German Young Social Democrats visit AFSBn-Mannheim

MANNHEIM, Germany- The Army Field Support Battalion-Mannheim hosted members of the Jungosozialistinnen un Jungsozialisten in der SPD (Young Socialists of the Social Democratic Party, or JUSOS on Feb. 21. This relationship-building visit provided participants a first-hand look at how the Army is prepositioning equipment for participation in exercises throughout Europe, affirming the United States' commitment to its NATO partners and allies. JUSOS is a youth organization of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD).

"We are encouraged to join JUSOS from the age of 15 years old," said Jacob Waiss, the current vice president of the visiting Mannheim Chapter. He said members come from all walks of life, including the political and business fields.

"We want to be able to influence the political members who make decisions for our country," he continued. "Many bases have been closed throughout Germany. "It is important for us to know what is happening with the current ones."

The idea for this visit came about when members of JUSOS met with Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges while he was commander of U.S. Army Europe,. The group met Hodges at Heidelberg University in November, prior to his retirement. During that meeting, JUSOS members asked Hodges if a visit to the Mannheim AFSBn could be arranged.

"Visiting this site has been a tremendous opportunity," said Waiss. "Our goal for today's visit was to discover how the U.S. Army works," he said. "We now have information and understand part of how the American Soldiers and equipment are rotating throughout Europe.

"We are happy to have the U.S. Army here in Germany," Waiss continued. "It is the best Army in the world."