WIESBADEN, Germany - The U.S. Army Europe Chorus performed, 5th Signal Command Soldiers displayed their state-of-the-art signal gear and several Soldiers and civilians from the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden were honored by Hessen Minister President Roland Koch during this year's Hessentag. A,A
The annual showcase of culture, traditions, industry and the citizenry of the German state was held this year in Stadtallendorf, northeast of Giessen, from May 28 to June 6.
Along with featuring a wide array of entertainment ranging from Pink to traditional German folk music, this year's Hessentag included performances by U.S. and German military bands, a huge carnival, stages all over town with various performers, military static displays and recognition of outstanding individuals. Among the many German firefighters, police and military personnel cited for their actions in the state ranging from lifesaving to promoting German-American relations, were six Soldiers and employees from the Wiesbaden military community, recognized by Hessen's minister president. These included: A,A
Kerstin Kling: A long-time public affairs/community relations specialist with 1st Armored Division, Kling accompanied the division when it relocated from Bad Kreuznach to Wiesbaden in 2001 and "provided continuous rapport and contact with Wiesbaden city and state government officials. ... Her talents and hard work have contributed immeasurable to the great relations between the 1st AD and the state of Hessen." A,A
Oliver Klatt: As a master planner for the Wiesbaden military community, Klatt was responsible for planning future development of all Army installations and ensuring that the Wiesbaden garrison was a good neighbor and in compliance with German planning principles and construction standards. "Klatt is a sterling example of how pro-active German-American relations should be and embodies the spirit of the Hessentag award." A,A
Sgt. David A. Walthers: A model Soldier with Wiesbaden's 102nd Signal Battalion, Walthers was cited for taking the lead in all battalion partnership events and serving as the primary liaison and interpreter between German and American Soldiers. Walthers was also honored for his service in Iraq - "a model Soldier, who optimizes professionalism and duty." A,A
Frank Schleehuber: As political adviser for 5th Signal Command, Schleehuber's expertise was fundamental in helping the command transition from Mannheim to Wiesbaden. "His expertise and dedication promotes understanding and support for the presence of U.S. Forces in Germany." His contacts helped ensure close partnerships between German and American Soldiers and helped the American service members earn German citations. A,A
Aaron Chapuis: A U.S. military community youth center director in Hessen since 2000, Chapuis has consistently made an effort to introduce U.S. youths to the German culture through hundreds of field trips and tours. He also helped establish a partnership between German and American youths with visits to homes, schools and youth centers. An avid soccer player, Chapuis has supported German and U.S. teams in friendship matches and other events. A,A
Karl Weisel: As a member of the Wiesbaden garrison Public Affairs team, the Herald Union editor and webmaster has consistently helped introduce Americans to German culture and informed them about the many opportunities for expanding German-American friendship. Many of his stories have been picked up by international media and a special German section on the garrison home page have given both the German and American public insight on the many ways the two cultures interact. A,A
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