Benelux Soldiers Train at Host Nation Army Installation the Week-Long Training Provides Soldiers Teamed with Staff Sgt

Volume 1, Issue 7 ‘Sharpen the Sword’ June 2007

INSIDE:INSIDE: SchinnenSchinnen MPMP winswins SoldierSoldier ofof thethe YearYear BrusselsBrussels receivesreceives firstfirst CSMCSM SoldiersSoldiers shareshare ‘street‘street smarts’smarts’ IronIron ShapianShapian competitorscompetitors gogo forfor thethe goldgold EarthEarth DayDay observedobserved Anti-terrorismAnti-terrorism trainingtraining atat SchinnenSchinnen WarriorWarrior WeekWeek BeneluxBenelux SoldiersSoldiers train,train, refreshrefresh skillsskills

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 1 Nowowiejski Notes Summer is here, and with it PCS (perma- nent change of station) season. We will focus in this set of Notes on a few reminders, and then some information that will help all of us to welcome the new members of our communities, as well as make the quality of life better for those who have There are several ways customers may sub- lived here for years. mit to have their voices and concerns heard. First, the reminders for June. June is Na- One is through the U.S. Army Garrison tional Safety Month. Benelux Interactive Customer Evaluation In the Benelux, we have two current safety (I.C.E.) system with responses to your ques- emphases. For all POV (privately-owned tions coming from the service provider. vehicle) drivers, please use the POV risk assessment tool, TRiPS (Travel Risk Plan- ning System), whenever you take a trip in Europe this summer. You’ve Been ICEed! TRiP is designed to be used by service members and civilians of all services. It is a Here’s a sampling of what people are joint tool. The assessment is easy and quick saying on the USAG Benelux commu- to take, includes travel planning information Col. Dean A. Nowowiejski nities Interactive Customer Evaluation such as maps and routes, and can be ac- USAG Benelux Commander (ICE) system: cessed with a link at www.usagbenelux. of the Benelux Newcomer’s Guide from eur.army.mil. You will receive a personal your local Morale, Welfare and Recreation USAG Schinnen (O&M) risk assessment for your own planned trip office. DPW Operations and Maintenance with TRiPS. 2) Next, everyone should check this Our second safety emphasis is for all mo- Benelux Edge thoroughly for news and an- “Excellent service! No problems! torcycle riders to take the basic or advanced, nouncements for the month. Thank you!!” newly revised Motorcycle Safety Foun- 3) Then, check the U.S. Army Garrison dation courses available via your local gar- Benelux webpage for daily, newcomers, or “The delivery of my freezer was rison. Contact your local Military Police desk sponsorship information. prompt and professional. Thanks for or check the web page for details and sched- For local information, you can find links to the great service.” ule. your community web pages on the Benelux For those of you with school age children, main page: Chièvres Garrison (SHAPE “Fast, efficient, Thank you!” particularly kindergarten, please insure you area), USAG BrusselsBrussels, and USAG have visited your local school at SHAPE, Schinnen (JFC Brunssum area). The NATO “Quick, professional work!” Brussels, or AFNORTH and register your headquarters across the Benelux have their children for fall classes. own installation commands, public informa- (USAG BENELUX at SHAPE) Help your school help you: register your tion offices, and websites. USAG Benelux Education Center children early, please. For daily Benelux news, tune in to AFN The number of teachers at each school is Benelux radio on your local frequency. “Thank you, very polite and determined by projected enrollments, and AFN radio and television studios is currently helpful.” this is usually finalized over the summer. If undergoing a comprehensive overhaul of all you wait until school starts, your child may broadcast equipment that is scheduled for “The Ed center here at SHAPE be in a crowded class because you didn’t completion June. 23. has been really helpful in my meeting register for school before coming or on ar- While the upgrades are ongoing, the only my deadline for my exams. With no rival. local programming will be the live morning advance notice I was able to not only show with Airman 1st Class Tommy Moore, obtain my exams but complete them Here’s some from 6 - 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. within 24 hours.” information Once the new equipment is in place, listen to “The Voice of the Benelux” local program- “Staff is very helpful and courte- ming, or better yet, tune in to Channel 21 ous. Everyone was real anxious to to make your on your AFN decoder. AFN Benelux has help.” quality of life its own satellite channel with all your local information. USAG Brussels better: Finally, for upcoming MWR events, if you Outbound Transportation Assistance Empower yourself with information. Be- don’t find the information you are looking for, cause of the distributed nature of our com- call MWR marketing at DSN 361-5167 or “Professional attitude and quick munities, it is hard to get the word out about commercial 32 68 27 5167. They can provide action.” upcoming activities. you the latest event announcement or flyer. There is a system of information. You can For your own best quality of life, stay in- Keep those great comments, kudos, capitalize on it like this: formed and take advantage of the opportuni- concerns, and questions coming by 1) If you are new, get a copy of The Best ties here in the Benelux. going to http://ice.disa.mil or http:// www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil and clicking the ICE link to tell us what COVER Sgt. Rosemary Huff, USAG Schinnen, slips through a tunnel-type you think! PHOTO: obstacle while completing the conditioning course during Warrior PHOTO: Steven Hoover Week.

2 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 MCKIERNAN SENDS Well-Being In This Issue Commander’s Notes...... inside front cover Survey 2007 Schinnen MP wins SOY...... 4 Brussels welcomes first CSM...... 6 Schinnen conducts anti-terrorism training...... 9 Motorcycle Safety...... 11 Law Day at Schinnen...... 12 Chièvres/SHAPE Town Hall...... 16 Liberation of Bonsecours...... 17 Wereth 11 remembered...... 18 Make-A-Wish...... 20-21 Community Events & Services...... 20-27 Classifieds...... 30

Commanders 1. Each year we conduct a survey to measure the well-being Col. Dean A. Nowowiejski ...... USAG Benelux of the force and to determine whether or not you are Lt. Col. Eric D. Tilley ...... USAG Schinnen satisfied with the programs, facilities, services, and other Lt. Col. Patrick J. Kilroy ...... USAG Brussels aspects of working and living in Europe. Last year more than Lt. Col. John G. Romero ...... Chièvres Garrison 6,000 Soldiers, civilian employees, retirees, and family Public Affairs officers and personnel members took part in the survey. Thank you for your Marie-Lise Baneton ...... USAG Benelux valuable input! Thad Moyseowicz ...... USAG Brussels Cis Spook ...... Chièvres Garrison 2. We need your support again. The 2007 Well-Being J.D. Hardesty ...... Editor LaDonna Davis ...... Writer Survey will be conducted from 14 May though 15 June 2007. Steven Hoover ...... Writer This year we want to significantly increase the number of participants. In particular, we would like to have more family Morale, Welfare and Recreation Marketing members take part in the survey. Kim Wayland...... USAG Benelux Johanna Krause ...... Benelux Marketing William Audretsch ...... Benelux Marketing 3. The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. Surveys Isabelle Gillet ...... Brussels Marketing and answer sheets are located at convenient places Ellison Meier ...... Schinnen Marketing throughout the community, such as Army Community Salvador Espinoza ...... Schinnen Marketing Service centers, fitness centers, and libraries. Answer sheets must be returned to these facilities or to the administering The Benelux EDGE is an authorized unofficial newsmagazine published under the provisions of AR 360-1 for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of unit for collection and forwarding. The USAREUR Modular the Benelux EDGE are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Survey System website at http://www.per.hqusareur.army.mil/ Government or the Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the umss/wbs.htm provides more information. USAG Benelux. Editorial content is edited and provided by USAG Benelux, USAG Schinnen and USAG Brussels public affairs and Morale, Welfare and Rec- 4. As with last year’s survey, you will be asked to rate the reation offices. Submissions are welcome, but will be edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, services and programs in the following areas: one month prior to publication date. The Benelux EDGE is published monthly. Printed circulation is 5,000. Our mailing address is Benelux EDGE, USAG Benelux, Childcare and Youth Programs Recreation Unit 21419, Public Affairs Office, APO AE 09708. Telephone: (0032) 068-27- 5419/DSN 361-5419; fax: DSN 361-5106. Family Readiness Relocation Policy Financial Readiness Schools and Education • We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider Healthcare Spouse Employment withholding the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contribute to informational interest. • We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to 5. I strongly encourage you to participate in the survey and to resolve libel, force protection and grammar. ask your neighbors, friends, and retirees who may not have heard about it to do the same. This is your opportunity to USAG Benelux is a direct reporting garrison to the indicate your level of satisfaction with the communities in Installation Management Command-Europe which you live and to rate the overall effectiveness of the services they provide.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 3 USAG Benelux Solider of the Year Schinnen MP wins competition

By LaDonna Davis Schinnen Public Affairs Office A U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen military policeman battled against other Sol- diers in tests of mental and physical strength to win the Benelux Soldier of the Year competition April 4, in Chièvres, Belgium.

Spc. Christopher Cortez, a native of Malcolm Fleming Staff Sgt. PHOTO: San Antonio, Texas, went through a rig- orous three days of competition April 2- 4, that included physical training testing, land navigation, a six-mile ruck march, and written and oral exams to be named the Benelux Soldier of the Year. “I was excited when I heard I won. I knew that I had messed up on a few things, but I guess I won overall so it was really surprising to hear my name,” said Cortez. “The competition was hard especially because you’re going up against so many other Soldiers who are in such great shape, but I just did my best and fortu- nately for me, it worked in my favor, but it was definitely hard.” Going through the Army competition takes a lot of strength, a lot of skill and a lot of hard work. But like many challenges in life, having good mentors and a strong support system is a key component to success. “My team leader, Sgt. Thomas Achten really helped me get through the compe- Spc. Christopher Cortez tition. He’s the one that motivated me, USAG Benelux Soldier of the Year helped me study, and made sure I got my uniform right,” he said. “But, really, all of my fellow “A few years ago my brother went through the com- MPs helped me out. They all cheered me on and helped petition and got second place for the whole U.S. Army. me get through it.” So, hopefully, if I keep doing well, I will catch up to Although Cortez was competing against other Sol- him-that’s my goal.” diers across the Benelux, his main competition came The Soldier and NCO of the year competition is from someone right in his own unit. an annual Army tradition where the best of the best “I just wanted to beat out my homeboy, Sgt. Glen Army warriors are challenged to test their skills and Jones, a fellow MP. It was cool because we would study knowledge against, not only themselves and each together, yet we still had some competition within the other, but against Army standards as well. unit,” he says. “It definitely made the whole challenge Cortez competed in May for the Installation Man- that much more interesting.” agement Command Europe’s Soldier of the Year com- This marks the second year in a row that a Schinnen petition in Stuttgart, Germany in May; however, re- Soldier earned USAG Benelux Soldier of the Year sults were not available at press time. award. The winners at each echelon continue to battle for “The best part about being named Soldier of the the ultimate titles of Department of the Army Non- Year is that I get to represent Schinnen. People don’t commissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year. know much about [our garrison] and this is the second For now though, Cortez is taking his win all in Soldier of the Year so we’re making a name for stride, preparing for the next level of competition and Schinnen,” Cortez says. hoping to gain a little more exposure for a future Schinnen Soldiers continue to represent the garri- challenge. son well. Last year, Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Mariscal “I’ve been studying, and doing PT to get my PT Guzman won the Installation Management Agency-Eu- score up and ruck marching to get that score up too,” rope Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award. Cortez says about his preparation for the IMCOM- Even though this marks the Texas natives first Sol- Europe boards. “I’m going to have the promotion dier competition, being a contender in the Army-wide board in June, so this board will prepare me for that, challenge seems to run in the Cortez family blood. which is good.”

4 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 USAGUSAG BeneluxBenelux

WARRIORWARRIOR WEEKWEEK

By Steven Hoover Benelux Public Affairs Office Every Soldier, regardless of Military Oc- cupational Specialty or unit affiliation, is a Soldier first. Never has that been more apparent than since the U.S. military has become engaged inin thethe WarWar onon Terror.Terror. Many Soldiers, including those in Instal- lationlation ManagementManagement CommandCommand unitsunits aroundaround thethe world,world, havehave deployeddeployed toto eithereither IraqIraq oror Afghanistan; even more have done so two or three times. With that in mind, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Soldiers participated in Warrior Week May 14-18 at Camp Roi Albert, a Belgian Army installation in Marche-en- Femenne; about 90 minutes drive southeast of Chièvres.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 5 PHOTOS: Steven Hoover Sgt. Min Huynh, assigned to USAG Schinnen, prepares to scale one of 20-plus obstacles while completing the conditioning course at Camp Roi Albert, a Belgian Army installation. Huynh and Soldiers from all three garrisons across USAG Benelux participated in Warrior Week training May 14-18. Benelux Soldiers train at host nation Army installation The week-long training provides Soldiers teamed with Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Kloss from USAG with realistic training in order to maintain a Benelux, to teach participating Soldiers basic combat ready posture. The training was con- hand-to-hand maneuvers all the way through Spc. Charles Fridline, assigned to USAG Brus- ducted in four lanes, or phases: team building going full speed combative skills and letting them sels, makes his way into the building during build- activities such as conditioning courses and switch after a victor was declared. ing clearance training at the Camp Roi Albert combatives (hand-to-hand) training; weapons Thomas explained how the old Army fight- MOUT site. ranges; Warrior Leader Tasks and Military ing style had very few ground tactics. The new pecially needed for those who are not used to Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) training. style, developed at Fort Benning, Ga., focuses defending themselves while on the ground. Michael Laney, the garrison’s host nation Day two was spent primarily at the weapons liaison officer, coordinated with the Belgian “This was an opportunity to get our range training reflexive and controlled fire and Army giving Benelux Soldiers a place to con- Soldiers some training outside, away then firing at pop-up targets, according to Maj. duct meaningful training in a conducive envi- Sonja Granger, Directorate of Plans, Mobili- ronment - the third time Benelux Soldiers had from the garrison environment. We are zation and Security operations officer. used the Belgian installation. leveraging our host nation partnership While at the range, they also conducted Im- “This was an opportunity to get our Soldiers using their installation. In Germany and provised Explosive Device training. some training outside, away from the garrison other places, our Soldiers have U.S.- “Many of the Soldiers in the garrison have environment,” he said. “We are leveraging our run training areas to use. Here, we experience in identifying and reacting to IEDs host nation partnership using their installation. don’t have the capability.” from Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Granger said. In Germany and other places, our Soldiers Days three and four concentrated on some have U.S.-run training areas to use. Here, we Mike Laney 40 Warrior Leader Tasks, including building don’t have the capability.” Host Nation Liaison Officer clearance procedures, raids and searches at On the first day, the Soldiers were put USAG Benelux the Military Operations Urban Terrain site. through a “conditioning course” that included While the Soldiers were training at the about 20 different obstacles to test their strength on ground fighting skills and saving energy to MOUT site, civilian employees from all three and agility. “finish the fight” on the battlefield. garrisons visited Camp Roi Albert to witness “Each Soldier went through the course twice, “A majority of the battles fought in Iraq are the training. Even though May 17 was a Bel- the first time for familiarization and the sec- in urban terrain, where hand-to-hand combat gian holiday (Ascension Day), several host na- ond for speed,” said Sgt. 1st Class Philip is very likely,” he said. This fighting style, de- tion employees attended.... Little did they know Thornton, who served as USAG Benelux non- rived mainly from Gracie Jiu Jitsu from Brazil, that they’d be asked to participate. commissioned officer-in-charge of the course allows Soldiers to disable the enemy without After receiving a briefing by Granger, the for the day. “Other than some minor bumps lethally finishing them. civilians were taken to the MOUT site where and bruises, I think things went pretty well and “This week’s training is especially good and some were asked to participate as local villag- we got the desired effect from the training.” needed for Soldiers who have never been in a ers, while others were members of the oppos- In the afternoon, the gymnasium at Camp field environment,” Kloss said. “And, for those ing forces, or OPFOR. Roi Albert was used for combatives, or hand- of us who have, it’s good because if you don’t “I had no idea we were going to get to partici- to-hand training. use it, you lose it.” pate in the training,” said Patsy Herbaut, USAG Sgt. Thomas Taylor, from USAG Brussels, He added that the combatives training is es- Benelux acting Equal Employment Opportu-

6 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Sergeant 1st Class David Williams (in soft cap), first sergeant for USAG Schinnen and the training NCOIC at the MOUT site, does a quick After Action Review with Soldiers who completed their first attempt at clearing buildings.

Pfc. Gerardo Razo, assigned to USAG Benelux, keeps an eye out for his Patsy Herbaut, USAG Benelux acting Equal Employment fellow squad member and the OPFOR during building clearing training May Opportunity manager, is one of several civilian employees 17 at the Military Operations Urban Terrain site on Camp Roi Albert, a that attended the MOUT training and participated as vil- Belgian Army installation. lagers or OPFOR.

Sgt. Jeremy Ringo, assigned to USAG Benelux, prac- Opposition forces, including Staff. Sgt. Patrick McDonough, USAG Benelux, did their best to make life tices throwing hand grenades into a building. difficult for the Soldiers conducting building clearance training at Camp Roi Albert. nity manager. “But, it was fun to do.” dier. I am part of the Benelux and was able to Throughout the week, USAG Benelux Later, some of them were taken to the con- bond with the other garrison Soldiers. Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Ford, observed ditioning course where they had an opportu- “The goal of this training was for us to ac- the training. He said that Soldiers who have nity to attempt some of the obstacles the Sol- complish our tasks and not be trained to do recently been “down range” sharing their diers had done earlier in the week. them,” he added. “In my opinion, the greatest experiences with those who, as of yet, haven’t “I think that Warrior Week was a great suc- accomplishment was being able to bond to- been is an important aspect during training. cess,” said Spc. Charles Fridline, from USAG gether as friends and Soldiers as part of the “That’s where training like this is benefi- Brussels, “as not only a USAG Brussels Sol- Benelux and not separate garrisons.” cial to everyone,” he added.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 7 Brussels receives first CSM He chuckles: “I was getting desperate. Even the infantry branch involved six months delayed entry. The recruiter must have sensed my desperation, because he finally found me a branch which would put me on active duty within two weeks. And that’s how I became a member of the Adjutant General’s Corps!” After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Cordova reported to Fort Bragg, N.C., as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division’s AG Company. The five years he spent at Fort Bragg were notable for two reasons, he says. “First, I found I really enjoyed being a Soldier,” he says. “Sure, the Army provided me a paying job, but, more important, I really appreciated the camaraderie, the caring leadership, and the clear signs that this was an organization in which advancement came from hard work and merit.” The second reason for the assignment’s being memorable is because it was where Cordova met and married his wife, Michelle. “Michelle was the sister of my then-room mate,” says Cordova. “He was getting married, and his family came down from Philadelphia for the wedding, and, well, the rest is history!” The couple now have three children, ages 17, 10 and 8. The Cordovas departed Fort Bragg for their first overseas assignment in 1987 to Neu Ulm, Germany, near Munich. After three years, Cordova was posted to Fort Jackson as a Drill Instructor, or “DI.” “Being a DI was an incredibly intense experience,” he says. “But I gained a new appreciation for the great personal rewards of training Soldiers.” He also earned a promotion to the rank of sergeant first class. Cordova’s status as a newly-minted E-7 also earned him a return to Europe and the operating Army. Assigned to the 1st Armored Division’s PHOTO: Isabelle Gillet Engineer Brigade as the brigade S-1 (personnel), noncommissioned Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Cordova speaks to guests after his change of officer-in-charge, the Cordova’s spent four years in Bad Kreuznach - responsibility ceremony April 27. Cordova became U.S. Army Garrison one year of which Cordova spent in Bosnia where his unit was de- Brussels first command sergeant major. ployed in support of NATO’s Implementation Force (IFOR). He recalls the incredible devastation of the Bosnian countryside, and By Thad Moyseowicz the positive impact U.S. and allied Soldiers had on the locals and their Brussels Public Affairs office way of life. The U.S. Army Garrison Brussels made history of sorts recently as “My unit built the bridge over the Sava river. You don’t appreciate the Installation Management Command Europe’s smallest garrison re- how much we depend upon infrastructure until you have to help received its first command sergeant major. build a country,” he says. The IFOR deployment was also Cordova’s Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Cordova assumed his new responsi- first experience with “Jointness.” bilities as the garrison’s first-ever command sergeant major during a “We worked closely, as a team, with Navy Seabees and Air Force change of responsibility ceremony April 27. engineers,” he says. “It was a really great experience.” “This is a watershed event in our Garrison’s history,” explained USAG Leaving the 1st Armored Division, the Cordovas moved to Heidel- Brussels Commander, Lt. Col. Pat Kilroy, to the many guests and garri- berg, where he became first sergeant of 1st Personnel Command for a son staff assembled for the change of responsibility ceremony. “This year. Selected for the prestigious Sergeants Major Academy, Cordova garrison and its predecessor activity has always been small, and its very was a student at the Academy when the 9/11 attacks happened. “smallness” has tended to be an argument used to justify a less-than- “A fair number of my classmates wanted to quit the academy then standard Army organization. The assignment of Command Sgt. Maj. and there and return to the ‘muddy boots’ Army,” he says. “But I recall Cordova is a sign that the U.S. Army recognizes Brussels as a robust, the commandant gathering us together, and telling us that there would perhaps small, but still robust, Army command. I couldn’t be more be plenty of opportunities to serve the Army and the nation.” delighted.” Having graduated from the academy, Cordova was then assigned to USAG Brussels has had “acting” command sergeants major in times the National Training Center (NTC) at Fort Irwin. past, and, in fact, Cordova assumed the responsibilities of his position Still an E-8, he received a vote of confidence from his seniors when from Master Sgt. Leroy Lee. Kilroy paid tribute both to Lee and Brus- the retiring garrison sergeant major recommended that Cordova be his sels’ sister garrison, USAG Schinnen, which generously provided Lee replacement. “I really appreciated that sergeant major’s having gone to to fill an urgent Brussels need. But Cordova is the first centrally-se- bat for me,” he says. The confidence must not have been misplaced, lected command sergeant major in Brussels’ history. for, after a year, Cordova found himself promoted to E-9, and, eventu- Cordova hails from La Mirada, California. He enlisted in the Army ally, selected as Brussels’ first Command Sergeant Major. at age 18, in 1982, and is frank that he did so because he needed a job. Cordova says he is delighted to be in Brussels as a part of the Instal- “The recruiter looked me and my test scores over and said I could be lation Management Command Europe’s team. an X-Ray technician. Great, I said!” When the recruiter told him it How does Brussels differ from his last assignment? “At Fort Irwin, would be 12 months before he could actually put on the uniform, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation directorate alone had some 300 Cordova told him he couldn’t wait that long because of a pressing need people,” he says. “That’s triple our entire Brussels garrison numbers. to put bread on the table. The recruiter then offered him other special- But we’ve got a high-visibility mission, supporting Americans working at ization options, each of which involved deferred entry on active duty, NATO headquarters. And we’re dedicated to serving a very joint com- albeit with decreasing delay. munity.” 8 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Schinnen conducts anti-terrorism training By LaDonna Davis “The intent of this exercise is to test all of the Schinnen Public Affairs Office garrison’s resources to the maximum extent In an ever-changing warfare climate, it is possible in cooperation with available Dutch crucial all U.S. military forces be prepared emergency and military resources,” said Randal and educated on what to do in the face of a Garfield, Schinnen’s plans and operations of- terrorist threat. ficer. “By conducting anti-terrorism exercises On April 27, U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen on a yearly basis, we foster a professional and personnel got a lesson in force protection pro- safe environment for all who participate; lead- cedures by simulating a terrorist threat during to enhanced working relationships with ing the garrison’s emergency response exer- Dutch emergency services and a safer, more cise. secure garrison.” The exercise involved several local emer- In the exercise scenario an anti-military radi- gency response teams from different regions cal group gained access to the post and crashed across the Netherlands, including the fire de- into a fence releasing an unidentified white sub- partment, a hazardous material (HAZMAT) stance and causing multiple injuries to inno- team, paramedics, members of the Dutch cent bystanders. army and Dutch military police. To make the exercise work, the scenario had Dutch actors along with Schinnen employ- to play in real-time and all Schinnen employees simulated the wounded in an effort to ees had to role-play as if the threat were real. make the exercise as true-to-life as possible. This included staying indoors until HAZMAT

PHOTO: Jan Maessen Paramedics from the municipality Sittard-Geleen, NL simulate triaging an evacuation victim to get the maximum benefit of the force protection exercises. teams could identify the white substance, closing off access to the base, opening up a casualty collection center and calling the pertinent off-post emergency services in a timely-man- ner. Working for the military overseas can often times present challenging and unfamiliar situa- tions. That’s why these exercises are so im- perative, not just so the employees on post can become familiar with how to proceed in the case of a threat, but so emergency services off- post can also become familiar with what actions to take in the case of a terrorism emergency. Local Dutch actors simulate injuries during a mass casualty force protection exercise held April 27 “This exercise and any others that follow at USAG Schinnen. are precautionary measures in the instance a terrorist attack occurs,” said USAG Schinnen Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Eric Tilley. “To- day we are able to see what we’re doing right, what we need to work on and how all of the various players- from the local emergency services, to the Schinnen employees- work together in a worst-case-scenario so that we can be prepared.” “ I think the exercise went really well. Every- body learned a lot and it prepared us for how to plan for next year’s event,” said Garfield. “This year’s exercise really helped us because it was done on such a large scale compared to past years. Schinnen and its Dutch partners are committed to each other to continue these opportunities to train and work together for the protection of all our employees on post and our neighbors in the community.” PHOTOS: Sylvia Bowron Left: Local HAZMAT and Firefighter teams col- laborate on rescue efforts during the 2007 USAG Schinnen mass casualty exercise.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 9 Earth Day Editor’s Note: Community members across U.S. Army Garrison Benelux’s three garrisons participated in Earth Day activities. USAG Brussels, USAG Schinnen and Chièvres Garrison Public Affairs Offices provided the following information as a snapshot of the Earth Day celebrations in their communities.

Brussels American School students converted environmental talk into action April 27th as they participated in Earth Day “We actually combined a couple of observances into one,” says BAS teacher Donna McVicker. “We celebrated Earth Day with Arbor Day” McVicker engaged her students as well as other teachers in designing a comprehensive half-day program dedicated to campus-wide trash pick-up, planting flowers and other live “green- ery,” watching a film on battery recy- cling, and, finally, putting up the bird, bat and insect “houses” provided by Dumont. Eighth-grader Patrick Morrison’s campus-wide sweep for trash bagged his im- pressions of Earth Day. “There’s too much plastic trash that blows around campus,” he said as he deposited a plas-

tic scrap he’d found into a trash can. “The plastic, unfortunately, doesn’t decompose.” In Schinnen, elementary students from AFNORTH In- ternational School opened the day-long celebration with an assembly which included poems, songs and cheers from the cheerleaders. This year, Schinnen’s Environmental Division provided two different environmental topics: 1) Potential Soil and Groundwater Contamination 2) Trash Sorting Program In Chièvres Garrison, local Boy Scouts teamed with Chièvres Garrison Commander Lt. Col. John G. Romero and community leaders to plant trees around Chièvres Air Base as one of the Earth Day awareness activities within the SHAPE/Chièvres area.

Top: PHOTO: Courtesy Schinnen Environmental Division AFNORTH International School elementary students kicked off Earth Day in the Schinnen community with an assembly to “Rock Mother Earth.”

Above: PHOTO: Jim Ferris Sixth-graders Megan Lotze and Alex Georges planting flowers as part of Brussels American School’s Earth Day celebration.

Left: PHOTO: Cis Spook Chièvres Garrison’s Boy Scouts team with community leaders to plant trees on Chièvres Air Base as just one of the Earth Day awareness activities

10 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Soldiers share street smarts

PHOTO: J.D. Hardesty Director of Emergency Services and SHAPE Harley-Davidison Club member Lt. Col. Dennis Zink PHOTO: J.D. Hardesty leads 31 fellow “bikers” from across the Chièvres Garrison community on a Motorcycle Safety One of the Harley-Davidsons carried its own Sunday “road out” and “toy ride” May 20 on Caserne Daumerie. safety message. Where it matters most… with motorcycle safety By J.D. Hardesty Benelux EDGE Editor Some Soldiers attend the school of hard knocks. Others prefer their street smarts to text books. Still others take the “lessons learn” approach to increasing their operational knowledge. Where does the “book smart” blend with PHOTO: J.D. Hardesty experience…? Where it matters most… with Hondas, Kawasakis, BMWs, Harley “fatboys” and “Indians” – a total of 32 bikes lined the streets as motorcycle safety. their owners went through a safety checklist provided by the Safety Office. According to Rudy Magain, Safety Officer passed private-owned vehicle fatalities with 40 to the children during their ride from Chièvres for U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, the number riders dying in crashes that year.” to Tournai, Belgium. of Soldiers killed on motorcycles has doubled The Army has armed communities with “It is a nice thing to do,” stated Anthony within the past five years. motorcycle safety campaigns to help save Sol- Greco “and we’re bringing them some joy. “In 2001, 15 Soldiers were killed Army-wide diers lives. That’s why it is important for us to stop by riding motorcycles, though there were no mo- Bikers across the three Chièvres Garrison these two orphanages.” torcycle fatalities in the U.S. Army in Europe,” communities joined the SHAPE Harley- The USAG Benelux Drivers Testing Station he said. “That number continues to grow ev- Davidson Club on May 20 for a Motorcycle will host several Motorcycle Safety Foundation ery year. In 2005, motorcycle fatalities sur- Safety Sunday at Caserne Daumerie as part of Classes during this coming spring and summer. a “toy ride” and “road out” and safety day. Sponsored by U.S. Army in Europe, the Many of the members kicked off the motor- classes will consist of a Basic Rider Course cycle fellowship by attending a chapel service and an Experienced Rider Course. and barbecue. Hondas, Kawasakis, BMWs, The training is offered to all military and Harley “fatboys” and “Indians” – a total of 32 civilian personnel riding motorcycles in Europe. bikes lined the streets as their owners went Others may attend the classes on a space-avail- through a Safety Office sponsored checklist. able basis. Representatives from the Motorcycle Safety The Basic Rider Course will be offered June Foundation shared a few quick tips for the 8, 9 and Sept. 14, 15 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in group ride before the bikers hit the Belgian Building 105 on Chièvres Air Base. streets: The Experienced Rider Course will be of- Arrive on time with a full tank of gas fered July 21 and Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hold a riders’ meeting to discuss the route, in Building 105 on Chièvres Air Base. rest and fuel stops, hand signals, etc. There were five critical messages the Mo- Keep the group size manageable torcycle Safety Foundation emphasized to any- Ride in a staggered formation that allows a one wanting to ride motorcycles in Europe. cushion of safety so motorcyclists have time Get trained and licensed and space to react to dangers Wear protective gear Avoid side-by-side formations Ride unimpaired As the Director of Emergency Services and Ride within your limits

PHOTO: Cis Spook a member of the SHAPE Harley-Davidson Be a lifelong learner Gary Wilson, a member of the SHAPE Harley Club, Lt. Col. Dennis Zink set up the “group “I am not aware of any motorcycle fatality in Davidson Club, shows Jordan from the Orphan- ride” with a charity “toy run” to Orphanage La the last few years across the Benelux,” Magain age La Maison at Ostiches how to play with the Maison at Ostiches and Orphanage Le Clos said. “Motorcycle riders need to keep follow- toy he just received. at Arbre, both located near Ath, to deliver toys ing the basic riding rules.” June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 11 AFNORTH International School Goldilocks teaches a lesson in law By LaDonna Davis Schinnen Public Affairs Office Elementary school children got a lesson in law and choices May 9, from the Netherlands Law Center Law Day presentation held at AFNORTH International School in Brunssum, NL. Law Day was established in the late 1950s by the American Bar Association to draw attention to both the principles and practice of law and justice in the United States. “We wanted to introduce the students to the practice of law and give them some appreciation for the jury system by letting them weigh the evidence and make a decision for themselves on the guilt or in- nocence of the defendant,” said Capt. Timothy Gustafson, chief of client services at the NELC and mock trial lawyer for Goldilocks. “We did this by choosing a character that all the kids could relate to and then giving the kids a chance to actually get involved in the trial by being a part of the jury.” PHOTO: LaDonna Davis In order to teach the children about law, the NELC The staff of the Netherlands Law Center conducts a mock trial for the students of AFNORTH acted out a mock trial of a classic children’s fairytale International School Elementary students May 9 in recognition of Law Day. Staff members used novel, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. the children’s fairytale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” to demonstrate how the legal process During the trial, the children served as the jury works by putting Goldilocks on trial for bad manners. while members of the law center played judge, wit- nesses, prosecutor and defendant. At the end of the trial, it was up to manners and sentenced her to pay $1 million in damages to the three the students to decide if Goldilocks was guilty of bad manners and what Bears. should be her punishment. “Aside from my client being found guilty, I think we at the law center “I couldn’t believe the reactions of the students. When it came time accomplished what we set out to do and that was get the kids excited for them to make their ruling, they all just started shouting out ‘guilty!’” about the legal process and help them to understand it a little bit better,” said Gustafson. “I could hardly hear myself think; they started yelling said Gustafson. before I could even make my closing arguments.” As for Goldilocks, she’ll be working for a long, long, long time to pay Unfortunately for Goldilocks, the students found her guilty of bad off her fine. Brunssum Cub Scouts host international campout By Tracy Ballard Special to the EDGE Over 150 Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Scouters from JFC Brunssum, the Netherlands, Geilenkirchen, Germany, Klein Brogel, Belgium and Dutch Scout troop St. Vincentius from Brunssum, gathered at the JFC Brunssum Sports Fields for an inaugural spring camp out April 20-22. Brunssum Cub Scout Pack 100 hosted the event which included knot tying, rope bridge building, Dutch games, Frisbee golf, first aid demonstrations and more. After the opening ceremonies Saturday morning, the scouts were divided into groups which rotated through 10 activity stations. “The kids can’t stop talking about what a good time they had with the Dutch scouts and Pack 100,” said Dale Beaty, cub master for Geilenkirchen’s Pack 442. “I especially enjoyed the time we spent with the Dutch Scout leaders, talking with them and learning new games and fun things for our kids to do. I think overall the event was outstanding and showed what scouting is about worldwide… teaching our kids to grow up to be good, caring citizens.” “The great thing about our troop and pack is that while we all registered as Boy Scouts of America, our organizations are made up of leaders and boys from almost all the NATO nations because of where we are stationed,” said Chris Ballard, coordinator of the event and assistant cubmaster to pack 100. “We have boys in our Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout pack from Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan and Czechoslovakia, just to name a few. This is a great opportunity for our boys to interact with the Dutch Scouts and for the Dutch Scouts to see how Scouting is done in the US.” “This took a lot of effort to coordinate, and it is a unique opportunity to get together with PHOTO: Charlie Maurer Scouts on an international level,” said Ralf Gers, assistant scoutmaster for troop 100. “This is Chris Riedle, 7 a Tiger Cub Scout from JFC a chance that many Scouts may never have…a chance to interact with Scouts from other coun- Brunssum pack 100 in the Netherlands, plays a tries, share our experiences, learn their traditions, and all leave looking forward to the next time traditional Dutch game, Sjoelen, during the we can do this again!” scouts first Spring Campout. 12 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 NFL All-Pro Fitzgerald visits the Benelux By Steven Hoover Benelux Public Affairs Office Arizona Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald made a lunch time appear- ance at the Prime Time Bar and Grill on Caserne Daumerie April 30. The 90-minute visit, where he took time to speak with community members and sign autographs, was part of his tour with the U.S. Air Forces Europe “Extreme Summer” program. He also visited SHAPE American High School later that afternoon. This is the third consecutive year Fitzgerald has participated in the program. “Visiting the troops and Family members is the highlight of my off-season,” he said. “I feel fortunate to be a part of this tour. I have so much respect for their (military personnel) strong beliefs and values and I am thankful to have them protecting our freedom.” His visit was the Monday following the Na- While community members were placing their tional Football League Draft weekend and he food orders, Larry Fitzgerald visited with those admitted right away he hadn’t had much time in line, including Chièvres Garrison Commander to keep up with who the Cardinals selected. Lt. Col. John G. Romero. There were plenty of fans there who got him caught up in a hurry. the Benelux Civilian Personnel Advisory Cen- PHOTOS: Steven Hoover The youngest visitor to the event was also the ter. “We got the outfits for when we watch games Arizona Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry only one wearing team colors. Tyler Deiwert, during the season. It’s just a coincidence that Fitzgerald visits with Tyler Deiwert, the son of the 18-month-old son of Perry and Sylvia Tyler’s jersey said Fitzgerald on the back.” Perry and Sylvia Deiwert, during his April 30 ap- pearance at the Prime Time Bar and Grill. Deiwert, came decked out in his very own Car- Fitzgerald is the most decorated player to come dinals outfit. Not only was it a Cardinals uni- out of the University of Pittsburgh since Hall of He was named the winner of the Walter form, but it read Fitzgerald across the back. Fame running back Tony Dorsett in 1976. In Camp Award which goes to the nation’s player “I’ve been a Cardinals fan for a long time,” his last season with Pitt, in 2003, Fitzgerald fin- of the year. In addition, Fitzgerald also won the said Perry, originally from Glendale, Az., who ished second in the Heisman Trophy voting Fred Biletnikoff Award which goes to the is currently a human resources specialist with behind Oklahoma quarterback Jason White. nation’s top wide receiver. Cinco de Mayo fiesta

PHOTOS: J.D. Hardesty Above: More than 100 of the Chièvres Garrison community members celebrated Cinco De Mayo (Mexico’s victory over Napoleon III’s Imperial French Army in the Battle of Pueblo in 1862), with a fiesta featuring rice, beans, salsa, Cochinta Pibil, Pork Yucatan-style, Pozole Sonora-style, Calabacetas and several other dishes, deserts and music which was co-sponsored by the Chièvres Garrison Family Readiness Group and the Prime Time Bar and Grill. Left: Children took turns taking a wack at the pinata. June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 13 PHOTO: Julie Gomez SHAPE Players and supporters take center stage to claim a total of 13 awards during the annual Topper Awards held on April 26 in Heidelberg, Germany. SHAPE Players claim 13 Topper awards SHAPE Entertainment Center Best Stage Properties in a Comedy: Jennifer Howe The SHAPE Players production of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” Best Set Design in a Comedy: Martin Mutke, Thomas Reich (Female Version) took top honors for Best Comedy at the 2007 Tour- Best Stage Manager in a Comedy: Elina Kotlyar nament of Plays “Topper” Awards Show held annually in Heidelberg, “High School Musical” Germany. Awards The production also earned Best Actress, Victoria M. Schehl; Best Best Actor in a Minor Role in a Musical: Luke Lumsden Debut Performance, Sgt. 1st Class Vetta Lynne Stanley; Best Set De- Best Outstanding Male Youth Performance in a Musical: Bobby Jones sign Martin Mutke and Thomas Reich; Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design in a Musical: Richard Burn Gwendolyn Whitney; Best Stage Properties, Jennifer Howe; and Best Best Set Design in a Musical: Reich Stage Manager, Elina Kotlyar. Best Stage Manager in a Musical: Whitney, Berwinne Johnson The SHAPE Players production of Disney’s “High School Musi- Best Technical Director in a Musical: Reich cal,” which was the most nominated musical with 24 nominations, gar- nered six “Topper” Musical Awards. Those winning include: Best Ac- tor Minor Role, Luke Lumsden; Best Outstanding Male Youth Perfor- Theatre Summer Camp mance, Bobby Jones; Best Sound Design, Richard Burn; Best Set De- “HONK Jr.” sign, Thomas Reich; Best Stage Manager, Berwinne Johnson and Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” Gwendolyn Whitney; and Best Technical Director, Thomas Reich. 26 June – 28 July (5 weeks - Mon, Tue, Thu and two Sat) The Awards, sponsored by the Installation Management Command- Han’s Christian Anderson’s classic tale has been transformed Europe, included 22 musicals, comedies and dramas produced at com- into a modern musical comedy. Written by George Stiles and An- munities in England, Belgium, Germany, Italy, and Turkey. thony Drewe, HONK! tells the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky SHAPE Entertainment Centre looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Sepa- The Odd Couple” (Female Version) rated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find Awards his way, while his loving mother, Ida, searches for him. Along his Best Comedy journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, Best Actress in a Comedy: Victoria M. Schehl but he also finds love and acceptance. Cost: 225,00 € Best Debut Performance in a Comedy: Sgt. 1st Class Vetta Lynne Group I: grades 5 – 8 meets 1230 - 1630 Stanley Group II: grades 8 – 12 meets 1730 – 2130 Best Costume Design in a Comedy: Gwendolyn Whitney

14 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 First Sgt. Richard J. Haley, Headquarters and Head- PHOTOS: Steven Hoover quarters Company, SHAPE Battalion first sergeant, SHAPE Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Calloway, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Chaplain (Lt. barks out the countdown as Iron Shapian contes- Col.) Ronald Leininger, and AFNORTH Battalion’s Sgt. Nina Rodriguez look to be headed for a photo tants try to knock out the last of their pushups or finish during the run portion of the Iron Shapian. They were among the 30 participants that began the situps. four-mile run portion of the competition - 29 of the runners finished.

Staff Sgt. Brian Adams and Staff Sgt. Oswald Pascal, both of HHC, SHAPE Battalion, were two of many Sgt. 1st Class Marshon Broomer, assigned to HHC, who served as graders and counters during the Iron Shapian competition May 4. Besides their official USAG Benelux, was one of four participants to duties, they also provided encouragement to each of the participants, pushing them to do their best. finish in the gold during the Iron Shapian May 4. Iron Shapian allows competitors to ‘go for the gold’ By Steven Hoover The challenge is for participants to achieve the primary reason for the event was so “com- Benelux Public Affairs Office personal bests in the events. For instance, the petitors could push their overall fitness.” For the third consecutive year, the Iron minimum standards for men to attain gold are: Following Calloway, finishing in the Gold were: Shapian competition, sponsored by SHAPE 77 pushups; 85 sit-ups; 28 minutes on the four- Capt. Michael Sieber, SHAPE Bn.; Sgt. 1st Class Battalion May 4 at SHAPE, saw the field of mile run; 10 chin-ups; and 25 dips. However, Marshon Broomer, USAG Benelux; and Staff participants double. extra points are awarded for those who beat Sgt. Marvin Moore, SHAPE Bn. And, for the third consecutive year (al- those numbers and kept going, raising the bar Bronze category winners were: Spc. Dujuan though not by design), the person who devel- for the rest of the field. Hunter, USAG Benelux; Rick Leung, 66th Mili- oped the event wound up being the overall With a total of 124 points, SHAPE Bn. Com- tary Intelligence; Cmdr. David Buonerba, U.S. champion. mander Lt. Col. Joseph Calloway topped the Navy; Spc. Shawnta Hernandez, AFNORTH The Iron Shapian is a physical fitness test- field for the third straight time. Bn.; Staff Sgt. William Miller, AFNORTH Bn.; type competition with categories for pushups, Although he has led the field each year Cpl. Wezley Vegh, British Army; and Sgt. Chris sit-ups, four-mile run, chin/pull-ups and dips. Calloway, an admitted physical fitness addict, said Winters, USANATO Brigade.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 15 SHAPE welcomes Lt. Dan Band By Steven Hoover it’s my way of kind of giving back...that’s a Benelux Public Affairs Office way I can serve and help people out who are Actor Gary Sinise, probably best known helping me (by serving our country).” for his role as “Lt. Dan” in the 1994 movie Besides his other endeavors, Sinise is co- “Forrest Gump,” brought the Lt. Dan Band founder of Operation Iraqi Children, a non- to SHAPE May 12 during their recent Euro- profit organization that collects school sup- pean USO tour. plies and other donations to give to school- The 12-member band performed before children in Iraq. a packed house in the SHAPE Fest Tent for He said his involvement with television, about two-and-a-half hours, playing every- movies and the band has presented him with thing from Springsteen to Linkin Park, from opportunities most Americans don’t get. Aretha to Hendrix. “I’ve seen the military in a way most people Sinise, who plays bass guitar and currently don’t get to,” he said. “I think most Ameri- stars in the television crime drama “CSI-New cans don’t have a clear picture of who the York,” formed the band in 2004 with long- folks in the military are, or why they do what time friend and musician Kimo Williams. they do. Williams is a Vietnam War veteran. “Another thing is to be able to play for They had played together with other them and play for their Families and play for friends “just for fun” for several years be- the kids and see the kids just jumping up and fore exploring the possibility of working with down and going crazy, smiling and having a PHOTO: Steven Hoover Armed Forces Entertainment and the USO. great time, and knowing that we are contrib- Gary Sinise, aka “Lt. Dan” jams with trumpet player “This is probably one of the most reward- uting to making a difference of raising some Kirk Garrison during the Lt. Dan Band’s concert ing things I do,” Sinise said after the show. morale and helping some folks out. That’s at the SHAPE Fest Tent May 12. Sinise, who plays “To get out there (with the band) and sup- extremely rewarding.” bass guitar, put the band together after visiting port our service members and help them and Following the concert, after a brief rest, he military personnel in various locations around the their Families forget about things for awhile. and the band signed autographs and visited world. “I know it makes a difference and I feel with those who remained. Spring Town Hall Community’s voice heard By J.D. Hardesty Benelux EDGE Editor Why? This simplest of words can often brew frus- tration and anxiety in Families and infect the well-being of entire communities if left unan- swered. Chièvres Garrison’s Town Hall forum provides the entire SHAPE/Chièvres footprint community with answers to their concerns. Members of the SHAPE, Chièvres Air Base and Caserne Daumerie communities dis- cussed current issues and answer questions at the Spring Town Hall quarterly meeting on May 24 at the Hotel Le Maisières in Casteau, Belgium. The Town Hall forum is just one of the quality of life venues where Families can talk face-to-face with commanders and decision PHOTO: J.D. Hardesty makers and effect change. Members of the SHAPE, Chièvres Air Base and Caserne Daumerie communities discuss current issues Issues such as child care for parents wanting and answer questions at the Spring Town Hall quarterly meeting May 24 at the Hotel Le Maisières in to attend Benelux Headstart classes – free Casteau, Belgium. The Town Hall is just one of the quality of life venues where Families can talk face- classes provided by the U.S. Army Garrison to-face with commanders and decision makers. Benelux Education Center to help Families chain (of command) to where it may effect bus schedule to better fit Soldiers needs. overcome initial language and cultural barri- change.” The following question will have to be sent to ers upon their arrival. Or, taking on the issue Those who could not attend sent in ques- the organization and responded to later. “Why of building a program available 24/7 to serve tions via email to be addressed by the com- did Andrews Federal Credit Union’s Auto- as a liaison between Families and local hospi- mand. mated Teller Machine fee increase from $1.50 tals in the area. One of those email queries - “For Soldiers to $1.99? Is the bank not there for our conve- “We are here to provide you with answers,” who do not have a vehicle and rely on the bus nience, since we cannot choose a certain branch Chièvres Garrison Commander Lt. Col. John for transportation, is there a way to change as we could in the states?” G. Romero said. “We will staff your issues and the bus schedule so Soldiers do not have to The status of all issues and questions from concerns locally with our directors and staff wake up at 4:20 a.m. to get to first formation the Town Hall will be published in the next edi- for resolution or send it up to the appropriate by 6:20? - was answered with a change in the tion of the Benelux EDGE.

16 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 LiberationLiberationLiberation ofofof BonsecoursBonsecoursBonsecours

PHOTOS: Cis Spook U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Color Guard Left: U.S. Army Benelux Color Guard members (right to left) Pfc. Gerardo Razo, Sgt. Trevor Sahlstrom, Spc. Benjamin C. Lowrance, Spc. Lance M. LeBlanc march through a downpour May 13 during the Liberation of Bonsecours reenactment ceremony in Bonsecours, Belgium. After the reenactment scenes, the crowd paid tribute to James W. Carroll, the first U.S. Soldier entering Bonsecours on his Harley Davidson at the liberation of the city. The Benelux Color Guard was under the direction of Sgt. 1st Class Thomas E. Jessen.

M-8 Armored Vehicle Above: A M-8 armored vehicle reenacts the arrival of the U.S. Soldiers into Bonsecours on Sept. 3, 1944.

Evacuation: Bottom: Several war scenes are depicted during the yearly Remember Day at Bonsecours. This scene shows local citizens who, once they heard the Germans were about to invade Belgium, decided to leave most of what they owned and flee with the entire family to France, only a stone’s throw away from Bonsecours. They thought the Germans wouldn’t invade France but they did, except for the Southern part that was declared a “free” zone. Many of these families who tried to escape would never come back.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 17 Wereth 11 remembered in ceremony

Brig. Gen. Dennis L. Via, 5th Signal Command commanding general and key- and Adda Rikken, current president of the U.S. Wereth Memorial commit- note speaker for the Wereth 11 ceremony April 28, escorts his wife, Linda, tee, during the procession leading up to the memorial site. ing the front line against German troops in sup- snowfall until mid-February 1945 when villag- Black soldiers killed port of the 2nd Infantry Division and VII ers directed a U.S. Army Grave Registration Corps. At the time of the Battle of the Bulge, unit to the site. by German military the unit was located in the vicinity of St. Vith, Unlike similar war crimes committed by Ger- Belgium. man Soldiers, the slaying of these men wasn’t during World War II On Dec. 17, 1944, during the second day of as well documented or prosecuted. After an the Battle of the Bulge, the Germans last ma- investigation proved fruitless, not turning up By Steven Hoover jor counter-offensive of World War II, these any positive identification of those who com- Benelux Public Affairs Office 11 members of the Headquarters and Service mitted the murders, the investigation was closed. Despite the fact that the Wereth 11 – black Battery (HSB) became separated from their As a private gesture from the Langer family, Soldiers assigned to the 333rd Field Artillery unit while escaping and evading pursuing Ger- a son, Herman, erected a small cross, with the Battalion who were savagely slaughtered by man armor and infantry units. During this eva- names of the slain Soldiers, in the corner of German SS officers on Dec. 17, 1944 during sion, while in search of food and shelter, the the pasture and for more than 60 years has the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge – men came upon a farm. maintained the vigil. But, the memorial and the have been gone for many years, their spirits The head of the family, Matthias Langer, town of Wereth remained basically obscure. live on in the tiny village of Wereth, in the east- offered the Soldiers some of the families’ last The memorial was not listed in any guides or ern part of the country near the Belgium-Ger- food. maps to the Battle of the Bulge battlefield. Even many border. Local townspeople, along with Soldiers and “These men were brothers, sons and fathers. They served, be- their Family members assigned in Belgium and Germany, were on hand April 28 for a wreath cause like us, they believed in the values we hold dear – freedom, laying ceremony, commemorating the Soldiers. justice, liberty.” “We are aware of the tragedy…for what happened on Dec. 17th should never be forgot- Brig. Gen. Dennis L. Via ten,” said Brig. Gen. Dennis L. Via, 5th Signal Commanding General 5th Signal Command Command commanding general, who served as the keynote speaker. “However, we are not At dawn, after receiving a tip from a sympa- people searching for it had trouble finding it in here today to focus on the crime and the pain. thetic townsman, a group of Nazi SS stopped the small community. We are here today to focus on the heroic lives in front of the Langer house. The Soldiers However, in 2001, three Belgians, including of these 11 Americans.” surrendered and were forced to sit in the cold Adda Rikken, currently the president of the However, to help focus on their lives, some and mud while their fate was decided. U.S. Wereth Memorial committee, began rais- historical background is necessary. The follow- They were then marched to a cow pasture ing funds to create a more fitting memorial to ing is a combination of several different ac- behind the house, where they were tortured these men. counts. and later shot or bayoneted to death. In the “We knew we wanted to create a much nicer After being reactivated in the regular Army morning, villagers saw the bodies of the men in memorial for these Soldiers, but, at that time, as a 155-mm howitzer battalion just a year be- a ditch. Since they were afraid that the Ger- our organization was very small and didn’t have fore their deployment, the 333rd FA Soldiers mans might return, they didn’t touch the dead much money,” Rikken said. “It took some time, had spent their first six months in combat hold- Soldiers. The bodies were covered by the but we eventually raised enough money to pur-

18 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 chase more of the land that surrounded the original monument. And, now we have a nice dedication to those heroic men.” The dedication of the updated memorial was Victory in Europe Day held May 23, 2004. There are now road signs to the memorial Belgians remember and the Belgium Tourist Bureau lists it in its Battle of the Bulge brochures. In 2001, the U.S. Army Garrison Benelux adopted the seven graves of those men who rest in Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, located in Henri-Chapelle, Belgium. Adoption certificates for the graves of: Staff Sgt. Thomas Forte, Spc. James Stewart, Pfc. George Davis, Pfc. George Moten, Pfc. Due Turner, Pvt. Curtis Adam, and Pvt. Nathaniel Moss, ...and a history of the Wereth 11 are located on the right foyer wall in the garrison headquarters, Bldg. 70030 on Caserne Daumerie in Chièvres. The remains of the other four soldiers: Cpl. Mager Bradley, Spc. William Pritchett, Pfc. James Leatherwood, and Pvt. Robert Green, PHOTOS: J.D. Hardesty ...were returned to their respective families. A U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Color Guard team of four Soldiers presents the “These brave Soldiers…did not have an colors under the direction of Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Jessen at the “Sword of Justice” opportunity to see the world that they aimed to memorial honoring British soldiers who died during World War II. As Chièvres create,” Via said. “Yet, because of their actions, Garrison Commander Lt. Col. John G. Romero salutes, the Royal Fanfare of Chièvres we enjoy the world they envisioned…the world band plays America’s national anthem. Chièvres was one of four cities across the they fought for. These men were brothers, sons Benelux footprint where Benelux Soldiers participated in VE-Day celebrations. The and fathers. They served, because like us, they other Belgian cities hosting celebrations with U.S. Soldiers leading processions believed in the values we hold dear – freedom, included Mons, Ath and Brugelette. justice, liberty. They believed in the greater good. For this, we are thankful.”

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Color Guard team under the direction of Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Jessen leads the procession of Belgian civic leaders, patriot organizations and well wishers celebrating Victory in Europe Day, May 8, in Ath, Belgium. Members of the color guard team (right to left) include Spc. Lance LeBlanc, PHOTOS: Steven Hoover Staff. Sgt. Larry Fitzpatrick, This is one of three monuments at the Wereth 11 Sgt. Jake Brice and Spc. Ben Memorial dedicated to the black Soldiers who Lowrance. were killed by the German SS during the early stages of the Battle of the Bulge.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 19 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community

Directory USAG Benelux Community Service

ACS Chièvres & SHAPE DSN 423-5324; CIV 065-44-5324 Brussels DSN 368-9783; CIV 02-717-9783 Schinnen DSN 360-7500; CIV 046-443-7500 Rotterdam/MWR Coordinator DSN 362-2493; CIV 010-459-2493 Arts & Crafts SHAPE DSN 423-4680; CIV 065-44-4680 Brussels DSN 368-9629; CIV 02-717-9629 Schinnen - JFC Brunssum DSN 364-2454; CIV 045-526-2454 Custom Frame Center - JFC Brunssum DSN 364 – 3821; CIV 045-526-3821 Arts & Crafts Rotterdam DSN 362-2457; CIV 010-459-2457 Sixty teams comprised of 2,740 registered participants BOSS from the SHAPE and Chièvres community teamed with Chièvres & SHAPE organizations selling food and beverages to raise more DSN 423-4606; CIV 065-44-4606 than €30,000 on May 11-12, to grant wishes to at least Schinnen three children. According to Project Manager Lt. Andy DSN 360-7370; CIV 0031-46443-7370 Tutchings of the SHAPE Athletics Office, participants Make-A-Wish officially completed 23,213 laps around the SHAPE Auto Centers track, which translates to a little over 5,800 miles or SHAPE Auto Skills Centre 9,200 kilometers. Three wishes were granted that day. DSN 423-4693; CIV 065-44-4693 draws record To qualify for a wish, the child must be two-and-a-half Brussels Auto Craft Center and under 18 years old at the time of referral. A physi- 368-8743; CIV 02-717-9743 cian must certify that the child has a life-threatening Auto Craft Shop - JFC participation medical condition. The event’s mass start (above) fea- Brunssum DSN 364-3173; 045-526-3173 CYS Chièvres & SHAPE Central Registration (all youth) DSN 423-3874; CIV 065-44-3874 Schinnen Central Registration DSN 364-6221; CIV 045-563-6221 Child Development Center - JFC Brunssum DSN 364-2575; CIV 045-526-2575 School Age Services - JFC Brunssum DSN 364-3004; CIV 045-526-3004 Middle/High School - JFC Brunssum DSN 364-3008; CIV 045-526-3008 School Liaison Services DSN 364-6141; CIV 045-563-6141 Brussels CYS Central Registration Office DSN 368-9651; CIV 02-717-9651 PHOTOS: Steven Hoover

20 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community

Community Services Directory Benelux ACS on SHAPE Community Service Veteran’s Affairs Briefing – Jul. 18, 8 a.m. – noon, Hotel Le Maisières - Briefing on VA benefits, presented by representatives from the Libraries Department of Veterans Affairs on education, Chièvres - CAC, Chièvres Air Base home loan guarantees, life insurance, voca- DSN 361-5767; CIV 068-27-5767 tional rehabilitation, disability compensation, SHAPE VA health care, and other benefit programs. DSN 423-5631; CIV 065-44-5631 Registration is required. Schinnen - JFC HQ Brunssum Job Opportunities Overview – Tue, 9:30 DSN 364-2110; CIV 045-526-2110 – 10:30 a.m., Benelux Welcome Center, Hotel Rotterdam Le Maisières. DSN 362-2454; CIV 010-459-2454 Job Opportunities Workshop – Wed, 9 Brussels a.m. – noon, USAG Benelux ACS on SHAPE. DSN 368-9791; CIV 02-717-9791 Benelux Headstart – Jun. 11 – 15 ; 25 - 29 Sport & Fitness Mandatory instruction for U.S. service mem- Chièvres/Benelux bers. Enroll during in-processing or call ACS DSN 361 – 5643; CIV 068-27-5643 at DSN 423-5324 or USAG Benelux Educa- tion Center at DSN 423-3466. Brussels DSN 368-9667; CIV 02-717-9667 Sponsorship Training - Jun. 6, 10:30 – Schinnen 11:30 a.m., Bldg. 318, SHAPE DSN 360-7561; CIV 046-443-7561 Make the right move – Jun. 6, 2 – 3 p.m., Schinnen Bowling Center Bldg. 318, SHAPE - Transitioning briefing for DSN 360-7207; CIV 046-443-7207 tured children from SHAPE International service members and their Families in the pro- School and others. During the 24-hour event cess of PCS-ing or who plan to PCS in the Outdoor Recreation activities such as face painting, a soccer compe- near future. SHAPE tition, bouncy castles, music and all-night mov- DSN 423-5380; CIV 065-44-5380 ies were held. Organizations featured a Ger- Spouse Cultural Adaptation Seminar – man Beer Garden, British fish and chips and Jun. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.; Jun. 22, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Brussels Canadian Moose Milk. The Make-A-Wish Foun- USAG Benelux Welcome Center at Hotel Le DSN 368-9775; CIV 02-717-9775 dation was founded in Phoenix, Az., in 1980. Maisières. Open discussion, transitioning ad- Schinnen Since its creation, the foundation has granted vice and a shopping trip to Brussels. DSN 360-7561; CIV 046-443-7561 the wishes of more than 141,000 children with Take the Train – Jun.16, 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Restaurants/Clubs life-threatening medical conditions and has be- Meet at Hotel Le Maisières for a workshop come the world’s largest wish-granting organi- on using public transportation in Belgium. A Chièvres/SHAPE zation. bus tour of the city is scheduled, followed by a Prime Time Bar & Grill lunch in one of the local restaurants and a DSN 361-5504; CIV 068-27-5504 walking tour of the Grand Place. Pre-registra- SHAPE Entertainment Center tion is required. Children are welcome. DSN 423-3312; CIV 065-44-3312 SHAPE Events Center Anger Management - Tue, Thu, 1:30 – 3 SHAPE Events Center p.m. Available by appointment. DSN 423-5129; CIV 065-44-5129 Tea Time to Talk About Teens - Wed, Schinnen 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., USAG Benelux Welcome Harry’s BBQ Center. DSN 360-7527; CIV 046-443-7257 Pin Point Café Love and Logic Parenting – June 6, 13, 20, DSN 360-7527; CIV 046-443-7527 6 – 7:30 p.m., ACS Training Room - Register in advance. Rotterdam Rumors Active Parenting of Teens – June 6, 13, DSN 362-2420; CIV 010-459-2420 20, 2 - 3:30 p.m., ACS Training Room. The Brussels Active Parenting of Teens series pays special Three Star Lounge attention to today’s problems of teen drug use, Three Star Lounge sexuality and violence, providing parents with DSN 368-9822; CIV 02-717-9822 clear prevention guidelines. Call DSN 423- Trips & Tours 8217; CIV 065-44-8217 for more information. SHAPE Brown Bag Lunch – Jun. 13, Jul. 11, 11:30 DSN 423-3884; CIV 065-44-3884 a.m. – 1 p.m. Luncheon series is held at the Schinnen USAG Benelux Welcome Center located in DSN 360-7561; CIV 046-443-7561 the Hotel Le Maisières. Topic for June: Sur- vival Skills for Healthy Families

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 21 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community

New Parent Support Program - This program is available to all military and civilian Fami- lies expecting or with children, newborn to three years old. Services offered include: information and referral, home visitations, education on topics relating to maternity and childbirth, parenting classes, playgroups, breast-feeding PARENTAL ADVISORY and more. Call DSN 423-4274; CIV 065-44- 4274 for more information. Playmorning – Jun. 5, 12, 19, 9 - 11 a.m., SHAPE Health Facility, EDIS playroom - Playmorning is a two-hour program in which parents and their children play together in a group setting. Infant Massage Class – Thu, 11 a.m. – noon, SHAPE Health Clinic, EDIS Playroom. New Mother Gift Certificates – entitles new moms to a free diaper bag filled with good- ies. Pick up a certificate at New Parent Sup- port Program located in Bldg. 318 on SHAPE. Breast-feeding Support Group – Jun. 19, 11 a.m. - noon, SHAPE Health Clinic, first floor Social Work Conference Room Brussels Metro Madness Outings – Jun. 22, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. An outing sponsored by Brus- sels ACS to learn how to travel around the Brussels Capital Region using the public transportation system. Meet at Bldg. 4, top floor at 9:25 a.m. Class is limited to 10 people so please register early. New Parent Support Program Prenatal Classes – Jun. 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m., ACS Conference Room - Topics covered: Having a TURN UP baby in Belgium, stages of labor, interventions, labor signs, epidural, relaxation techniques, men’s role, and much more. Infant Massage – June 13, 11 a.m. – noon, THE BASE. ACS Conference Room - Learn how to use massage to aid sleep and restlessness. Thursday, 7 June Schinnen Dutch Headstart and Newcomers’ Ori- SHAPE GB, Parking Area entation Tour- Jun 4 – 8; 25-29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Dutch Headstart and Newcomers’ Ori- Southern rap artist, seanp infuses hard-hitting entation Tour is a five-day program teaching bass anthems with smooth flowing lyrics beginning Dutch language skills and familiar- that get audiences bouncing. Hailing from Atlanta, izes those new to the Tri-border area to other seanp is known for his community contributions, military and civilian sites. Education Center in Treebeek at 75 Horizonstraat. which inspired his personal dedication to the Sponsorship Training - every third Wed troops. His rabble-rousing tracks will have of the month, 2 - 3:30 p.m. - Learn about be- the whole base bumping! coming a sponsor. CONTENT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES. UNDER 17 REQUIRES International Spouses Orientation - last ACCOMPANYING PARENT OR ADULT GUARDIAN. Wed of the month, 2 - 3 p.m., ACS Confer- ence Room. Foreign born spouses coping with cultural differences and military life can receive support and assistance at this class. Family Advocacy Program - The program offers free preventive education classes. Call DSN 360-7500; CIV 046-443-7500 Playmorning - every Thu, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., Schinnen Sports Center - This interactive and educational playgroup is designed to develop parenting skills and give parents and kids a The US Army does not express or imply an endorsement of the sponsor, its products, or services. chance to socialize.

22 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Friday, July 6 Daumerie Caserne Prime Time Bar & Grill 6:30 P.M. band opens

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 23 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community Community Services Birth, Breast-feeding Support, and Be- yond - childbirth, infant nutrition and new- Child & Youth Services born care information presented in a Child- Editor’s Note: No information was made birth Series. Call ACS for dates and times. available from Child and Youth Services Breast-feeding Support Group– meets within the Chièvres Garrison footprint that every third Wed of the month, 10 -11 a.m., includes SHAPE, Chièvres Air Base and ACS Conference Room. Caserne Daumerie. Baby Support Group - meets every third Brussels Wed of the month, 11 a.m. to noon, ACS Con- Newcomers’ Program is looking for five vol- ference Room. New presenter each month in- unteer youth. Volunteers should be in third structs on infant care and development. through 12th grades to write letters to new stu- Heerlen Hospital OB Tour – Jun. 4, dents moving to Brussels and who are looking call for times - English language afternoon for a sponsor/friend before they arrive. Train- tours of the labor, delivery and postpartum ing offered to interested youth. Contact the units. Meet with OB labor and delivery nurses. Brussels Outreach Director at 02-717-9651 or Transportation provided by ACS. email [email protected] for Transition Assistance Program – Jun. 12 an application. - 14, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., ACS Conference Room. Music Summer CampCamp - 1) Dinosaur Music Learn effective job searching, resume writing Camp, 9 a.m. - noon; and 2) Piano and Violin and interviewing techniques. Master Camp, 1:30 -6 p.m. Session I : Jun. 25 – Finding Employment Workshop - every 29. Please register and pay by Jun. 15. Session Tue, 10 a.m. – noon. Learn job searching skills. II : Jul. 9 -13. Please register and pay by Jun. 25. Register at ACS. (1) Dinosaur Music Camp - This camp is an Interviewing Skills and Dress for Suc- intensive musical experience offering children cess Workshop – Jun. 21, 10 a.m. – noon, (ages 4 and older) a chance to grow musically. ACS Resource Center. Program activities include rhythmical games, Webcams, VTC and morale phone calls singing/dancing, introduction to piano and vio- - In cases of deployment, temporary duty, PCS lin, learning to read music notes, introduction move, hospitalization or any other event that to the history of classical and jazz music. Par- might separate Family, ACS now has free live ticipants: min. six children and max. 12 chil- webcams and video teleconferencing available. dren. Price: € 89 per child. The service is offered daily, by appointment. (2) Piano and Violin Master Camp - Classes Call in advance for the VTC service. provide a unique music education program for young musicians (ages 5-18) of all levels. De- Deployed Coffee Hour – ACS Yellow Deployed Coffee Hour signed for youngsters who play piano or violin. Room - Families and friends of deployed Sol- Program activities include individual lessons diers get together and socialize over coffee and of a chosen instrument and plus five ensemble tea. Call ACS for dates and times. music lessons. Duration of the individual les- Financial Readiness Class - every third sons is 30 min; ensemble lessons are 45 min. Wed of the month, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Class cov- Participants: min. six children and max.12 chil- ers banking and credit union services, budget dren. Price: € 99 per child. development, record keeping, debt liquidation, Guitar and Tae Kwon Do Lessons - new insurance and more. SKIES instructors will be offering classes in One-on-One Financial Counseling - ev- June. CYS maintains a waiting list. ery second and third Wed of the month, 2 – 4 High School Hail and Farewell Dance p.m., AFNORTH Battalion Conference Room – Jun. 15, 7:30 – 11 p.m. - Three Star Lounge. - Receive specialized help and support on sub- Call CTS for more info. jects ranging from understanding your local Home Schoolers who are CYS members utility bills to advice on your personal finances. may use the youth 4-H Technology lab every Army Family Team Building – Jun. 8, 29; Tue, 10 – 11 a.m. 1–3 p.m., AFTB level I class Jun. 22, 1–3 p.m., CYS Parent-Youth Lab – every Thu, 6 – AFTB level II class. ACS Conference Room. 6:30 p.m. Registered youth may use their five free hours to enjoy this program. Program Rotterdam is also open to registered youth and parents. NFL football! Jun. 15 - travel to Amsterdam to The Keystone Club meets once a month watch the NFL franchise Admirals take on to plan activities for the high school teens in Berlin. Bus leaves at 5:30 p.m. the Brussels community. School dances, One-on-One Financial Counseling - Re- movie and pizza nights, all night lock-ins, and ceive specialized help and support on local util- special summer trips are some of those ac- ity bills to personal finance advice. Call DSN tivities. For more information on the Key- 362-2257; CIV 010-459-2257 for dates and stone Club, call CYS between 2:30 – 6:30 times. p.m.

24 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community Community Services Schinnen Youth Sports & Fitness - Registration for ter serve Soldiers in the Brussels community. Family Child Care - Family Child Care Pro- flag football, soccer and cheerleading begins Their artwork will then be displayed and auc- viders are needed. Call for an application or Jun. 1. Sign-up for summer basketball camp - tioned off for charity at the U.S. Independence information. Jun. 1- 14. Classes and scrimmages start the Day celebration on July 7 at Brussels Ameri- Child Development Center - Full daycare second week in July. Martial Arts registration can School. Those Soldiers interested should services offered for infants - kindergarten chil- is continuous; 12 sessions cost $60. Call DSN contact their unit first sergeant or commander. dren. Part day preschool services offered (3 – 364-6056; CIV 045-563-6056. Photography Exhibition - Jun. 1 - 31 - The 5 yrs. old). Hourly care also available. Job and Volunteer Opportunities - CYS Arts Center presents: The Photography of School Age Services - Before and after program assistants work with infants/children Albert Aniel. school care is available for children in first - through high school. Salary based on training Children’s Introduction to Art - Jun. 2 - sixth grades. Children must be registered with and experience. Free training is provided. Vol- 30, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. - Children of all ages CYS. They may receive five free hours of care unteer head coaches receive free and dis- will ‘adventure’ into Art and Sculpture, explor- per month if not enrolled in a regular program. counted sports enrollment for their children. ing different techniques and projects. Cost is SAS Summer Camp Program will run June Call CIV 045-563-6019. $65 and ALL materials are included. 25 through Aug. 17. Weekly camp rates range Youth Services seeks contracted instructors Learning “How To” in Ceramics - Jun. 5 from $36 to $104. Sign up starts June 4. courses this spring in photography, ballet, -28, Tue/Thu, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. - Cost is Middle/High School - Mon – Fri, 3:30 – 6 horseback riding and other courses. Call DSN $96. p.m. (now open until 7 p.m. on Fri) and 8 a.m. 364-3008; CIV 045-563-3008. Experimental Painting – Jun 5 – 26, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on school out days. Computer lab School Liaison Services - Program info - noon Learn various techniques working with available. available by calling DSN 364-6141. pigments & acrylic painting. Cost is $72. Youth Services is now open an extra hour Book Making/Binding – Jun. 5 -26, 1 – on Fridays to support Teen Swim Nights at the Arts & Crafts 2:30 p.m. - Cost is $72. JFC Brunssum pool. Afro-Cuban/Brazilian Samba Live Jazz Youth Sponsorship - Ease your transition Brussels Night – Jun. 23, 7 p.m., Three Star Lounge to the community by requesting a youth spon- Soldiers’ Art Initiative Exhibition - The Concert sponsored by the Brussels Arts & sor. Want to become a sponsor? Free training Arts Center is offering free art classes to Sol- Crafts Center. Ticket - $6 in advance or $7 at is available. diers during June as part of its initiative to bet- the door on the day of the event.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 25 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community Community Services Schinnen Brussels Brussels Book Binding and Linen and Leather Three Star Lounge - has reopened. Independence Day Celebration July 7 Workshop – Wed, 6 – 9 p.m. Sign up for Family Night – every Thursday, 5p.m. from 3-11 p.m. at Brussels American School; a three, 3-hour workshops and learn the rare Adult Night – every Friday, 5 p.m. joint and inter-agency Brussels community cel- art of book binding. Finish two books. Price: ebration featuring a red/white/blue procession, €37, including materials. Libraries followed by the official opening ceremony with Basic Matting and Framing Workshop “Salute to the Nation” and “Volunteer of the – Wed, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. - Learn how to frame Chièvres Year Award” (all four Services/U.S. Color pictures, prints, artwork and collectibles. Price: Get a Clue at Chièvres Library – Jun. 26 Guards, NATO and Embassy representatives). €35. Other Custom Frame Center offerings – Aug. 3. Summer Reading Program is open to All members of the Benelux-wide and & Tri- include ready-made frames and mats, special all children of U.S. and Canadian ID Mission communities are invited to attend. orders, dry mounting, laminating, and shrink cardholders. Registration begins June 1. Pro- Call 02-717-9753 for information or to volun- wrapping. Assorted Posters for Sale - €5. gram kicks off on June 26th from 1 - 3 p.m. teer. SHAPE Schinnen Sports & Fitness Preschool Children’s Story Time - for Tri-Border American Fest – July 7, ages 3 – 5 years old. June 5, 12, 19; 10 a.m. noon – 11:30 p.m., Geilenkirchen NATO Chièvres Families are invited to join the Read-to-Me Air Base, Sports Field - Food, rides, bands, Yoga for Everybody - Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30 portion of the program. swimming and fireworks. All nationalities – 11:30 a.m. - $2/Tue, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. - free Lap Sit Program - for ages 0 – 2 years old. with NATO ID are welcome. All fees are in Step and Strength - Mon, Wed, 9:30 – 11 June 6, 13, 20, 27; 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. euros. For more information call DSN 364- a.m. - $2 Spring Reading Program - for ages 5 – 7 2626; CIV 045-526-2626. Pilates - Tue, Thu, 10 – 11 a.m. - $2 yrs. June 20, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Women on Weights – Tue, Thu, 9:30 – 11 Spring Reading Program - for ages 8 – 10 Trips & Tours a.m. - $2 yrs. June 21, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Baby Buggy Brigade – Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30 Page Turners - Book Discussion Group - Brussels – 11:30 a.m. - free Jun. 20, 5:30 p.m. - “Land of the Living” by Paris – Jun. 16 - See “the City of Lights.” Spinning Class – Mon, Wed, Fri, 12 – 12:45 Nicci French. Departing at 5 a.m.,/Return 11 p.m. - Price: p.m. - free Library Chess Club $40 for adults and $33 for youth under twelve Brussels Ages 9 and up, Jun. 12, 26, 4 p.m. years of age. Basic Belly Dance Class – Every Tue, 10 - Painting Exhibition Diamonds in Antwerp – Jun. 23 - Antwerp 11 a.m. Jun. 1 -30, Artist: Helena Orgaz is the world center for diamonds, the city of Yoga Class –Mon, Wed, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. Brussels Rubens, of fashion, of sight-seeing tours, a Spin Class –Tue, Thu, 6 - 7 p.m. Summer Reading Program – runs from shopper’s paradise, and much more... Leav- Step/Aerobic –Mon, Fri, noon - 1 p.m. June to August starting right after school ends ing from Sterrebeek. Price is adults $45 and Abdominal classes –Tue, Thu, noon - 12:45 and lasting for six weeks. This year’s theme is : children $35. p.m. “Get a Clue at Your Library!” Visit http:// Spring Pilgrimage to Canterbury - Jun. Personal Fitness Program – Tone muscles, www.cslpreads.org/ for more information. 30, we leave Sterrebeek bright and early for lose fat, improve your health condition, train Children’s Story Hour - for 3 - 5 year olds, Calais, France to take the ferry to Dover, UK. for a race or a special sport, by preparing with Wed, 11 a.m. – noon - Listen, learn and share Travelers can eat an English breakfast and Brussels sports specialist with a one-on-one the world of books and reading. shop onboard the ferry. Price: $50 for adults personal fitness training program call DSN Schinnen and $39 for children under 12. 368–9652; CIV 02-717-9652. Two Summer Reading Programs begin Jun. 26: Schinnen Run for Your Life Program – is self- Get a Clue @ Your Library for 3 -12 year olds Paris Shopping Trip – Jun. 30 - Register paced fitness through running and participants and YNK (You Never Know) for teens. Regis- by Jun. 23. Price: $49. log their miles with the Fitness Center. Patches ter, read and receive prizes based on the num- Alkmaar and Zaanse Schans – Jul. 13 - awarded at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, and ber of books read. Pre-school children may Visit a cheese market and see the windmills. 1000 miles. participate by having books read aloud to them. Price: $32.50. Schinnen Munich and Dachau – Jul. 20 – 23 - Trip Indoor Swimming Pool - a variety of Independence Day includes three overnights with breakfast in a classes are being offered. Call DSN 364-3172; first class hotel. Register by Jun. 1. Price: $369 CIV 045-443-3172 for more information. pp. in double/triple room, $519 pp in single Celebrations room, $259 child 11 and under. Restaurants/Clubs Chièvres/SHAPE Weekend in London – Aug. 10 - Three over- 4th of July Youth volunteers needed nights with breakfast in a three star hotel. Cost Chièvres In preparation for this year’s Independence $339/dbl, $459 single, $259 children 11 yrs. and Prime Time Bar & Grill Day Celebration scheduled on July 4th at under. Register by Jun. 30. Breakfast: Mon – Fri, 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. SHAPE, the Directorate of Morale, Welfare Day Trip to Luxembourg – Aug. 25 - In- Lunch: Mon – Fri, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Recreation is looking for youth volunteers cludes a stop at the American Cemetery of Lounge: Wed-Thu at 5 p.m. from the community to perform at this year’s Hamm and viewing Patton’s Grave. Schinnen event. Call DSN 361-5246 and sign up Price: $29. Recreation Plaza Independence Day Celebration:Celebration Jul. 4, Chièvres/SHAPE Social Hour - Memories Lane Lounge ev- noon – 11:30 p.m., SHAPE. Fireworks start Walibi Day Passes - Price: €25. ery Friday starting at 4 p.m. at 11 p.m. Dover Castle & Canterbury by Ferry - 26 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Morale, Welfare & Recreation...serving the community

Jun. 2, Price: €55 Adult, €50 Youth 5-15, €40 Child 0-4. Includes entrance to the Dover Castle War Time Tunnels. Disneyland Park Two Parks -One Day – Jun. 9, Price: €60 Adult, €55 Youth 3-11, €25 Child 0-2. Price includes admission to both parks. Introduction to Brugge - Jun. 10, Price: €40. Rappelling & Rock Climbing - Jun. 10, Price: €25. Castles of the Loire Valley, France - Jun. 15 – 17, Price: €298 per person twin/double room, €286 per person triple room, €347 single room, €194 youth 3-12 years**, €75 child 0-2**. **Shar- ing a room with two fully paid guests. Chateau of Chantilly - Jun. 16, Price: €50, Children 0-2 are €35. Brugge for Father’s Day - Jun. 17, Price: €65. London - Jun. 23, Price: €45 . Kayaking – Jun. 23, Jul. 21, Price: €35 single person kayak, €29 double person kayak per person. Horseback Introduction and Ride Cuesmes, Belgium – Jun. 24, Price: €25. Horseback Trail RideRide, Chaleux, Belgium – Jun. 30, Price: €42. Paris Weekend – June 30 – July 1, Price: €105 per person double/twin room, €122 per person triple room, €158 single room. Beach Day, Oostende, Belgium - Jul. 12, Price: €25. Dinant Citadel and Cruise on the Meuse - Jul. 14, Price: €35 Adult, €33 Youth 4-14, €19 Child 0-3. Grottos of Han, Belgium Underground Caves & Wild- life Reserve - Jul. 19, Price: €39 Adult, €32 Youth 6-12, €22 Child 0-2.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 27 HHC, USAG Benelux welcomes new commander By Steven Hoover Benelux Public Affairs Office Headquarters and Headquarters Com- pany, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux welcomed Capt. Andrew C. Dermanoski as its new commander in a change of command ceremony April 24 at the Community Activity Center on Chièvres Air Base. Dermanoski assumed command from Capt. Kendall P. Adams Dermanoski, originally from Houston, comes to the unit after serving as the V Corps Artillery Deputy G-2 in Schwetzingen, Germany, where he deployed on his third combat tour to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Adams is headed to Fort Riley, Kansas. Chièvres Garrison Commander Lt. Col. John G. Romero hosted the ceremony and passed the unit colors between the commanders. PHOTO: Steven Hoover “This statement may be a little biased,” Capt. Andrew C. Dermanoski, incoming HHC, USAG Benelux company commander, sings the Army Romero said, “but, in my judgment Capt. Song with his Soldiers after taking command during an April 24 ceremony at the Community Activity Adams has developed and sustained a head- Center on Chièvres Air Base. quarters company supporting the finest U.S. turns a labor into a labor of love…and that and first sergeants, both current and past, in and international community. makes good things happen in this business.” attendance for their dedication to duty. “There are many reasons for his success, During his farewell remarks, Adams thanked Dermanoski thanked Romero for “entrust- but I believe first and foremost is that he en- Romero for not only being his boss and coming me to command this company. I am hon- joyed the challenge. You could see it in him as mander, but, most importantly his mentor. ored to lead these great Soldiers.” he went about the business of commanding “Besides the Soldiers that stand before you Dermanoski, a 2001 graduate of the United the company. today, you have been the single biggest reason States Military Academy, is married to the former “Enjoying the job you are doing makes a great for any success that I may have enjoyed,” he Ila Marie White of Donalsonville, Ga. They difference to yourself and those around you…it said. He then went on to thank the Soldiers have one son, Darby Cole, who is three.

28 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007 Education Religious News ChièvresServices Garrison Demand for proctored tests grows Benelux Headstart The Benelux Headstart class, a joint project by the USAG Benelux’s Educa- tion Center and Army Community Ser- vice, combines French language instruction with information about Belgium, its history, geography, and political system. It also provides survival tips and practical information about living in Belgium. The class is mandatory for U.S. service members. All others are welcome to attend on a space-available basis. There are two classes scheduled in June. The first is offered June 11-15, followed by another five-day class June 25-29. Both classes are held from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Call DSN: 423-3466/5324; CIV: 065-44-3466/5324 to register. The class starts with a Newcomer’s briefing the first day, followed by French language instruction on days 2-4. On the final day of class, there is a presentation on Belgian life and culture followed by a short class on taking a bus in Belgium. A field trip to a Belgian restaurant ends the class. PHOTO: Courtesy Benelux Education Center Dutch Headstart Staff Sgt. Alphonso Wilburn, Headquarters, U.S. Army NATO, is taking his class final online, an open The Treebeek Education Center will book exam for the English college class he took from Barstow Community College via the Internet. offer two Dutch Headstart classes this Wilburn is pursuing a degree in Management Studies by taking mostly online classes due to a busy month; June: 4-8 and 25-29. Call the center work schedule. Newly installed computer workstations at the Education Center on SHAPE, Bldg. for more information. 212, allow four students to take their online exams at once. Benelux Education Center configured especially for these tests. Online Testing programs administered at the Army tests are scored immediately by the computer Foreign language education centers are growing bigger every unlike the old paper-and-pencil versions which year. The need for proctored exams is fueled are still scored manually. proficiency tests by the advances in technology and the The Army Personnel Test (APT) program increasing number of college classes taken helps service members advance their military moving online online. careers. Other tests in high demand include The biggest surge is seen, however, in online GT improvement test (in-service ASVAB) and The following foreign language testing for college classes taken by students a flight aptitude test for future aviators. proficiency tests are available in an online online. It is for these students that the U.S. College testing is very popular among all version as DLPT-5: Spanish, Russian, Army Garrison Benelux Education Center on college students, whether military, civilians or Norwegian, Urdu, Dari, Pashto, Greek, SHAPE has set up computer testing family members. Tests like CLEP or DSST Albanian, Chinese-Mandarin, Hindi, workstations in its testing room to allow several are worth college credit and cut short the time Korean, Czech, and Polish. students to test at once. it takes to earn a college degree. Other languages are still administered These days it seems that somebody is always Tests bearing college credit are free of charge as before. sitting in front of the computer taking their mid- for service members and financial aid is These tests are no longer administered term or final exam. available for others. Study guides and in a paper version. The new format is One of the most popular tests, Defense diagnostic tests are also available. longer than the old format and requires 6 Language Proficiency Test, determines the level For more information about testing hours of actual testing in addition to an of foreign language proficiency. The Army programs stop by the local education center in hour break taken between listening and maintains a wide variety of language tests and, SHAPE or Brussels, if you’re stationed in reading portions, and administrative time. starting last summer, several are now offered Belgium, or in Treebeek for those stationed in The entire test is taken online. The online. the Netherlands. Call DSN 423-5501, DSN results are available immediately upon The Education Center on SHAPE has a 368-9704, or DSN 364-6013 respectively, for conclusion of the test. separate Language Lab with computers more information.

June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 29 Chapel

Services Autos for Sale bucket seats and a rear bench seat, DVD SHAPE International Chapel player, minor exterior damage, keyless en- SHAPE International Chapel try, great working condition. Asking $10,000 Sunday 2001 Honda Civic EX - U.S. specs. - or best offer. Call (32) 0477638110. 9 a.m. Roman Catholic Excellent condition, great mileage, 5-speed 11:30 a.m. Collective Protestant manual, 4-door, moon roof, CD player, all- 2005 Mini Cooper,Cooper red with black stripes, season and winter tires. Approx. 79,000 12,000 miles, still under warranty, U.S. specs, Wednesday miles. Asking $8,000 (Blue Book value sport rims, winter tires, excellent condition. 12:20 p.m. English Mass (Klar) $8145-$8790. Call after 7 p.m.: 067/84.40.25. $20,200. Call 0049-2451-63-2029. Daumerie Chapel For sale only to SHAPE ID card holders. Sunday 2004 Toyota Corolla, 2.0 liter diesel/5- Miscellaneous/Household 10:45 a.m. Collective Protestant speed, 36,000km, always garaged, air condi- Baldwin spinet piano with padded Brussels Chapel tioning, European specs. Two years remain- bench. Dark pine, Early American style in Sunday ing on Toyota factory engine/drive train war- fair condition, $550. Gas lawn mower, $50; 10:45 a.m. Collective Protestant ranty. Excellent inside and out. Perfect Con- oak veneer kitchen cart/cabinet on wheels 12:30 p.m. Protestant Gospel trol Technique. Call 0473-97-0544 for info. with large storage capacity and towel holders, JFC International Chapel 2003 Ford Windstar SE, 3.8 liter/6-cylin- $20; two wall-mount bathroom cabinets, $15 (Brunssum) der engine, automatic transmission, 76,000 each. All items U-haul. Call after 7 p.m.: Sunday miles, tan exterior with tan cloth interior, four 067/84.40.25. 10:15 a.m. Collective Protestant 12 p.m. Roman Catholic Religious Education Classified ads: SHAPE Chapel 10:30 a.m. Catholic Religious Education 10 a.m. Protestant Sunday School Daumerie Caserne 9:30 a.m. Protestant Sunday School Brussels Chapel 10 a.m. Catholic Religious Education JFC International Chapel-Brunssum 9 a.m. Protestant Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Catholic Religious Education Men of the Chapel SHAPE Chapel Category: Autos for Sale Job Opportunities Tuesday Protestant (Please check Household Goods Miscellaneous 6:30 a.m. 423-6020/065446020 appropriate box) Volunteers Needed Sports Equipment Daumerie Caserne Wednesday Protestant NAME: ______6:30 p.m. 361-5575/068275575 Brussels Chapel SPONSOR’S NAME: ______1st Sat. of the month Protestant 9 p.m. 368-9677 SPONSOR’S UNIT: ______

Women of the Chapel TELEPHONE NUMBER: ______SHAPE Chapel Thursday Protestant BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ITEM(S): ______9:30 a.m. 423-6020/065446020 Catholic ______9:30 a.m. 3rd Wed. each month 6:30 p.m. 1st Wed. each month ______423-6019/065446019 Daumerie Caserne ______Wednesday Protestant SUBMIT VIA FAX TO USAG BENELUX PUBLIC AFFAIRS 6:30 p.m. 361-5575/068275575 DSN: 361-5106 OR CIV: (0032) 068-27-5106 Brussels Chapel DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING CLASSIFIED ADS IS THE 10TH OF EACH MONTH Thursday Protestant 8 a.m. 368-9677 Please limit submissions to 5 items. JFC International Chapel -Brunssum NOTE: Classified Ads are provided free of charge for everyone across the USAG Benelux community. Wednesday Protestant Those requesting a classified ad be published in the Benelux EDGE agree all items shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, 9:30 a.m. 364-2940 physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

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June 2007 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil 31 32 www.usagbenelux.eur.army.mil June 2007