services, to more than 175 children from the Grafenwoehr community Child Development Centers and School Age Centers here, June 14.

Jun 14, 2012

Thomas Platte, director, Hessian Construction Managment hands the symbolic first key to brand-new Army housing in Wiesbaden's Col. James R. Newman Village housing area to Col. D. Peter Helmlinger, commander of the Europe District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in a ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14. The key was then presented to the village's first occupants, Sgt. Robert Tickle of USAREUR's 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation Regiment and his family (at left) by Col. David Carstens, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden (third from right).

Jun 14, 2012

Soldiers, civilian employees, families and citizens from across the U.S. Army and U.S. forces in Europe gathered in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 14, 2012, for a series of ceremonies signaling the transformation of U.S. Army Europe as it transitions to a new headquarters here.

Jun 13, 2012

Drums, dancing, and feasting marked Hohenfels' Asian Pacific Heritage Month celebration as one of the liveliest events of the year with the Community Activity Center overflowing with cheering crowds, recenlty.

Jun 12, 2012

Along the causeway to Utah Beach stands a new monument to combat leadership, dedicated June 6, 2012, in memory of Maj. Richard Winters, who led paratroopers from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, during the D-Day landings.

Jun 12, 2012

More than 60 Americans took part in a three-day ride that began June 1, 2012, passing through many towns and villages that withstood the horrors of World War II during the summer of 1944.

Jun 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - For the thousands of military members who serve around the globe, there are thousands of spouses who support them daily in accomplishing the intricacies of the military mission. And while the job of defending freedom can be arduous and thankless, the same can be said of the duties of supporting freedom's defenders.

Jun 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - The final question in this year's Summer Safety Showdown stumped everyone except the 102nd Signal Battalion's Spc. Brian Miller and his teammates. "Who can do the most pushups in two minutes?" was the question team members from the 102nd and the 2nd Signal Brigade had to quickly answer after the Jeopardy-style game ended in a tie.

Jun 11, 2012

Soldiers and civilians of Task Force Harvest have been working together since early April to account for and turn in the 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's equipment, as the unit prepares to inactivate in the fall.

Jun 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - It's been said "the fumes, car fumes and perfumes" are what keep many Boy Scouts from reaching the Eagle rank. That can't be said of Daniel Gaston and Ric Heiges of Wiesbaden Troop 107 who were honored during an Eagle Court of Honor May 17.

Jun 11, 2012

Soldiers at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern celebrated the Army's 237th birthday with a motivational run on Rhine Ordinance Barracks, Germany, June 8, 2012.

Jun 11, 2012

Laughter rocked the house as five of America's fastest rising comedians graced the stage of Hohenfels' Zone as part of the "Lights Out Comedy Tour," recently.

Jun 9, 2012

SLUNJ TRAINING AREA, Croatia -- More than 700 Croatian, U.S. and multinational forces from six other countries concluded two weeks of intensive training at a closing ceremony here June 9.

Jun 6, 2012

When Eugene Cook jumped into Normandy during the predawn hours of June 6, 1944, he landed several miles from his intended drop zone.

Jun 6, 2012

Soccer players and fans got a triple treat when three international soccer stars visited Hohenfels to kick some goals, offer some tips, and sign autographs, last month.

Jun 5, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- A military club that only admits accomplished non-commissioned officers serving in U.S. Army Europe inducted eight new members, June 1, at the theater at Rose Barracks, Germany.

Jun 4, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Staff Sgt. Bernie Escarcega, U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr, lives for theater. As Grafenwoehr Performing Arts Center's volunteer technical director, Escarcega, who also designs sets, acts and directs, spent 1,000 volunteer hours last year at GPAC. "I'll probably die onstage," he said, half-joking.

Jun 4, 2012

VILSECK, Germany -- When most people think Grafenwoehr, they think military training. This Memorial Day weekend, however, Grafenwoehr provided Scout training as well. As part of an annual event coined "Intercamp," short for International Camp, more than 2,300 Scouts and Scout leaders from nine nations flooded to the Grafenwoehr Training Area to participate in a multinational rendezvous of Scouts. This year's theme was "An American Rendezvous," and was taken from the days of old when trappers would gather once a year to tell tales, conduct business and play games, according to Dr. Peter Grunau, camp director of Intercamp 2012.

Jun 4, 2012

German middle school students got a taste of American culture and the U.S. school system during a friendship-building excursion to Netzaberg Elementary School in Eschenbach, Germany, May 24, 2012.

Jun 4, 2012

When Elvis Aaron Presley served as a U.S. Soldier in Germany, he brought his grandmother along to prepare his favorite southern recipes. During the "Elvis Presley -- well camouflaged in the Oberpfalz" exhibition at the Oberpfaelzer Volkskundemuseum (Oberpfalz Folk Museum) in Burglengenfeld, Hohenfels community member Gregory Harvey will be sharing some down-home southern dishes of his own in his "Cooking like Elvis" class.

Jun 4, 2012

To commemorate the 68th anniversary of D-Day U.S. Special Operation Forces conducted a military free fall nearby one of Normandy's most historic attractions.

Jun 3, 2012

Heavily forested terrain, steep hills and hot weather haven't slowed down Soldiers with U.S. Army Europe's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and their multinational partners during Immediate Response 2012, at Slunj Training Area, Croatia.

May 31, 2012

Members of the 527th Military Police Company got a crash course in personal finance as the Army Community Service Financial Readiness Center conducted an intensive two-day seminar for Soldiers and spouses in Hohenfels, recently.

May 30, 2012

Community members gathered at Veterans Park on Wiesbaden Army Airfield in Germany to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in the service of their nation.

May 30, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Several helping professionals adjusted their perspectives after attending specialized training aimed at helping military children. About 30 professionals were present May 3-4 at the Military Child Education Coalition's Transition Counselor Institute Phase I Training to learn of ways to better support military children during transition.

May 30, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Saving lives in the heat of battle demands informed, split-second decisions. Training to be able to make those cool-headed choices while under fire takes grit, an array of skills and a unique training environment. Welcome to the Viper Pit.

May 26, 2012

Immediate Response 12, the multinational military exercise between U.S. Army Europe, U.S. Air Force, the Croatian Land Forces and partner militaries from six other Balkan nations, began with an opening ceremony in Slunj, Croatia, May 26, 2012.

May 25, 2012

PEPELISHTE, Republic of Macedonia - The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia and the Chief of Defense of the Republic of Macedonian Army observed training at the NATO-led multi-national exercises here May 23, 2012. Soldiers from the U.S. Army Europe's 21st Theater Sustainment Command and Joint Multi-national Training Command also participated in the exercises along with the Vermont Army National Guard, who is the state partner to the host country; a total of 25 countries are participating in the exercises which runs May 16-29.

May 25, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Multi-national students of Warrior Leader Course Class 08-12 graduated during a ceremony held at the 7th Army Non-commissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 24.

May 24, 2012

Members of the Hohenfels Girl Scouts, with some help from some male siblings and a handful of adults, rolled up their sleeves and dug into the dirt to construct two "insect hotels" in Hohenfels, recently.

May 23, 2012

Garrison officials in Schweinfurt, Germany, continue to focus efforts on the community even as they brace for a base transformation that will see its eventual drawdown and closure by the fall of 2014.

May 23, 2012

Some know Hartmut Hausser simply as the charming security officer at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center who befriends passersby -- a welcoming fixture for staff, wounded Soldiers and visiting family members. Others call him "Bob the Bugler."

May 23, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - When U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Commander Col. David Carstens asked a gym full of Wiesbaden Middle School students to raise their hands if they had a parent deploying soon with V Corps, nearly 70 students raised their hands. When he upped that request to students who had ever had a parent deploy, nearly every hand in the room went up.

May 22, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Bundeswehr Staff Sgt. Eugene Nagel had one main reason for standing in a long line with about 100 other German Soldiers at the 29th International Monte Kali Cup Shooting. He wanted to shoot an American M16 rifle and M9 pistol, and this was one of the few chances he would get to do so. "I've never shot these guns before," Nagel said, and he hoped to find out the differences between the American weapons and the German P8 pistol and G36 rifle, which are standard for the Bundeswehr.

May 22, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Two classes of Aukamm Elementary School first-graders unanimously turned their thumbs up for Brian Temple after he lit a piece of flash paper on fire and magically made it reappear as a $100 bill.

May 22, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Traffic safety, new administrators and the high school's Student-2-Student program were topics at the Installation Advisory Committee Meeting May 9. During the quarterly IAC forum at Aukamm Elementary School, which brings Wiesbaden school administrators together with parent, garrison and unit partnership leaders, members recognized outgoing principals Sue Gurley of Aukamm Elementary School and Chuck Fannin of Wiesbaden Middle School. "We are saying goodbye at the end of the school year to two of our community stalwart supporters," said Col. David Carstens, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden commander.

May 22, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Command Sgt. Maj. Hector Prince wanted to slip out of town quietly and head to his next assignment. But that wasn't to be, as hundreds of friends and coworkers turned out for a luncheon where the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden's senior noncommissioned leader was hailed and honored with the awarding of the Legion of Merit.

May 21, 2012

Three young ladies were chosen by Netzaberg Youth Center staff to represent Grafenwoehr in the Overseas European Regional level of the exhibition.

May 21, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- On May 4, Soldiers, civilians and local nationals donned helmets, padded jackets and sturdy boots for the annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day. Nearly 90 riders came out to revive their skills in maneuvering, fast breaking and avoiding obstacles after a long winter where bikes stay in storage and even diehards prefer the comfort of a car. This review can play a significant role in keeping the community safe. According to Acting Garrison Safety Director William Whitman, motorcycle accidents account for the "most off-duty fatalities" in the Army. Whitman cites the hazardous nature of motorcycles as large part of the problem. They're fast, unstable on two wheels and leave the rider vulnerable to dangers on the road.

May 18, 2012

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Inside the new Java Café at Kleber Kaserne, earthy smells of ground espresso brewing and sweet smelling deserts entice customers as sounds of hot steam frothing milk compliments blenders crushing ice and juice into smoothies. But the chain of Java Cafés at U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern is more than just a place for Soldiers, civilians and family members to sip coffee drinks and eat snacks. In the Kaiserslautern Military Community -- the largest overseas U.S. military area -- Java Cafés offers a place for the community to bond, said Kassi Piggee, the KMC's senior Army spouse.

May 16, 2012

U.S. Army Europe Soldiers from the 421nd Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 30th Medical Command, hosted a combat life saver course for Bundeswehr service members from NATO and reserve units, and German Polizei, May 12. The CLS course was held at the "Viper Pit," a medical training facility, in Wiesbaden, Germany.

May 14, 2012

The V Corps colors were cased in a ceremony in Wiesbaden, Germany, May 10, 2012, as the unit heads to Afghanistan.

May 14, 2012

Medical professionals here want to raise awareness about measles outbreaks in Europe and the U.S. Health officials observed a spike in measles cases in the U.S. and Europe in 2011 and are concerned about similar outbreaks in 2012.

May 14, 2012

The Joint Multinational Readiness Center Aviation Observer Controller Team, The Falcons, opened the airfield to students from Hohenfels Elementary School as part of a new take on Job Shadow Day, last month.

May 14, 2012

Hohenfels community members gathered to honor their vast contingent of volunteers at an award ceremony and luncheon that celebrated the "force behind the force," April 18.

May 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Wiesbaden Middle School students dug deep into the nuts and bolts of solar power April 27. The members of teacher David Bruce's eighth-grade electronics class got an inside look at the various options for harnessing the sun's energy and worked through the math needed to determine actual requirements and output.

May 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - A group of 90 students from Department of Defense Dependents Schools throughout Europe met for six days in Oberwesel to take on a tough project. They were there to save the world.

May 11, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Finding time to get exercise can be a challenge under normal circumstances, but if you have children and your spouse is deployed, it can be even tougher. That's all it is though - a challenge - and it is one parents can easily overcome. Here are five ways parents can get exercise while their spouse is deployed:

May 9, 2012

Nearly 50 volunteers from Wiesbaden, Germany-based military units have become part of a unique German community program to maintain a number of "Stumbling Stones" commemorating Jewish lives in Wiesbaden extinguished by the Holocaust.

May 9, 2012

Dirndls and lederhosen were in fine fashion as Hohenfels opened its gates for the 42nd annual German/American Volksfest, April 27-May 1.

May 8, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - The lights … the glamour … the stunning performances. That's what members of the U.S. Forces Europe communities were treated to April 21 in Heidelberg's Village Pavilion during the 2012 Tournament of Plays Awards Show.

May 8, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Three young music makers won an all-expenses-paid trip to San Diego, Calif., thanks to the originality and creativity of a music video they entered in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America 2012 Talent Search competition.

May 8, 2012

People will pay a lot of money to see their supervisors bald. That has led Company A from the 24th Military Intelligence Battalion in Wiesbaden to raise thousands of dollars for this year's Army Emergency Relief campaign.

May 8, 2012

BAUMHOLDER, Germany - It was dirty work but Baumholder's Girl and Cub Scouts stepped up to the challenge and got the job done. As part of Earth Day activities, the scouts worked together with the Directorate of Public Works Environmental Division to clean up the wetland area near the lower Wetzel gate and portions of lower Wetzel Housing.

May 7, 2012

"Pilsen 1945" Young Czech War World Two Enthusiasts, reliving history while forging modern day friendships with modern day soldiers at the Pilsen Liberation Festival May 4-6, 2012.

May 7, 2012

U.S. and German Soldiers participated in a German Army marksmanship competition in Geilenkirchen, Germany, May 3, 2012, giving the U.S. Soldiers the opportunity to earn the German Army marksmanship badge -- or "Schutzenschnur."

May 7, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- Kinderfest, Grafenwoehr's annual blowout honoring the Month of the Military Child, surpassed expectations during this year's event, April 28. Lana Muzzy, director of Outreach Services for Child, Youth and School Services, and the woman behind the day's magic, insisted that although Kinderfest is always a success, this year's event enjoyed a boost of attendance and better overall organization. "This year was one of the best because of the large facilities, more marketing and good weather," she said. "We had a lot of families." In fact, roughly 600 visitors poured into Grafenwoehr Field House in order to visit booths sponsored by community organizations to play games, get their faces painted, show off their artistic abilities and win prizes.

May 7, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- On April 30, 47 children boldly proclaimed "I am a pickle and I like it" and mischievously insisted "There aren't any worms in your soup," to an audience in Grafenwoehr Field House. These silly statements served as part of the two-hour audition process for Missoula Children's Theater's rendition of "Little Red Riding Hood," which staged on the morning of May 5. All 47 hopefuls made the cut to fill out a character-heavy play.

May 7, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- With 30 years of competitive weight lifting under his belt, John Dale, otherwise known as "Mr. ASAP," proved impossible to best during the Army Substance Abuse Program's latest awareness event, April 20. Soldiers and family members gathered in the Grafenwoehr Physical Fitness Center as they competed to out-bench press Dale and learned about the negative effects of substance abuse on both community and athleticism.

May 7, 2012

VILSECK, Germany -- Those looking for a career change, extra money or a diversion flooded the Multipurpose Building on April 24 for the annual ACS Job Fair. Reminiscent of a tag sale, potential employees crowded outside the building doors in the rain well before the starting time of 10 a.m., anxious to network and hand out resumes. An annual event in the Bavaria Military Community, ACS focused this year's fair on spouses as well as local job opportunities. Rhani Ellis, Employment Readiness Program manager, explained that past job fairs were often tainted by U.S.-based companies who showed up with no intentions of hiring job-seekers stationed in Europe.

May 5, 2012

The people of Pilsen are not the only ones this weekend honoring the World War Two veterans who liberated this city in 1945. Mixed into the crowd, taking in all the exhibits, the food and local culture are modern day soldiers from the U.S. Army Europe, the soldiers who carry the torch today, following in the footsteps of the greatest generation from sixty-seven years ago.

May 4, 2012

Books from the Miesau Army Depot library will soon be helping Rwandans learn English, thanks in part to a retired U.S. Army officer and his wife.

May 4, 2012

U.S. veterans honored in Pilsen Liberation Festival during five-day celebration in the Czech Republic.

May 3, 2012

As first place winner of the poster presenters at this year's European Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in Riedstadt, Hohenfels Middle/High School sophomore Clinton Schwartz will head to the National symposium in Washington, D.C., May 2-6.

May 3, 2012

Members of the Hohenfels Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) class took top honors at the Forchheim Grappling Challenge, here, last month.

May 3, 2012

May 1, 2012

Staff Sgt. Spencer Anderson is among 30 Soldiers and 20 veterans representing the Army at the third annual Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., from April 30 to May 5, 2012.

May 1, 2012

VILSECK, Germany -- The health clinic here began transitioning to a new patient-focused model of health care April 30, which will deliver a more proactive, collaborative care experience and improve overall health and access for community members.

May 1, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Members of the U.S. Army in Europe gathered at the Patrick Henry Village Theater to listen to "Can I Kiss You," April 26, a show about innocent bystanders and the importance of communication in a relationship.

Apr 30, 2012

Staff Sgt. Ammala Louangketh of C Company, Warrior Transition Battalion-Europe in Schweinfurt will be one of 50 athletes representing the Army in the third annual 2012 Warrior Games.

Apr 26, 2012

The Hohenfels Military Community rallied behind the Health Clinic's recent blood drive to set the record for the largest blood drive the Armed Services Blood Bank Center-Europe has seen in Germany in five years.

Apr 25, 2012

Last week fourth- and fifth-graders from Aukamm Elementary School in Wiesbaden, Germany, toured the Wiesbaden landfill, April 17, 2012, during a field trip in honor of Earth Day.

Apr 25, 2012

Soldiers with 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team held two ceremonies April 4 to mark their return after a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan. During an uncasing ceremony at the Hall of Champions, the brigade and battalion command teams unfurled their units' colors to symbolize their assumption of duties in Germany.

Apr 25, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - A trip to Copenhagen demands sturdy shoe leather. After only a few days, visitors will quickly discover they've logged many miles while crisscrossing the Danish capital in search of the sights, sounds and landmarks that make it one of Europe's most popular tourist attractions.

Apr 25, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Drivers who enter France -- whether visiting, on business, or just passing through -- will be required to carry a breathalyzer unit in their vehicles, beginning July 1.

Apr 24, 2012

Sexual Assault reporting by the Department of Defense showed that the combined unrestricted and restricted reports across the military rose by one percent from fiscal years 2010 to 2011.

Apr 24, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - While growing up, Col. David H. Carstens accompanied his father on visits with family friends where the discussions focused on life, family accomplishments and the future. It wasn't until much later Carstens discovered the friends were former Soldiers who had survived the sinking of the Leopoldville with his father during World War II.

Apr 23, 2012

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- Last year, Staff Sgt. Robert Donovan pushed himself too hard during the road march at the best warrior competition. He hadn't drank enough water, his muscles cramped and his legs felt shaky. Afterward, while plotting points on his map, Donovan felt delirious and dehydrated. Alone in the woods, he radioed for help -- signaling the end to his ambition of being Installation Management Command Europe Region's NCO of the Year. "It shook me up quite a bit, but I made a decision to get some treatment," Donovan said. "I was worried because my body had never failed me like that. It was quite a disappointment." Yet, instead of simply accepting defeat, Donovan saw his failure as an important lesson, a motivating factor that led him back to the 2012 IMCOM-Europe Best Warrior Competition, held recently at U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr.

Apr 23, 2012

USAG Grafenwoehr celebrates Month of the Military Child VILSECK, Germany -- Darej McClinton walks the halls of Vilseck High School with confidence. She has a slight swagger that suggests she's laid back and can easily go with the flow. She stops short in front of her locker and opens it - revealing a cascade of thick textbooks, homework speckled papers and spiral notebooks. She reaches into the depths of the crowded abyss, pulling out a black softball glove. As she slams the locker shut, the strap on her book bag tries to escape, only to be caught in the crease of the door. "It's a mess, I know," says the 17-year-old senior. With a slight grin she adds, "I'm just lazy," then breaks into a hearty laugh - one that seems more ironic than funny as McClinton is anything but lazy. In fact, her schedule is dizzying with the hustle and bustle of social life and schoolwork, mixed with numerous extracurricular activities.

Apr 23, 2012

USAG Grafenwoehr celebrates Month of the Military Child VILSECK, Germany -- Shawn Peebles Jr. is a study in contrasts. Soft-spoken and unassuming, he talks modestly about himself, capping most answers with a short, almost nervous chuckle. On the football field, it's a different story.

Apr 23, 2012

USAG Grafenwoehr celebrates Month of the Military Child VILSECK, Germany -- As someone who describes herself as "adventurous," Alex Andrea Lopez, 16, fits in well with the on-the-go military lifestyle. "I'm an adrenaline baby. I really like to take risks and do the out-of-the-box stuff," she said. "I hate normal." Born in Fort Hood, Texas, Lopez has spent her entire life as a military child. After bouncing between Texas, Kentucky and Colorado for a few years, Lopez and her family moved to Germany in 2005, when she turned 10. They made it to U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr in 2007, where her father, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Joseph Lopez, joined the 172nd Infantry Brigade.

Apr 23, 2012

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- An assignment in Germany has both benefits and drawbacks for many families. Distance from family, friends and home can sometimes cloud the travel and cultural opportunities of living in Europe. This strain, paired with regular deployments, creates too big a burden for some families. To help ease this pressure on children, the Family Advocacy Program established the Emergency Placement Care system, which temporarily moves children from a dysfunctional home into the care of another family. These short-term families act as intermediary caregivers to children who need to be removed from their homes for health and safety reasons while their own families receive counseling.

Apr 23, 2012

Open any travel book for Germany and you'll find great places to explore. While big cities like Berlin, Munich and Hamburg are notoriously on the tourist radar, one city is always left out, undeservedly. Stuttgart is a booming city with a lot to offer, great public transportation, and four military garrisons, one of which has a PX complex which rivals Grafenwoehr's own.

Apr 20, 2012

MANNHEIM, Germany -- American Forces Network Europe is showcasing the top Installation Management Command theater productions during a special airing of the "Topper Awards," on the Pentagon Channel 7 p.m. Central European Time on May 5 and May 12.

Apr 20, 2012

Every year food service Soldiers across the Army attempt to earn a coveted spot on their installation's culinary arts team. Only the best of the best are selected to represent their unit, post and region.

Apr 20, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Europe is steeped in rich history and culture, and on April 17, more than 200 Soldiers and family members from U.S. Army in Europe got to witness that history during a Day of Remembrance tour to Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany.

Apr 19, 2012

The Army Emergency Relief campaign got under way this year with its theme of "A Strong Tradition of Soldiers helping Soldiers" harking back to its formation during World War II.

Apr 18, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- Installation Management Command Europe announced the winners of the 2012 Best Warrior Competition in a ceremony here April 17. Staff Sgt. Robert C. Donovan from U.S. Army Garrison Baden-Wuerttemberg Directorate of Emergency Services and Spc. Shaquana S. Taylor from USAG Stuttgart Religious Support Office are the Best Warrior Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year.

Apr 18, 2012

Students and parents alike thronged the more than 20 exhibits filling the halls of Hohenfels Middle/High School during the ninth annual Math, Science, and Technology Night, March 22, 2012.

Apr 17, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - They come from all walks of life and from all over the globe. Their mission -- to serve Soldiers and Families in the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden. During a ceremony in the Community Activity Center March 23, garrison leaders paid tribute to the 1,295 combined years of service by those who have reached milestones in their careers ranging from five to 45 years of service.

Apr 17, 2012

HEIDELBERG, Germany -- John Roland Rene grew up alongside three brothers and two sisters in the northwestern part of D.C., referred to by locals as "Uptown," with a dream of fighting for his country in an Olympic boxing ring.

Apr 13, 2012

WIESBADEN, Germany - Anti-bullying expert Michele Borba had some encouraging information about bullies when she spoke at Wiesbaden High School. Bullies learn their behaviors, Borba said during her March 22 talk, and that means bullies can change those behaviors. "Our kids are hardwired at birth for empathy," she said. "That's the good news."

Apr 13, 2012

The tiny, yet authoritative voice sounded over the sea of voices in front of the Child Development Center on Patrick Henry Village in Heidelberg April 2: "Come on everybody. Hold my hand. Let's go!" As if drawn together by magnets, a handful of preschoolers did just as 3-year-old Chelsea Watlington asked. They were soon joined by nearly 80 other children, who marched in the 11th annual Month of the Military Child Opening Walk from the CDC to Patrick Henry Elementary School.