Newsletternewsletter Headquartersheadquarters Alliedallied Forceforce Commandcommand Heidelbergheidelberg Nr

NewsletterNewsletter HeadquartersHeadquarters AlliedAllied ForceForce CommandCommand HeidelbergHeidelberg Nr. 02 April 2012 Commander’s Corner Reintegration Training for Rotation 2B

April marks the first of the lasts for this headquarters. On 1 April of next year we will deactivate this headquarters. Soon thereafter, Campbell Barracks as we know it and the Heidelberg military community will close and relocate after decades of superb service and community support.

We recognize the implications of the closure are significant. Therefore, we are com- mitted to keeping you and your families in- formed about all the developments here as they become clear.

Much like in a relay race, the pace in our headquarters will remain high until we cross the finish line in April 2013. Until then we have important tasks ahead of us which require our full focus, determination, and agil- The Commander welcomes home the headquarters members recently redeployed ity. Among those tasks I would highlight the from Afghanistan in support of International Security Assistance Force. Allied Chiefs of Army Staff Talks and Land Commanders Conference (ACAST/LCC) CREVAL held in Albania in May and the Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL) of the Al- Certification lied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in Eng- land in September and October. We suc- Process cessfully set the conditions for these events through two events in March. First, we conducted the Bi- Force Commands Corps Commanders Conference in Lille, France which I would like to thank the men and women of FCHD who made the conference Select members of Allied such a beneficial event. The results of the Force Command Heidel- conference will be briefed at the ACAST/ berg (FC HD) attended the LCC. Second, we certified over fifty men FC HD internal CREVAL and women to serve as CREVAL evaluators. course, March 19 to 23. This team will certify the ARRC for their role as the NRF in 2013. I fully expect the evaluator team to also transition their exten- sive expertise and acquired skills to the head- CONTENTS : quarters in Turkey that assumes our respon- Reintegration Training for Rotation 2B ………….…..….………………….... 2 sibilities next year. Reshaping NATO ’ s Future ……………………………………….…….……. 3 Finally, I am proud of the efforts by this CREVAL Certification Process …………………...…...………..……….……. 4 organization to continue the development of relationships and professionalism. This Simulate Deployment Exercise ……………………...………….……….……. 5 month senior FCHD officers gather together Winter Warfare Training 2012 ………………………..……...…………..…. 6/7 to welcome back leaders from a successful ISAF deployment and farewell Brigadier Leo Future NCO Corps / Headquarters ’ Closure Update ……….…….….…. 8 Beulen departing in May. Our NCOs will Social Media Tips ………………………………….…...……………………….. 9 participate in a staff ride to Normandy while Dutch Queen’ s Day ……………………………………..…………………… 10 our NATO Spouse Club and the Family Support Center continue to provide incredi- Training Events/ Calendar ….…………………….………………………..…. 11 ble support to our families. Keep it up and FSC Corner …………………………………………….……...………………... 12 thank you for all your great work! Point of interest / German regulations .………...... ………….…………….. 13 NATO Spouse Club Corner / Calendar .……………..……...…………. 14/15 Last ISAF Rotation Reintegrates Into Headquarters

The last rotation of Allied Force Corps (ARRC) Combat Readiness Command Heidelberg members re- Evaluation later in the year. turned from Afghanistan in support of Other subjects of note were the the International Security Assistance headquarters’ transition of land com- Force there. Now these service mem- petencies to the new Land Command bers begin a new part of their lives, Izmir and the organization’s responsi- reintegration. bilities during the current NATO Re- ISAF rotation 2B Soldiers conducted sponse Force standby period. The reintegration training 5 to 8 March headquarters closure working group 2012 at Campbell Barracks, Heidel- lead gave a briefing to include a time- Allied Force Command Heidelberg service berg. line of what the unit plans regarding members, having just returned from Afghani- The event was kicked off by wel- its future transformation. stan, attend reintegration training in order to coming remarks from Allied Force The training and exercise functional equip themselves with the tools to support the unit’s mission. Command Heidelberg Commander Lt. team lead also gave a 2012 calendar Gen. John Morgan III who offered a overview including an exercise partici- warm welcome home and a “job well pation summary. The remainder of done”. He further spoke to the return- the reintegration training was con- ing members about his priorities for ducted at the working group, func- 2012 and how he wants all of them to tional team and cell level, focusing on hit the ground running, starting with the daily scope of individual responsi- this training. He also emphasized the bilities. At the week’s conclusion all of importance of each returning member the training objectives were met and of this headquarters, knowing exactly all rotation 2B members were com- where he or she fits into the organiza- fortably “back in the saddle” and effi- Disclosure : tion, whether in a working group, ciently performing their jobs in sup- functional team or in a leadership po- port of the Allied Force Command sition. He also stressed that each indi- Heidelberg mission. Serving the military, civilians and family members vidual is to know the specific require- of Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidel- berg ments expected of them. The first two days of reintegration Lt. Gen. John W. Morgan III, Commander training consisted of collective classes including 17 briefings ranging from Article by Lt. Col. James Cole Lt. Col. Götz Haffke Lt. Col. Randy Martin the headquarters’ new task organiza- Photo by Staff Sgt. Dwight Chaney Editors tion to the Allied Rapid Reaction

Maj. Cyrille Zimmer Assistant Editor

Capt. Tamara Gonzales Assistant Editor

Adj. Aurélie Auzas Layout and Design

This is an authorized, unofficial publication. Its aim is to inform headquarters personnel and their families. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy.

Suggestions for articles, comments and contribu- tions are welcome and should be directed to the editor. The editor reserves the right to edit sub- missions.

Public Affairs Office Postfach 102620 D-69016 Heidelberg (Bldg. 8, Campbell Barracks) Phone: 06221-398-5316 Fax: 06221-398-5349 Email: pao@fchd.nato.int.

Visit our website at www.nato.int/fchd Like us at Facebook: Headquarters Allied Force Command Heidelberg Headquarters members recently came back from Afghanistan in support of International Secu- rity Assistance Force.

02 Reshaping NATO’s Future

NATO Command Structure and Force Structure commanders gathered in Lille, France, to determine the future of NATO members at the Bi- Force Commands Corps Command- ers Conference, March 13 to 15.

“This is a venue for exchanging ideas about our future,” said the commander of headquarters Rapid Reac- tion Corps-France Lt. Gen. Gilles Fugier.

The event served as a means for commanders’ to discuss NATO's evolving environment. As such, Al- lied Command Transformation and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe leadership took away key points to discuss at their elements.

Participants included NATO Land Corps commanders, component commands and representatives from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. Other organizations were Lt. Gen Morgan introduces the Bi-Force Commands Corps Commanders Conference with also present such as the Joint Warfare Center, Counter Improvised Explo- Commander Rapid Reaction Corps-France, Lt. Gen. Gilles Fugier, (left) and Commander sive Devices Centre of Excellence Force Command Madrid Lt. Gen. Alfredo Cardona Torres (right), March 14. and Allied Command Transforma- tion. (Photo by Adjutant Chef Romain Beaulinette)

Headquarters Rapid Reaction- The conference also served as an France hosted the event and com- opportunity for attendees to reunite manders from Allied Force Com- with old friends and acquaintances mand Heidelberg and Force Com- with an ice breaker and later a command Madrid co-chaired it. mander’s dinner and a command sergeant’s major dinner. The spouses “Our goal is to develop the concep- had a chance to visit the Textile Mu- tual framework for command struc- seum at Roubaix, the Museum of ture coordination and synchroniza- Beaux-Arts, and tour Lille. tion of integrated land, air and maritime training support to your corps "The commands coming together headquarters,” said Commander Al- like this fits well with the SACEUR's lied Force Command Heidelberg Lt. (Supreme Allied Commander Gen. John Morgan III, who co- Europe) intent of building a team to- chaired the event. “This is the future gether," said Senior Noncommis- of alliance land capability.” sioned Officer, Supreme Headquar- ters Allied Powers Europe Command NATO subject matter experts pro- Chief Master Sergeant Richard Small. vided information about joint training support, support to air, maritime and Conference results will be discussed land operations, and synchronizing at the upcoming Allied Chief of Army training to requirements amongst Staff Talks. many other topics. “Along with the Allied Chief of Lt. Gen. Morgan presents Commander Rapid In conjunction with the com- Army Staff Talks, these meetings pro- Reaction Corps-France, Lt. Gen. Gilles Fugier, mander’s conference, the command’s vide a valuable source of common senior enlisted advisors also met, join- voice for Land Command and the with FC HD Cherokee Warrior, March 14. ing the commanders at the beginning structure,” said Commander Force and at a certain point having their Command Madrid Lt. Gen. Alfredo (Photo by OR6 Alexandre Bansard) own talks. Cardona Torres.

"The main focus was to discuss the intent of command senior enlisted within the force structure, the NCO strategy within that structure and lay Article by Capt. Tamara Gonzales the groundwork for how NCOs can influence the future structure," said Command Sergeant Major Allied Force Command Heidelberg Chief Warrant Officer Mark Saulnier.

03 Headquarters Members Continue CREVAL Certification Process

headquarters during operations, which have air and/or maritime aspects as well. Each NATO assigned corps-level headquarters has to go through a CREVAL process every three years. During this process they have to demonstrate their skills and capabilities related to the required NATO standards.

During the course, which included Col. Cesar Michael-Sacristan instructs head- Lt. Col. David "Dark" Vautor and Lt. Col. two representatives of HQ ARRC, quarters’ members about CREVAL proce- Dominique Rigaud find new ways to incor- the prospective members of the dures. porate Combat Readiness Evaluation stan- evaluation team received their qualifi- dard operating procedures into their fields of cation and certification to act as Morgan addressed the importance expertise. NATO evaluators. Several briefers and relevance of the CREVAL proc- from the nations and SHAPE sup- ess for NATO and the nations. He ported the course. expressed his expectation that the FCHD CREVAL team will prepare Assessments of how service mem- After the basic training provided by and execute the HQ ARRC CREVAL bers and their units conduct training this course, the several functional ar- in a professional and accurate man- are critical in improving their skills eas will conduct their internal prepa- ner. More information will follow and capabilities. Select members of ration to become more familiar with within the next newsletters . Allied Force Command Heidelberg the HQ ARRC environment and the (FC HD) will have the opportunity to functional area specific requirements assist in this process for the Head- of this CREVAL. quarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (HQ ARRC) later this year. The training and preparation phase Article by Lt. Col. Thomas Fischer will be finalized with another one Photos by Staff Sgt. Dwight Chaney In order to become members of a week of comprehensive training as Combat Readiness Evaluation final warm-up for the CREVAL at (CREVAL) team, they attended the the end of August. The whole train- FC HD internal CREVAL course, ing and preparation concept has been March 19 to 23, at Campbell Bar- developed and is executed by a multi- racks, building 99. functional working group under the leadership of Col Army Michael- Lt. Gen. Morgan introduced the Sacristan. course which served as the start-up for a series of events to prepare for The evaluation team under the lead- the upcoming evaluation. ership of the Commander FCHD will then be ready to execute the HQ Altogether 55 participants from ARRC evaluation. The execution of across FC HD participated in the the CREVAL itself will happen in training at Campbell Barracks, build- two phases. The first phase will be a ing 99. so called “In Barracks” phase, where all HQ ARRC basic internal docu- The HQ ARRC is one of the multi- ments, orders and procedures will be national corps level headquarters pro- reviewed by the evaluators in relation- vided by the nations for the NATO ship to the required NATO stan- Force Structure. dards. This phase will take place in Innsworth, UK It was initiated as a follow on or- Maj. Michal Kopriva and Lt. Col. Rainer ganization of the former I (UK) The second phase then will be a Leidig study Combat Readiness Evaluation Corps in 1992 in Bielefeld, Germany, Command Post Exercise, where the but moved in 1994 to the Rhein- headquarters will demonstrate its standard operating procedures during the Dahlen Military Complex (Germany). skills and capabilities in the field. Allied Force Command’s internal CREVAL This phase will be executed on a Brit- course, March 19 to 23. In 2011 the headquarters moved ish training area close to ST. Mawgan, back to United Kingdom and now UK, in Cornwall. has its garrison in Innsworth. Even if the corps basically is an army organi- During his address at the beginning zation it is also capable to act as joint and the end of the course Lt. Gen. 04 Logisticians Simulate Deployment Exercise

In order for a unit to deploy, they Additionally, transportation is a criti- need to know how to load their equip- cal part of any mission. The FSE sup- ment. That is one of the many roles ports this through its vehicle prepara- of Allied Force Command Heidel- tion area where vehicles, trailers and berg’s Forward Support Element. generators are prepared for deployment. The transportation section pro- Allied Force Command Heidelberg vides movement support during the is a highly deployable headquarters operation. supporting the NATO Response Force and its Operational Liaison Re- Vehicles require certain materials for connaissance Team. The headquar- operation. This team can meet those ters’ Forward Support Element (FSE) needs with a vast variety of lubricants, is playing a crucial role in this rapid oils, antifreeze, filters and first-level reaction force as in a moment’s notice maintenance spare parts such as fuses, U.S. Army Pfc. Joe Cabrera explains how they will establish the mounting sup- spark plugs and windshield wipers. the unit’s Land Rovers can enhance their port center. deployable capability and the ease of mainte- Additionally, the team determined nance for the vehicles. FSE service members simulated dur- how many, and what types, of trailers ing a mounting exercise how they and vehicles were required to move would mount and deploy personnel personnel and equipment. and equipment through the mounting support center, February 27 to March Lastly, the FSE utilized an optional 2. deployable mounting support center to assist with the oversight of mount- “The mounting exercise was a static ing operations at the point of embar- display for the commander (Allied kation. Force Command Heidelberg) to ob- serve mounting procedures and en- “The training provided an out- sure that everyone knows what they standing opportunity to test our pro- need to do from the initial alert to de- cedures, identify deficiencies and deployment,” said Sgt. Maj. Matthias velop mitigation plans for areas of risk Englisch, OLRT logistician non- so that if the NRF is called, the FSE is commissioned officer-in-charge. ready and able to get them out the door,” said FSE Deputy Logistics The team established and rehearsed Branch Head Lt. Cmdr. Rich Pleas- five sections to ensure their mission ants. readiness. This training is one in a series that They initiated the central collection the FSE has and continues to conduct point where national support elements to ensure readiness in case called and other agencies deliver supplies for upon. further distribution to OLRT and NRF members. Additionally, FSE “We have identified lessons from members set up a field equipment when we started training to where we preparation area where they prepared are now and what we need to do to equipment and supplies for deploy- acquire the most success,” said Eng- Lt. Gen. Morgan talks with Lt. Cmdr. Rich- ment. Some of these supplies in- lisch. ard Pleasants, the deputy logistics branch cluded combat rations, potable water, chief, about the design of the NATO Re- ammunition, individual equipment sponse Force Mounting Support Center. and tents as temporary lodging for these highly deployable service members. Article by Staff Sgt. Delsida Cabrera and Altogether, the team can pack Capt. Tamara Gonzales enough supplies to support the OLRT Photos by Sgt. Maj. Matthias Englisch or NRF team for 30 to 90 days.

Throughout the deployment cycle, FSE members will support these posts ensuring proper security and distribution of supplies.

05 Winter Warfare Training 2012: Avalanche Rescue Training, Skiing, Snowshoe Tour, Castle Tour or Relaxing In The Spa

For the participants, the Winter Warfare Training 2012 (WWT) most probably was the first real community highlight of the year! More than 300 members of Allied Force Command Headquarters Hei- delberg (HQ FC HD) and their families experienced wonderful days in the fantastic landscape of the German and Austrian Alps around the beautiful Bavarian city of Füssen held March 9 to 17. Once again Lt. Col. Georg Annen, Commander of the Forward Support Element (FSE), and his team prepared and carried out a stimulating training exercise in which each participant was able to learn something and to recover from the daily business stress. Divided into two sessions, the participants of WWT 2012 arrived at the Lt. Col. Henk Niks volunteers as part of a rescue mission during the Allied Force Com- 4-star Hotel Luitpoldpark in Bavaria. mand Heidelberg’s winter warfare training at Füssen, Germany. The unit’s members con- High comfort rooms, sauna, gym and ducted this training to learn how to react in dangerous wintery conditions. excellent food made the stay at the winter resort as pleasant as possible. body can now handle the available The FSE established a Coordination rescue equipment properly. Center in the hotel lobby and was as- A highlight of this rescue training sisting all participants 15 hours daily was the victim search by a search dog with organizational help and advice. of the German mountain rescue team. For the first evening they arranged a Lt. Col. Henk Niks (DOS Office) was welcome icebreaker in a quiet and voluntarily left buried in a simulated relaxing atmosphere where the par- avalanche snow mountain. Even ticipants gathered around to get to though the search dog arrived more know each other better. than 20 minutes later at the scene, he As a mandatory program, a theoreti- indeed found Niks after a few mo- cal and practical training on avalanche ments under the snow and dug him rescue was conducted by the German free. Niks was visibly relieved after he Mountain Rescue Team “Bergwacht” was freed. at the Tegelberg in the vicinity of the "It was a successful lesson, in which world famous castle Neuschwanstein. each participant was able to take The participants learned that as free something for his own safety," said riders or hikers in the winter period, Maj. Gen. Richard Rossmanith (COS they should never go out without an Transition), summing up the ava- avalanche detector, an avalanche stick lanche rescue training. and an avalanche snow shovel. In addition to this training, ski les- The training emphasized how dan- sons were carried out by professional gerous it can be away from slopes. instructors from the Mountain troops The probability to survive in an ava- of the German Bundeswehr. For lanche after the first 15 minutes is three days the participants, starting at only 40%, the mountain rescue team the age of five years, learned accident- trainer explained. free skiing. After these few days, the Later, all participants trained the first blue (sometimes also red) slopes appropriate use of the practical equip- were easily handled by the students. A trained rescue dog searches with his master ment. Pushing the rescue snow sled The three ski areas, which were ap- for a person buried in an avalanche. This with a simulated injured person proached daily, were large enough was one of the many demonstrations Allied through the snow was making all par- and had excellent skiing conditions to Force Command Heidelberg members ob- ticipants sweat, but at the end every- train the different skiing skills. served during the Winter Warfare Training.

06 Moreover, there was little traffic “Schwangauer Traditional Costumes due to the late ski season, and the Dance Group” performed the typical weather was really beautiful during Bavarian Schuhplattler. the WWT 2012. Some selected guests were even For those looking for more of a allowed to dance on stage with the challenge, participants could take a Traditional Costumes Dance Group. guided snowshoe tour taking them It was clear for everybody that this closer to their physical limit. Walking evening and the whole WWT 2012 away from the prepared slopes, the was very well done and strengthened tour took about three hours through the unity of our multinational HQ untouched snow landscape - a won- FC HD. derful opportunity to rest mentally Due to this fact it was very difficult and to relax. for most of the participants to leave For those who did not care much this beautiful area again after four about snow, there were other oppor- days. For all participants, these were Allied Force Command Heidelberg service tunities. The coordination team, led memorable days which were full of members transport one of their own in wintery by Lt. Col. Annen, organized a castle interesting aspects. Therefore every- conditions at Bavaria during Winter Warfare tour to the most famous castles of body agreed that this event must be Training held March 9 to 17. King Ludwig II (Neuschwanstein, carried out again next year as the Hohenschwangau and Linderhof). Winter Warfare Training 2013! Also the trip to the Crystal Spa or the Last but not least a big thanks goes shopping tour to the Sports Outlet to the whole organizational staff of were very well received by the par- the WWT 2012: Lieutenant Colonel ticipants. Georg Annen, Commandant Eric De Another highlight was the Bavarian Vilder, Sergeant Major Karl Fuchs, evening - a great event. It started Sergeant Major Joerg Schigowski, with a torchlight tour in front of the Sergeant Major Ralf Theobald, Staff picturesque backdrop of the castle of Sergeant Monique Dethal, Staff Ser- Neuschwanstein, where especially the geant Tobias Werling and the bus children had much fun. After 30 drivers Sergeant Tarmo Tammela, minutes the group reached the Corporal Eric Pezdevsek and Corpo- “Castle Brewery” in Schwangau, ral Endre Groetaers. where each person could pour his first beer out of a tap on his own. The participants expected a hearty program with the typical Bavarian Story and photos by Maj Peter Mientus food. and Adj Aurelie Auzas The “Schwangauer Brass Band” played traditional music and later the

Allied Force Command Heidelberg members pause for a quick group photo during the unit’s winter warfare training held at the German Bavarian city of Füssen. 07 Future Of The NCO Corps Within NATO Non-commissioned officers of Allied Force Command Heidelberg meet with the senior non-commissioned officer from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) to gain in- sight to the future of development of the NCO corps within NATO.

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Small provided an informational brief called NATO’s NCO strategy and guidelines: forging a NCO corps for a 21st cen- tury alliance at Campbell Barracks 27 March. Afterwards, Small, accompa- nied by the headquarters command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Saulnier, personally walked through the headquarters visiting NCOs working there.

Story and photo by Sgt. Sherry Schmidtpeter

Headquarters’ Closure Update

One of the things that is on every- “A Closure Party, with the Supreme The Herald Post which is published one’s mind right now is the future of Headquarters Allied Powers Europe Thursdays, the garrison website: our Headquarters, Force Command as its parent headquarters, will have http://www.bw.eur.army.mil, and Heidelberg. In the coming months, to perform all the tasks that are re- Town Halls. our Newsletter will strive to be one of quired in order to hand over our the tools to inform you about the in- property to the landlord and Ger- So as they say “stay tuned.” Check activation of the various garrison ac- many,” Klose said. back for more information and we’ll tivities here in Heidelberg. We are a keep it coming. Remember to visit supplement to the command informa- Selection of members for the Clo- our Facebook page and the com- tion of the US Army Garrison, Baden sure Party requires careful planning. mand’s homepage. Württemberg, community. Since personnel matters are ultimately a national matter, Senior National Our focus will be the deactivation of Representatives are working with FCHD PAO Staff our own command and how that af- Klose, his chairman, and his chief of fects you. staff on this task.

On April 1st of 2013, FCHD deacti- “The team may consist of 50 to 60 vates. Important tasks will remain people. Each member will have a and there is a lot to do between now specific task that he or she must be and then. Lt. Col. Hajo Klose sat qualified to perform. The size of the with us and described his responsibili- team will become smaller as time ties as the Headquarters Closure Co- passes and tasks are completed.” ordinator. He is part of the nucleus of a large and growing effort headed The big plan will be given to by the Chief of Staff Transition, Maj. SHAPE by June 30th. Members of Gen. Richard Rossmanith. the Closure Team should be notified by mid May this year. “Campbell and Patton Barracks will be inactivated as of Sept. 30, 2013. Like you may have heard, Klose said This creates a deadline for our own that the leaders of the US Army Gar- closure planning efforts,” said Klose. rison have said that they are commit- ted to providing services until all the As you can imagine, the end of one military facilities are inactivated some- mission leads to the beginning of an- time in 2015. Klose said that among other. the best sources of information are:

08 Social Media… Facebook, Twitter, MySpace

Social media sites, such as Face- book on its NATO network by the All social media sites have privacy book, MySpace, and Twitter, are great end of April. This is a great step for- policies that can be used to help you ways for military families to stay in ward for being able to stay in touch secure your information from the touch with relatives, friends, and even with friends and family as well as stay general public. It is always encour- deployed members. abreast of what is happening at HQ aged to secure your information and FCHD, but with this new access cer- let only those you want to see your Social media is also a fantastic way tain precautions must be established postings. to pass along important information by each NATO member to ensure and activities which are happening in that safety and security is not com- The bottom line is to remember our local area and within our head- promised. anything you post on the internet can quarters. Many of these sites are free, be copied or reposted without your easy to use, and you can access them Do not post deployment informa- knowledge or even potentially used by from virtually anywhere through your tion, inappropriate comments or pho- advisories to gather information computer or mobile phone. tos that might be sensitive or com- about you, your family, and your job. promising in any way. Do not discuss Think before you post because what Along with these wonderful tools, your job, any projects you are work- you say or show could have long term responsibility and safety of how you ing on, or any special activities that impacts that you might not know use them is just as important. For may be happening in the near future. about. example, before you post that you are Do not post unit/personnel rosters or going on holiday next month for two information about other unit mem- Additional information about social weeks, do you know who might see bers. networking sites and some precau- this? tions on how to protect yourself while Remember, you must always think using them can be found at: http:// If you haven’t restricted access to before you post. Small pieces of in- www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/ who can see your information, you formation from several sources can safe_social_networking.pdf. just openly told the world that you easily be linked together with your will be gone and provided potential social media postings to create poten- To stay up to date with current thieves an open invitation to break tially sensitive information. Currently Headquarters Allied Force Command into your home. FCHD Social Media policies are being Heidelberg activities and information, updated, but current guidance can be check out the FCHD Facebook page Also, if you post that your spouse is found within Tasking Coordination at http://www.facebook.com/#!/ being deployed, does everyone need Order (TCO) 028/10, Social Media at HeadquartersAlliedForceCommand- to know where he/she is going, how HQ FC Heidelberg. Heidelberg. long they will be gone, and what job they are doing? Remember, you don’t To help keep your information safe, always know who is reading your in the end of 2011 Facebook posts or looking at your photos and launched a guide for military families videos. that discuss some basic security meas- Story and photo by Maj. Daniel Melott ures and best ways to use their site to Recently, Headquarters Allied Force keep in touch during deployments Command Heidelberg was granted ( http://www.facebook.com/ authorization to open access to Face- USMilitary).

09 On The Occasion Of The Dutch Queen’s Day

The Dutch community will host its annual national re- ception at the Casablanca room, April 26 at 4:00p.m.

On April 30, the Dutch celebrate Koninginnedag (Queen’s Day), a national holiday to commemorate the birthday of the country’s (former) Queen. It is by far the most widely celebrated holiday in the Netherlands. Am- sterdam is stuffed to the gills on April 30, welcoming up to two million party-going visitors. Queen Beatrix The Dutch have been observing Queens’s Day on April 30 since 1949, when the new Queen Juliana ascended the throne. Before, the holiday fell on August 21, the birthday of Juliana’s mother, former Queen Wilhelmina.

When the current Queen Beatrix succeeded Juliana in 1980, she decided to keep Queen’s Day on April 30, as

Beatrix’s own birthday is January 31, a date when the Dutch weather isn’t conducive to the many outdoor activities associated with the holiday.

Thursday 26. April 2012 Casablanca Room 4:00p.m.

Story by Sgt. Guus Ruijsbroeck

10 Training Events

DATE EVENTS

Noncommissioned Officers (NCO) 05 APR Professional Development; Heidelberg

16-20 APR NCO Staff Ride

23-27 APR Operational Liaison & Reconnaissance Team (OLRT) Mounting Exercise

08-10 MAY ACAST

08-16 MAY Steadfast Joist 12

15-16 MAY Hero Lynx Battle Staff Training

21-24 MAY Hero Lynx

National Holidays

6 APR Good Friday

9 APR Easter Monday

1 MAY Maifeiertag

11 Come Check Out The FSC Brunch

If you have not been to one of the Family Support Centre Brunches it’s about time you come and see for yourself. See how fun and exciting it is to meet new people, mingle, enjoy and spend some time fellowship- ping with colleagues and their de- pendant family members. February and March FSC brunches were a full success with each brunch having its own theme; February’s was Carnival. Forward Support Element (FSE) chefs created a homemade ice- cream bomb which could easily keep up with the ones offered in five-star hotels across the world, fantastic appearance and delicious at the same time. This was the largest FSC brunch ever with more than 45 Corinna Mientus, and Caroline Hemingway, Allied Force Command Heidelberg’s senior transla- participants. tor, chat at the Family Support Center’s March brunch held March 21. March’s brunch had an Easter theme. It was enhanced by colorful table decorations as well as creative Easter menus like the traditional German Osterlamm (Paschal Lamb), colored eggs, fish specialties and a homemade Easter cake filled with egg liqueur and covered in white chocolate. We hope we sparked your interest and you will be on your way soon joining us for the next Family Sup- port Centre Brunch which will take place in 31M on Wednesday, 25 April 2012 between 09:30 - 11:30 hrs.

Article by Claudia Pradel Photos by Staff Sgt. Dwight Chaney

Allied Force Command Heidelberg leaders and families come together at the Family Support Center’s March brunch held March 21 at 31M.

DATE EVENTS LOCATION

Campbell Barracks 25 APR FSC Brunch 31 Middle

12 Surrounding Events

Impression “Heidelberger Frühling” International Music Festival

“Heidelberger Frühling” – Interna- it is a festival of encounter and dia- tional Music Festival logue. In addition to the great festive March 23 – April 292012 concerts, a mainstay of the program is Dating back to 1997, the Heidelber- the furthering of young musicians from ger Frühling has established itself as all over the world, and intensive inter- one of Germany’s most exciting and active concentration on selected innovative music festivals themes through master courses, discus- (Deutschlandradio), offering top-class sion groups, lecture series, composer performances by world-renowned mu- portraits, school projects and academic sicians (Neue Zürcher Zeitung). With symposia. Special emphasis is given to over 90 events every year and an inno- the encouragement of contemporary vative approach to programming, the music and towards making contempo- Heidelberger Frühling has quickly ad- rary music accessible to a broader pub- vanced to the premier league of classi- lic. cal music festivals. In its 15th season For the complete calendar, please see: the international music festival again http://www.heidelberger- will draw more than 25 thousand fans fruehling.de/content/e7612/e7614/ from all across the world to roughly 80 index_eng.html events with numerous renowned art- ists.The "Heidelberger Frühling" is more than a festival of stars - above all,

Privileges, Laws, German Regulations

Facilities Operations Changes Digital Satellite TV Mannheim On 30 April 2012, the analogue sat- Commissary Mannheim is slated to ellite TV will be switched off. Digital close in August 2012. It will adjust op- satellite TV can only be received with a erating hours beginning April 18th, i.e. special device. In the new TV flat from 11.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs from screens, there is often a digital receiver Wednesday to Sunday. built in, otherwise you will need a so- called DVB-S receiver.

13 NATO Spouses Club Rolls Out Bowling Balls

It was a night of camaraderie and competition as NATO Spouses Club members came together over bowling. Thirty-eight spouses participated in the event at Patrick Henry Village bowling alley, February 15. In three games, each person tried to get as many points and strikes as possible. Each roll of the bowling ball was marked by cheers and shouts of joy and fun dances. As the sport required much energy, the participants dined on salad, pizza and wonderful self made desserts to regain their strength. Julie Ryan hosted the event, making all the preparations and coordinating with the bowling alley and the participants. The club’s members from America brought many homemade delicacies and desserts. The NATO Spouse’s Club offers many events to bring together its members, strengthening their bonds and relationships to one another. Debbie Morgan prepares to bowl a strike at the NATO Spouses Club, Feb. 15.

Story and photos by Corinna Mientus NATO Spouses Club Organizes For You...Crystal Bunco Evening!

Due to the fantastic success of the be found at www.buncorules.com and January Bunco evening, The NATO will also be explained the evening of Spouses Club decided to give another the event. evening of great fun! Bunco is a very popular dice game in the USA and Thursday, April 26 2012 Canada. It´s a party! It is about hav- 31 Middle ing fun, laughing and with a bit of 7:00 p.m. luck becoming a winner and receiving a nice prize! Snacks and drinks will also be available. Bunco is a parlour game played in The NATO Spouses Club will teams with individuals rolling three publish more details in the near fu- dice. A winning throw is 3 of a kind ture. of specified number. The rules are rather uncomplicated. More rules can

NATO Spouses Club Heidelberg Worms Guided Tour

The Dutch representative organ- After the tour, participants can ized a guided tour through the two- have lunch in the Italian Café Adami millennium old town of Worms. The with the meal included in the price of tour includes a presentation of the the excursion. Drinks, ice cream and Worms cathedral (interior, exterior), cakes are available at your own ex- Martin Luther monument, Dominican pense. Abbey with the St. Paul church and the Jewish cemetery. Tuesday, April 24 2012 Transportation: Your own The tour will last a maximum of two hours. Depending on the amount The NATO Spouses Club will of participants there will be an Eng- publish more details in the near fu- lish and a German speaking tour ture. guide. 14 NATO Spouse Club Upcoming Events

DATE EVENTS

Bunko evening at 31 Middle (Campbell Barracks) 19 APR 19.00Hrs-21.00Hrs

Guided Tour in Worms + Lunch (Carpooling) 24 APR Meeting point 10.30Hrs in Worms in front of the Tourist Info.

Social Dance + Belgian Beer tasting for Spouses and part- 8 MAY ners 19.00Hrs at 31 Middle (Campbell Barracks)

Social Dance + Belgian Beer tasting for Spouses and part- 10 MAY ners 19.00Hrs at 31 Middle (Campbell Barracks)

22 MAY Mini golf in Waldorf + Lunch: 10.30Hrs

12 JUN Boat trip Neckar + Lunch

You can participate in each activity as a member or guest. Costs for each of our activities: €10 for members and €16 for guests.

If you want to participate in one of our activities you can send me an E-mail, so I can send you an invitation with more details.

Hedwig Huybrechts President of the NATO Spouses Club [email protected]