Vol. 14, No. 16 August 25, 2006

Ansbach • Bamberg • Illesheim • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg

Inside:

Bamberg residentsmourn four Soldierskilled in Iraq.

Page 16

Wuerzburgfreshman

Chris Oaks andteammates suitup for the 2006

season.

Page 23

New student vaccinesParents registering children in Department of De-

fense Dependents Schools-Europe for the 2006-2007school year must meet additional immunization re-quirements.

DoDDS-E has added three required inoculations:Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4);Tetanus and Diphtheria Toxoids and Acellular Per-tussis Vaccine (TDAP – adolescent preparation); andHepatitis A.

An updated version of the immunization form isavailable on the Department of Defense EducationActivity website at www.dodea.edu/communities/medical.htm

Parents should bear in mind the additional immu-nizations are age-specific and not all students will re-quire them. Parents should contact their child’sschool nurse for information and guidance.

CalendarCommunity, cultural events of note

Aug. 26 – Ansbach Showcase, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,Katterbach Fitness Center.

Aug. 28 – School begins!Aug. 30 – Military Idol competition, Abrams Enter-

tainment Center, Schweinfurt, 7 p.m.Sept. 1–3 – Fall Harvest Bazaar, Finney Fitness Cen-

ter, SchweinfurtSept. 1–10 – Garden show and flower market, Hass-

furt market square, near SchweinfurtSept. 6 – Military Idol competition, Abrams Enter-

tainment Center, Schweinfurt, 7 p.m.– IKEA Shopping Trip, Bamberg. Contact

the CAC, 469-8659Sept. 7 – Elida Reyna Latin music performance,

Conn Community Club, Schweinfurt– Tour Under Bamberg. Contact the CAC,

469-8659Sept. 9 – Art exhibit with Gabriele Müller at the

CAC. Call 469-8659Sept. 13 – BSCC Polish Pottery Bingo, Bamberg

High School multi-purpose room. Cardsales begin at 6 p.m., first game is7 p.m.

Sept. 14 – Girl Scout registration and activities,Ansbach Elementary School, 3 p.m. Info:gsansbach_info@yahoo.com

Sept. 15–16 – Würzburg Stadt Fest, call 0931-35367for info.

Sept. 15–17 – Basket market, Lichtenfels (about 25miles north of Bamberg off interstateA73 toward Coburg). Visitwww.korbmarkt.de or call 09571-7950.

Sept. 17 – Theater festival opens new season atthe Wuerzburg’s Mainfranken Theater.Starts at 7:30 p.m.

12th CAB activates in USAG Ansbach‘Tomorrow starts today and we are ready’

Dagger Brigade ready to deploy

Kimberly Gearhart

A booming cannonade of artillery fire honors Schweinfurt’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team during Aug. 9 departure ceremonies.

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

Schweinfurt Soldiers, bearing rifles and in full combat gear, movedin ordered ranks behind their unit colors at the 2nd Brigade CombatTeam’s (2d BCT) departure ceremony on Conn Barracks Aug. 9.

Dagger Brigade, as 2d BCT is also known, received orders to de-ploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though their departuredate has not been released for security reasons, the Soldiers standready.

“Those great Soldiers are trained, they are ready and they are everybit as magnificent as they look,” said Col. J.B. Burton, brigade com-mander, as he surveyed the Soldiers arrayed on the Conn Barracks air-field.

A large gap in the formation was eminently noticeable.“That gap is intentional,” Burton said. “It’s the spot that the Blue

Spaders hold in this formation. It’s their turf.”The Blue Spaders are 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, who

have already deployed to Kuwait as an advance party called TaskForce Spader.

2d BCT is the last 1st Infantry Division unit remaining in Europe,and currently falls under the command and control of the 1st ArmoredDivision (1st AD). Maj. Gen. Fred Robinson, the division commander,presided over the ceremony as the reviewing officer.

“Although you wear the patch of our sister division, I still considereach and every one of you ‘Iron Soldiers,’” Robinson said, referringto “Old Ironsides,” that graces the 1st AD patch.

Families and community members came out for the ceremony, pre-pared to support the Soldiers through their deployment.

“It’s different here than in the States. Here, you’re closer to the ac-tion, more involved. You can’t be isolated,” said Diana Choudhri,whose husband, Command Sgt. Maj. Israr Choudhri will deploy with1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment.

“The support of Dagger Brigade families and friends is an incredi-ble asset to this formation. Your presence here today honors us,” Bur-ton said.

Their training complete and ceremonies behind them, DaggerBrigade Soldiers stand ready to deploy.

“No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great. Duty First!” Bur-ton said at the ceremony’s end.

by Jim HughesThe Point

The 12th Combat Aviation Brigade made its debut Aug. 7 in cere-monies on Katterbach Kaserne, becoming the latest manifestation ofArmy transformation in Eu-rope.

The ceremony featured thecasing of the 4th AviationBrigade, 1st Infantry Divisioncolors and unfurling the blueand gold 12th CAB flag.

“Tomorrow starts today andwe are ready,” said Col. Timo-thy J. Edens, 12th CAB com-mander.

“Today marks both an endand a beginning here in theAnsbach and Illesheim areas,”he said. “The proud colors ofthe 4th Brigade, 1st InfantryDivision are cased and will jointhe rest of the Big Red One atFt. Riley, Kan. But unlike themajority of Big Red One Sol-diers and families, we have theluxury of remaining here inGermany.”

The activation ceremonykicked off a weeklong celebra-tion that included a militaryspouse day, sports competi-tions, a chili cook-off, an Illesheim-to-Katterbach bike/run relay, anda community fest.

The standup of the CAB also cements the union of Illesheim andAnsbach tactical aviation units into one brigade.

Under the 12th CAB and 1st Armored Division, the 2nd Squadron,6th U.S. Cavalry is now the 3rd Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment,6-6 CAV is now 2-159th Aviation Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 1st Avia-

tion is the 5-158th Aviation Regiment, and the 601st Aviation SupportBattalion is now the 401st ASB. The 3-158th Aviation Regiment isalso now headquartered in Katterbach.

More than names have changed, however, as CH-47 Chinooks havejoined the AH-64 Apaches andUH-60 Blackhawks on theflightline to create a more effi-cient aviation force, Edens said.

“The CAB, unlike its prede-cessor, is a largely self-suffi-cient, self-contained formationthat can provide all aviationsupport–combat, combat sup-port and combat service sup-port–to whatever commandwe’re attached to,” he said.

With more than 3,000 Sol-diers, the 12th CAB is trainingto become fully combat readysometime next year, but gettingto its current state was no easytask, Edens said.

“From Colonel Edens’ view,it was smooth,” he said. “But ifyou grab Private Edens, heprobably had a rough go of it.This is a great effort by greatyoung Americans and Germannationals to make this happen.There are far more rewards tothis than detractors.”

That fact was also recognized by Maj. Gen. Fred Robinson, 1st Ar-mored Division commander.

“I am honored to count you as ‘Iron’ Soldiers. This new unit will bethe centerpiece of the Army,” Robinson said.

Keeping with that line of thinking, Edens ended his ceremonialcomments with the unit’s new slogan, “Iron Soldiers, Wings of Vic-tory.”

Jim Hughes

Col. Timothy J. Edens and Command Sgt. Maj. Hector G. Marinunfurl the colors of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade Aug. 7 onKatterbach Kaserne.

Inside:

Lunch prices unchangedAAFES has announced that overseas school lunch

prices for the 2006/2007 school year will remain at thecurrent levels. Kindergarten through sixth-grade stu-dent meals cost $2.05, and seventh- through twelfth-grade meals are $2.20.

Assigned by the military services as the SchoolFeeding Authority for DoD Overseas Schools, AAFESprovides USDA-approved meals to students on Armyand Air Force installations throughout Europe and thePacific. Last year, this program served 24,000 USDAlunches daily or 4.4 million lunch meals in 110 schools.

AAFES has implemented Horizon “Fastlane” schoolpayment system in the Pacific and at enduring locationsin Europe. Parents or students can place a desiredamount of money into their account and can set dailyspending limits. Once an account is established, de-posits can either be made at the school (during cafeteriahours) or at an AAFES cashier cage. At other locations,meal coupons remain available at the AAFES cashierswindow.

Students will continue to see popular menu itemslike pizza; however, some old standbys are being re-placed with lower fat, whole grain varieties.

Military families can review AAFES daily menus atwww.aafes.com. Parents and students can also forwardcomments and suggestions by completing a survey onthe website that is sent directly to the staff dietitian,Maj. Sarah Flash, or call her at (214) 312-2238 or DSN312-967-2238.

Have youheard thelatestnews?

There is so much buzz on the streets about what’s going tohappen to Leighton Barracks and other Wuerzburg installationsthat I thought I’d better take a few minutes to address them.

Have you heard the latest rumors?

How about the one that a Special Forces unit is looking to re-locate to Leighton Barracks?

Or how about the one that Leighton Barracks has become“first alternate” to become the future home of USAREUR head-

quarters should anything go wrong with its planned move toWiesbaden?

Did you hear that the Europe Regional Medical Command ismoving into the former Wuerzburg hospital?

The truth is none of these statements have any validity.They’re just rumors.

As I hear myself dispelling many of your hopes for a contin-ued Army presence in Wuerzburg, let me add this: There is noprojected timeline for the closure of Leighton Barracks.

But, to use a cliché, the writing is on the wall. Leighton Bar-racks has not been identified as an enduring location for the U.S.Army in Europe.

Many changes are taking place as the Army in Europe contin-ues to transform. In October, U.S. Army Garrison Franconia willcase its colors and those of us remaining here will become mem-bers of the European Transition Group (ETG). The day-to-daygarrison operations will be performed by USAG Schweinfurt.

Area garrisons – Ansbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt – willlater next year become direct reporting units to the InstallationManagement Agency-Europe, relieving USAG Franconia of thatrole.

I know rumors will continue to flourish. They always do dur-ing periods of change like we are undergoing.

Rest assured that we will continue to keep the community and the garrison workforce informed of future changes in ourarea.

As we discontinue USAG Franconia and implement the ETG,we are tasked, first and foremost, to maintain quality support toSoldiers, civilians and family members during the force structureand basing changes. I am very proud of the hard work that ourgarrison employees have accomplished to date and remain con-fident that Franconia will continue to be a great place to live andserve for Soldiers and their families as we continue the transfor-mation process.

Don’t believe everything you hear on the street. I assure youthat you will be informed of all impending changes that affectyou and your families as soon as they are available.

Team of Teams!

RUSSEL D. SANTALAColonel, Air Defense ArtilleryU.S. Army Garrison, Franconia, Commander

2 The Point, August 25, 2006 Team of Teams!

Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg

Producer: MILCOM Advertising AgencyRoswitha Lehner

Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 WeidenTelefax 0961-67050-32

Internet: www.milcom.deFree classifieds 0931-2964397 · Fax The Point 0931-2964626

THE POINT is an authorized unofficial Army newspaper, published every two weeksunder provisions of AR 360-1, for members of U.S. Army Garrisons Ansbach, Bam-berg, Schweinfurt and Franconia. A commercial enterprise, THE POINT is printed byMILCOM Advertising Agency, a private firm in no way connected with the UnitedStates Government or Department of Defense. The contents of THE POINT do notnecessarily reflect the official views or endorsement of the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. Army.The appearance of advertising, including inserts and supplements, does not con-stitute endorsement by the Department of Defense. Everything advertised in THEPOINT shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard torace, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit characteristic of the purchaser, user orpatron.Editorial content is provided, prepared and edited by the Public Affairs Office of theU.S. Army Garrison Franconia. Editorial offices are located in building 208, Faulen-berg Kaserne, Wuerzburg, Germany, telephone DSN 351-4564 or CIV 0931-296-4564. Mailing address: Editor – THE POINT, USAG Franconia PAO, Unit 26622, APOAE 09244-6622. By e-mail: roger.teel1@us.army.mil or scott.rouch@us.army.milCirculation is 12,000 copies per issue.

Col. Russel D. Santala Donald KlingerCommander Public Affairs Officer

Roger Teel Scott RouchEditor Assistant Editor

USAG Franconia – Building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, 351-4749 or 0931-296-4749Command Information Officer ................................................................. Larry ReillyJournalist ...................................................................................................

USAG Ansbach – Building 5257, Barton Barracks, 468-7649 or 0981-183-649Command Information Officer ................................................................. Jim HughesVolunteer Journalist.................................................................................. Emily Gourgues

USAG Bamberg – Building 7089, Warner Barracks, 469-7581 or 0951-300-7581Command Information Officer ................................................................. Cheryl Boujnida

USAG Schweinfurt – Building 354-6381, CIV 09721-96-6381)Command Information Officer ................................................................. Mark HeeterJournalist ................................................................................................... Kimberly Gearhart

Street talk: Photos by The Point staff

Bennie Howse, Equal Employ-ment Opportunity manager,Wuerzburg“I’ve cut down on dri-ving and utilize publictransportation more.”

How has the cost of gas affected your driving practices?

Spc. Joseph Brents, 240thQuartermaster, Bamberg“I guess. I have not re-ally noticed the risinggas prices. It doesn’t af-fect me, because I havea steady income andeven if they go up fur-ther, I would still takethe car.”

Michelle Miller, Yellow RibbonRoom Coordinator, Stork Bar-racks, Illesheim“It really doesn’t affectme because I appreciatethe AAFES gas pricescompared to what theGermans have to pay.”

Mary C. Owens, CYS adminis-trative assistant, Bamberg“I still have to go whereI am going and I live offpost, so I don’t have achoice. Besides, as longas we are in Europe,there are so many op-portunities and things tosee that I think it’s worthit.”

Capt. Mike Gourgues, HHC, 2-159th Aviation Regiment, StorkBarracks, Illesheim“It hasn’t affected me atall. It just makes mecringe a little bit when Ifill up at the pump.”

Ward Nichols, strategic plan-ning and integrations officer,Bamberg“This is an incentive forme to ride my bike toand from work. And in-deed, I have even start-ed to do so for a coupleof months now.”

Sgt. Michael Romero, Compa-ny C, 1st Battalion, 7th Field Ar-tillery, Schweinfurt.“I just drive to work andback, and we just liveover in Askren Manor. Ifwe go anywhere further,we rent a car.”

Staff Sgt. Elliot Bingerman,HHT, 9th Engineer Battalion,Schweinfurt.“Honestly it hasn’t af-fected me too much, be-cause I own a Ford Fo-cus. I’ll be looking intobuying a hybrid ratherthan an SUV or truck inthe future, though.”

What’s The Point?ThumbsThumbs up to EVERYONE who went out of their way

to assist in this year’s Vacation Bible School. The behind thescenes people make this program such a success for the chil-dren of our community. Particular gratitude goes to “Doc”Golliday and his staff from Outdoor Recreation for their ef-forts to supply tables and benches, and to Dennis Sullivanfrom S&K sales for his generosity in donating drinks andfoods to the children. Great appreciation is also extended toLiz Herms and the staff of the commissary, the PX salespeople, and the Leighton Chapel staff who graciously en-dured the noisy preparation before, during and after VBS.Thank you all for supporting the community’s largest out-reach program.

Pat Wiedemer, Wuerzburg VBS Director

Thumbs up to Stefan Wenner who helped me after I wasstung by a bee and had an allergic reaction. After beingstung I got dizzy and started blacking out. Mr. Wenner, whowas on duty, sprang into action. He laid me on the floor, gotme ice for my hand and water to drink, then called the am-bulance, fire department and military police. He also triedto calm me down which was not an easy task. Thanks alsoto Staff Sgt. Newman and Anna Engel from the HarveyMili tary Police Station and the Harvey Fire Depart-ment. Thank all of you for comforting me in this scary situ-ation.

Sgt. 1st Class Vera McKenzie, Wuerzburg

❋ ❋ ❋

“Thumbs” is about people who do a good job. It’s also about peoplewho need to be more considerate. It is not about institutions, units, agen-cies or situations that could be subject to legal action under the UniformCode of Military Justice. Submissions must be brief and include thewriter’s name and telephone number, and must include the first and lastname of the person(s) being recognized. The identity of the submitter willbe published along with the comments. Send comments to “Thumbs”, ThePoint; USAG Franconia PAO; Unit 26622; APO AE 09244-6622. Or bringthem to room 216, building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg. Phone-in submissions are not accepted.

Commentary by Roger TeelThe Point

One of the pioneers of Army public affairs recently reportedthat he was heading to pasture.

Gary G. Beylickjian, a retired sergeant major, a veteran of theKorean War and Vietnam, and a charter member of Army PublicAffair’s Hall of Fame, announced this summer he was resigningfrom his post as the dean of Army newspapers.

In an Army career that spanned more than 50 years, he was theone tuning fork that newspaper editors and Army journalistscould always rely on. Former chief of Army public affairs Maj.Gen. Robert Solomon once said Beylickjian had “single-hand-edly changed the face of Army newspapers.”

Beylickjian created and produced a monthly professionaljournal called Post 30 expressly for Army print journalists. In ithe addressed every aspect of Army journalism, from commongrammatical errors and poorly worded headlines to instillingprofessional and ethical values and inspiring Army writers to ad-dress tough, contemporary issues. His aim was always to helpSoldier/journalists better communicate with their readers.

“Always think of the reader first,” Beylickjian would say. Healso knew the importance of running a Soldier’s picture; themorale boost it provided the individual and the credibility itadded to the publication.

Beylickjian informally rated Army newspapers in Post 30, andgave by-name recognition to journalists who deserved it. He alsosent newspaper critiques directly to editors in the field. I receivedmy first in 1974, when Beylickjian was still on active duty and Iwas a fledging, wet-behind-the-ears Army journalist (he wouldchastise me for using such a clichéd expression). He would alsophone editors and give them an earful of unsolicited advicewhenever he had something to say.

While Beylickjian’s retirement may seem like “no news” formany readers, what you don’t know is that today’s Army jour-nalists would not be where they are without having had his tute-lage, mentorship and counsel. Every Soldier and civilian who’sspent more than 20 minutes in Army public affairs has beentouched by the profound dedication and professionalism of GaryBeylickjian. He will be sorely missed by many of us.

I mention this because this newspaper,The Point, is apparently on its last legs. TheArmy’s transformation is realigning com-munities in Europe and the Bavarian News,published by USAG Grafenwoehr, willsoon serve readers in Ansbach, Illesheim,Schweinfurt and Bamberg.

As I look at the plaques and awards thisnewspaper has earned over the years, Isense the ghosts of journalists who havecome and gone. Many of them still stay intouch by reading The Point online.

And there’s the rub – the real enemy ofnewspapers – the Internet. Commercial newspapers are finan-cially challenged because they don’t sell nearly as many copies asthey once did, and most have moved on to electronic publications.

With so much information available in cyberspace, why do wecontinue to publish community newspapers?

There are several viable reasons. First, a freshly printed news-paper is alive. It is vibrant with new material. Second, you neverknow what’s in a newspaper until you look inside. And, third,you can take it wherever you go, like home to share with yourfamily and friends.

The Point I’m making, and if I learned anything from my long-time association with Gary Beylickjian, is that Army newspapersare living, breathing documents that invigorate and entertainreaders with news and features that they need and want.

Who still reads newspapers anyway?

Beylickjian

Focal Points The Point, August 25, 2006 3

Emily Gourgues (3)Residents establish physical dominance during the tug-of-war contest.

A static AH-64 Apache helicopter display drew a lot of attention.Ryan and Michael Mitchell and others funneled their energiesinto water games at the block party.

Storck people ‘party hearty’ at block partyby Emily GourguesThe Point

People in Illesheim got togetherAug. 19 for a day of family fun,making friends and feasting at theannual Storck Barracks block par-ty.

“The block party is a chance forpeople to get together and havefun,” said Sgt. 1st Class JamesBeck of the community’s area sup-port team.

A number of organizations –Girl Scouts, education center, theIllesheim Spouses’ and Civilians’Club – set up booths and passedout information about themselves.

A static helicopter display, facepainting, raffles and games werethe biggest hits. Beck said about400 people attended.

For those who missed the blockparty and want information aboutIllesheim organizations, contactthe AST at 467-4515 or 09841-83-515.

Who ya gonna call?

StressBusters

by Scott RouchThe Point

USAG Franconia teens relaxed at the 2006 Army Communi-ty Service Teen Stress Buster Breakout at the Cantigny ClubAug. 4. The event also marked the end to the summer hire workprogram.

In addition to the popular karaoke and games, including thetug of war, three-legged race and egg toss, the ACS staff heldseminars designed to teach teens how to find peaceful solutionsand some relaxation exercises.

Tables staffed by various agencies offered information on lo-cal programs. Represented were Alcohol and Substance andCounseling Service, the Wuerzburg Education Center, and unitsfrom the Wuerzburg Medical Activity.

Scott Rouch (3)

Josh Simpson, Patrick Mooney, Shaun Simpson, Mike Kolenda and Heath McKay tug their way to victory.

Jenn Holmes, Stephanie Mendez, winner Tamika Caldwell, Jasmine Tipton and Peter Trevino see who can be firstto blow the whistle.

Andrew Clidas cracks under pressure during the eggtoss.

6 The Point, August 25, 2006

Cav spurs its leaders, preserves tradition

Scott Rouch

Battalion commander Lt. Col. GlennKennedy and 1st Sgt. Enesi Muli-tauaopele case the 17th Signal Battalioncolors.

Army launches podcastsThe Army has launched two new pod-

casts: “Army Today” and “Soldiers’Forum.”

“Army Today” is a daily, two-minuteaudio-visual feature produced by SoldiersRadio and Television. “Soldiers’ Forum” isa weekly product through which SergeantMajor of the Army Kenneth Preston ad-dresses issues concerning enlisted Soldiers.

“This is a great way to keep Soldiers inthe U.S., and those deployed to some 120countries, informed on issues affectingthem,” Preston said. “So far, we’ve pro-duced spots on motorcycle safety, theBOSS program and the Wounded WarriorProgram.”

Podcasts can be viewed on the user’scomputer, or downloaded to a portablemedia player such as an iPod, MP3 or cellphone capable of storing and playingaudio/video media.

To download podcasts users must haveRSS-recognition (Real Simple Syndica-tion) software on their computers. Freepodcasting software includes: iTunes atwww.itunes.com, Juice at juicereceiver.sourceforge.net, Happy Fish at thirsty-crow.net/happyfish.

After installing RSS software, Soldierscan subscribe to Army podcasts atwww.army.mil/rss.

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

Schweinfurt’s U.S. Cavalry unit has survived a yearof change. The formerly mechanized 1st Squadron, 4thU.S. Cavalry traded out their tanks and Bradleys forjump wings to become a light airborne reconnaissanceunit – the 1st Squadron, 91st U.S. Cavalry.

But the more things change, the more they stay thesame. And in the U.S. Cavalry, tradition is paramount.The annual spur ride is part of that grand cavalrytheme.

“It’s all about troopers on their horses, in Stetsonsand spurs,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Crawford, who forthe past six years has been a scout with the Schwein-furt cavalry.

Stetsons abound at any cavalry function, but spursaren’t as numerous. Spurs must be earned, and atrooper must show mastery of the skills that make himcavalry to earn them.

The purpose of a spur ride is to certify that new lead-ers, non-commissioned officers and above, under-stand, assess, and react in high stress situations, anddraw on their skills as cavalry troopers.

“This ride focuses on the dismounted aspect of thecavalry. We are on the light side of the house now, andthey will have to focus on the light reconnaissance mis-

sion,” Crawford said.

Spur candidates were put through the paces begin-ning Aug. 17 with an early morning Army PhysicalFitness Test, followed by a written evaluation, andtests of physical endurance, marksmanship, and recon-naissance skills.

The ride lasted through the night and into the nextday, ending with a ruck march to the finish line onConn Barracks.

After two days of physical hardship, the last fewmiles of the march are the toughest. Candidates, mov-ing in teams, keep each other going.

Pfc. Christopher McLeod, guidon bearer for theForward Support Troop, heard tales of woe that hisnew commander, Capt. Peter Gilbert, was having arough time on the march, and asked to be taken to him,guidon and all.

“Everyone was talking about how he was smokedand tired. I wanted to show him the kind of support weshow everyone. He’s our commander,” McLeod said.

McLeod walked with Gilbert for the last six miles ofthe march, an extra bit of support that led to a celebra-tion with the rest of the FST at the finish line.

“We’ve changed the way we fight,” said Crawford,“but we haven’t changed the way we work – togetheras a team.”

17th Signal Battalion cases colorsby Scott RouchThe Point

The 17th Signal Battalion ended its 13-yearrun in Kitzingen Aug. 17 when it officially inac-tivated in a ceremony in the Larson Fitness Cen-ter.

The unit, initially activated in Missouri in1942, had as many as 644 Soldiers when it re-turned to Kitzingen from Operation Iraqi Free-dom III in January 2006. The 40 or so remainingmembers stood tall as Lt. Col. Glenn Kennedy,battalion commander, and 1st Sgt. Enesi Muli-tauaopele, acting command sergeant major,cased the colors.

Kennedy paid tribute to the selfless service of

those who volunteered to remain behind to seethe unit through to the end and talked about whatthey stood for.

“The Soldiers you see before you are just asmall representation of what was the 17th SignalBattalion,” Kennedy said. “They represent thebattalion as it was, and it was truly the best therewas. I’m eternally proud of the accomplishmentsof this great organization and will forever cher-ish the memories of our service together.”

In recent years, the battalion participated inOperations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, DenyFlight, Provide Hope, Joint Endeavor, EnduringFreedom and deployed three times in support ofOperation Iraqi Freedom.

Prevent pollution‘The good, the bad and the idling…’

by Barb van der SmissenPollution Prevention ManagerUSAG Franconia

Ozone is a gas that occursboth in the earth’s upper at-mosphere and at groundlevel. Ozone can be ‘good’or ‘bad’ for your health andthe environment, dependingon its location.

The ‘good’ ozone layerextends upward from about6 to 30 miles above theearth’s surface. It protectslife on earth from the sun’sharmful ultraviolet rays.

At ground level ozone is an air pollutant that is harm-ful to breathe and damages crops and other vegetation.The ‘bad’ ozone at ground level forms indirectly whenother air pollutants from vehicles, paints and solvents,unburned fuel, and industrial sources ‘bake’ in hot,sunny weather.

Unhealthy ground level ozone concentrations cancause a variety of respiratory problems, includingcoughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, chestpain, and decreased lung function. Because ozone formsin hot weather, anyone spending time outdoors may beaffected, particularly children, outdoor workers, andpeople who exercise.

“Bad’ ozone also damages vegetation and ecosys-tems. It leads to reduced agricultural crop and commer-cial forest yields. It also damages the foliage of trees andother plants, affecting the landscape of cities and coun-tryside.

There are a variety of ways people can contribute toreducing the ‘bad’ ozone during ozone season (May –September):

• Avoid excessive idling and ‘jackrabbit’ starts. Turnyour engine off when idling for more than 30 seconds.

• Take transit or share a ride. If you must drive, try tocombine your trips.

• Postpone refueling until evening and don’t ‘top off’the tank.

• Postpone using gas powered yard equipment untillate afternoon or evening hours.

• Barbecue without using starter fluid.• Use water-based paint, instead of oil based, when

painting.

Staff Sgt. Mark Linden

A weary Capt. Peter Gilbert, escorted by his unit guidon bearer, Pfc.Christopher McLeod, gives the thumbs-up as he trudges through the lastleg of the spur ride Aug. 18 in Schweinfurt.

Scott Rouch

Pollutants from vehicles “bake” in hot weather, creating bad ozone at groundlevel that contributes to a number of health problems and concerns.

Kimberly Gearhart

Idols in SchweinfurtSgt. Christian Thomas performs dur-ing the second round of competitionfor the 2nd annual Military Idol com-petition at Abrams EntertainmentCenter August 16. Sixty installationsworldwide hold similar competi-tions, the winner earning a cashprize and a shot at the finals in theU.S. Thomas, from Headquartersand Headquarters Company, 1st Bat-talion, 77th Armor Regiment, didnʼtmake the cut, but the show goes on.The next competition is Aug. 30.

by Emily GourguesThe Point

August 9th started out as a fairly routine day for a Soldier.I woke up with the sun, made coffee, got dressed in the dark,

loaded my Kevlar and rucksack in the car, and kissed my still-sleeping spouse goodbye. A familiar scenario except for oneminor detail – I’m not a Soldier!

I took part in the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade’s SpousesCombat Day as part of Griffin Rally, a weeklong celebration forthe activation of the new aviation unit in USAG Ansbach.

About 80 fellow military spouses joined me at Urlas TrainingArea near Katterbach for the one-day experience of being a Sol-dier.

After arriving and meeting my four teammates, we joined 15other randomly put together teams with spouses from Katterbachand Illesheim.

Our team connected quickly, quelling each other’s nerves andcommiserating about the prevalence of rabbit poop in the area.We named ourselves SCARE, an acronym of our names; SarahTipple, Claudia Perez and Amy Luekenga of Katterbach, and Re-becca Lara and me, Emily Gourgues, of Illesheim.

The brigade’s Sgt. Phillip Paniagua prepared us for the dayahead.

“Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to gather yourteammates and work on strategies to eliminate the threat by over-coming all obstacles the enemy may throw at you,” he said. Eachteam was handed a scorecard that listed these obstacles with theirdesignated point value.

We used the buddy system to get our faces “cammo’d up” andthen we were off to a trivia challenge where teams faced off forpoints and bragging rights.

A Soldier fired off questions, such as: “What does AFTB standfor?” “What’s the Brigade’s motto?” “What year did the 12th

Aviation Brigade form?” Teams did theirbest to answer first.

Then we got physical. A muddy low andhigh crawl relay race got our sweat flowing.After a litter carry obstacle where we tookturns carrying each other on a stretcher, weroad marched to our final destination,yelling cadences and pumping each otherup for our imminent and painful doom –paintball.

We competed against another team in agame of capture the flag, and managed tocomplete the task unscathed. But as wewatched other teams, we realized not allwere quite as lucky.

Asked what she thought about the day,Novisha Rivera said one word – “Motrin.”

As events drew to a close, we could seethat a transformation had taken place. In themorning everyone had been nice and gen-teel. But at the end, competitive beasts fromwithin had been released, most evident dur-ing paintball where spouses becamemuddy, gun-wielding, smack-talking assas-sins.

That enthusiasm was exactly what event organizers wanted,said Cassie Cruz, family readiness support assistant.

Leslie Edens agreed, adding that mixing team membershelped bring Ansbach and Illesheim communities closer.

And we, the spouses, gained an appreciation for what our Sol-diers go through. We worked together as a team, built new friend-ships and had a great time.

After careful calculations, winning teams were announced thefollowing day in Katterbach. In first place, with a score of 940

points out of a possible 1,000, were the Princesses of Power withteam members LeeAnn Swartz, Betsey Brannen, Amber Chris-tensen, Melinda Giordano and Clairissa Mitchell.

Other awards included: most team spirit – the Hell Cats, mostcompetitive and the Picasso award – the Sadistic Sisters, mostsportsmanship – the Fly Girls, best team effort – the Dixie Troop,Einstein award for trivia – 12th CAB, the pigpen award – MarinaGinos, and the best team name was SWAT: Soldiers Wives AllTactical.

Emily Gourgues, Claudia Perez, Rebecca Lara, Sarah Tipple and AmyLuekenga, calling themselves SCARE, were pumped after capturing theiropponent’s flag in the paintball competition.

Jim Hughes (2)Jennifer Smith and another spouse compete in the low crawl during the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade’s Spouses Combat Day Aug. 9.

10 The Point, August 25, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach (Illesheim, Katterbach)

Spouses combat challenges as they become Soldiers for a day

Down and dirty

Nuernberg hostsfests, historyby Rabia NombambaThe Point

Whether it’s a good time in a party atmosphere or somecultural history that you’re looking for, Nuernberg is theplace.

It’s again time for Nuernberg’s annual Herbstfest at theVolksfesplatz, Dutzendteich. The fall fair is set up at theFestplatz now through Sept. 10. Every year carnival rides,vendor booths, a huge beer tent, live entertainment and a va-riety of food and beverages are offered at the fest.

Wednesdays are family days with rides offered at halfprice. The fest is open Mon, Tue and Thu from 2 to 11 p.m.,Wed from 1 to 11 p.m., Fri and Sat from 2 p.m. to midnightand Sun from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

If it’s history you’re looking for, you might want to headto the former house of Albrecht Duerer, a famous GermanRenaissance artist from 1471-1528. His house can be vis-ited in Nuernberg at Albrecht-Duerer-Strasse 39.

To recognize his contributions to the German renais-sance, the city of Nuernberg converted the house into a mu-seum honoring Duerer’s life and works.

Telling the tale of Duerer’s professional and private lifeare displays of his artistic career and live demonstrations aswell. To help visitors appreciate the 15th century artist’swork, a room is set up where the old techniques he used aredemonstrated.

As a special treat, an actress portraying Agnes Duerer, theartist’s wife, gives guided tours of the residence. Wearing abonnet typical of the 15th century and with her key chain al-ways in hand, Frau Duerer tells her husband’s story and alsogives insight into her everyday worries and dealings.

Tours by Frau Duerer are offered in English every Satur-day at 2 p.m. and cost €7 per person. Audio tours in Eng-lish, German, French, Italian and Japanese are also availablethroughout the week. For more information, call the mu-seum at 0911-231-2568.

Girl Scout makes artistic ‘state’mentby Emily GourguesThe Point

An Illesheim teen was recently honored by the Girl Scouts fora community service project she completed this summer at hercommunity’s elementary school.

Lindsey Blohm-Kelly,13, from Troop 132 inIllesheim, received theSilver Award for Commu-nity Service Aug. 2 forhaving painted a large,colorful mural of theUnited States on theschool’s playground.

The mural is about 20feet wide and each state ismarked with its abbrevia-tion. It took four weeks tocomplete in the swelteringJuly heat, Blohm-Kellysaid.

With the help of an en-cyclopedia, the teen drewthe mural in chalk and thenwent back over it in paint.

She admitted Texas wasespecially challenging toreplicate, as were the an-gles of Maine and Michi-gan. But her artistic talent toppled the challenges.

“I hope everyone enjoys it,” Blohm-Kelly said. “I thought itwould be a fun and easy way for kids to learn about the U.S., andtwo of my favorite subjects are geography and art.”

Angela Smith, overseas committee chairperson for the GirlScouts, said the project, “will help fourth-graders, especially, be-cause they have to learn the states and capitals” in their studies.

The Silver Award is an exceptional honor, Smith said, as it isonly given to a Girl Scout who completes a minimum of 60 hours

of community service.“She had to come up with the idea herself, how to do it, how

to execute it and how it would benefit the community,” Smithadded.

Blohm-Kelly is no stranger to volunteering and serving hercommunity. She is de-scribed as extremely ac-tive in her troop and hasparticipated in many pro-jects, including book dri-ves, clothing drives, andvolunteering at theKinderheim and FisherHouse, said Jean Kelly,her mother and troopleader.

“If she continues hercommunity service shewill be eligible for theGold Award one day,”Kelly said. Her daughtercan also benefit from herwork as these awards andrecognition are importantin terms of college schol-arship opportunities.

Girls interested in fol-lowing in Blohm-Kelly’slead should check out their

local Girl Scouts. September is the start of a new scouting yearand registration is underway. The minimum age is 5 years oldand membership costs $10 a year.

Smith said this is a small investment considering the friend-ships, experiences and skills girls get from being a part of theprogram.

The Girl Scouts are also looking for leaders and volunteers.For more information contact Smith at 09841-682965 or e-mailcharleshenrysmith@hotmail.com.

Emily GourguesLindsey Blohm-Kelly, 13, sits on the project she created atIllesheim Elementary School.

New platesVehicle registration on Barton Barracks has

the new German-like license plates for US-AREUR privately-owned vehicles. USAREURalso raised the price of vehicle registration to $30,up from $15. For more information, call vehicleregistration at 468-7892 or 0981-183-892.

Women’s Equality DayLearn how to enhance your military and civil-

ian careers by attending USAG Ansbach’sWomen’s Equality Day Aug. 25 from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. at Katterbach Dining Facility. Cost is$3.05 for dependents of E-4 and below and $3.55for everyone else. The presentation features apanel of senior female leaders who will addressprofessional development and hold a questionand answer session. Topics include: getting onthe education course for success, having a men-tor, balancing family and career, strategic plan-ning for career development, and mobility andcareer progression. For more information, call467-2820 or 09802-83-2820, or 468-7733 or 0981-183-733.

Paintball SaturdaysUSAG Ansbach Outdoor Recreation offers

paintball on its brand new field in the Urlas Train-ing Area near Shipton Kaserne Saturdays from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. Outdoor Rec has guns, masks andother gear for rent. For more information, call467-3225 or 09802-833-225.

Dental examsKatterbach Dental Clinic offers dental exams

with cleaning appointments. To schedule these ap-pointments, you must be an active duty Soldierand in the 60-day window for a dental exam. To

schedule, call 467-1720 or 467-2806 or 09802-832-806.

Piano lessonsUSAG Ansbach’s SKIES Unlimited offers

piano lessons for community youth. Regine Poe-flinger, an experienced musician and vocalist, hastaught private piano lessons for more than 30years. Lessons are available to youth ages 9-18.For more information, call SKIES Unlimited at467-4703 or 09841-834-703.

German lessonsSKIES Unlimited offers German lessons to

youth in Illesheim. Elke Lewis, who has a linguis-tics degree from Sorbonne in France and is an in-terpreter and translator for the Bavarian Court,offers German classes for youth ages 5-18. Formore information, call SKIES Unlimited at 467-4703 or 09841-834-703.

Get into ScoutingCub Scout Pack 97 is gearing up for another

year of fun and adventure. Children in firstthrough fifth grades can call Marcie Cozad at0175-444-0603 to join or learn more about thelocal pack.

Girl Scout gatheringLocal Girl Scouts offer games and fun Sept. 14

at Ansbach Elementary School as part of a mem-bership drive. Registration for Scouts starts at 3p.m. and activities begin at 3:30 p.m. For more in-formation, send an e-mail to gsansbach_info@yahoo.com.

VA benefitsThe Army Career and Alumni Program hosts

Veterans Affairs benefits briefings Sept. 6 from 9to 11:30 a.m. in the theater on Bismarck Kaserne.For more information or to register, call ClareSowinski at 467-3312 or 09802-833-312.

Garrison Roundup The Point, August 25, 2006 13

USAG Ansbach

Chapel servicesAll services will be held on Leighton Barracks.

Jewish services are the second and fourth Fridayof the month at 6:30 p.m. – call 350-6334. SeventhDay Adventist services are Saturdays at 10:30a.m. – call 0151-1754-6314. United Pentecostalservices are Saturdays at 5 p.m. – call 350-4332. OnSundays, Catholic services are held at 9 a.m. (350-2465); Protestant services at 10:30 a.m. (350-1570)and Lutheran services are held at noon (350-7117).

Commissaries closeThe last day of sales at Giebelstadt and Kitzin-

gen commissaries is Thursday, Aug. 31.

Case lot salesArea commissaries will hold case lot sales the

third week of September. Wuerzburg, Bambergand Ansbach commissary sales are Sept. 23-24.Illesheim’s sale is Sept. 22-23.

Get a new mailboxCentral Mail Room (CMR) 476 on Faulenberg

Kaserne will cease operations Sept. 15. Peoplewith mailboxes there should go to CMR 475 onLeighton Barracks (behind the post office) toarrange for a new mailbox.

Ski Club kickoffThe Wuerzburg International Ski Club holds

its annual kickoff party at the Cantigny Club Sept.6 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy the festivitiesand find out about ski and social outings plannedfor the coming year. For more information go towww.wskiclub.org or e-mail wskiclub@hotmail.com.

Be preparedThe Cub Scouts are looking for volunteers to

assist with various programs. Call Laura Bell at09334-970-975 or e-mail RRunner31@aol.com forinformation or to sign up.

Housing relocatesThe Housing Information Office is now in

building 13 on Leighton Barracks. The office isopen Mon-Wed and Fri, 8 a.m. to noon, and 1 to3:30 p.m. Thursday hours are from 1 to 3:30 p.m.For more information, call 0931-889-6702.

Get fitUSAG Franconia Civilian Fitness Program as-

sessment dates are Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to noonand Sept. 13 from noon to 2 p.m. at Leighton Fit-ness Center. Participants are enrolled for sixmonths. For information call 350-2202 or 354-6796or e-mail wellness@wur.amedd.army.mil.

USAG Franconia

Military IdolCheer for your favorite Soldier as the Military

Idol competition continues Aug. 30 at 7 p.m. at theAbrams Entertainment Center. Judges scoringand audience voting determine who moves on tothe next round. Winners receive cash prizes forthemselves and their units, and move on to com-pete in the Military Idol finals in the U.S. For moreinformation call 354-6270 or 09721-96-6270.

Fall Harvest BazaarThe Schweinfurt Community Spouses’ Club

conducts their annual Fall Harvest Bazaar Sept. 1-3 at Finney Fitness Center, building 64 on ConnBarracks. Enjoy tax-free shopping with more than50 vendors offering a variety of goods. There willbe a raffle for fun prizes! Open to U.S. ID cardholders only. For more information call 354-6141or 09721-96-6141.

Civilian FitnessThe Civilian Fitness Program open enroll-

ment period for USAG Schweinfurt is Sept. 14from 9 a.m. to noon, and Sept. 15 from noon to 2p.m. at Finney Fitness Center on Conn Barracks.The Civilian Fitness Program offers DA civiliansand local nationals an opportunity to get fit ongovernment time. Enrollees are granted up tothree hours per week of paid time off to take partin the program. Enrollment is for a six-month pe-riod and is available only once during your ca-reer. For more information, call 354-6793 or

09721-96-6793.

ABCs of FRGArmy Community Service Center wants you to

know the basics of being in a family readinessgroup (FRG). The ABCs of the FRG class is Aug.29 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Yellow RibbonRoom on Ledward Barracks. Class is designed toprovide the purpose, mission, and scope of anFRG, and help you learn your place in it. Learnwhat the FRG can do for you and your family, andwhat you can do for your FRG. For more infor-mation call 354-6751 or 09721-96-6751.

Live Latin musicUSAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Welfare, and

Recreation division presents the vibrant rhythmsof Elida Reyna’s music Sept. 7 beginning at 7 p.m.at the Conn Club. Reyna, an award-winning Te-jano artist, is bringing a Latin beat to Schweinfurtwith Operation Ajua (pronounced hoo-ah). Ajuatranslates as “a good time” and that is whatReyna’s performance promises to be. For more in-formation call 354-6715 or 09721-96-6715.

Parent’s night outChild and Youth Services (CYS) in Schwein-

furt invites parents to take an evening off withoutthe kids Sept. 2 from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. Childrenmust be registered with CYS and you must regis-ter in advance to reserve your slot. Space is lim-ited to the first 50 children and registration is nowopen. This service is for children aged six weeks to

fifth grade and is free of charge. For more infor-mation call 354-6281 or 09721-966281.

Texas Hold ‘emAnte up! USAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Wel-

fare and Recreation division invites everyone to aTexas Hold ‘em poker tournament Sept. 9 at theConn Club. Doors open at 9 a.m., and registrationfee is $30. The winner will walk away with $1500and bragging rights–until the next tournament.For more information call 350-6305 or 0931-889-6305.

USO goes to ParisSchweinfurt’s United Service Organizations

(USO) office announces a Paris Express trip Sept.1-3. The trip departs at 9 p.m. Cost is $169 and in-cludes transportation, a tour, and one overnightwith breakfast. Add a stop to Disneyland Paris foran additional fee. For more information call 354-6711 or 09721-96-6711.

Aerobathon is Sept. 9USAG Schweinfurt’s Morale, Welfare and

Recreation division offers fun and exercise at anaerobathon at Finney Fitness Center Sept. 9 from10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scheduled are intense yoga, bodysculpting, step aerobics, and more. Get a workout,meet new people and learn a new exercise. Formore information call 350-7378 or 0931-889-7378.

USAG Schweinfurt

Audition for AnnieBamberg’s Stable Theater holds auditions for

the musical “Annie” on Sept. 11 and 14 at 6:30p.m. The theater is looking for men and women ofall ages and children age 8 and up. Volunteers areneeded for the stage crew as well. Call the StableTheater at 469-8647 or 0951-300-8647 for more in-formation.

Get connected at EXPOFind out what Warner Barracks has to offer at

the Bamberg Community Expo Sept.7 at 2 p.m. atthe Basics Building. Local activity representativeswill answer questions and provide informationabout their products and services. It’s a chance toget connected and win prizes too! For more infor-mation contact MWR Marketing and Advertising

at 469-7747 or 0951-300-7747 or e-mail mwrmar-keting@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil

Looking for craftersThe Bamberg Spouses’ & Civilians’ Club is

looking for crafters to consign their wares for the2006/2007 fundraising season. Consigning withthe BSCC is an avenue to showcase crafts andmake money in the process. Ways and Means mer-chandise is sold at every BSCC function and at theThrift Shop. For more information, stop by theThrift Shop or e-mail dianemcmullen@tks-net.com All crafters must be military ID cardholders.

Record a storyRead to your children – even when downrange.

The Bamberg Community Library offers parents

the opportunity to record a story during themonth of September. All necessary supplies willbe provided at the library. Encourage your childto read while you are away. Contact the library at469-1740 or 0951-300-1740 for more information.

Oktoberfest with CACVisit the largest beer festival in the world with

the Community Activity Center. Two trips to theMunich Oktoberfest are offered – Sept. 23 and 30.Cost is $35 per person. To sign up call the CAC,469-7747 or 0951-300-7747.

Thrift Shop dealsFind great deals on gently used and new mer-

chandise at the Thrift Shop. The shop is open Tue.and Wed. from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thurs. from 11a.m. to 5 p.m., and the first Sat. of the month from

9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call to make an appointmentfor consignment at 0951-32408.

Attend open houseNew and returning parents and students are in-

vited to attend Bamberg Elementary School’sOpen House Aug. 30 from 4 to 5 p.m.

Catholic picnicJoin the Catholic Congregation for Mass Sun-

day, Aug. 27 at 10 a.m., followed by a parish picnicat Friendship Park (inclement weather location isBamberg Elementary School). Hamburgers, hot-dogs, drinks and paper items will be supplied.Each family/Soldier is asked to bring one side dishto share. Contact Anne Munns for more infor-mation at 469-1760 or 09131-933-1131.

USAG Bamberg

Jim HughesShowering residents with infoA girl tries to get a ball through a hoop with a fire hose with the help of a Katterbachfirefighter during the 2005 USAG Ansbach Showcase. This yearʼs showcase is Aug.26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Katterbach Fitness Center. For more information call PattiBentley or Barb Powell, Katterbach Army Community Service, 468-2883 or 09802-83-2883.

Kimberly GearhartGet fit!Workouts pay big dividends. Sign up forthe Civilian Fitness Program in yourcommunity.

The Point, August 25, 2006 15

The group was able to slide in a trip to a water park dur-ing its visit to Italy.

The scenic seashore of Cinque Terre was a good jump-ing off spot for visitors.

Some singers went wild at karaoke time – often with frightening re-sults.

One of the seven wonders of the world, the LeaningTower of Pisa lends itself to being creatively pho-tographed.

Club Beyond, a faith-based ministry activity that reaches out to military teens worldwide, escorted nearly 1,000high school and middle school youth on separate trips for a week of spiritually-oriented fun in the Italian sun inJune.

For new and unique looks, shaving cream became a fashion acces-sory. The styles were obviously better received by some more thanothers. Activities were held every evening at the Club Beyond camp-site on Camp Darby.

Going beyondClub Beyond takes area youth on an Italian holiday

Then there are youthful eating habits.Some invented ways to fend for them-selves.

Photos provided by Joey McCloskey

16 The Point, August 25, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg

by Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Four 54th Engineer Battalion Soldiers werehonored at memorial services at Warner Chapelin July.

Staff Sgt. Omar Flores, Spc. Troy Linden andSpc. Joseph Micks died in Ramadi, Iraq, whileconducting route clearance patrols and counterimprovised explosive device operations July 8.Sgt. Alkaila Floyd died at Landstuhl RegionalMedical Center July 13 from injuries during theJuly 8 roadside bomb attack.

About 200 Soldiers, family and friendsattended memorial services July 12 for the Sol-diers. Family readiness groups placed singleroses near photos of each of them.

“We will never know why these four incredi-ble people were taken from us,” said Brian Pugh,54th Eng. Bn. rear detachment commander. “Allof them had qualities that made them special andunique individuals.”

Originally from Mission, Texas, Floresserved as a combat engineer with Company C.He had been promoted to staff sergeant andassigned as a 3rd Platoon squad leader in Janu-ary.

“He had a smile that could light up any roomand his family meant everything to him,” Pughsaid of Flores at the July 12 service. “He lovedbeing in the Army, loved his job and mostly heloved his Soldiers.”

Linden, a native of Detroit Lakes, Minn.,whose first position was as a rifleman in 2nd Pla-toon, later became an AVLB (armored vehiclelaunching bridge) operator in the A&O (assaultand obstacles) Platoon. In Iraq, he performedduties as an RG-31 and M1114 operator andgunner for 3rd Platoon.

Spc. Brian Babcock, who served with Linden,spoke about his comrade.

“I am honored not to talk about the death of

Spc. Troy Linden, but rather to talk about hislife,” Babcock said. “He was not only the Soldierwho lived across the hall, but he was a friendwho I spent many days with pulling quick reac-tion force duties together. Not only did the Armylose a great Soldier, but many of us lost a greatfriend.”

Originally from Michigan, Micks was a com-bat engineer assigned to Headquarters andHeadquarters Company who served in the fuelsection of the Support Platoon. In July, he wasassigned to Company C’s A&O Platoon as theplatoon sergeant’s driver.

“He was a skilled Soldier who was missionfocused and stood out as a leader,” Pugh said.“He cherished his wife of 18 months, Ramona,

and touched the hearts of all in their family.”Floyd entered active duty in 2002, and served

as an ACE (armored combat earthmover) opera-tor and combat engineer during the initial inva-sion and occupation of Iraq. He was assigned toA&O Platoon as a squad leader. In Iraq, he per-formed duties as a HMMWV and RG-31 (vehi-cle) gunner and vehicle commander.

“He was the type of Soldier who, when facedwith a difficult mission, smiled and threw on hisgear and motivated his peers to do the same,”Pugh said.

Floyd’s death is the fifth that 54th Eng. Bn.has suffered during its current deployment toIraq. The unit is expected to return to Bambergthe end of October.

Pugh said the unit will band together and pullthrough hard times, drawing upon its strengths.He also addressed the spouses attending the ser-vice.

“It is a special bond you share with otherswhen you send a loved one into harm’s way, andwe could not succeed without you,” he said.

Chaplain (Maj.) Thomas Cox, who performedthe invocation and prayer, said the Soldiers diedin a battle to secure freedom for an oppressedpeople. He mentioned the significance of walk-ing among tombstones at the American Ceme-tery in France, where the remains of nearly10,000 servicemen who died during the Nor-mandy campaign are interred.

“At some time in the future, when you look ata servicemember’s gravestone because you knewthem or because you are a Soldier, I am sureyou’ll contemplate the price of freedom moreintently,” Cox said, stressing that this is a mostarduous time and death can heighten anxiety.

“Let me encourage you to ask God for peacein your lives and in your heart to protect it in dif-ficult times.”

Carrying a rose, a spouse pays her respects to the 54th Engineer Battalion Soldiershonored at a July 12 memorial service in Bamberg.

Cheryl Boujnida

Good, clean funBamberg youth cool down as the Bamberg fire department delivers some soothing foam in the heat ofJuly during Child and Youth Services’ Wacky Water Week. CYS offers child care and youth programs forchildren aged 6 weeks to 19 years old at the child development center, school age services, hourly daycare facility and Oasis middle school and teen centers. Enroll your children in sports programs such assoccer, cheerleading, tackle football, basketball and baseball. Youth taking part in sports activities needa physical exam. For more information, call CYS central registration at 469-8660 or 0951-300-8660.

Cheryl Boujnida (2)Friends sign in at the memorial service

Vehicle registrationeases plate transfer

Health professionals uniteAnnual G-A barbecue bringsmedical community togetherby Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Bamberg Health Clinic held its annual barbecue for Americanand German physicians on Warner Barracks July 19.

Dr. (Maj.) James Stein, clinic commander, addressing about100 attendees, stressed the significance of the informal gatheringas an opportunity to talk about patient services.

“I appreciate the hard work and compassionate care that youprovide for our Soldiers and their family members,” Stein said.“With the closure of the Wuerzburg Hospital, we will have to relyon our German providers for more primary care services.”

Stein praised the German doctors for their cooperation withthe Bamberg Health Clinic.

“Our patients are certainly aware that this partnership pro-vides them with the best health care possible,” he said.

Renate Nagan, patient liaison, said health practitioners spendendless hours working and rarely have the opportunity to meettheir counterparts.

“This event allows doctors to meet many German providerswho they have referred patients to, and fosters future relations,too,” she said.

Lt. Col. Mark Gatto, USAG Bamberg commander, said Bam-berg Soldiers and family members depend on receiving quality

health care from health clinic staff and localGerman health care providers.

“Many Soldiers choose to be stationed inBamberg because medical care here is at the topof what’s offered throughout military commu-nities in Europe,” he said.

Health clinic doctors stressed the importanceof host-nation contacts.

“It’s critical to have close associations withour German counterparts,” said Dr. Mary Lax-ton, physician’s assistant. “Those relations willbecome even more crucial to our mission sincemedical services in Wuerzburg are closed,”

Dr. Burkhard Truson, a pediatrician at theBamberg Klinikum, said the cooperation hasled to many positive results.

“I was impressed when Major Stein, who hadreferred a patient to me, came by my office tocheck on the child’s diagnosis. It shows that wecan work together to provide patients with thefinest and optimal care that they deserve,” Truson said.

Sgt. John Braley, combat medic, demonstrated tactical com-bat casualty care (TCCC-3) to German doctors.

“Combat medics can’t be on every convoy. In the event thatsomething happens, Soldiers need the skills to perform life-sav-ing techniques until a medic arrives or the patient is evacuated tohigher care,” Braley said.

Sgt. First Class Steven Cruze, senior combat medic and health

clinic first sergeant, said developments in the Army medical fieldhave impacted the Soldier’s ability to save lives.

“The new trauma bandage, which replaces the old field dress-ing, can be applied as a regular pressure dressing, tourniquet andbandage,” Cruze said. “The combat application tourniquetallows Soldiers to apply self aid with one hand or perform buddyaid. These advancements can make a difference to Soldiers onthe battlefield.”

Cheryl BoujnidaSgt. John Braley, Bamberg Health Clinic combat medic, explains howto apply tactical combat casualty care

Bamberg mourns loss of four Soldiers

by Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Soldiers relocating to Bambergfrom Italy must register privately-owned vehicles (POV) within 30days of their reassignment. Thelocal vehicle registration office ismaking the transfer as smooth aspossible.

The following documents are re -quired: Italian registration, valid IDcard, double white insurance cardsand a $30 registration fee to be paidby check, money order or creditcard.

“It’s a simple process if the Sol-dier and/or family members havetheir paperwork in order. It’s a for-mality of relocating to a new dutystation,” said Michaela Hausdorff,vehicle registration clerk.

The vehicle registration officewill issue temporary license platesfor 30 days to pass inspection. Oncethe inspection is complete, perma-nent license plates will be issued forone year.

“Soldiers who have POVs lessthan two years old (2005-06) can

receive permanent plates without aninspection for one year,” Hausdorffsaid.

Soldiers with accompanied fam-ily members are authorized threePOVs and two motorized or non-motorized recreational POVs.Unaccompanied and single Soldiersare authorized one POV and onemotorized or non-motorized recre-ational POV. Unit commandersmust approve waivers from Sol-diers who want to register anotherPOV.

The form (AE 190-1AG-R) isavailable online and can be down-loaded under forms at www.rmv.usareur.army.mil or pick oneup at the vehicle registration office.

“Those who need a USAREURdriver’s license must contact thedriver’s testing office,” Hausdorffadded.

The driver’s testing office is nextto Stable Theater and at 469-8600or 0951-300-8600. Vehicle registra-tion is at the military police stationand is open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 3:45p.m. For more information call 460-7580 or 0951-300-7580.

18 The Point, August 25, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt

Airborne Cav FST activates

Kimberly Gearhart

Capt. Peter Gilbert, left, and 1st Sgt. Eric Curless, center, uncasethe colors of the newly activated Forward Support Troop, 1stSquadron, 91st Cavalry.

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

USAG Schweinfurt officially welcomed it’snew commander July 20 as Lt. Col. AnthonyHaager took the reins from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Feld-man in ceremonies in Andrus Gardens on Led-ward Barracks.

“I thank God for having blessed me with thewisdom, patience, perseverance, and energy tohave given my very best as your communitycommander,” Feldman said in his parting re-marks. “Serving others is what it has all beenabout.”

Feldman will serve at the Pentagon in his nextassignment.

Haager accepted the leadership challenge,taking the garrison colors from Col. Russel D.Santala, USAG Franconia commander.

A newcomer to Europe, Haager thanked theFeldman family for their support during his tran-sition from his previous assignment as professorof military science at Georgia Military College.

Speaking in both German and English,Haager thanked guests at the ceremony, and an-nounced what he will bring to USAG Schwein-furt.

“I pledge to build on the relationships that(Feldman) has forged, and ensure that our com-munity remains the top-notch community that itis,” he said.

Haager faces more than maintaining the sta-tus quo in his new role. He takes command of aninstallation in transition and that will soon be re-sponsible for activities and facilities formerlyunder the USAG Franconia umbrella.

More importantly, with the impending 2ndBrigade Combat Team deployment, the garrisonwill soon support families whose Soldiers are atwar.

Haager wished for blessings on “the service-men and women walking point right now, al-lowing us the freedom to live our lives the waywe do today.”

Q&A with Lt. Col. Haager:Q: How do you feel about taking com-

mand?A: Excited and honored. My family and I are

excited to be here. Commanding this communitywith such a large and diverse population will bea challenge, especially in light of us expandingand taking on the responsibilities of Wuerzburg.This is my first assignment here in Germany,though I have visited many times and have fam-ily in Fuerth/Nuernberg. This is still such a new

experience. The military community of Schwe-infurt has a long history with the German com-munity, and I hope to continue and add to thegood relations we enjoy.

Q: What do you want the community toknow about you?

A: I’m a family man. For me, the family rep-resents all the reasons that civilians raise theirhands and vow to be Soldiers. The men andwomen on the frontlines fight so that you and Iand our families can live our lives as we do, in

the freedom that we bring to this world. That’swhy supporting the family is so important.

Q: What do you look forward to while incommand?

A: Having fun. New experiences are alwayswelcome. I have a diverse background: companycommander, strategic intelligence officer,brigade operations officer, college professor,and I’ve spent time in special operations jump-ing out of planes. But this is my first time as agarrison commander. This is a side of the Armyyou really don’t see until you are involved in it.In all my jobs, supporting the Soldier and thefamily were key. Being the garrison commanderallows me to take that support to the next level,to leverage more assets to support the Soldierand family.

Q: Is there one thing you would like to fo-cus for the community?

A: The concept that we are a community andthat we all have responsibilities to our commu-nity. The garrison staff and I can only do somuch; we need help from everybody. I wanteveryone to take ownership for how goodSchweinfurt is.

I would also like to focus on the family sup-port programs available here – programs likeSNAPS and GUTS make us a top-notch com-munity and I would like to see us focus on sim-ilar programs, especially now that our Soldiersare deploying. Families need that kind of sup-port, now more than ever.

Q: What are the challenges now thatSchweinfurt is to be a direct reporting unit?

A: The biggest challenge will be the paradigmshift that the center of gravity is now in Schwe-infurt, not Wuerzburg. Our biggest customerbase, 11,000-plus, is in Schweinfurt and a littleover 1,100 customers are in Wuerzburg. We willdo our best to ensure services stay at the samelevel as before. That does not mean services willbe available at their current location, but theywill be available, one way or another.

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

“Our jobs are to safeguard this nation’s trea-sures, and our families are that treasure,” said

Col. J.B. Burton, 2nd Brigade Combat Teamcommander, adding that every family in thebrigade is informed, supported, and prepared forthe challenges that deployment will bring.

“It’s about keeping an open line of communi-cation that deals with facts,” Burton said aftermeeting with family readiness group leaders,company command groups, and rear-detach-

ment in Ledward TheaterAug. 15.

Burton knows his Sol-diers are the best trained,best outfitted, and best-ledin today’s Army, capable ofaccomplishing any assignedmission. He wants no lessfor the families of the Dag-ger Brigade.

Attendees were briefedon mission updates andgiven rough timelines forthe brigade’s deployment insupport of Operation IraqiFreedom. Burton stressedthat exact dates are not un-der his control and acknowl-edged that although it isfrustrating for families, theyshould focus on what theycan control.

“We own our readinesslevel,” Burton said. “Thatincludes how prepared andinformed the family is for

the road ahead.”Information packets with coping tips, Army

Community Service program offerings andrecreation opportunities were distributed. Bur-ton urged families to maintain their routines, fo-cus on the positive, and stay connected to oneanother and the command. He said informationis the best weapon in the struggles of having adeployed family member.

Families are not alone in their battle to remaininformed. For the families of 2nd BCT, there isTask Force Guardian.

Task Force Guardian isn’t your average reardetachment command.

“Task Force Guardian is deliberately formed,trained, and certified (group of) experts – an em-powered command,” Burton said.

Guardian will serve as the link between theFRGs and the command and Soldiers down-range. Guardian members have been trained tohandle issues that may arise when a Soldier isdeployed.

They also support day-to-day issues such asFRG funding questions and communications is-sues between families and their deployed Sol-diers.

Maj. Robert Whittle, Guardian commander,hopes that by insuring families are supported, hecan help Dagger Soldiers focus on their missionand come home safely.

2d BCT commander stresses communication to leadership

Kimberly Gearhart

Lt.Col. Anthony Haager returns the garrison guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Mc-Mullen after accepting it from USAG Franconia commander Col. Russel Santala, left,in a July 20 change of command ceremony. Former commander Lt. Col. Jeffrey Feld-man is on the right.

Kimberly Gearhart

The formation of 2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers parades during departure ceremonies Aug. 9 inSchweinfurt.

New leadership takes helm in Schweinfurt

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

The transformation is complete for the 1st Squadron,91st U.S. Cavalry.

The Forward Support Troop, 1-91 Cav’s activationduring a ceremony on Conn Barracks Aug. 16, markedthe completion of the unit’s transformation into a lightairborne reconnaissance outfit.

“The activation of the Forward Support Troop is thefinal step in the transformation of our organization,” saidLt. Col. Christopher Kolenda, squadron commander.

A forward support company provides support person-nel, and is attached to combined arms battalions as partof the modular fighting force that is a brigade combatteam. In the cavalry, they call it a forward support troop,or FST. Their mission is to provide nearly every kind ofsupport for the squadron, including field feeding, fuel,ammunition, organizational and direct maintenance, aswell as transportation and logistical support.

Before the formation of integrated support troops,units would often have several companies or groups from

outside attached to them before they could be combat-ready.

The FST brings what Kolenda called “an order ofmagnitude increase in the effectiveness of oursquadron,” greatly enhancing the cavalry’s ability to ef-fectively, efficiently, and successfully accomplish theirwartime missions.

“We must not forget that our nation is still at war, andsoon it will be our turn,” said Capt. Peter Gilbert, the newFST company commander.

“Change is occurring at every level. We have tailoredour support package to a more light and agile force,” hesaid.

Gilbert and newly promoted 1st Sgt. Eric Curless un-cased the colors of their new company and marked thebeginning of a new era for the Cav as a self-sufficientwarfighting force.

It is a challenge Kolenda feels his troopers are readyto face.

“These are no ordinary Soldiers, and this is no ordi-nary unit,” he said.

U.S. Army Garrison Franconia The Point, August 25, 2006 21

AAFES venues shift in Wuerzburgby Roger TeelThe Point

As previously announced, Army and Air Force ExchangeServices on Leighton Barracks in Wuerzburg will continueto reorganize in the coming weeks.

“Changes are based on studies made on traffic flow at allthe locations and on sales trends we are seeing,” said StanMcGhee, AAFES regional general manager.

In August, the TKS outlet and optical shops were relo-cated into the main store. By October, several servicevenues will have a much different look.

The BookMark will be consolidated into the main store.The furniture store will move into the former BookMarkarea. Cinnabun will cease operations and Café Italiano willmove into the Cinnabun location in the main store. BaskinRobbins will also close and Café Italiano will begin sellingItalian ice cream selections similar to those on the economy.

“Once the moves and consolidations are in place, ourcustomers will enjoy the shopping experience more as allmajor AAFES operations will be in one location and we willtruly have a one-stop shopping,” McGhee said.

“This will also help us provide better customer servicewith a more efficient and smaller work force,” he added.

McGhee noted that concession operations, such as thebarber shop, beauty salon, dry cleaning, wellness spa, andgift shops are operated by local business people. AAFEScontracts for these services.

“Like any small business, they can only operate so longas they see foot traffic and sales,” he said. “If they don’thave this, they cannot survive in these types of downwardtransformations. I expect we will see some of these busi-nesses fold in the next several months. We will try to getnew contracts as this happens, but it will be challenging.”

McGhee said providing the best possible customer ser-vice remains a priority in Wuerzburg.

“We will continue to make adjustments in the upcomingyear. As always, our moves will be based on ensuring thebest customer service based on demographics, traffic flowand sales. All changes will be coordinated with the areacommand,” he added.

Facility hours:Effective Sept. 2, the following hours will be in effect at

AAFES facilities on Leighton Barracks:Post Exchange – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m, Sat 10 a.m.-

8 p.m. and Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Hours on American holidaysare 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Reeltime Theater – Tue-Sun, closed Monday.Barber and beauty shop – Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.,

Sat 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and closed SundayBookMark – Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

and Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.Café Italiano – Mon-Sat 9 a.m -7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-

7 p.m.Car care center – Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sat

11 a.m.-4 p.m.Furniture store – Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-

6 p.m.Laundry/dry cleaning alterations shop – Mon-Fri

12:30-5:30 p.m, Saturday noon-4 p.m.Military Clothing Sales Store – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-

6 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Sixt Car Rental – Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 9:30

a.m.-12:30 p.m.New Car Sales – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-

6 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Day Spa – Mon-Tue, Thur-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Two-Hour Photo – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-

7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Kaethe Wohlfahrt – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat-Sun

11 a.m.-6 p.m.Nachtmanns – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-

7 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.Willi Geck – Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,

Sun 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

ACS remains viable, vital in Wuerzburgby Scott RouchThe Point

While merged with USAG Schweinfurt, the USAG FranconiaArmy Community Service is keeping its programs going inWuerzburg.

One of those is the Newcomers Orientation and Welcome(NOW) program, although newcomer takes on various formsthese days.

On Aug. 8, Cindy Gonzalez led a group that included a new-comer to Germany – Becky Sousa, who arrived just a few weeksago – and transplants from inside Germany: Diane and ElizabethDavis, recent arrivals from an 11-year stay in Hanau, MaryannWilliams and her 11-month-old daughter Eliana, who moved toWuerzburg from Giebelstadt, and Jennifer Holmes, who was vis-iting from New Jersey.

Gonzalez, a 23-year Army spouse, shepherded the group fromthe ACS office on Leighton Barracks to the bus stop just outsidepost. Then their six-hour adventure began.

After spending five years in Wiesbaden, Gonzalez came to thearea in January, took the NOW program – and subsequentlyevery class they offered – and was offered a job. The orientationprogram is one she highly recommends.

“I got oriented, went to the NOW program and got to know

the area,” Gonzalez said. “Even if you’ve been in Germany, thereis a lot to know about local neighborhoods and you can learnsomething new every day.”

Just learning to ride the bus was going to make a difference toSousa, who doesn’t have a car and lives off post.

“It was informative,” Sousa said. “I thought we’d just ride thebus into town, ride around and turn around. Learning to ride thebus was helpful because I’m looking at a house about 15 minutesout of town and she (Gonzalez) says the bus goes right by there.”

After arriving at the bus station, the group took to the streetswith Gonzalez pointing out places of interest including places toshop, a last-minute travel office, the Rathaus (city hall) andchurches.

“We’re doing lots of walking and there are lots of things tocome back and see,” said Diane Davis. “It’s been nice and com-fortable. She’s got us on a leisurely pace. Learning to take the buswas the most important thing; it’s the key to getting around thecity.”

Getting out for the day and learning about the city was some-thing Williams was going to share.

“My husband doesn’t get to do all these fun things,” Williamssaid. “Now I can show him where to go.”

Schweinfurt SAS shifts gears for upcoming school yearby Kimberly GearhartThe Point

The School Age Services summer programwas full of activities for children in Schweinfurt.

They learned to ride horses, visited Legoland,and went swimming every chance they got.

Now that school is starting, SAS is switchingmodes and moving from an all-day summer pro-

gram to a before and after school service.But don’t think the fun and learning are over.“We’ll be doing more club activities during

the school year,” said Bobbie Jones, SAS assis-tant director.“The regularityof enrollmentduring theschool year ismore conduciveto regular clubmeetings.”

Students willbe able to joinclubs where theycan explore art,computers, andeven digital pho-tography, as wellas participate indramatic play,group bonding,and somethingcalled “ThePower Hour.”

“The PowerHour is a home-work lab. Wework togetherwith the schooland childrenearn points forpar t ic ipa t ing ,which they can

redeem after report cards come out for school-related prizes like notebooks or pencils,” Jonessaid

With the deployment of the 2nd BrigadeCombat Team, children at SAS will begin facingnew and troubling challenges. The staff is pre-pared for that as well.

“We have deployment-related activitiesplanned throughout the year to help the childrenstay connected with their deployed parents,”said Jones.

SAS is open from 5:45 to 8 a.m., and afterschool from 2:20 to 6 p.m. Parents can enrolltheir children for either program, or opt for both.

“We are not at capacity, so enrollment staysopen throughout the year,” Jones said, also rec-ommending contacting the facility at least aweek before you need to begin bringing yourchildren.

Children must be enrolled with Child andYouth Services to enroll in SAS, and parentsmust complete an orientation prior to bringingtheir children to the facility for care.

Tomoko Gates, SAS director, said orientationwill be held every Tuesday morning from 10:30to 11 a.m. for parents who find themselves inneed of SAS services.

Hourly care is also available for registeredchildren for $3 per hour, for parents who mayhave occasion for child care services.

For more information, call 354-6974 or09721-82181.

Scott RouchSpc. Walter Riley relaxes at Café Italiano, located – for now – inthe Leighton Barracks BookMark. In October, Café Italiano willmove to the Cinnabun location in the main store.

Scott RouchCindy Gonzalez leads the NOW participants on a tourof downtown Wuerzburg.

Larry ReillyCantigny Club hosts ShowcaseThis yearʼs USAG Franconia community showcase is set for Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the CantignyClub. The showcase is an opportunity to gather information about services and agencies in Wuerzburg.Smaller agencies or private organizations, such as boy and girl scouts, church organizations and otherswill also be on hand. For more information, call 351-4125 or 0931-296-4125.

He had players at the three-day DoDDs-Europefootball camp in Ansbach.

“I brought 11 to the camp – 11 more than Ibrought last year,” Davis said. “I started out thefirst game (in 2005) with 13 players, so I thinkthat’s a positive to start off with that many kids.”

The Barons were 3-3 in 2005; their losses onthe road to three-time champion Ansbach, toeventual champion Hohenfels and in the play-offs at London Central. Davis knows the roadisn’t any easier in 2006.

“Hohenfels looks just as strong as they didlast year. We have Hanau, the defending Divi-sion II champs, moving down and Ansbach’s al-ways going to be a contender,” he said. “Add inGiessen and Sigonella and that could drop any-body’s hopes of getting to the playoffs. Yeah, it’sgoing to be a tough road to hoe, definitely.”

Helping get down thatroad will be a pair of tal-ented returners.

With the addition of Dil-lon Baker at quarterback,Davis plans to move Mar-vin Gholston back to widereceiver. Gholston was awide receiver in 2004 andplayed quarterback in2005. The defense willalso return tough AdamWorrell.

“I only have one first team all-conferenceback – Adam Worrell at linebacker,” Davis said.“He probably put on 10 pounds of muscle overthe summer and he’s ready to go.”

While the goal is to win a championship,Davis knows there are first steps to take.

“Obviously we want to build a team to com-pete with some of the teams that have beenaround; programs that have established them-selves,” he said. “I think depth is going to be aproblem for us against teams with more players

but I think we’ll still field acompetitive team.”

Davis doesn’t judge hisplayers just on wins andlosses.

“I ask my kids two ques-tions at the end of every game:‘Are you proud of how you

played?’ and, ‘Did you play as hard as you can?’If you answer yes and yes to those things, notonly in football but in life, you’ve probably donea successful thing.”

Wuerzburg WolvesAfter their first practice with 27 players on the

field, Wuerzburg head coach Eric Mead hadsome initial impressions.

“We’ve got a lot of kids who haven’t playedfootball before,” he said.

By the time school starts Mead expects closeto 40 players on the field for practice.

It will be a new feel for the Wolves whoslipped from Division I to Division II for the2006 season and did away with junior varsityfootball. Mead, who coached the Wolves to theDivision I title in 2002, may be the perfect per-son for the job.

“I’m looking forward to working in a smallschool. I prefer a small school to a big school,”Mead said, having also coached six years at Al-conbury in England.

“Last time I coached wewere Division I and hadabout 80 to 100 kids comeout. It was difficult be-cause we were short oncoaches most of the time. Iexpect to have a fewerproblems – not that we hada lot before – but it’s goingto be a lot easier to run andyou can get a lot more donein practice.”

Returning for his thirdyear at running back for the Wolves, Anthony“AJ” Miles sees the good and bad sides to hav-ing a small squad.

“We’ll have more time to focus on individu-als, which is good, but it’s bad because we’llhave a lot of new players playing positionsthey’re not used to,” he said.

Though the team will be inexperienced, Meadsaw enough good things at practice to keep himupbeat.

“We have more speed than Wuerzburg hashad in the past three or four years,” Mead said.“We look good in the skill positions and the of-fensive line has got some decent size.”

Sports The Point, August 25, 2006 23

by Scott RouchThe Point

This is the time of year when hope springseternal, every team begins with a clean slate andall of them have a shot at the title.

Break out the clichés if you must, but it’s timeto get excited, sports fans – the 2006 high schoolfootball season begins Sept. 16.

The Point’s coverage of the three Departmentof Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS)schools in our coverage area begins with a pre-view of each team:

Ansbach CougarsHead coach Marcus George thinks his Ans-

bach Cougars are decided underdogs as they viefor the 2006 DoDDS-Europe Division III title.Of course, he likes casting his team as the un-derdog.

George had similar pre-season sentiments inyears’ past as the Cougarswon three-consecutivechampionships (2002-2004). But he may be rightthis time.

In 2005, the Cougarssaw its record 27-gamewin streak halted by theHohenfels Tigers in theregular season. They fin-ished with a 6-2 record

after falling to the Tigers 37-20 in the DivisionIII championship game.

2006 presents its own challenges. TheCougars will not only face a Hohenfels squadthat returns most of its championship team, butwill also play 2005 Division II champion Hanauthat became a Division III school this year.

“We’re basically developing younger playersto see who’s going to move in and, at this point,we’re definitely a dark horse,” George said. “Wedon’t have the people coming back like Hohen-fels or Hanau. We were looking really, reallysound with a major portion of the team comingback, but we’ve lost five starters since April thatwe thought were coming back.”

George will look for leaders on his youngteam, on being senior Baraka Waweru, a return-ing all-conference lineman.

“We normally just tell everybody to stay fo-cused, and whether you’re starting or not, every-body’s position is important. Whether you’reholding the dummies or the person hitting thedummies, we need everybody to be able to get towhere we were,” Waweru said. “(Last year) feltlike a big letdown because we were representingall the people who came before us, and we had atradition to keep up,” Waweru added.

Senior lineman David Zumbach was of simi-lar mind.

“I want to make everybody work hard enoughto get it,” he said. “Last year I thought we had it;it was those key moments when we didn’t cometogether. That’s what I want to work on. I’m kindof excited, kind of nervous. I want to get in thereand finish it now.”

No matter what the situation, George has atleast one intangible working in his favor.

“Our tradition will help us because we’re usedto winning, and I think we’ll do the things thatwe need to do to get better. Our work habits aregood and our standards are good,” George said.“I think we’ll get a lot of mileage out of our kids.It depends on how much we’ve got.”

Bamberg BaronsHead coach James Davis already has his team

off to a better start this year than he did in 2005.

Bambergʼs Dillon Baker is the front run-ner to start at quarterback for the Baronsin 2006.

Scott Rouch (6)Kaiserslautern coach Jesse Hipes works with Ansbachʼs Jacob Burnside during adrill for linemen at the 2006 DoDDs-E Football Camp in Ansbach Aug. 16-18.

Wuerzburg running back Anthony Milesgoes through the paces at the DoDDs-Ecamp.

Rattlers lose, advanceThe Kitzingen Rattlers men’s softball team fell 11-10 to

Stuttgart in the championship game of the 2006 U.S. Army,Europe Softball Championships in Grafenwoehr last week-end. Despite the loss, Kitzingen advances with Stuttgart tothe 2006 U.S. Forces Europe tournament also in Grafen-woehr Aug. 24-27. Teams will be matched against U.S. AirForce, Europe squads Ramstein and Spangdahlem.

Soccer AcademyEnroll in the Kabuye Soccer Academy running from

Aug. 28-Nov. 24 on the Child and Youth Services sportsfield near the Leighton School Age Services. The cost is$150 per season. For more information call 350-7762 or0931-889-7762.

Go volksmarchingExplore the city of Dettelbach am Main Sept. 2-3. Volks-

march either six, 11 or 20 km both days. The 20K march be-gins at noon Sept. 2 while the six and 11K marches begin at4 p.m. All marches begin at 6 a.m. Sept. 3. To pre-registeror for more information, call 09324-2861 or 0171-907-4478. Registration closes Aug. 28

Roundup

Area teams prep for 2006 football season

Huge turnout for DoDDs-Europe campby Scott RouchThe Point

Even with the continuing drawdown of forces across Europe,the 2006 Department of Defense Dependents Schools-EuropeFootball Camp in Ansbach Aug. 16-18 had nearly 500 partici-pants.

“It’s the largest ever,” said Ansbach head football coach Mar-cus George. “We do so much preparation that basically we got ahigher percentage (because) more people know about the camp.If we’d done the administrative effort we do now, there’s notelling how many we’d have had before.”

The first day, coaches and campers faced their own uniquechallenges. The players were run through drills while coacheshad to work hard just to be heard. Flight operations on Katter-

bach airfield were being conducted about a football field’s lengthaway from the training area.

“Sometimes I think these helicopters wait until I start talkingthen land over there,” George said. “I’m coming out with a bull-horn in the second half (afternoon session). I won’t have a voiceotherwise.”

For the coaches, it was a good way to evaluate talent beforethey began official team practices the following week.

“We only have 17 kids in camp, and we expect to have about40 out for football,” said Wuerzburg head coach Eric Mead.“We’re missing a few key seniors here. The kids that are herelook pretty good and they’re getting a lot of extra work that theother kids don’t get. In the beginning of the year that’s real valu-able.”

James Davis

Eric Mead

Marcus George