12th CAB hosts Bavarian Leadership Foundation

ANSBACH, Germany -- The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade hosted 25 students from the Hanns-Seidel-Foundation from Munich on Katterbach Army Airfield, here, August 2.

The Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung of Munich was founded in 1966 and is an official, government-sponsored foundation for political education in Germany. Each year the foundation invites young leaders, politically interested students and scholars to a summer school at its main educational facility, Kloster Banz, in Upper Franconia.

This year's summer school took place July 30 through Aug. 4 and the focus was on the future of the West in today's changing international environment.

The USAG Ansbach Commander, Col. Benjamin Jones and the 12th CAB commander Kenneth Cole briefed the students on the social and economic impact that the 12th CAB and the garrison have on the community.

Dr. Johannes Urban, spokesman for the Bavarian State Chancellery, led the trip and accompanied the 25 students throughout the summer.

A tour of Katterbach would be incomplete if helicopters were not involved, so the students were treated to follow-on static displays of an AH-64 Apache and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. This was a unique opportunity for the students speak one on one with pilots from the 12th CAB and to learn what US Army Aviation is doing in Europe.

The Hanns-Sidel-Foundation has offices in more than 30 countries, including the U.S., to foster dialogue between institutions and political leaders.

Since its organization in 1965, the 12th CAB has continued to serve as a key member of the combined arms team, dedicated to the preservation of peace. The brigade's motto, "Wings of Victory," continues to exemplify the standard by which the brigade conducts its missions in support of the United States of America and our NATO allies.

The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade trains and conducts aviation support across the full spectrum of unified land operations for United States Army Europe, European Command, NATO, and in support of CENTCOM, AFRICOM and other contingency locations around the globe.