Vol. 14, No. 12 June 16, 2006

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

Left, Vanessa Dickens, Lee Rodriguez, SeanLoughran and 23 other seniors put their handsover their hearts during the playing of theNational Anthem at graduation ceremonies forAnsbach High School at Ansbach’s OrangerieJune 8. Below, graduating seniors fromWuerzburg American High Schoolsimultaneously turn their tassels duringceremonies at Wuerzburg’s Congress CentrumJune 9. See pages 2 and 6 for more graduationphotos and comments.

World Cup frenzy underway in Deutschlandby Matt CaliriSpecial to The Point

“The trophy is to football lovers what the im-age of Christ is to Catholics,” Brazilian journal-ist Carlos De Miguel said, describing the JulesRimet trophy, which is presented quadrenniallyto the greatest team in the greatest show in theuniverse.

Fortunately, all the games are played onplanet Earth. And super fortunately for us, theyare being played on German soil this year.

The game is soccer to us Americans, but itstrue name is football, or futbol, or fussball.Whatever.. The World Cup party started June 9in venues across the country. There are 32 teamsin the cup chase and there are more new namesthan in any World Cup since 1930.

And since Americans, for the most part, knowlittle about soccer, here’s some background oneach of the teams:

Group A:Let’s start with Germany since we’re in their

house and they are a football super power. Theywaltz into this year’s Cup with three world titlesand have qualified for every World Cup since its

inception. Only Brazil has won more cups andbeen in more finals. Lucas Podolski and captainMichael Ballack are players to watch.

Costa Rica is making its third appearance atthe World Cup, having gone to the final round in1990 and 2002. Their biggest star, striker PauloWanchope, will retire after this year.

Poland has been third twice, once in Spain‘82 and in Germany in ‘74. Their return to Ger-many is not without revenge in their eyes towardthe Germans. They were beaten by Germany 32years ago on a slushy field that many thoughtwas too waterlogged for play. The slower Ger-man team benefited. A goal-bound strike by thePoles that was stopped by a puddle in the con-troversial game is replayed on Polish televisionto this day.

Ecuador is relatively new to the scene, hav-ing qualified for their first World Cup in Ko-rea/Japan 2002. But they aren’t unprepared. Ac-companying them is a shaman who will banishevil spirits from all Cup venues prior to theirgames.

Group B:Since England’s 1966 World Cup win on

home soil, their best is reaching the semi-finalsin 1990, where they lost to, who else, Germany.Always competitive, with eleven previous Cupappearances, they hobble into this year’s Cupwith megastar Wayne Rooney on the outs with abroken metatarsal. In a risky move, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has placed 17-year old TheoWalcott on the team. There could be some pres-sure on the young lad to fill Rooney’s boots.

Speaking of pressure, Paraguay feels a littleless than their group leader, having finished onlyas deep as the second round in their tournamenthistory. This’ll be their fifth trip to the Cup.

If you’re looking for Cinderellas, Trinidadand Tobago could be your best bet. The lastteam to book their spot, their best player, DwightYorke, hopes to reach the finals before he retires.Chris Birchall is the first-ever white player toplay for T&T.

Sweden saunters in as semi-finalists in ‘38,and had first-place euphoria on home soil in ‘58.It might be an aged, slightly stiff, saunter, butwith eleven World Cups they’re no spring chick-ens to the big stage.

See WORLD CUP, page 19

Stephen ThomasBig gunA ceremonial howitzer and crew delivered a boomingstart to the Community Farewell Golf Tournament atGolf Club Kitzingen June 5. See page 19 for story/photos.

Graduation Day arrives

The Jules Rimet trophy is 14 inchestall, weighs 14 pounds, is made of18-carat gold, and is the most cov-eted prize in international sports.

German-American Society forges onAs leadership prepares to change,social group networks to expandby Roger TeelThe Point

Klaus Zepke and Gary Kleeman have been friends since theyfirst joined Wuerzburg’s German-American Society.

As the German and American leaders of the organization,they have evolved into a brain trust that has helped shape warmand wonderful international experiences for a number of peo-ple from both cultures.

For the past 22 years, Zepke and Kleeman have conspired toenlighten, entertain and wholly enrich both German and Amer-ican members of the Society.

Zepke joined the G-A Society 1984, five years after it wasfounded. He is the fourth president of the society. Kleeman hasbeen there since the very beginning.

According to Zepke, “the Society was founded by teachers,to have contact between German schools and American schoolson an academic level.”

But that got stale, he said.

“In a short time membership went down because it was justteachers. You need people from all levels of society.”

Kleeman knew there would be interest on the American side,“but we didn’t offer activities for a broad spectrum of societylike we do now.”

“When we changed leadership in the Society that’s when wemet,” Zepke said. “That’s when we said we had to do somethingfor a wider public – both German and American.”

The club currently has 226 members, about 50 percent fromeach side, and an interest in each other that has not flagged overthe years.

“We had losses in German membership when the Iraq war started,” Zepke said. “This was a problem before, duringthe Reagan era. When German public opinion is against Amer-ican politics then interest in the Society goes down. But I thinkif people are truly interested they will stay whoever is (inpower).

See G-A SOCIETY, page 17

Adventure Writer

Big bucks for photosThe Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Patriot POG

Gift Certificate Photo Contest is now underway. Submissions should de-pict activities in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, or activities insupport of deployed troops, such as servicemembers returning home. En-try period is June 1 through July 31.

Twelve winning photos will ultimately appear on 5-, 10- and 25-centPOGs, the disc-like gift certificates used in place of currency at contin-gency exchanges. Two first prizes of $1,000 gift cards will be awarded,and two seconds ($750), two thirds ($500) and six fourth places ($50) willalso be awarded. The contest is only open to authorized AAFES cus-tomers.

Contestants may submit digital images or hard copy photos. E-maildigital images to aafespog@harperhouse.com, include AAFES POGCONTEST in the subject line. Or mail entries to: Army & Air Force Ex-change Service, Attn: MK-MS (AAFES POG CONTEST), 3911 S. Wal-ton Walker Blvd., Dallas, TX 75236-1598. Entries must include completeidentification of the picture including location, date, action, and identityof people in the photo. Entries must also include an e-mail address, mail-ing address and phone number for winner notification.

Digital entries must be submitted in JPEG file format not to exceed4”x5” dimensions. High resolution is needed and file size is not to exceed1.4MB. Mailed submissions should not exceed 81⁄2” x 11” in size. En-tries must be received by Aug. 15. Winners will be notified by Aug. 31.

For a complete list of Patriot POG Gift Certificate Photo Contest rulesand information, log on to AAFES.com.

CultureJuly 1-17 – Kiliani Volksfest, Wuerzburg. The largest volksfest in the

region comes to the Talavera fest grounds with rides, live entertainment,beer tent and more. Fest is named after Saint Kilian, an Irish-Scottish mis-sionary bishop and Franconia’s patron saint. On opening day, local dig-nitaries parade through town before Lord Mayor Pia Beckmann taps thefirst keg at noon. Fireworks are July 1 and 17 at 10:30 p.m. Fest hours are:Mon-Thurs from 2 p.m. to midnight, Fri-Sat from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m. andSunday from 1 p.m. to midnight.

July 28-30 – Knight’s Tournament & Market, Aub – Set in the formerbishop’s castle in Aub (8 miles south of Ochsenfurt), merchants offer old-fashioned goods such as knives, leather items, and jewelry. Jousting tour-naments are at 8:30 p.m. July 28, at 2 and 8:30 p.m. July 29, and at 1 and4 p.m. July 30. Fireworks light the evening sky July 29. Open from 5 p.m.to midnight July 28, from 11 a.m. to midnight July 29, and from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. July 30. Tickets are available at the entrance, from €6 to €9.For more information, call (09335) 99941 or visit the Website www.rit-terspiele-aub.de.

Fish FestsAnother popular culinary attraction, upcoming fish fests include:

Obervolkach (near Kitzingen) June 21-24, Sulzfeld am Main (nearWuerzburg) June 23-25, Neuer Hafen, Wuerzburg, Aug. 5, Volkach Aug.11-15 and Kitzingen Aug. 15.

CalendarJune 16-26 – Schweinfurter Volksfest, Volksfestplatz. Family

Day is June 21, 2-8 p.m.June 18 – Sunday brunch, Soldiers Lake House, AnsbachJune 29 – Division Support Command, 701st Main Support

Battalion color casing ceremony, Harvey Bar-racks, Kitzingen

July 4 – Celebration on Dickman Field, Leighton Bar-racks, Wuerzburg

July 6 – 1st Infantry Division color casing ceremony, Vic-tory Park, Leighton Barracks, Wuerzburg

Larry ReillyJim Hughes

It’s summer!Enjoy someEuropeanhospitality

Those of us stationed in Bavaria have opportunities toexperience Germany and Europe that few of our fellow Amer-icans will ever have. It’s an opportunity none of us should passup.

You can be almost anywhere in Europe in less than a day; bycar, bus, train or plane. From London’s Piccadilly Circus to thecanals and windmills of Holland, to the many splendors ofParis, to the beaches of France or Spain, or to the tranquil Alps

or warmth of Italy – all are readily accessible and affordable.If you don’t want to travel, your own backyard has many vis-

tas. Take a day or two, or a long weekend, and visit some at-tractions right here in Franconia.

Such as the Playmobile Fun Park near Nuernberg, or theFranconian Beer Museum in Bamberg, the Kitzingen old townwith its many shops and restaurants, or tour the Residenz andMarienberg Fortress in Wuerzburg.

If this doesn’t motivate you, perhaps you should try volks-marching, or take in one of the many wine fests in the outlyingvillages and towns. There’s another one almost every weekend.

We’re also fortunate to have a major world event takingplace in our backyards this summer as the World Cup is nowunderway.

Take the time to forge friendships with our German neigh-bors. Seek them out. You’ll be surprised to find we have ex-tremely gracious hosts.

To safely and securely enjoy all these festivities, we mustalso remain cautious and have a watchful eye:

– Report suspicious activities.– Blend in as well as possible. When traveling, pack your

things in inconspicuous baggage.– Try to not stand out as an American. Try to use the lan-

guage of the locals.– Don’t display large rolls of money or credit cards in public.– Safeguard your identification and valuables; never leave

them in your vehicle.

– Be alert for pickpockets, especially in crowds.

– Don’t go into areas that locals avoid.

– Swim only in authorized areas.

If you live off post, prevention will help keep your homesafe. Some tips:

– Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.

– Don’t let mail pile up in your mailbox.

– Create the illusion you’re at home by using timers that turnlights on and off in different areas of your house.

We should all enjoy our stay in Europe by making the mostof it. I hope you will all take advantage of the unique historicaland cultural opportunities available here, but remember to re-main vigilant. Force protection is everyone’s business. Enjoythe summer.

Team of Teams!

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

2 The Point, June 16, 2006 Team of Teams!

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

Producer: MMIILLCCOOMM AAddvveerrttiissiinngg AAggeennccyyRoswitha 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, theDepartment 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 HughesJournalist ...................................................................................................

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

Sarah Lowndes, WuerzburgAmerican High School, USAGFranconia.“I will be attending theUniversity of Washing-ton. I’m not sure whatcareer field I want topursue, I’m sure I’ll fig-ure it out at school.Right now, I just want tobe a good person.

“What are your plans for the future?” (asked of the Class of 2006)

Rene Ngu, Bamberg HighSchool“After I graduate, I’mgoing to work as a sum-mer hire. In the future, Iplan to attend a collegein Maryland, Tennesseeor Minnesota and majorin science.”

Shantise Marshall, AnsbachHigh School“I plan on going back toMichigan and attendingMichigan State Univer-sity to try to get a de-gree in education. Iwant to be a kinder-garten or pre-schoolteacher because I liketo work with kids. It is agood age group to workwith and I think that Ican tame them.”

Marilyn Sherman, BambergHigh SchoolI plan to take classesthrough Bamberg’s Edu-cation Center for oneyear and transfer to auniversity in Chicago orCalifornia later.”

Lee Rodriguez, Ansbach HighSchool“I’m going to go to col-lege at the University ofTexas at San Antonio ona four-year Army ROTCscholarship, major inarchitecture and also tryto get a master’s de-gree. I like to designthings like buildings anddifferent things that helppeople.”

Laura Lopez, Wuerzburg Amer-ican High School, USAG Fran-conia.“I plan on attendingUCAL University inGreenville, N.C., andplan on studying speechpathology.”

Joseph Haynes, WuerzburgHigh School, USAG Schwein-furt.“I will be attendingLouisiana State Univer-sity and majoring lawand plan to become alawyer and possibly oneday become a SupremeCourt justice.”

Stephanie Torres-Nieves,Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Schweinfurt.“I will go to college for adegree in music busi-ness and internationalbusiness, then Iw ll goon to law school so I canopen my own recordcompany abroad andthen I plan on going tothe Naval Academy tobecome a navel offi-cer.”

What’s The Point?

by Kate BarracoSpecial to The Point

I was extremely displeased with the lack of service my friendsand I received from a tour company during our Memorial Dayweekend getaway to Lloret de Mar, Spain.

Having spoken with a company representative on three occa-sions in April, I was directed to the company’s website and toldI could pay online, which I did. I paid €440 one month in ad-vance. But on our May 25 departure date, our names were not onthe list at our designated pick-up point. And the bus was over-booked, causing unneeded and undesired conflict among theother passengers.

At that time we requested a refund, opting to cancel our trip.But our request was denied and we were told it was all workedout.

As a result of several miscommunications, the bus left behindschedule and then went to Stuttgart to pick up even more pas-sengers, some whom were not allowed to board because the buswas overbooked. We again volunteered to give up our seats for arefund, to no avail.

When I called a tour company representative the afternoon ofMay 25, I asked what time the bus would leave Leighton Bar-racks and he told me. I also asked how long the ride was and hesaid about 12 hours. It was, in fact, 23 hours before we arrived inLloret de Mar. Neither the rep that I talked to, nor any other mem-

ber of the tour company was there to greet the bus, and they, ofcourse, could also not be reached by cell phone. So, we all sat onthe side of the road for nearly two hours before being directed toour hotel.

Once at the Flamingo Hotel, we were told it was overbookedand we would have to wait another three hours to get a room.Once we finally got to our room, it was horribly unclean. We of-fered to move to another hotel and pay the difference, but thecompany rep had disappeared and no one was available for us tomake such a complaint. We ended up at another hotel and paidfor it out of our own pockets.

We were promised a nice hotel on the beach and a 12-hour busride. What we got was a roach motel four blocks from the beachand a 23-hour over-booked bus ride. Everyone on the bus saidthey were disgusted with the lack of planning, the long bus ride,and for being misled that our hotel on the beach.

The worst part was that no one in Lloret de Mar to ensure wegot to our hotel. The company rep was unreachable after promis-ing that this trip would be much better than the BOSS (Better Op-portunities for Single Soldiers) trip, because their hotel was notas nice and because BOSS caters to young and immature singleSoldiers.

At least their trip was well organized and they had nice hotelrooms waiting for them when they arrived in Spain.

We were misled throughout the experience and are now re-questing a refund from this “local tour company”.

The bottom line: Buyer be aware, especially when making va-cation travel plans.

ThumbsThe Bamberg Aqua Barons would like to thank the fol-

lowing community members for their support with our swim-mers: Dave Mitzner and the Bamberg Commissary,WEBCO and their representative Andrea, and the Bam-berg Spouses Community Club. With your help we sent one-third of our swimmers to the championship meet in Italy.Thank you all for your generosity.

Dianne Hodges, Bamberg Aqua Barons

Thumbs up to the following people and organizations forsupporting the local DARE (Drug and Alcohol Resistance Ed-ucation) program with their time, donations or funds: DennisSullivan S&K Sales, Mr. Koch AAFES Main Exchange, StanMcGhee AAFES, Mr. Woods, Harvey Shoppette, Mrs. Pen-

nington, Harvey Commissary, Mrs. Cadelinia, LeightonBook Store, Mrs. Door, Wuerzburg Spouses Club, RubyBrabo, Kitzingen Spouses Club, Leighton/Kitzingen Elemen-tary/Intermediate School PTA, Bernie Bauer, CommunityBank,

Mrs. Schwab, Andrews Federal Credit Union, Hands acrossthe Main 879, Corner Stone Lodge, Kitzingen Veterans of For-eign Wars, Steve Gauthier, MWR USAG Franconia, AFNWuerzburg, Roger Teel, Scott Rouch, Larry Reilly, The Pointnewspaper, Sgt. Jana Matras, Anna Engel, 1st Military PoliceCompany, Staff Sgt. and Mrs. Louma.

Sgt. 1st Class Vera McKenzie, USAG Franconia DES

When things go wrong on a weekend getaway

Focal Points The Point, June 16, 2006 3

Mark HeeterBRO sendoffBrig. Gen. James O. Barclay III, left, and Maj. Gen.Kenneth Hunzeker, 1st Infantry Division commander,salute during the national anthems at Barclay’sfarewell retreat ceremony at Dagger Field on ConnBarracks June 6. Barclay, the assistant division com-mander (maneuver), served with the Big Red One, hiseighth divisional assignment in 28 years, since April2005. He left Schweinfurt for an assignment with theU.S. Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Va.

Cheryl BoujnidaSplish, splashStudents play with the Achilles water wheel at Bam-berg’s Engineer Lake during Earth Day activities. Seestory on page 12.

Cheryl Boujnida

Soldier Show wows ’emServicemembers entertain at a production of the U.S.Army’s Soldier Show “Reveille: Answering the Call” inBamberg June 6. A cast of 22 Soldiers and Guardsmenperformed a musical variety of pop, rock, rap andgospel tunes for about 500 audience members to high-light their love of country. During the tour, the Soldier

Show will visit 55 locations and perform 109 showsthroughout the United States and Europe. In the castwere local area performers Spc. Nina Kazibwe, 307thChemical Company, Kitzingen, and Spc. JessicaSolorio, 106th Finance Battalion, Wuerzburg.

Roger Teel (2)Rite of passageAbove, Wuerzburg Elementary School fifth grader Ethan Relineposes with his teacher Laurie Balmforth as his mother snaps thepicture following the school’s annual Fifth Grade Celebration in theCantigny Club on Leighton Barracks June 13. Right, AmberSutczak receives a President’s Excellence Awards Program certifi-cate from Dr. Ronald McIntire, DoDDS Bavarian District Superin-tendent. In addition to advancing to middle school, students re-ceived certificates of completion, achievement and specialawards, A-B honor roll recognition, as well as presentation of thePresidential certificates (signed by the president). Also bestowinghonors were guest speaker Col. Russel Santala, USAG Franconiacommander, Mr. John Fletcher, school principal, and Dr. LorenaReinhardt, assistant principal. Other fifth grade teachers are LanceHooker, Ray Kuceyeski, Kathleen McIntire and David Simm.

Kathryn DeBoerApplying a new coatAnsbach High School Junior Reserve Officer Train-ing Corps cadets Raffael Limbrunner and Tyler Dig-nan paint a large room on the third floor of the ArmyCommunity Service building in Katterbach May 23.The cadets spent the week of May 22-27 painting thearea. Pam Lindenmeyer, ACS, said JROTC becameinvolved with the help of the local Veterans of ForeignWars and Company D, 2nd Battalion, 1st AviationRegiment, to create a bigger classroom and meetingarea. ACS has a room that seats 45 people for class-es and meetings. This room will seat 100 and can beused for all community classes and meetings.

Fun at Schweinfurt ElementaryFirst-grader Darion Page yells hisway to victory during the tractorpull event for field day at Schwein-furt Elementary School June 5.Rather than compete against oneanother in traditional field dayevents like the 100-yard dash, stu-dents were offered a range ofgames and could choose how toparticipate. They roamed the fieldall morning, from event to event,earning points that were later re-deemed for “Gorp,” a snack mix ofcrackers and candies.

Kimberly Gearhart

Ansbachby Jim HughesThe Point

Twenty-six Ansbach High School seniorsgraduated during a ceremony in the grandeur ofthe city’s Orangerie June 8.

After spending time with fellow students,friends, faculty and family members in thesunny gardens outside the building, the seniorsformed up inside to put the finishing touches ontheir high school days.

Class of 2006 President Vanessa Dickenskicked things off with a welcome speech andthen salutatorian Roxanne Visaya preceded vale-dictorian Sara Callahan to the speaker’s podium.

Teacher Scott Lightle gave the commence-ment speech, encouraging the seniors to movesmartly through their lives.

Ansbach graduates: Kristen Anthony, Jen-nifer Ayat, Ruethairat Box, Jesse Burnside,Shaunte Ferguson, Robert Diaz, Zachary Har-mon, Travis Konrath, Jessy Liller, SeanLoughran, Shantise Marshall, Amanda Mar-tinez, Priscilla Mesley, Jacob Motsenbocker,Ashley Peterson, Lee Rodriguez Jr., IbrahimSesay, Joseph Seymour, Benjamin Shutter, Mar-lon Troubnikoff, Anne Vance, Zaimarie Medinaand Amanda Willoughby.

Wuerzburgby Larry ReillyThe Point

Nearly 100 seniors walked across the Con-gress Centrum stage in downtown Wuerzburg toreceive their high school diplomas during theschool’s commencement ceremony June 9.

With hundreds of family and friends in atten-dance, the seniors and fellow students tookcharge of the ceremony. From the school’s bandproviding the music, to JROTC cadets postingthe colors, to 16 seniors making speeches thatranged from a Dr. Seuss poem to personal wordsof wisdom, the only thing the students didn’t dowas hand out the diplomas.

In an attempt to break the ice – and the typi-cal stuffy-ceremony format – the seniors physi-cally broke out their programs, which were de-signed like road maps and showed the audiencehow to properly fold it.

Although no official guest speaker offered en-couraging words to live by, the top two seniorsvoiced their unique perspectives on life.

“I am of the belief that, with few exceptions,everyone is more or less on the same level of in-telligence. The important thing is the amount oftime, effort and work we are willing to put in,”said William Mori-Ramos, class valedictorian.“We each determine the goals we want toachieve. The question is how hard will each ofus work for those goals?”

“We all came into this school as boys and

girls,” said Jonathan Mikkelson, class Salutato-rian. “We have all been exposed and have cometo understand better strange cultures, interestinghabits, and different outlooks on life. “And now,we have endured the four years as boys and girls.Tonight, we embark upon the journey of life asmen and women.”

In the end, the principal, Walt Seely, pre-sented the seniors with their first official sheep-skin and wished them good luck.

Bambergby Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Twenty seniors from Bamberg High Schoolturned their tassels to signify a turning point intheir lives at graduation ceremonies at Castle

Seehof in Memmelsdorf June 9.Dr. Joseph Tafoya, Department of Defense

Education Activity director, spoke to about 125students, parents and friends. Tafoya stressedthat the students should “embrace change” intheir lives to become successful adults.

After several musical ensembles by studentband members, Alica Thompson, valedictorian,addressed her fellow classmates.

“You are starting another step of your journey.In the long journey that is life, we will probablytake many different steps; walk many differentpaths toward many different destinations, but wereally don’t know where we are going to endup,” Thompson said. “But that is the thrillingpart of life, not knowing what lies ahead. Lifedoesn’t come with a map – we are the ones whochoose the path.”

During his speech, Benjamin West, salutato-rian, used an analogy about gardening to get hismessage across. He said students must take re-sponsibility of tending to their own gardens now,and prune them carefully so they can grow totheir potential. West noted that although toughcircumstances such as typhoons and hurricanesmay cause upheaval in the garden, sunny dayswill also be part of the growing process, too.

Bamberg’s Class of 2006 are: KimberleyBorck, Andre Chambers Jr., Shawn Edwards,Krystin Emert, Katie Gioia, Trenicia Hawes,Daniel Herring, Reginald Johnson, Paul Maritz,Luziana McElroy, Tracie McMurry, EricaMitchell, Rene Ngu, Maria Salazar, MarilynSherman, Barrett Simmons Jr., T’andre Stuckey,Alicia Thompson, Benjamin West and CarlosZapata Jr.

6 The Point, June 16, 2006 Graduation Day

Class of 2006 says ‘auf wiedersehen’

Dave Thompson

Bamberg’s class of 2006 celebrate in the courtyard of the Seehof Castle at their grad-uation ceremony in Memmelsdorf June 9.

Jim Hughes

Ansbach’s Sean Loughran gives AnneVance a hug right after the two graduatedfrom Ansbach High School.

Jim Hughes

Ansbach’s Shaunte Ferguson wipesaway tears as her dedication is read afterreceiving her diploma.

Larry Reilly

One of the smartest guys in the Wuerzburg graduating class, salutatorian JonathanMikkelson, center, had a brain cramp figuring out how to fold the program.

What does the future hold for these seniors?

Ben West, Bamberg High School student,Warner Barracks, Bamberg“I will attend Rutgers University inNew Jersey. I’m still undecidedabout my major, but it might be com-munication or journalism since I’dlike to have my own television showsomeday.”

Kordia Holmes, Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Franconia.“I will take the next year off to workand earn money to go to college thefollowing year, where I plan to be-come a psychologist.”

Valerie Lawson, Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Franconia.“I will be attending Texas A&M Uni-versity in the fall and ultimately be-come a veterinary.”

Joel Marbut, Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Franconia.“I will be playing college football atBelhaven College in Jackson Missis-sippi.”

Zach Harmon, Ansbach High School“I’m enlisting to become a U.S.Army Ranger pretty much right aftergraduation. I want to serve my coun-try and that is what I want to do.”(Asked if he thinks about the dangerthat goes with being in the Army to-day, he said, “Sometimes, but Idon’t let it bother me.”)

Danise Sarrazin, Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Franconia.“I will be attending Georgia South-ern University and majoring in com-munications and then be happy inlife and content in whatever I do.”

Sarah Brandt, Wuerzburg American HighSchool, USAG Schweinfurt.“For the next four years, I will be at-tending Cedarville University andmajoring in youth ministry and hope-fully one day becoming a youth min-ister and working with an organiza-tion, possibly overseas.”

Alicia Thompson, Bamberg High Schoolstudent, Warner Barracks, Bamberg“I will study at University of Tampain Florida and will major in theater.After I graduate, I hope to get a job inthe theater field, performancewise.”

William Mori-Ramos, Wuerzburg AmericanHigh School, USAG Schweinfurt.“I will attend the University of Mary-land at College Park in Maryland andmajor in engineering. I don’t knowwhat area of engineering I will do,but I will pursue a career that I enjoydoing, not an obligation.”

Jessy Liller, Ansbach High School“I’m moving back to California withmy dad where I’ll be a certified per-sonal trainer and lifeguard. I’m alsogoing to go to college in Long Beachand study physiology.”

Trenicia Hawes, Bamberg High School stu-dent, Warner Barracks, Bamberg“Since I want to work in the medicalfield, I plan to study physical thera-py at Fort Valley State University inFort Valley, Ga. and in the future geta job as a children’s physical thera-pist.”

Amanda Willoughby, Ansbach High School“I’m going to the University of NorthCarolina at Pembroke to do a doublemajor in psychology and children’seducation. I want to get into coun-seling for a career because I likehelping people out and working withthem.”

Jim Hughes

Two changes, one ceremonyFirst Sgt. Antonio Lopez salutes from in front of the 6thSquadron, 6th Cavalry Headquarters Troop formationduring ceremonies where Lt. Col. Kevin Christensentook command of the regiment from Lt. Col. Paul Reiston Storck Barracks in Illesheim June 7. Minutes earlier,Lt. Col. Don Fallin had assumed command of the 2ndSquadron, 6th Cavalry from Lt. Col. Michael Swanson.Left, Christensen accepts the 6/6 CAV guidon from Col.Timothy Edens, 4th Aviation Brigade commander, asCommand Sgt. Maj. Mary Edwards and former com-mander Reist look on.

Ansbach puts 18th century heritage on displayby Rabia NombambaThe Point

The courtly bustle and gallantry of the 18thcentury returns to the lawn terrace in front of theOrangerie in the Hofgarten and the courtyard ofthe Margrave Residence in Ansbach June 30 toJuly 5.

During the Rococo Festival, the Ansbach Folk-lore Association traces the lineage of the Ansbachand Bayreuth Margrave through music, dance,and actors in costumes playing roles both largeand small.

Ansbach was the seat of the Ansbach andBayreuth Margrave and the festival mimics thecourt life of Louis XIV and XV.

The festival kicks off June 30 at 9.30 p.m. witha visit by “Frederick the Great” at the castle garden.

An actor, playing His Highness Carl WilhelmFrederick, invites the audience to partake in thevisit of his brother-in law, Frederick II, King ofPrussia.

Festivities honoring the King include 18th cen-tury games, dances and baroque fireworks sup-ported by the music of George Friedrich Händel.

A typical Venetian-type Summer Mask Fest,

carnival with music by Händel, dances, magi-cians and grand baroque-style fireworks in thebest tradition of the Margraves is scheduled forJuly 1 at 9:30 p.m.

Ticket prices for both events range from 5 to 14Euro.

The following day starts with a Rococo holi-day service at the St. Gumbertus Church in Ans-

bach at 9.30 a.m.His Highness the Margrave will attend this par-

ticular service. Following the service at 11 a.m.the inner courtyard of the Margrave’s Residencewill host the review of his house troops.

Soldiers in traditional uniforms will march asthey did in the 18th century. In case of inclementweather, the troops will be inspected at theOnoldiasaal in Ansbach. Ticket prices range from5 to 9 Euro.

From 2 to 5 p.m., Margrave Carl WilhelmFrederick invites the public to festivities in hiscourt garden. Quadrille by his cavalry, jugglers,children’s theater, baroque music, magicians andmuch more will be offered.

Ticket prices range from 5 to 11 Euro. Forguests in 18th century costumes, entrance is free.

The festival ends with the Castle Yard Sere-nade performed by the Youth Orchestra in Ans-bach July 5 at 7 p.m. in the Residence courtyard.Ticket price is 8 Euro.

Tickets for the events can be purchased at theAmt für Kultur und Touristik Stadthaus in Ans-bach. For more information, call 0981-51243 ore-mail: akut@ansbach.de

Ansbach clubunites peopleby Jim HughesThe Point

Successful communities rely onpeople who make things happen,who spend their time and money tobetter the community at large andwho work to bring a large group ofpeople together.

For the USAG Ansbach com-munity, many of these types ofpeople can be found in the Ans-bach Spouses and Civilians Club,said new president Pam Linden-meyer.

Lindenmeyer took over presi-dency of the club May 25 from

Tonya Reilly who left with her husband, Lt. Col. JohnReilly, the former USAG Ansbach commander, to FortBragg, N.C.

“The club provides an organized means for members tomeet, sponsor and participate in social, welfare, recre-ational, community and cultural activities,” Lindenmeyersaid. “And along with morale, welfare and recreation, theclub puts on the fall bazaar that gives people in the commu-nity a chance to shop with vendors from all over Europe.”

The club also operates the thrift shop on Katterbach andreaches out to the community through Operation Holiday,which provides toys and food to families who “need aboost” during the holidays, said Lindenmeyer, who’s been amember of the club since moving here in 2003.

All these efforts are done on a volunteer basis and anymoney that is raised goes right back into the community, shesaid.

“Some of the organizations we give welfare grants to in-clude the American Red Cross, Ansbach Middle/HighSchool and Club Beyond. The grants allow programs toreach out to our community and offer services that wouldn’tbe readily available without funding.”

She added that the club gave out more than $20,000 lastyear and offered $8,000 in scholarships to community highschool seniors and spouses.

“We try to blend fun in with our programs to best supportthe military community,” Lindenmeyer added.

Fun and support, that’s what it is all about, said two-yearclub member Jennifer Farinosi.

“I joined the club to help out in the community and in-teract with like-minded people to help the families of Ans-bach. The ASCC is a family within the community that notonly takes care of those that are members, but of the entirecommunity.”

Lindenmeyer describes club members as, “teachers,moms, dads, civilian employees, young and young at heart,”she said. “Some of them are new to the military and someof them have been in this lifestyle for decades. They are vol-unteers for countless organizations beyond ASCC. They areenergetic, fun, diverse and welcoming.”

And they want to welcome more to join their ranks.“I’d like to challenge people to check out the ASCC this

year,” she said. “There is still a belief that spouses clubs arethrowbacks from the old officer wives club days and I’d liketo see that stigma broken.

“The Army has come a long way in the 15 years that I’vebeen associated with it and I’d like to see that reflected inour club as well. Many of the great things that we have inour community are in part the result of ASCC backing, ei-ther through funding or with volunteer help.”

It’s easy to help out and every little bit helps, she added.“People can become members, donate to or volunteer at

the thrift shop, volunteer at the bazaar or Operation Holiday,or just pass on word about the club. Ansbach is a commu-nity with a lot of heart and energy. It is only fitting that theASCC is a part of that.”

For more on the club, call Lindenmeyer at 467-2883 or09802-832-883.

Pam Lindenmeyer

Army chaplaincy remembers rootsby Jim HughesThe Point

About 100 people from area garrisons turned out to help the U.S.Army Chaplain Corps celebrate its 231st year of serving the na-tion’s Soldiers May 25 at Eddie’s Restaurant on Bismarck Kaserne.

Older than the country it serves, the chaplain corps takes pridein remembering its roots, accomplishments, and the role it plays inthe spiritual well-being of America’s bravest and finest, said Chap-lain (Col.) David Bates, USAG Franconia, at the celebration.

“It’s not only a time of celebration, but a time of remembranceas well,” Bates said. “We remember the heritage that we enjoy.Sometimes we preachers say that we stand upon the shoulders ofgiants, meaning that someone else, often greater than us, has gonebefore us and we are continuing that service to our Army.”

USAG Ansbach went full-force to help the chaplains celebrateas the event featured a non-alcoholic punch bowl ceremony wherethe chaplains talked about their nine virtues, a video game stationfor the children, skits by the Terrace Playhouse, live music, readingof the chaplain corps history, and ample food and beverages.

Overall, it was a time of fellowship and fun that the chaplainsand community should be proud of, Bates said.

“It was fantastic–superbly planned and executed,” he said. “It re-ally captured the spirit of the chaplaincy.”

And the attendees from the community agreed, including SherryMyers, a spouse from the USAG Ansbach area.

“I found it very interesting,” she said. “I’d never seen anythinglike the punch bowl ceremony before. I think Army chaplains areimportant because they support Soldiers and their families in any-thing and everything that they do.”

Bates explained that the role of the corps in today’s Army is tominister to the spiritual and personal needs of the Army’s Soldiers,families and civilians.

“The corps started in a time of war and we continue in a time ofwar with the global war on terrorism,” he said. “One of our mottosis to bring Soldiers to God and that is always relevant. But it be-comes more intense in times of war because of all the stress, strain,turbulence and anxiety. We bring the peace and hope of God tothose individuals. We’ll always have a role.”

The role of the chaplain has evolved and matured in the yearssince 1775, said Ansbach’s family life chaplain, Chaplain (Maj.)Juan Crockett, an organizer of the event.

“We’re in forward thrust,” he said. “We have chaplains on thefront lines bringing ministry to the troops and doing the same at aidstations with last rites, prayers and sacraments. Each chaplain re-mains with their unit and as the unit moves forward, so does thechaplain and so does God – God is always with the Soldiers. It’s aministry of presence, and I think it brings a lot of comfort and sup-port to the Soldiers.”

Without that support and comfort, the Army would be missing alot, Crockett added.

“Without chaplains, we’d lose the religious, moral and ethicalfiber of the community we call our Army,” he said. “We’d lose thepresence of God and I think that, especially in times like these, Sol-diers and their families really need to know that God is with them.”

Just like every one else in the Army, though, the chaplains arefeeling the change that is sweeping through the U.S. military as ev-idenced by their holding an early ceremony – actual anniversary isJuly 19 – due to upcoming PCSs and deployments, Bates said.

“We have numerous chaplains and assistants who are leavingEurope and a few who are coming in – we’re basically drawingdown,” he said. “But wherever we go, our mission remains thesame and wherever we are we will continue to perform our ministryto look after the spiritual welfare of the people in our units and com-munities.”

Courtesy – Ansbach Tourism BureauCostumed actors dance at a previous Ansbach Rococo Festival as they representlife at the Margrave Residence during the 18th century. This year’s events take placeJune 30 to July 5.

Rhonda PodrazaChaplain (Maj.) Juan Crockett, USAG Ansbach familylife chaplain, right, passes non-alcoholic grog to Chap-lain (Col.) David Bates, USAG Franconia chaplain, dur-ing ceremonies marking the 231st anniversary of theU.S. Army Chaplain Corps May 25.

8 The Point, June 16, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach (Illesheim, Katterbach)

GoArmyEd briefingsKatterbach Education Center hosts weekly

GoArmyEd portal briefings. The half-hour brief-ings are at 3 p.m. Mondays and at 11:45 a.m. Tues-days at the education center (building 5818) room214 on Katterbach. For more information, call467-2817 or 09802-832-817.

VA benefitsThe Army Career and Alumni Program offers

Veterans Affairs benefits briefings June 28, Aug.9 and Sept. 6 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in BismarckKaserne theater. For more information or to signup, call Clare Sowinski at 467-3312 or 09802-833-312.

Primo’s grand openingThe grand opening of Primo’s Express in the

Illesheim Bowling Center is June 21 from 8 a.m.to 3 p.m. Primo’s menu will feature pizza, calzone,hot and cold panini, salads, wings and more. Formore information, call 467-4530 or 09841-83-4530.

New customs hoursStarting July 1, the U.S. Forces Customs Office

will open Mon-Fri from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The of-fice is closed on American holidays. For more in-formation, call Rick Moderie at 468-7842 or 0981-183-842.

Summer readingPaws, Claws, Scales and Tales is the theme for

the free summer reading programs at Bleidornand Illesheim libraries. The program is availablefor school-aged children every Wednesday from10 to 11 a.m. between July 5 and Aug. 9. For moreinformation, call Bleidorn library at 468-1740 or0981-183-1740, or Illesheim library at 467-4675 or09841-83-675.

Vacation Bible SchoolKatterbach and Illesheim chapels host Vaca-

tion Bible School with a fiesta theme. KatterbachVBS is June 26-30. For more information, to signup or to volunteer, e-mail Taynna Cabrera at cabr-era1998@yahoo.com. Illesheim VBS is July 17-21.For more information, to sign up or to volunteer,call Kari Jablonski at 09841-83-4555 during theday or 09841-685-394 during the evening.

Eddie’s hoursEddie’s Restaurant on Bismarck Kaserne is

open Mon-Fri from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 9p.m., is closed on Saturdays, and open Sundaysfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

Military OneSourceMilitary OneSource’s transition to its re-

designed Website is complete. One new feature isa streaming video file giving users an orientationand overview of Military OneSource services.The video provides a three-minute clip on avail-able benefits through Military OneSource, includ-ing who is eligible, how to access and use the pro-gram, and what services are available. To accessthe Military OneSource orientation, go tohttp://militaryonesource.com. Go to Search andDecision Tools, and select More. At the centerpage under the heading select Video Tips and Mil-itary OneSource Orientation.

Canoe rentalsRent a canoe at Outdoor Recreation facilities

in Katterbach and Illesheim. For more informa-tion on other offers or to reserve equipment, call467-3225 or 09802-83-3225 in Katterbach, or 467-4290 or 09841-83-4290 in Illesheim.

Horse riding lessonsSKIES Unlimited offers horseback riding

lessons for USAG Ansbach youth Wed, Thu, and

Fri at Frau Tuscher’s Stables in Uttenhofen. Costis $50 a month and youth will learn about basichorse equipment and care, proper behavioraround animals and the English-style riding tech-nique. For more information call SKIES Unlim-ited at 467-4703 or 09841-83-4703.

Take a tripTake a hike in Austria with Outdoor Recre-

ation June 24-25, and/or see the best of Italy June30 to July 5. For more information, call 467-3225or 09802-83-3225.

Garrison Roundup The Point, June 16, 2006 11

USAG Ansbach

Substance abuse educationAccording to Army regulations, all civilian em-

ployees are required to have three hours of sub-stance abuse prevention education each year.Anyone interested in scheduling alcohol or drugabuse education should call the ASAP Office at351-4309. They can also bring the briefing to youroffice.

Boy Scouts need leadersLeaders are needed in local Boy Scout pro-

grams. Boy Scout leaders must be 18 years old. Ex-perience is not necessary, training will be provided.Contacts are: Cub Scouts: (ages 7-10) – StephanieFiochetta at sfiochetta@yahoo.com or 0930-698-1294; Boy Scouts (ages 10–17) and Venturing (forboys and girls ages 14–20) contact Jo Anne Bakerat jo.baker@us.army.mil or 0931-404 3122.

Girl Scouts seek volunteersLocal Girl Scouts are looking for troop leaders

and co-leaders, and management team members,including: treasurer, secretary, event committeechairperson and recruiter. They are looking foroccasional volunteers for events and trips andsubject-matter experts for training and badgework. Training is provided for all positions. Menvolunteers are also welcome.

Contact the Girl Scouts at 350-6510/6662 or0931-889-6510/6662 or e-mail: worldscouts@yahoo.com

Donate used clothingThe Leighton Chapel has a collection point for

used clothing and household goods. All donationsgo to a distribution point in Romania. Contact theFamily life center, 350-1570, for more details.

VOQ nominations dueThe deadline is June 23 for nominations for the

April/May/June volunteer of the quarter. Sendnomination packets to wendy.lakso@cmtymail.

98asg.army.mil. For more information call ArmyCommunity Service at 350-7103 or 0931-889-7103.

FLC counselingAt the garrison commander’s request, the fol-

lowing counseling programs can be arrangedthrough the Family Life Center, Chaplain DallasWalker, 350-7273 or 0931-889-7273. Counselingcan be arranged on an individual basis.

Intervention programs include: crisis interven-tion, rear detachment assistance, abuse counsel-ing, grief counseling, and marriage/family ther-apy. Prevention programs include: reintegra-tion/reunion briefings, premarital/marriagecounseling, parenting/communication skills, sui-cide awareness training, conflict resolution train-ing.

Enrichment programs include: parenting sup-port group, singlee Parents and dual military fam-ily, and stress management training.

For chaplain services, contact Chaplain Robin-son, 350-1570 or 0931-889-1570. Marriage coun-seling is available by appointment.

Instructors wantedHave an interest or hobby? Enjoy teaching

others? Join the movement of SKIES Unlimited.CYS is currently looking for instructors to startnew programs in the SKIES Unlimited family.ALL ideas are welcome.

In addition, instructors are needed to establishprograms, such as: LEAP- Learn Early AcquiresProficiency (3-5 year old), fine arts; dance (balletor other); music – piano, drums, guitar, singing;cooking; SAT/CAT preparatory courses; outdoorrecreation programs – and more.

Call Brian Eve or Anthony Hightower, 355-3222 or 09321-702-3222.

USAG Franconia

Leadership changeCommand Sgt. Maj.

John Fortune replacedCommand Sgt. Maj.John Calpena as the topenlisted Soldier in the2nd Brigade CombatTeam in a change of re-sponsibility on ConnBarracks June 7. For-tune entered active dutyin 1980 following servicein the Georgia NationalGuard and most re-cently served in the 1stSquadron, 4th U.S. Cav-

alry. A two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, For-tune has deployed to Iraq, Bosnia, Macedonia,and Kosovo. He and his wife, Janet, have onedaughter and two granddaughters.

ThundHERstruck performsUSAG Schweinfurt Morale, Welfare, and

Recreation presents an outdoor fest on LedwardBarracks outside the Café Rohr, building 224,June 19 at 5 p.m. ThundHERstruck, an all-girlAC/DC cover band, will perform rain or shine.Valid photo ID is required for entry. For more in-formation call 354-6715 or 09721-966715.

Scrapbooking workshopThe Schweinfurt crafts studio holds a scrap-

booking workshop on Ledward Barracks, build-ing 203, June 21. Professional scrapbooker Char-ity Alva with share tips, tricks, and new techniquesfor making your own scrapbooks. Cost is $10 plusmaterials. You must register in advance. For moreinformation, call 354-6903 or 09721-966903.

Saturday SAS SpecialUSAG Schweinfurt’s School Age Services

(SAS) opens the third Saturday each month forthree hours of hourly care. Each month childrenwill explore a different theme. Care is $3 per hour.Space is limited, so reserve a slot in advance. Formore information, call 354-6974 or 09721-82181.

FRG roundtable meetsArmy Community Services Center’s next Fam-

ily Readiness Group (FRG) roundtable is in theYellow Ribbon Room on Ledward Barracks,building 230, June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Developyour FRG leadership skills and share ideas withother FRG leaders. For more information or toRSVP, call 354-6751 or 09721-966751.

Something special for dadKessler Bowling Center offers a Father’s Day

bowling special June 18, when dads and kids bowlfree from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information,call 354-6332 or 09721-83391.

USO visits Karlovy VaryThe USAG Schweinfurt USO offers a trip to

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, June 24. Bus de-parts from building 224, Ledward Barracks, at 6a.m. Visit one of Czech’s crystal capitals. A pass-port is required, and cost is $35 per seat. Space islimited, so reserve a spot today. For more infor-mation, call 354-6711 or 09721-966711.

Paintball Family DayThe USAG Schweinfurt Outdoor Recreation

group is holding a paintball family day on theConn Barracks paintball course June 25 from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Equipment rental and field fees willbe at 50 percent cost. Paintball markers will be setto a lower velocity, and a climbing wall and inflat-able obstacle course will be available for childrenas well. For more information, call 353-8080 or09721-968080.

USAG Schweinfurt

Play paintball, rent equipmentBamberg Community Activity Center’s (CAC)

paintball season is open. The CAC offers pack-ages for units and groups. All necessary equip-ment such as paintball guns, protection, paintballsand CO-2 tanks are included in packages. Out-door equipment is also available at the CAC, rentcanoes and kayaks, barbecue grills, party tablesand benches, tents and sleeping bags and more. Toreserve the paintball range or get rental informa-tion, call 469-8659 or 0951-300-8659.

Commissary closureThe Bamberg Commissary will be closed June

21 for an annual training day.

Go sightseeing, shoppingTake a trip with the community activity center

in June and July. Head to Venice June 30 throughJuly 2. Bring the children to Geiselwind Fun ParkJuly 8, take a tour under Bamberg July 13 and go

shopping in Poland July 15. Take advantage offree transportation to Munich July 15 and to theKlaushof animal park July 19. Visit Nuernberg’szoo July 22 and go canoeing July 29. For more in-formation, call 469-8659 or 0951-300-8659.

Become FRG sponsorLearn about Family Readiness Group sponsor-

ship, regulations and get tips on how to be a goodsponsor in a training offered June 28 from 9 to11:30 a.m. at ACS. For more information, call 469-7777 or 0951-300-7777.

Grill steak with dadGrill a steak with dad at the Warner Club June

18 starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy a buffet with bakedpotatoes, salads and choose from five differentkinds of steaks. Prices range from $9.90 to $20 de-pending on steak choice and includes a free ice teaor lemonade. Reservation is required. To reservea table, call 469-7596 or 0951-300-7596.

Enjoy country jam nightJoin in the Country night jam session at the

Warner Club June 25 from 2 to 10 p.m. Watch aline-dancing show. Or bring an instrument to playalong. Enjoy fresh food to order from the WarnerClub menu. Admission is free. For more informa-tion, call 469-7596 or 0951-300-7596.

Make German friendsCommunity members are invited to attend the

Bamberg German-American KONTAKT clubmeetings every first and second Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. The meeting is held at the club houselocated on the Breitenau Airfield. The KontaktClub is an outlet to make host nation friends,learn more about the German culture and practice German.

All Soldiers, family members or civilians whowish to attend should contact Capt. Daniel Mey-ers at 469-7489 or 0951-300-7489.

USAG Bamberg

Jim HughesPaws, Claws, Scales, TalesBleidorn and Illesheim libraries host summer reading programs Wednesdays from10 to 11 a.m., July 5-Aug. 9.

CSM John Fortune

Spc. Stephen BaackLt. Col. Paul Daniels, 4th Battalion, 319th FieldArtillery Regiment commander, and Master SergeantLorenzo Wallace unfurl the colors of the regimentunder the 173rd Airborne Brigade on Summerall FieldJune 8.

Renate Bohlen

Soldiers share in German culture, traditions

12 The Point, June 16, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Bamberg

Library staff fosters reading, travel adventuresby Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Let your imagination run wild by taking part in the Bamberg Library’s Summer Reading Pro-gram.

Under the theme “Paws, Claws, Scales andTales,” children will explore the world of animals,both real and imaginary, by reading books and tak-ing field trips.

“It’s an exciting, fun and interactive programthat promotes reading during the summer to keepchildren’s minds active,” said Karen Lazzeri,director of library services.

The Summer Reading Program runs from June28 through July 26 and is for children ages 2 to 12years old. Registration will take place at the library

June 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patrons canenjoy complimentary food and beverages whileregistering.

“By participating in extracurricular activities,children get hands on experience which can reallyboost their interest in reading,” Lazzeri said. “

Registered readers will travel to local attractionsdesigned to enrich their summer reading list. Thelibrary provides free transportation and entrancefees are paid by participants.

Accompanied by parents, students will visit acastle in Tambach July 5. Children who want to getup close to a life-size pirate ship will enjoy adven-tures at Play Mobil Park July 12.

See the wild animals and watch a dolphin showat Nuernberg’s zoo July 19. The summer reading

program’s award ceremony will be held at thelibrary July 26.

Lazzeri noted student participants must read atleast 15 books in order to receive a certificate. Spe-cific details on what books should be read are at thelibrary. Children are also required to do a themeproject such as drawing a picture or creating amodel. Information on the summer reading pro-gram can be found under www.http://www.library.ulinet.army.mil/summerreading2006.htm andwww.https://public.euromwr.army.mil/mwr_libraries.htm

“The summer can be long but if children areencouraged to read and participate in activities,they will grow up with an appreciation for booksand an insatiable desire to read,” Lazerri said.

by Cheryl BoujnidaThe Point

Mother Nature became the classroom teacher for nearly 550Bamberg Elementary School students during the eighth annualcelebration of Earth Day on Warner Barracks May 31.

After performing songs and skits with an environmentaltheme, children enjoyed time out of the classroom at EngineerLake. They planted a poplar tree and visited ecology boothswith hands-on displays and activities. A lilac bush was alsoplanted in memory of Janet Austin, a long-time communitymember and civilian employee, who succumbed to cancer inMay.

“Our message is awareness,” said Dr. Delome Greenwald-Schmitt, gifted education teacher and event organizer. “Takingcare of our earth’s natural resources is vital to our existence andsurvival.”

Greenwald-Schmitt annually coordinates Earth Day activi-ties with the Department of Public Works environmental officeto bring students in direct contact with nature. She stressedteaching students about the importance of nature serves themwell.

“Being sensitive to the fragileness of nature makes us morecareful and sensitive to our interconnectedness with our world– we are the earth and the earth is our home.”

Earth Day has been celebrated since 1970. It was conceivedby Senator Gaylord Nelson after a trip to Santa Barbara, Calif.,to see oil spill damage in 1969. After seeing the devastation,Nelson returned to Washington and worked to pass the bill thatdesignates April 22 as a national day to celebrate the earth.

Dr. Konrad Albert, DPW environmental specialist, saidBamberg’s Earth Day shows students that there are many waysto protect Mother Nature.

“One way we can protect our natural resources is to reduceour consumption of energy by using environmentally friendlysolar energy,” Albert said. “Students were able to see how asolar energy stove operated, which is used to cook meals inAfrica’s Sahel region.”

Albert said the children learned where Bamberg’s drinkingwater comes from and the necessary measures to keep it cleanand healthy.

“Earth Day exposes students to nature – it’s a positive learn-ing experience since the activities promote discovery. Manycome to realize nature is exciting and diversified,” he said.

The DPW environmental staff has made many improve-ments to the Engineer Lake area over the past five years.

“For those who want to experience Mother Nature, there isan aroma garden with flowering plants and seasonal herbs; anature trail with informational signs on native plants, animalsand ecosystems; an Achilles water pump; a sensory trail andseveral musical instruments made from natural materials. It’s awonderful place to observe nature up close,” Albert said.

Student, Taje Coates, 12, enjoyed being outside in the greatoutdoors. She said she helps the earth by recycling regularly.

“Celebrating earth is a good idea since we all can make it abetter place to live by working together,” she said.

Cheryl BoujnidaLt. Col. Mark Gatto, USAG Bamberg commander,plants a lilac bush in honor of Janet Austin as KristenHaener looks on.

Troops battalionstands up, 1-33 FAre-designatesby Spc. Stephen Baack1st Infantry Division PAO

During a two-part ceremony at Warner Barracks June 8, oneunit re-designated to become the Army’s newest airborne fieldartillery battalion and another was activated for the first time.

The 1st Battalion, 33rd Field Artillery Regiment re-desig-nated as the 4th Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment thatafternoon alongside the official activation of the 173rd Air-borne Brigade’s Special Troops Battalion.

Brig Gen. Peter J. Palmer, 1st Infantry Division’s assistantdivision commander for support, was the keynote speaker forthe event.

“On the parade field today you see a direct connectionbetween two distinct eras for these two units many Soldierswho were wearing the Big Red One shoulder sleeve insigniaare now wearing the Sky Soldier patch on their left shoulders,”Palmer said. “Today I want to recognize the Soldiers and fam-ilies of these great units for their tireless efforts over the lastyear to set the conditions for the activation of the newest air-borne field artillery battalion and brigade special troops battal-ion in the Army.”

“Despite the challenges of standing down their own 1st Bat-talion, 33rd Field Artillery and readying themselves for thenext chapters in their own careers, MLRS crewmen, fire direc-tion Soldiers, mechanics, supply sergeants, and a myriad ofothers worked diligently to prepare equipment and facilities forthe Soldiers of the 4-319th Field Artillery,” Palmer continued.“Though over 300 Soldiers were preparing to move their ownfamilies to their next duty stations, they have energeticallysponsored newly arriving Soldiers and their families and wereinstrumental in hosting a hugely popular quality of life visitfrom Italy.”

Palmer noted how impressed he was that the Soldiers of 1-33rd FA not only retrained in their core competencies, turnedin thousands of pieces of equipment, supported the Global Waron Terror and community missions, deployed a radar section toAfghanistan, fired numerous salute missions in support of theDivision, and moved from one end of Warner Barracks to theother, but also made time to make the transition of 4-319thField Artillery a smooth one.

Commanders of 4-319th FA and the Brigade Special TroopsBattalion, Lt. Col. Paul Daniels and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Milhornrespectively, also spoke at the ceremony.

“To the Soldiers, noncommissioned officers, officers, firstsergeants and battery commanders, I want to thank you for sim-ply doing it all,” Daniels said. “Too numerous to list here,your feats have exceeded my expectations in every regard –you’ve made me proud and humble to be your commander.”

Milhorn thanked the Soldiers and families who helped standup the battalion and remarked that he is now, like his fatherbefore him as a commander in Vietnam, proudly wearing apatch of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Students enjoy great outdoorsEarth Day observance heightens environmental awareness

Soldiers gather near the Bam-berg tourist center for a citywalking tour during German-American Friendship WeekMay 22-26. About 50 Soldierswere invited on the tour andto dinner at Altenburg Castle.Bamberg’s lord mayor tradi-tionally invites single Soldiersto take part in cultural activi-ties. At the County Commis-sioner’s Hall, Brig. Gen. PeterPalmer, 1st Infantry Divisionassistant division comman-der, spoke to about 150 peo-ple at the friendship event. Hestressed the importance ofGerman-American relationsand how they have evolved inthe past 60 years to allowboth nationalities to livetogether in an atmosphere ofcompanionship and mutualrespect.

14 The Point, June 16, 2006 U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

Dismount, Cavalry, and take to the sky.The 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry cased its colors in a cere-

mony on Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt June 8, and began a newera as the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry, the Army’s only light air-borne cavalry unit.

“Today is a chance to reflect upon 150 years of one unit’s war-fighting spirit from horseback to tank-turret,” said Brig. Gen. Pe-ter Palmer, 1st Infantry Division Assistant Commander (Sup-port), referring to the 1-4 Cavalry’s long and decorated history.

1-4 CAV was established in 1855, and has since become oneof the most highly decorated regiments in the Army, and has al-ways been a heavy cavalry unit. The 1-91 CAV mission is verydifferent.

“We have traded our helicopters, tanks, and Bradleys forwheeled vehicles, rucksacks, and parachutes,” said Lt. Col. ChrisKolenda, squadron commander.

The 1-91 Cavalry was Patton’s own, and its colors last flew in

World War II. They were uncased again, and represent a changeindicative of the Army’s recent transformations.

Soldiers standing in formation wore new maroon berets, sig-nifying the 1-91 CAV as airborne cavalry.

While some said they would miss the heavy machine aspectof the 1-4 CAV, others were ready to embrace their wings.

“I just love jumping out of airplanes and can’t wait to do itwith this new unit,” said Pfc. Preston Stone, who never got totrain on the heavy vehicles before arriving in Schweinfurt.

Palmer acknowledged the necessity of the change, as well asthe difficulty some face in making it.

“I imagine that your predecessors thought the transition wouldbe just as difficult, when asked to dismount their horses for thelast time more than 60 years ago,” he said.

In the end, it is the Soldier behind the flag that matters. Theultimate mission is the same, only the colors are new.

“(The colors) fly proudly before us today, once again ready tofight and win, once again ready to protect the freedom and dig-nity of mankind,” Kolenda said.

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

School is out, summer is here. What’s akid to do? How about SAS-A-Palooza?

School Age Services (SAS) has a sum-mer full of learning and adventure in storefor Schweinfurt’s elementary school ageyouth, and they’re calling it SAS-A-Palooza.

“We’re really excited about summercamp this year,” said Tomoko Gates, SASDirector.

Unlike previous summer camps, SAS-A-Palooza will run as two separate camps:first-, second-, and third-grade partici-pants will have one set of activites, apartfrom the fourth- and fifth-graders.

“The fourth and fifth grades need moreof a challenge. They’re going to middleschool soon, and they need to be more in-dependent. The activities for them aregeared more toward that goal,” Gates said.

All participants will take two field tripseach week: an all-day trip Tuesdays and ahalf-day Thursdays. Weekly themes willbe explored, and Fridays, after lunch, thechildren will do small presentations re-lated to the theme.

“Parents are invited to come and see thepresentations. The kids love to share whatthey’ve done. They look forward to it,”said Gates.

But what Gates is really looking for-ward to are the overnight camps.

“We are planning an indoor ‘camp-out’for the younger children, but the oldergroup is actually going on a two-night tripat a German camp ground,” she said.

“When I was younger, they didn’t dothis. I think it’s great. I want to go, too,”said Diana Choudhri, who attended agroup orientation June 1.

Registration for SAS-A-Palooza re-quires parents fill out a packet and attend abrief orientation. Children must be regis-tered with Child and Youth Services(CYS) prior to registering with SAS. CYSwill also determine fees for SAS-A-Palooza based on household income.

Enrollment in summer camp will behandled on a week-to-week basis. Fees areall-inclusive, and care is available from5:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Payment isdue the Thursday prior to guarantee en-rollment for the next week.

“That way, parents don’t have to worryabout paying for a week when the child

can’t come,” said Gates.For more information, call SAS at 354-

6974 or 09721-82181.

Experts give kids deployment lessonsby Mark HeeterThe Point

From squeezing Meals, Ready to Eat, to donning protective bodyarmor and getting their scrapes and bruises treated by Army medics,students from Schweinfurt Elementary School learned some speciallessons May 31 and June 1.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, spent twodays with the children, discussing Army life and deployments toIraq.

“It’s important to remind our young people of the job their par-ents do for our nation and our community,” said Col. J.B. Burton,commander of the 2nd Brigade.

After talking with the children and introducing what he called“real heroes,” Burton turned over the program to the Soldiers, whohad set up equipment and information displays both inside and out-side the school.

While some children climbed in a High-Mobility MultipurposeWheeled Vehicle, others discussed life and culture in Iraq with Sol-diers who had been there.

“We want them to be more aware of the Iraqi lifestyle, geogra-phy, history, culture,” said Bill Fisk, school counselor, naming oneof the three main goals he had for the program.

In addition to familiarizing the children with Soldiers’ equipmentand uniforms, Fisk also hoped the kids would come away with a bet-ter understanding of day-to-day life for a deployed Soldier.

“This information will now set them up to dialogue with theirparents about things they might have been reluctant to talk about,”Burton said.

For the Soldiers presenting the information, their message to the

children was simple.“They’ll know that kids in Iraq are just like kids here. They play,

they have fun, they get sick,” said Pfc. Terry Self, a medic withHeadquarters and Headquarters Battery.

“They have to work very hard – harder than I thought they hadto,” said fifth-grader Darien Larson at the end of his class’s visitwith the Soldiers.

The students had lessons in school about Iraq and deploy-ments leading up to the Soldiers’ visits, and were set to continuetheir studies afterward as well, according to Fisk.

SAS plans a summer of fun

by Kimberly GearhartThe Point

Paper, plastics, glass, and orange peels – what do they havein common?

Third- and fourth-graders from Schweinfurt ElementarySchool (SES) can tell you; they are all recyclable.

SES students participated in Environmental Awareness Dayat the recycling center on Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt May31. Issues such as recycling, forest conservation, and fire pre-vention were discussed in a fun and interactive format.

“We want to promote environmental awareness in the chil-dren. Whatever you do in your daily activities affects the envi-ronment,” said Lothar Rueckert, Environmental Division Chiefwith Schweinfurt’s Directorate of Public Works, and sponsor ofthe day’s events.

Students learned that the food they throw away each day canbe composted, and made into new soil.

“You like chocolate? The plants like compost,” said PaulLudwig, who works for the city of Schweinfurt. Ludwig helpedthe children plant marigolds using composted soil.

Students visited eight stations throughout the day, each de-voted to a topic such as composting, paper recycling, and plas-tics and glass.

“We go through a bag of trash, and ask what they would dowith it, what they could recycle the trash into. They’re prettysmart. They know what’s going on,” said Fred Posey, Schwe-infurt’s Separate or Recycle Trash (SORT) coordinator.

Participants learned the “ABC’s of Recycling” with CathyLegasse, SES teacher. She took the students through an alpha-bet of tips, such as “K is for Keep it Clean,” and asked studentsto think of a recyclable item for each letter.

Local Forest Master Christoph Spiekermann discussed thebiodiversity of the Schweinfurt area’s forests, and demon-strated how his office measures trees on a volunteer “kid tree.”

Afterward, children got to help with the finishing touches ofplanting apple trees, applying mulch around their bases.

“Mulch protects the water in the ground, keeps it constant,and helps the tree grow strong,” said Nicholdas Badum, whotends trees and grounds around post.

For Rueckert, the message of the day was “awareness.”“The ultimate goal is for people to integrate environmental

considerations into their day-to-day lives,” he said.

Students learnon awareness day

1-4 CAV cases colors,becomes Airborne CAV

Mark Heeter

Lt. Col. Chris Kolenda, left, and Command Sgt. Maj.John Fortune case the 1st Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalrycolors for the final time.

Kimberly Gearhart

Schweinfurt Elementary students dig in to help mulcha newly-planted apple tree during environmentalawareness day May 31.

Mark Heeter

Sgt. Jonathan Coble allows a group of students toucha meal-ready to eat.

???

Diana Choudhri makes sure all herpaperwork is together while regis-tering her daughter for SAS-A-Palooza.

Mark Heeter

SCSC donatesto city animal parkSchweinfurt Lord Mayor Gudrun Grieser, right, presentstwo stuffed lynxes to Joanne Edwards, left, and MorissaBooker, members of the Schweinfurt Community Spouses’Club (SCSC), at the city animal park May 31. Edwards andBooker presented Grieser with a €1,000 donation on behalfof the SCSC, to be used toward the construction of a lynxhabitat in the animal park. In the 1960s, American Soldiersdonated to the city forestry office a wild boar, a “gift” thathas evolved over the years into the Schweinfurt animalpark, a popular spot with local Americans.

U.S. Army Garrison Franconia (Wuerzburg, Kitzingen, Giebelstadt) The Point, June 16, 2006 17

G-A Societyfrom page 1

“We are not political at all,” Zepke continued. “We have ouropinions, OK, but our basic interest is that we think Americais great. That’s true. America is a great country. It has its pos-itive and negative sides, but it’s just people like you and me.”

Kleeman said the early days were a bit stilted, and keepingAmericans interested was difficult.

“We had nice get-togethers downtown,” he said. “We had alot of Americans involved, but we just didn’t have the spec-trum of activities that we have now back then.

“The other thing we didn’t have was e-mail. Through e-mailwe’ve gone beyond Wuerzburg to the greater Bavarian regionto get people interested in what we’re doing. E-mail helped ustremendously. It’s a lot better than stuffing flyers into mail-boxes.”

“In the early days we had lectures,” added Zepke. “Ex-change professors would give talks. The international theaterfrom Vienna would come once a year, and that was about all.

“The lectures were dominated by the Wuerzburg Universitypeople from the English or American department. The theaterwas a main interest and we had very few social activities.”

Now, every American holiday the Society offers three-daytours. Over Memorial Day weekend they traveled to Freiburg (inthe Black Forest), Mulhouse, Belfort and Strasbourg, France.They’ve recently visited the Alsace, northern Bavaria, southernBavaria, northern Germany, Dresden, Meissen and Saxony.

The Society holds its Stammtisch the first Thursday of everymonth in Gerbrunn in the Casteller Hof. There they talk aboutupcoming activities, such as the annual wine tasting in theWuerzburg Residenz wine cellar, or the Society’s medieval din-ner, or the pre-Christmas goose dinner that sells out quicklyevery year.

“Two years ago we started an annual exhibition on Americanhistory in the Volkshochschule,” Zepke said. “The first wasabout American explorers Lewis and Clark during the bicenten-nial celebration of their trek West. Last year we had the GreatTrails West, the Oregon Trail and things like that. This drew a lotof interest, especially on the German side. We had 200-plus stu-dents from Wuerzburg and the surrounding area take part. Itbrought American history to the students in a visual way.

“This year we’ll have a small exhibit on the Civil War. It’ssomething we do on the German side, to bring American historyto people,” Zepke added.

Americans will be missed“But when we lose the Americans things will become diffi-

cult. I could tell you everybody is sorry about it,” he continued.What do Germans say about Americans leaving the Franconia

area?

“It’s a pity,” Zepke said. “Why do they go?”“There’s not one German I’ve spoken with who said they’re

glad we’re leaving,” Kleeman added. “All our members, ofcourse, are pro-American. They like what we do. We are a veryactive and very popular society in this community; and very wellknown.”

“It’s sad for everybody that it’s closing down. We see the va-cant buildings in Skyline Housing Area, and on Faulenberg,where at one time it was thriving. And now, because of the re-structuring of the Army, we’re moving out of here.

“We’ll have to live with the withdrawal of the Army, but Ithink friendships have developed. There are friendships I knowabout that are (lifelong) friendships,” Zepke said.

“There are a lot of people, I think, who feel sorry, in a way, fordifferent interests – economic interests mostly – landlords, smallshops, bakeries. They say the Americans leaving is a small cata-strophe,” Zepke said.

“At our 25-year celebration I said let’s leave the politics outof this,” Kleeman said. “It’s a club and it’s friendship. I have beenvery active in establishing good relationships in this community.I’d like to pat myself on the back for that because we’ve done somuch together and it has always been the positive. Klaus has al-ways said that if I wouldn’t have taken the time that we wouldnot have had any American participation. So I encouraged peo-ple to get involved. I like to think that all the Americans that wehave had involved in our activities have had a positive experi-ence.

“I’ve worked hard to keep the Society going, but Klaus is themotor behind it,” Kleeman added.

A change in leadership is on the way.

“I will be retiring the end of October,” Kleeman said. “Sowhat we need are contact people in every school, all the wayto Hohenfels, because we have people involved from downthere. Vilseck and Ansbach, too. That’s what we want, contactpeople in every school.”

Zepke plans to pass the president’s gavel next year.The G-A Society is a chartered private organization that re-

ceives funding from the city of Wuerzburg for its activities. Italso relies on corporate sponsorship to subsidize many events.Annual dues are €15 for single or family memberships.

Great times, great relationsWhy is the Society important to the two leaders?“For me, it’s been a wonderful experience,” Kleeman said.

“I‘ve gained invaluable knowledge from all of my Germanfriends. I’ve seen more than I ever dreamed I would see, alongwith Klaus who has taken us to these places. I’ve learned moreGerman than I ever learned in any classroom setting at a uni-versity. I’ve kept up with politics through my friends. And Ihave memories for keeps.”For Zepke, his continuing interest in America fuels his fire.“I’ve always been interested in the United States. I was born

in 1933 and I was 12 years old when the Americans came. Forme, America was an exotic country and I didn’t know a thingabout it.

“It’s interesting – the American way of life and American his-tory,” he continued. “I thought, ‘How can I do something for peo-ple?’ and support it and further it. So that’s why I came into theSociety. I was an English teacher, as well. It was only later as ateacher and I taught about America and I discovered that I didn’tknow anything … except a lot of rubbish.

“That’s when you start breaking down the stereotypes. That’swhen we started going to the States and discovered it’s very dif-ferent from what the military is,” Zepke continued.

“That’s what we try to tell our “public” in the Society, thatAmericans are different from what they see at the Deutsch-Amerikanisch Volksfest or at the disco.

“So that’s what we’re doing – getting rid of prejudices, espe-cially one prejudice that’s prevalent in German society that saysAmericans are not civilized and have no culture,” he said.

“I think our relations are without any real problems, but wemust try to keep up the heritages – the traditions – and the inter-est in America. I don’t think this will be a problem because manymore people travel to the States now,” Zepke added.

Kleeman and his wife Shelly arrived in Germany in 1969. Hesaid they will have a difficult time leaving.

“There is such a sense of history here,” he said. “You’ll neversee a more beautiful bridge than the one here in Wuerzburg (dieAltemainbrueke). It’s a beautiful city and a beautiful place to be.I’m going to have a real tough time leaving.”

American education era ends in KitzingenIntermediate School closeswith scholastic flairby Larry ReillyThe Point

As school buses arrived in front of the Kitzingen IntermediateSchool on Marshall Heights June 9 at 2:45 p.m., bus drivers weregreeted by more than one hundred children and adults cheeringand waving flags.

Not only was it the last day of school; it was the last time anyschool bus would stop in front of the Intermediate and KitzingenElementary Schools.

Both schools are targeted to close for good this summer.The cheering of the buses was part of the intermediate

school’s closing ceremony, which included an indoor ceremonyand an outdoor retreat ceremony to officially retire the schools’American flag.

“Over the past 50 years, thousands of children have come toour Kitzingen schools where they have learned, grown andplayed,” said Crystal Bailey, Kitzingen Intermediate School as-sistant principal. “Over these many years, Kitzingen schoolshave included many different configurations from classes atSulzfeld, Larson Barracks and various buildings on MarshallHeights.”

Bailey talked about a half dozen teachers who taught at theschool for more than 20 years.

“I came here only to teach for two years. And when I arrived,I asked myself if I was making a mistake taking this job,” saidAllen Archie, the school’s gym teacher. “That was 22 years agoand the answer to that question was and is a resounding NO.”

Other teachers talked about their tenure and agreed it was notonly the great teaching environment at the school, it was also thewonderful community in which the school was located.

“Not only have I established many American friendships overthe years my family and I have been here, I have also establishedmany friendships with my German neighbors,” Archie said.

Community leaders and unit commanders talked about the im-pact Kitzingen schools have had on the children and, in a gestureof respect and formality, Soldiers from 17th Signal Battalionconducted a retreat ceremony and presented the school’s flag tothe students.

“The flag will be retired with other school artifacts,” said Bai-ley

Students had the chance to express their gratitude throughpoems and songs they shared with the audience that included notonly their teachers and peers, but their parents. But the biggestshow of gratitude the students expressed was the flag-waving re-ception for their bus drivers.

“It was fun having a celebration and waving in the buses onthe last day of school,” said fifth grader Kysa Jacobs. ”I feellucky to be part of the last graduating fifth grade class of KIS.”

Larry Reilly (3)Waving the buses in for their final stop, Kitzingen Intermediate School students and teachers say goodbye totheir school.

Fourth graders act out a skit during indoor farewell ac-tivities. Many expressed genuine affection for theschool and the surrounding community.

Soldiers from the 17th Signal Battalion perform a re-treat ceremony before presenting the school’s flag tostudents. It will be retired with other school artifacts.

Klaus Zepke Gary Kleeman

Sports The Point, June 16, 2006 19

by Roger TeelThe Point

From the booming cannon blast at the start of the day, to theclosing comments and tombala (prize drawing) that ended fes-tivities, the Community Farewell Golf Tournament at Golf ClubKitzingen June 5 was appreciated by all involved.

Kitzingen Mayor Franz Boehm even stopped by with five areawine princesses to add a bit of culture and to say goodbye.

Back in the mid-1950s, American Soldiers established thefirst golf course in the area on Larson Barracks. Army engineerssculpted a nine-hole layout around a Hawk missile site as a placefor Soldiers to work on their games. Things were Spartan backthen; there was no clubhouse, just a small shack and a metal boxwhere green fees were paid using the honor system.

As the course and golf operations evolved, aided by the factthat Larson Barracks was an “open installation” at the time, lo-cals became interested in the game. American golfers invitedlocal Germans to be part of the golf club, which eventually ledto the German club being officially founded in 1980.

From the beginning, Germans and Americans have sharedgolf and friendship on Larson Barracks.

“American golfers will always be welcome to play here asfriends,” club president Alfred Krug said to the 108 golfers in thetournament field. He added that the club will continue to makeprovisions for American golfers living in the area to be membersof the club.

Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hunzeker, 1st Infantry Division comman-der, addressed German-American relations at the golf course bysaying, “We have always treated each other with kindness and re-spect, as golfing friends should.

“You don’t have to look hard to see what our German friendshave done here,” he continued. “The course is in fantastic shape!”

Army transformation is impacting on golf course operations,and, according to Krug, the club must constantly assess its op-tions, always with an eye to the future.

A temporary private entrance through the local neighborhoodopened this year in order to skirt post security measures. Clubmembership must also address the issue of building a new club-house which may become necessary once Larson Barracks andthe building that now serves as the clubhouse is turned over tothe German government later this year.

Hunzeker, Krug, Dallas Homas and their ringer, Marcus Fair,shot an amazing 16 under par to win the scramble tournament.The team of Richard Duck, John Schwartz, Gerald O’Connorand Jason Fees shot 12 under to take second place. Three teamstied for third at 11 under par.

Longest drive for women went to Janine Ward. MarianneMiller won the women’s closest to the hole prize. ChrisRichelderfer slammed the men’s longest drive, while “Doc”Brewster hit the men’s closest shot of the day.

Stephen Thomas (2)The international flair of Golf Club Kitzingen is represented by the team of Bob Zaal (of German-American de-scent), Urschi Regus-Zaal (German), Kenneth Beal (Canadian), and Rodney Westbrook (from Texas).

D-Day run funfor entire familyby Kimberly GearhartThe Point

This year’s D-Day didn’t hold any surprises for the residentsof Normandy, but the streets of Schweinfurt were stormed bythis year’s D-Day Fun Run participants.

Thirty-five adults and seven children ran the streets for funand fitness starting at the Kessler Fitness Center in SchweinfurtJune 3.

Adult participants ran a 10-kilometer course; children hadshorter 2-, 3-, and 5-K courses from which to choose.

The first- and second-place winners in three adult age divi-sions were awarded trophies in both men’s and women’sgroups.

The men’s 18-29 competition went to Alex Newson, withMarco Presiga taking second place less than two minutes later.

Nearly the same gap separated the Women’s 18-25 group’sfirst-place winner, Amanda Newsom, and second-place LezlyeSlammer.

Edward Clark was followed by Cristino Moreno in the 30-39 age bracket, and Adam Wojack took first ahead of RonnyBigham in the 40 and above competition.

Laura McManus and Karin Cravener ran in with first-andsecond-place positions in the women’s 26-32 group.

Rounding out the day, Melissa Wetzel took first in thewomen’s 33-39 year competition, and Cheryl Ray came in sec-ond. All seven children placed, ending finishing their D-Dayfun with a smile and a trophy.

Community farewell tournamentbrings closure to Kitzingen

Kimberly GearhartYouth runners in Schweinfurt’s D-Day Fun Run takeoff from Kessler Fitness Center June 3.

Dallas Homas, KenHunzeker, MarcusFair and AlfredKrug shot 16 underpar to win the tour-nament.

Tee off at tourneyBamberg Whispering Pines Golf Course will host the two

man best ball tournament July 1 at 9 a.m. Awards will be givento first, second and third place winners and to the those with thelongest drive and closest to the pin. Registration fee is $30 andincludes a barbecue meal. Sign up at the Bamberg golf pro shopor call 469-8953 or 0951-300-8953.

Run on Independence DayBeat feet in a 5-10 kilometer Independence Day run starting

at Bamberg’s Pendleton Field July 4 at 10 a.m. The run is opento men, women and children; Men’s and Women’s divisionswill be ages 17 and under, 18-29, 30-44, 45 and over. Registerthe same day from 8-9:30 a.m. Cost is $5. Trophies will beawarded to 10k first place and runner-up. Medallions will beawarded to 5K runners. For more information, contact Free-dom Fitness Facility staff at 469-8890 or 0951-300-8890.

World CupFrom page 1

Group CArgentina enters this year’s Cup as an emerging

monster, not unlike Brazil (the official “Football Mon-ster”). Winning two titles in the last three tournaments,Argentina owns an unthinkable 12-year unbeaten streakat home. They also have a rising megastar of football:Lionel Messi, who helped win the World Youth Cham-pionship as top scorer and star player. He also has mygrandpa’s first name.

Throw Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) alongsideEcuador as a Cinderella. Their entry in the tournamenthas been called “divine qualification” by Ivorians. Ral-lying after the death of their assistant coach, they wona crucial match against Sudan to gain their first-everspot in the World Cup. Their supreme striker isChelsea’s Didier Drogba, who scored nine goals in thequalifying games. The Ivorians not only play for vic-tory, but for peace. In a land rife with political turmoil,success could mean much more for this country thanmost others, as Drogba offers, “Let us come togetherand put this war behind us.” On a final note, the teamhas achieved 6-0 victories three times in their history, arecord in World Football.

Serbia and Montenegro enters the tournamentsomewhat hot, having won six and drawn four of their10 qualifying games – one of eight teams to enter un-defeated. They also boast one of the most dominant de-fensive lines in Europe, giving up just one goal in thosesame 10 games.

I imagine The Netherlands would like the 70’s toreturn. Runners-up in ‘74 and ‘78, they wait and pinefor similar success. Always a threat, their coach Marcovan Basten has said they’d have to be at their very bestto even have a “fair chance” this year, feeling the teamsuffers from inexperience. Regardless, their countrymotto states, “I will maintain.”

Group D:Since 2005, Mexico has been in the top five of the

FIFA world rankings, and the top 10 several years priorto that. They’ve qualified for the World Cup 12 times,a number superior to super powers France and England.Virtually anything coming out of South America islethal and hot. So head for the hills, mild salsa eaters!

This year Iran boasts their best team in their coun-try’s history. Their player to watch is Ali Karimi, theAsia Cup player of the year.

I hope Angola does well, if only to yell the follow-ing pun: An-goal-a! Making their debut appearanceafter 21 years of competing for a spot in the World Cup,their star player, Akwa, expressed his pride when hesaid, “We have proved that Angola is not just about oil,war, and poverty.”

If Portugal were cowboys in the old west, they’dswing through the saloon doors with guns a-blazing. Intheir 12 qualifying matches they’ve won nine gamesand scored more goals than any other European team(35 goals scored). This is Portugal’s fourth appearance,having made it to the semi-finals in England in ‘66.Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably their most gifted on thewing, while Pauleta’s 11 goals in qualifying games puthim at the top of the continental scorers chart.Group E:

Italy strides in wearing their fine Italian slacks as amember of the World Cup Hat Trick Club: having wonon home soil in 1934, then again in France four yearslater, then, after a rest, won it again in Spain ‘82. Thisis their 15th World Cup appearance.

Ghana has won four African Cup of Nations titles,has twice bagged the FIFA Under-17 World Champi-onship, but failed to earn a berth in the World Cup untilthis year. The team is lead by captain Appiah,Chelsea’s Michael Essien, and young phenom PrinceTogo, who has scored 70 goals in the last three seasonsand has been coined “Prince of Goals”.

How is the old U.S.A. team, anyway? Well, in thefirst-ever World Cup in 1930, we made it to the semi-finals. Then came a path of utter non-participation (wefailed to qualify from 1950 to 1990; we were busy play-ing baseball). Now with four qualifications in a row,getting as far as the quarter-finals in Korea/Japan 2002(losing to – you guessed it – Germany), the red, whiteand blue are on the up-and-up! Bruce Arena’s club is

led by midfielders Landon Donovan and John O’Brien,who’s making a comeback from a debilitating injury.The youngest player in World Cup history is 17-yearold Freddy Adu (his 17th birthday was the week beforethe Cup started). Arena describes Adu as, “a playerwho can go around a defender by himself.” Amaz-ingly, Freddy is no stranger to the spotlight. At 14 hewas the youngest pro athlete in U.S. history when hetook the field in a Major League Soccer game.

If there was a second band of cowboys crashing intothe same saloon behind Portugal, it would be the CzechRepublic. Their attacking style was rewarded with topteam scorers in European qualifying. Their star, Jan.Koller, was right behind Portugal’s Pauleta with ninegoals during qualifying. They’ve reached the WorldCup eight times, getting to the finals in ‘34 where theylost to Italy, whose slacks were more expensive andshiny.

Group F:Take a bow, Brazil! After an incredulous five World

Cup championships, appearances in the last three finals,the only team to qualify for every single World Cup, andscoring more goals (35) and conceding fewer goals (17)than any other team in qualifying, you must be ex-hausted! They come equipped with living football leg-ends Ronaldhini and Ronaldo. Ronaldo looks to becomethe leading scorer in the history of the World Cup thissummer. They are, without question, the team to beat.

As teenagers in 1987, Croatia won the World YouthChampionship. Eleven years later, the same playersshone brightly for Croatia in the World Cup in France.They all return this summer, alongside the coach’s son,Niko Kranjcar, who’s the team’s rising star.

There’s only one word more fun to say than, “soc-cer”, and that’s ”socceroos.” Australia has finallymade it back to the World Cup after a 32-year absence;their last appearance was in Germany in ‘74.

Closing the group, Japan flies into Germany havingtasted football’s sweetest victory at home in 2002.

Group G:France has more than a few bragging rights in the

world of football. The first goal ever scored in the WorldCup was by Lucien Laurent, a Frenchman. The most

goals ever scored in the finals were by a Frenchman in1958, Just Fontaine. And the actual trophy is namedafter the Frenchman Jules Rimet. Then there’s the ac-tual playing field, where they are one of two teams thathave taken part of every qualifying competition, andhave played in 11 out of a possible 17 finals (winning itall in ‘98 on home soil). Mega star Zinedine Zidane,voted European and World Player of the Year on threeoccasions, has said he’ll retire after the tournament.

Switzerland made the cut after failing to do so thelast two tournaments. Young guns Barnetta andSenderos claimed UEFA European U-17 Champi-onship honors in 2002. The Republic of Korea com-peted in every tournament since 1986, with a semi-fi-nals appearance on home soil in 2002. In Germany theylook to advance to their sixth consecutive finals ap-pearance.

The tiny African country of Togo is in the mix. A re-markable 7-1 qualifying campaign has Togolese coun-trymen crying tears of joy. Lead by score-crazy strikerAdebayor, their chances may be slim, but they’rechances all the same.Group H:

The last time Spain failed to get into the World Cupwas 1974, in Germany. Eight consecutive appearanceslater they’ve finally made it to Deutschland with afresh, young rising football star named Cesc Fabregas.Fellow footballers have said of Fabregas, “..he could bethe main player in the World Cup this year. He’s thatgood.”

Ukraine’s fate this year rests on the shoulders ofstriker Andriy Shevchenko, who I would talk aboutmore if it were not for his outrageously hard-to-spellname. I’ll just go on record to say he could be the mainplayer in the World Cup this year. He’s that good.

In 1978, Tunisia was the first African team to win agame in the World Cup. Since then they’ve appeared intwo more Cups.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has reached theirfourth consecutive World Cup. The royal family hadforbidden football in the kingdom until 1951, in whichtime they also granted and end to this article.

And there you are, 32 teams chasing a ball. Are youbase-dwellers ready for some REAL football?