Info Expo exposes community highlights

By Chelsea Bissell, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria Public AffairsSeptember 23, 2014

Body fat findings
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Christy Whitaker, Armed Forces Network radio broadcaster, holds a body fat analyzer while Renetta Schroeder, health educator at the Army Wellness Center, explains the findings at the Info Expo at the Rose Barracks Multipurpose Center, Sept. 18. The b... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Timber
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Trashing tanks
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ron McIntosh, training resource specialist at Training Support Activity Europe, explains the tank shooting simulator to Theresa Vlasek, customer support specialist at the Training Aids Production Center, during the Info Expo at the Rose Barracks Mult... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

VILSECK, Germany -- The third-annual Info Expo on Sept. 18 at the Rose Barracks Multipurpose Center taught some participants things they didn't know about themselves.

After wobbling madly and nearly falling twice wearing beer goggles at the Army Substance Abuse Program booth, Maj. Michael Soyka, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, learned that he could not walk a straight line with a blood alcohol level of .17.

"That was ridiculous," he said. "There's no way I could do that in real life."

Sgt. 1st Class Juan Juarez, Vilseck Health Clinic, discovered he could navigate the line with ease wearing the same goggles.

"That was my first time, too," said Juarez.

At the Army Wellness Center booth, attendees used a body fat analyzer, a handheld device that sends electrical currents through the top-half of the body, to learn their body fat percentage. Satisfaction was varied.

But, mostly, the Info Expo taught Soldiers, families and civilians things they didn't know about the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria community.

"It's getting the community to know what's out there for them," said Neville Paschall, special events coordinator for the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "It's to let them know what's in their backyard for them to utilize. It's not just single Soldiers, but married Soldiers and families who benefit."

Participants got information on voting, Sexual Harassment/Assault Response, the banks, Girl Scouts and FMWR trips. Representatives from local towns and areas discussed events, attractions and camping, hiking and sightseeing opportunities. Attendees also played poker and video games, enjoyed a free massage, simulated shooting a tank and dined on cupcakes, chili dogs and local apples.

For area newcomers, the Info Expo offered the unique opportunity to see many of the region's organizations and activities in one place.

Christy Whitaker, Armed Forces Network radio broadcaster, moved to USAG Bavaria in July with her husband. Though she is tapped into the community through her job, Whitaker felt excited about the range of new opportunities.

"It's amazing," said Whitaker. "I don't see how people can be bored here. There's something for everybody."

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