SCHWEINFURT, Germany - Gen. Carter Ham, U.S. Army Europe commander, visited Schweinfurt Friday, April 16 to present the city's lord mayor a token of his appreciation for her dedication and service to the U.S. Army in general and the Schweinfurt garrison in particular.
"There is no better community for Soldiers in all of Germany than in Schweinfurt," Gen. Ham said. "It is home away from home, which is like no other place else."
Lord Mayor Gudrun Grieser is retiring from her position after eighteen years in office. Through it all, Mrs. Grieser was responsible for strengthening German and American relations through her work and efforts. Among her lengthy list of initiatives demonstrating her support, she facilitated garrison construction projects, participated in garrison events, and supported American troops and families during repeated deployments by sponsoring events and trips. She is perhaps best remembered for her support after the devastating September 11 attacks.
Mrs. Grieser extended her warm welcome to the general by offering him to sign the Golden Book of the City of Schweinfurt. The book-nearly a century old and signed by such diplomats as the King of Sweden-is signed by prominent figures and those making significant contributions to the city.
"With my heartfelt thanks, for all that the people of Schweinfurt have done for our Soldiers and families," wrote Ham above his signature in the book.
Americans have been in Schweinfurt for more than six decades and there are more German-American families across the world today than ever before, Grieser said.
"The feeling here is that you are family now," she addressed to Ham, referring to all those under his watch.
After exchanging mementos, Gen. Ham and Lord Mayor Grieser discussed the importance of Schweinfurt to the U.S. Army. Gen. Eric Shinseki (Ret.), Gen. George Joulwan (Ret.) and current assistant to the president Lt. Gen. Douglas Lute were among just a few prominent officials to have had their roots in Schweinfurt, the two reminisced.
The two both expressed hopes that the city of Schweinfurt would serve as home to the U.S. Army for many years to come.
Social Sharing