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96 new homes go up in Wetzel housingBy Ignacio “Iggy” RubalcavaU.S. Army Garrison Baumholder Public

Affairs Office

By now most everyone knows that new townhouses will be constructed between upper Wetzel and the golf driv-ing range. It has also been announced that much of Wetzel will eventually be leveled to make room for even more new townhouses.

What most people don’t know is that two very special homes for 96 very special families have already been constructed near the Lower Wetzel Gate. They are not military families but they have a right to reside in these homes inside the Wetzel fence. They are swal-lows and they are protected by German law. These swallows comprise the big-gest colony of House Martins, as they are known in Germany, to be found in the Birkenfeld area.

“Wetzel Housing features about 250 nests constructed by the House Martins; however, since some of the buildings at Wetzel will have to be demolished in the future to make way for new townhouses and considering the fact that the House Martin is protected by law, specific compensation measures are required for these birds,” said Dominic Mutinda, environmental division chief. “Putting up these houses is our compensation for these protected birds,” said Mutinda.

Each house accommodates 48 individ-ual dwellings and according to Mutinda, they are possibly the first-of-kind to be constructed within the confines of a U.S. Army Garrison in Europe. The artificial nests attached under the two-and-a-half by two-and-a-half meters structure that is mounted on an eight-meter pole resemble the mud ball construction that swallows create on their own.

The two dwellings constructed in Wetzel Housing are located in the field to the left as you depart Wetzel Housing via the Lower Wetzel Gate.

“It should provide an interesting experience, especially for the younger children, to see so many swallows fly-ing in and out as they bring in food for their chicks,” said Holger Vogt-Altena, a contractor working with Baumholder’s environmental branch.

Know your MartinsHouse Martins are a summer visitor.

The Common House Martin, sometimes called the Northern House Martin or, particularly in Europe, just House Mar-tin, is a migratory bird of the swallow family which breeds in Europe, north Africa and temperate Asia; and winters in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical Asia. It feeds on insects which are caught in flight, and it migrates to climates where flying insects are plentiful. It has a blue head and upperparts, white rump and pure white underparts, and is found in both open country and near human habitation.

Both the scientific and colloquial name of the bird are related to its use of man-made structures.

It builds a closed cup nest from mud pellets under eaves or similar locations on buildings usually in colonies, but sometimes fouling below nests can be a problem.

Although House Martins sometimes build nests in inconvenient locations, such as on overhangs directly under a doorway, remember it is illegal to destroy or interfere with an active nest. Interfer-ing with a Martin’s access to an active nest or knocking it down may result in heavy penalties or fines.

Photo by Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

An excavator is used to lower a swallow’s house as Oliver Wegner, a sub-contractor with the firm Gibs Geologen & Ingenieure, guides it into place atop an eight-meter pole.

Special Olympics needs volunteersOrganizers of the 2010 Kaiserslautern Special

Olympics in Enkenbach are looking for volunteers to assist German and American athletes. More than 2,000 volunteers support this event annually. The event is May 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bus for volunteers leaves Baumholder at 6:30 a.m. and returns from Enkenbach at 3:30 p.m. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. Bus transportation will be free to the first 50 approved volunteers who sign up for the event. Call ACS for details at mil 485-8188 or civ (06783)6-8188.

Girl Scouts sponsor mom, daughter teaThe Baumholder Girl Scouts are sponsoring a mother

and daughter tea May 16 from 2-4 p.m. in the Rhein-lander Community Club. The cost is $15 for mother and daughter and $5 for each additional daughter. RSVP by May 7 to Jennifer Collins at CMR 405, Box 7630. Include names of all guests, troop number in

News briefs...News briefsapplicable and phone number and email. Make checks payable to the Baumholder Girl Scouts.

Smith PTO yard saleSmith Elementary School PTO is sponsoring a

community-wide yard sale May 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school. Set up is the day before. Persons interested in renting a table for the yard sale may contact Michelle Dirk at dirkmichelle@gmail.com

Job fair coming in MayMark your calendars for the non-appropriated fund

job fair May 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rheinlander Community Club. For more information contact the NAF civilian personnel office at mil (06783) 6-6566 or mil 485-6566.

New shuttle busNew shuttle bus service is now running on Smith

Barracks and Wetzel Housing are. There is one shuttle

for the Smith Barracks area and one that departs Smith Barracks for the Wetzel Housing area. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday and a complete route is available at www.baumholder.army.mil.

Landstuhl shuttle discontinuedLow ridership by active duty and stand by riders

has forced discontinuation of the Landstuhl shuttle. Soldiers can use other means of transportation and seek reimbursement from their respective units.

Dental appointments availableThe Baumholder Dental clinic is offering more

dental appointments for family members through mid May. Appointments are scheduled a maximum of three weeks out, so if appointments are unavailable when you call, call back early the following week. Call the Baumholder Dental Clinic at mil 485-2210/2211/2212 or civ (06783)6-2210/2211/2212 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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1,000 pounds of kibble for Kusel animal shelterBy Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder Public Affairs Office

More than 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food and treats was donated to the Tierheim (animal shelter) in Kusel by the U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder Provost Marshall’s Office March 29 in appreciation for taking in and caring for the numerous animals left behind in the Baumholder community.

The 1,000 pounds of food was how much com-munity members donated during the recent dog and cat food drive held by the Provost Marshall’s Office. “They do us such a big favor by taking in our strays that we figured we should help them out in some way,” said Todd Guyette, chief, directorate of emergency services.

Staff Sgt. Kevin Collins, Baumholder’s DARE of-ficer and one of the organizers of the dog and cat food drive explained that Baumholder is really fortunate that the Tierheim in Kusel is willing to accept animals left behind by American who depart Baumholder. “When the Tierheim in Vogelweh closed we were left without a place to take strays or abandoned pets until the Kusel Tierheim came forward and said they would take our animals.”

Peter Danner runs the Tierheim in Kusel and was grateful for the food that was donated by the American community. It took two fully loaded station wagons to deliver the more than 1,000 pounds of K-9 and feline goodies.

Assisting with the loading and delivery were Sgt. Eduardo Cruz, Staff Sgt. Jerod Daley and Spc. George Bogner.

Kathy Miller, who works as a translator for the Provost Marshall’s Office was also on hand to assist in the communication process. “She is actually our liaison with the folks from the Tierheim,” said Collins.

“I also appreciate the time and work that Staff Sgt. Jon Wong dedicated to this effort,” said Collins. “Wong and Daley, actually, went to the commissary on several occasions and asked for donations from persons as they went in to do their shopping,” said Collins.

“With the help of the community we were able to collect more than 2,000 pounds of food in the last six

months. That includes our recent food drive and the first one we had late last year,” said Collins.

Abandoned pets and strays is an ongoing concern so there is an ongoing need to assist the Tierheim so the Provost Marshall’s office is planning on holding these dog and cat food drives every other quarter to ensure the animals remain properly fed.

Photo by Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

Sgt. Eduardo Cruz unloads bags of dog and cat food at the Tierheim (animal shelter) in Kusel. The recent dog and cat food drive brought in 1,000 pounds of food that was donated to the Tierheim.

JROTC cadet has award winning essayMaame Bassaw, a Baumholder High

School senior wrote her own ticket to success with her essay titled “JROTC Builds Character and Leadership” which was recently selected as the best among entries from 200 schools in Europe and the northeastern United States. She submitted her essay in the annual essay contest held by the 2nd Army ROTC Brigade, U.S. Army Cadet Command for JROTC cadets. Bassaw’s essay has been submitted to Cadet Command for competition at that level.

She is the daughter of Chaplain (Maj.) Nana and Mrs. Bassaw, of the U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder.

Below is Bassaw’s winning essay.

By JROTC Cadet Maame Bassaw

Baumholder American High School

Since the beginning, the JROTC program in American high schools has provided its cadets with life changing skills which strengthen the attributes of character and leadership. Within the program, cadets are given the opportu-

nity to discover their true abilities and to utilize them in every day life to succeed in their future goals and to brighten and improve the world around them.

Character is a significant quality that is molded and illuminated through the JROTC program. The importance of upholding military bearing is stressed by teaching cadets the importance of respect, obedience, trust, and many other character traits that are needed to live as an individual and to contribute positive benefits in society. Through insightful

lessons of self discovery, the ambition to change one’s flaws and maintain suc-cessful habits for educational needs be-comes one of the main goals to achieve. Prominent positions also motivate cadets to behave accordingly and confidently so they exemplify what it means to be a JROTC cadet and encourage others to emulate their behavioral ways and skills.

Leadership is emphasized as the most important character trait in JROTC. Through its definitive representation

of principles such as loyalty, duty, and respect, cadets are allowed to learn and demonstrate the ability to take charge and guide a group to accomplish specific tasks. The art of patience and coopera-tion are key factors that are found to be essential for leadership positions in JROTC for the purpose of making sure that each subordinate is able to make a contribution to the team to achieve a goal. Learning how to distinguish the difference between “leading” and “controlling” separates the competent leaders from the incompetent ones. The skill of taking heed to what will benefit “the group” than “oneself” is a belief that epitomizes leadership and brings success and respect from others.

In the ever-changing world we live in, the JROTC program gives positives contributions to society for our youth. The need for influential leaders for the future is important for our world to progress with the values of leadership and character; we have the ability to expand our horizons through the JROTC program.

Maame Bassaw, JROTC cadet, re-ceives a certificate of excellence from Maj. (Ret.) David Schwab, senior Army instructor at Baumholder American High School, for her ac-complishments in the JROTC essay competition.

Photo by Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

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Recording artist Leigh Jones, who headlined the Army’s recent I.A.M. Strong tour, visited Baumholder March 16 and performed a free concert at the Wagon Wheel Theater for Soldiers and family members. Jones was humbled to have headlined the tour that visited 24 Army installations in two months.

“I love to meet these men and women face to face and shake their hands and look right into their eyes and just thank them for all they have done for us,” said Jones and that is exactly what she did while at Baumholder. She greeted Soldiers at the Heart of the Rock dining facility, gave out autographs and then paid a special visit to the Warrior Transition Unit where she performed a couple of songs exclusively for the Soldiers there and then held another meet and greet session and signed autographs.

Of course, there was also another meet and greet session after the concert that also featured perfor-mances by a co-median and a hip hop group.

The concert tour and comedy show was de-signed to raise awareness about the prevention of sexual assault and harassment among Soldiers and military Family mem-bers. “We want to encourage people to be strong,” Jones said. “We want to encourage the prevention of suicide and sexual harassment. We hear that’s a big thing among Soldiers, which is such a shame. We just

want people to stay positive,” said Jones.The I. A.M. STRONG acronym stands for intervene,

act and motivate others to stop sexual harassment, assaults and sexually offensive language, innuendo

and gestures that create an environment friendly to abuse. Toleration of these acts among troops has been reduced to zero, Army leaders say. Strong, quite simply, is the Army way.

Photos by Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

At left jazz and blues recording artist Leigh Jones sings a couple of songs for the Soldiers at Baum-holder’s Warrior Transition Unit. Above, Jones and the other I.A.M. STRONG tour performers sign autographs at the WTU.

Leigh Jones entertains Soldiers, family members

The Army community and leaders at all levels will be stressing educa-tion, awareness, and prevention of sexual assault throughout the month of April, which has been designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reinforces the Army’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault through a policy that centers on awareness, prevention, training and educa-tion, victim advocacy response and follow-up.

During the month of April you will notice use of teal colored ribbons and see informative door hangers high-lighting the reporting options avail-able for victims of sexual assault. Army Community Service is asking that individuals wear jeans on April

21 in recognition of “Denim day.” In 1998, an Italian Supreme Court decision overturned a rape convic-tion because the victim wore jeans, reasoning she must have helped her attacker remove them. People all over the world were outraged. Wearing jeans became an international symbol of protest against destructive attitudes about sexual assault. There will also be a theater production known as “Sex Signals” on April 27.

This show will emphasize preven-tion and focus on Family oriented awareness and education.

If you would like to schedule a briefing or would like more informa-tion about Sexual Assault Awareness please contact the Baumholder Vic-tim Advocacy program at mil 485-8188 or civ (06783) 6-8188.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Per the Center for Disease Control, autism is a condition affecting as many as one in 110 U.S. children. Children whom have been diagnosed with a form of autism are said to be on the “spectrum.” The spectrum ranges from mild Asperger’s (high functioning) to severe mental retardation and social disability. To date, there is no known cure for autism. During the month of April, several television shows dedicate episodes to the varying aspects of autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, Toys R Us and Autism Speaks have created a partnership, which began in 2007, that allows customers shopping both online and in retail stores, to donate money to support Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated solely to raising awareness and providing support for individuals with autism.

During the month of April, USAG

Baumholder’s Exceptional Family Member Program will have materials at the community mail room and the post exchange throughout the month. EFMP will also be hosting a gluten and/or casein free workshop on April 22 at noon in the ACS kitchen. This workshop will focus on the benefits, strategies, resources, and more on attempting a gluten/casein free diet.

The Autism Awareness House Party will be held April 29 beginning at 3 p.m. in the Wiggles and Giggles playroom, located in Building 8884 in the Wetzel Housing Area.

There will be crafts, dancing, and light refreshments. For more informa-tion, contact the EFMP program at civ (06783) 6-8188.

Show your support for Autism Aware-ness Month by joining in on the various activities throughout the month of April. We look forward to seeing you.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Autism

Children on the spectrum

April awareness ... April awareness

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Joe Satellite

FMWR roundup More roundup is available at http://www.baumholder.army.mil/sites/local/MWRBriefs.asp

April 16Altbier-Fest at Schwollen, 8

p.m., entrance feeApril 17 & 18

I V V Vo l k s m a r c h a t Rhaunen April 23

Benefit concert State Police Band Rheinland-Pfalz at Kusel, Fritz-Wunderlich-Halle, 8 p.m., entrance feeApril 23

Musical Magics at Birken-feld, Sporthalle Am Berg, 8 p.m. entrance feeApril 25

Shops open at Idar-Oberstein on Sunday

Outside the gate - German events More information at mil 485-1600

April 25Motor Bikers Chapel Service

at Burg Lichtenberg 10 a.m.April 30

“Witches Night Party” at downtown Kirn-SulzbachApril 30

Raising of the May-Tree at Baumholder, market place, 6 p.m.April 30

Witches Rock at Oberkirch-en, “Am Mehlhörnchen” 8 p.m.May 1

Soapbox race at Herborn, 10 a.m.May 2

Globus-Marathon at St. Wendel; marathon@sankt-wendel.deMay 4

Open Air Concert by the Big Band of the German Army at Idar-Oberstein, Vollmersbach-strasse festgrounds May 8-9

Kirn car exhibition; shops are open on SundayMay 8

Flea market at Homburg-Saar, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.May 8

Guided walking tour through the Maneuver Training Area 7.30 a.m. Sign-up at civ (06783)

2148, participation fee.May 8

Herb market at Baumholder, Place de Warcq, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.May 9

Market Place Fest at KuselMay 11

May market at Birkenfeld May 13

Castle fest at Frauenburg castle, 10 a.m.May 13-15

Western- and Native Ameri-can Camp, Freisen Naturwild-park May 21

Soccer benefit performance

at Baumholder Brühlstadion, Lotto Team vs. Baumholder M 40 Team. The Lotto Team consists of former German professional soccer players. Proceeds of the event go to the Stefan Morsch Foundation which helps people who suf-fer from Leukemia. The event starts at 7 p.m. and there is an entrance fee.

Two for Tuesday at Striker’s Get some red, white and brew every Tuesday with

American beer specials from 5-7 p.m. at Striker’s Bowling Center (with free popcorn and pretzels dur-ing the promotion). The bowling center supports the Designated Driver Program. Visit Striker’s Bowling Center in Building 8105 on Smith Barracks under the Hall of Champions or call mil 485-6569 or civ (06783) 6-6569.

Low Score tournamentStriker’s Bowling Center holds a low score tourna-

ment May 15 beginning at 2 p.m. the cost is $20 per person and all players must be 18 years and older. $5 goes toward the prize fund. Unlike trying to get the highest score, the object here is to get the lowest score. Gutter balls count as strikes and spares. The bowling center supports the Designated Driver Program. Visit Striker’s Bowling Center in Building 8105 on Smith Barracks under the Hall of Champions or call mil 485-6569 or civ (06783) 6-6569.

Siggi’s signature cuisine at Java Café Are you just too busy for lunch? Grab a specialty

coffee or drink at the Java Café and one of Siggi Zimmer’s specialty sandwiches or wraps while you are there. Siggi currently offers a selection of grilled chicken,

Month of the Military Child spring festCome out and explore Dr. Suess’s World, participate

in the Dr. Suess’s Magical Adventures and take advan-tage of a free puppet show, arts, crafts and prizes April 24 from 1-4 p.m. at the Rheinlander Club. The event is for children ages two to 12. For more information contact CYSS outreach Services at mil 485-7393.

Get ready for Viking QuestIn celebration of the Month of the Military Child,

Child, Youth and Schools Services is sponsoring Vi-king Quest for children ages eight to 15, April 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Baumholder Aquatics Center. Bring a swimsuit and towel because you will get wet.

Build and sail your own Viking shipBaumholder Aquatics and CYSS bring you AHOY

Viking Ships for children ages 3-7, April 30 from 4-7

p.m. In celebration of Month of the Military Child at the Baumholder Aquatics Center on Wetzel, Build-ing 8897.

BCSC 2010 May Day Bazaar Eat and shop your way through Europe in one week-

end without leaving the base. Come to the Baumholder Spring Bazaar, May 28-31 at the Hall of Champions May 28, 11a.m. – 8 p.m.; May 29, 10a.m. – 8 p.m.; May 30, 10a.m. – 6 p.m.; and May 31, 10a.m. – 6 p.m. Check out International Vendors offering wine, oriental rugs, antiques, furniture, cheeses, chocolate

and more. Proceeds benefit the Baumholder commu-nity, so don’t miss it.

Spring Arts Festival Create and submit your original artwork now for

display and judging at the Spring Arts Festival May 17-21. Choose from a variety of mediums for adults and youth. There is also a new cake decorating cat-egory. Come by the Creative Arts Center for your entry form. Submissions are being accepted through April 30 (cake submissions will be accepted until May 14). All artwork will be displayed at the Rheinlander. The awards ceremony is May 21 at the Rheinlander. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays noon - 5 p.m. For details call mil 485-6687 or civ (06783) 6-6687.

Auto Parts Yard goes to summer hoursThe Auto Parts Yard has adjusted its hours and is

now open Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 8 p.m. The facility is open on Saturdays and training holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on U.S. holidays. For more information call mil 485-6344 or civ (06783) 6-6344.

Auto Skills Center offers the basicsBring your car into the Auto Skills Center on

Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. to become familiar with maintenance, service procedures and intervals, as well as how to jump start or change a flat tire. For more information, come by the Auto Skills Center in Building 8438 or call at mil 485-6344 or civ(06783) 6-6344.

Outdoor Rec spring, summer tripslLegoland Park: April 25; May 9, 23; June 13,

27; July 11, 25lEuro Disney-Paris: April 17, May 15, June 5,

July 3, 31lWarner Bros Movie: April 24, May 29, June 19,

July 17lMemorial Weekend scuba diving trip to Croatia,

May 27-31 lScuba certification is offered every weekend from

April through September.

Photo by Madeleine Dwoiakowski

Waiting for the huntSeven hundred children, among them some 60 German kindergarten children from Baumholder, followed the bunny’s call for an Easter egg hunt April 3 at Iron Soldiers’ Park. The event was run by Child, Youth and Schools Services and co-sponsored by the King Solomon Lodge 62. Free hot dogs and juice were provided along with the chal-lenge to find all 4,000 plus Easter eggs.