HOHENFELS, Germany -- Mayors from communities near U.S. Army Garrison Hohenfels saw their towns from a very different perspective March 31 when Joint Multinational Readiness Center Falcon team pilots took them on a helicopter tour of the Hohenfels training area and surrounding towns.
The flight followed the annual Community Relations Advisory Council meeting that aims to improve communication and relations between the garrison and host-nation leadership.
Lt. Col. Gary Bloomberg, garrison commander, said this was the initial orientation flight for the mayors in the 31 years that helicopters have been based at Hohenfels
"I just can't believe this is the first time we've done this," he said. "We should do this every year."
Judging by the wide grins and applause one group gave their pilots upon landing, the mayors seemed to agree.
Despite the adventurous conclusion, CRAC meetings are not just entertainment. According to Bloomberg, the meetings are an important way for garrison and local leaders to maintain their successful relationship.
"The exchange of information is important," said Lupburg Mayor Alfred Meier.
During the March 31 meeting, garrison and JMRC officials briefed the mayors on previous and upcoming training rotations, community relations events like the German/American Volksfest, planned construction projects and more.
Army leaders also briefed the mayors on how many local nationals are currently employed on post, how much money Americans spend on off-post medical care and how many active duty and civilian employees live in German communities.
Though there are obvious business aspects to the German American relationship, Meier said it is just one small part.
"It is pure friendship," he said. "Not only do we do business together, but we live together. There are American children in German kindergarten. We play sports together. We are well integrated."
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