Same-Sex Couples Can Claim New Benefits by October
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U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart February 21, 2013 Gaining life The PHS Career Practicum pro- gram helps to develop students’ The experiences interests, capabilities and goals. 6 ‘Prepare to be The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Bad Cannstatt is home to more CitizenVol. 42, No. 4 www.stuttgart.army.mil tempted’ than just cars ... see for yourself! 10 Same-sex couples can claim Self Service Supply new benefits by October prepares to close doors By Karen Parrish able at the service member’s election: By Mark J. Howell service with free delivery to the American Forces Press Service hospital visitation and Family Readi- USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office customers,” said Tony Cross, the ness Group membership. ilitary members and SSSC transition project lead. For 22 other benefits, service s the financial belt retirees with same-sex Current SSSC closures through- members and their same-sex partners around the Department partners will qualify for out Europe will help save taxpayers M may file a “declaration of domestic of Defense continues up to 24 new benefits under policy A about $3 to $4 million annually in partnership.” That declaration entitles to tighten, more and more services operating costs, Cross said. changes Defense Secretary Leon E. same-sex partners to military identifica- are going onto the chopping block. As the SSSC isn’t expecting any Panetta announced Feb. 11. tion cards, commissary and exchange The latest casualty is the clo- additional stock, the store is empty- In a memo to the service chiefs shopping privileges, child care and sure of the Self Service Supply ing out rather quickly. Many of the outlining the new policy, Panetta noted youth programs, sexual assault counsel- the department has “essentially com- Center on Patch Barracks, which “hot” items such as paper and printer ing and other benefits. is planning to close its doors for pleted” repeal of the so-called “Don’t Housing, medical and dental care, cartridges are already in limited Ask, Don’t Tell” law that barred gay good May 15. quantity. SSSC personnel recom- and overseas command sponsorship for The SSSC, which has offered and lesbian military members from same-sex partners are not included in mend that organizations looking to basic office supplies to organiza- serving openly. this round of policy changes. plus up on supplies act quickly. tions across Stuttgart since 1981, Now, the secretary wrote to the As Panetta noted in a statement, Once the inventory has been received its last scheduled shipment chiefs, military leaders’ work must those benefits are restricted under depleted and the store closes, of new supplies Feb. 15. “expand to changing our policies and the Defense of Marriage Act, com- government purchase cardholders “Stores in Europe are closing practices to ensure fairness and equal monly known as DOMA, which defines can purchase supplies through the as part of a U.S. Army Europe- treatment and to taking care of all of our “spouse” as someone married to a Exchange or on the local economy. directed initiative to provide SSSC service members and their families, to person of the opposite sex. the extent allowable under law.” items through an online ordering See SSSC on page 4 Two of the new benefits are avail- See Same-sex couples on page 4 Wrestlers dominate sectionals [Photo above] Patch High School senior Isaac McIlvene pins his opponent during the Department of Defense Dependents Schools Eastern Sectional wresting tournament held Feb. 9 in the PHS gym. McIlvene, undefeated for the season, took first in the 126-pound class. [Photo right] Undefeated senior Robert Mannier, right, goes up against an Ansbach wrestler in the 182-pound class. Last year, both wrestlers won European titles in their weight classes. The Patch High School wrestling team dominated the sectional tournament, qualifying 23 out of 27 wrestlers for the European championships to be held Feb. 15-16 in Wiesbaden, where the Panthers will look to take their fifth European team championship in as many years. Photos by Nicole Zuccola Page 2 OPINION The Citizen, February 21, 2013 USAREUR will thrive despite fiscal challenges Commentary b y This transition makes us leaner, Lt. Gen. Don Campbell better organized, and more agile. In U.S. Army Europe commander the end we will be better prepared to This means that as an organization face the challenges of the future. we will need to focus on fundamen- t is wonderful to be back in I’m here at an interesting time, Europe. Ann and I sincerely as one of those challenges is at our tals and on imperatives like disci- Iappreciate the opportunity to doorstep today. once again join the tremendous team pline, comprehensive fitness, leader As you all know, our nation as a here at U.S. whole is currently facing fiscal uncer- development and teamwork. Army Europe. tainty and our Army is not immune I’m to that. honored to be With this difficult time come tough partners over the last decade, but our We must continue to remain fo- afforded the decisions about how to navigate the challenge will be to maintain and cused on accomplishing all missions opportunity to road ahead and balance fiscal respon- build upon these gains in a postwar while always ensuring the resiliency serve you — sibility with the readiness of our force era of competing resources. of our families. the Soldiers, This means that as an organization I expect all leaders to assist me civilians, and the well-being of our families. we will need to focus on fundamen- in promoting a positive command families and I am committed to ensuring that our workforce stays informed and tals and on imperatives like disci- climate; instilling trust up and down host nation Lt. Gen. Campbell pline, comprehensive fitness, leader the chain of command that reinforces supporters understands the measures taken and who shape this dedicated community the reasons for them. As always, I development and teamwork. and exemplifies our Army values — and I feel it necessary to thank encourage all of you to rely on your I expect leaders and Soldiers alike and the warrior ethos of our combat you all for what you have done and chain of command and command to follow these command imperatives proven force. continue to do every day. information channels for timely and that I have come to trust as a sound Together we will continue to make USAREUR is in a time of transi- accurate information as we navigate formula for developing units into our overseas home and the USA- tion. Our headquarters has a new these uncertain times. a team of teams that is ready to ac- REUR team better every day. home in Wiesbaden, we are in the One thing is clear, regardless of complish any mission. You will soon I consider it an honor and privilege process of deactivating two long- resources or troop levels, no less be seeing AFN spots and other means to lead this historic team and look for- storied brigades, and we are reducing will be asked of us. We have made of communication that reinforce these ward to seeing you all in your forma- our garrison footprint across Europe. impressive gains with our allies and imperatives. tions and communities around Europe. HE Thorns and Roses T CITIZEN Col. John P. Stack U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Commander Public Affairs Officer Mark Howell [email protected] Command Information Chief/Editor Culture Editor Susan Huseman Carola Meusel [email protected] [email protected] Contact Information Telephone: 431-3105/civ. 07031-15-3105 Fax: 431-3096/civ. 07031-15-3096 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stuttgart.army.mil Office Location: Building 2949, Panzer Kaserne U.S. Army Address: Unit 30401, APO AE 09107 German Address: USAG-S PAO, Panzer Kaserne, Roses to: Thorns and Roses is about recognizing those who Geb. 2949, 3rd Floor, Panzerstrasse, 71032 Böblingen • Steven, the manager of Manolito’s at the do a good job or make life a little easier. It’s also about Swabian Special Events Center — He gave a people who need to be a little more considerate of others. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of The Citizen are not neces- man with a large suitcase a ride to the confer- This column is not about institutions, units or agen- sarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or ence center in Building 2407 after the man had cies. It’s not about situations that could result in legal the Department of the Army. All editorial content in this publication walked all the way from the front gate (in what action under military or German law. Nor is it a place to is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the USAG Stuttgart air management-employee problems or slander anyone. Public Affairs Office. Private organizations noted in this publication quickly became a snow blizzard) to the Swabian While we are happy to identify stellar service providers, are not part of Department of Defense. in error. Understanding the man was late to his The appearance of advertising in this publication, including conference and from out of town, instead of just we can’t and won’t identify under-performers by name. inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the Submissions must be brief and emailed to stuttgart- giving directions, Steven gave the man a lift. products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Everything adver- [email protected] with the subject line: Thorns and tised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or Roses.