Read our home page at www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil Local ...

CRUSADER
Vol. 9, No. 1 Serving the 98th ASG and the 235th, 279th, 280th and 417th BSBs – Army communities of excellence January 12, 2001
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Attend seminar
The 2001 seminar
schedules are out for
Haus Rissen in Hamburg,
Atlantic Academy
in Lambrecht
and German Armed
Forces’ Center for
Leadership and Civic
Education in Berlin-
Strausberg. Seminar
fees, lodging and
Peña
meals are funded by
USAREUR, except
for Atlantic Academy. Sending organizations
will fund travel, per diem, and
provide the TDY orders. The first two
seminars at Haus Rissen will be Jan. 28-
Feb. 2 for field grade officers and equivalent-grade
U.S. civilians, and Feb. 4-9 for
U.S. and German company-grade officers
and equivalent-grade U.S. civilians. Call
Sigrid Peña at 351-1400 for more information.
Access military pay
Active duty, reservists and recently separated
military members can soon access
expanded pay information services from a
new Military Interactive Voice Response
System toll-free number. Using a preestablished
personal identification number,
individuals can access information. For
more information, call 699-0665 or 1-888-
PAY-ARMY in the United States.
Circle driving changes
As of Feb.1, the sign for driving in traffic
circles in Germany will be the blue circle
with three white arrows curved counterclockwise.
The combination of the new
traffic circle sign with the yield sign at all
entrances to traffic circles will then indicate
the right of way for traffic already in the
circle. Drivers should not use their turn
signal when entering traffic circles. When
traffic signs are absent, vehicles coming
from the right have the right-of-way. For
more traffic law information, visit
http://rmv.hqusareur.army.mil/drivrma
n/190-34j.htm.
Register school children
Children of U.S. Army, military and
civilian personnel who are home-schooled
or attending a host-nation school must be
registered with USAREUR. Sponsors of
children who do not attend a Department of
Defense Dependents School, or DoDDS,
must complete a registration form that
indicates where children will be educated
during the current school year. Registration
forms are available at all schools.
Community focus
Breakdown of Americans who
registered privately owned
firearms in Germany as of
Dec. 1, 2000
● Army 2,845
● Air Force 844
● Navy 53
● Civilian 2,152
A total of 5,894 people have
collectively registered 17.725
weapons.
Source: USAREUR Public Affairs Office By: Olivia Feher
Rabbi gives Bris
for Army baby
Chap. (Capt.) Yani Pronman, one of
two Army rabbis in Europe, presides
over a Jewish ritual called a Bris. The
Bris is a ceremonial circumcision.
Jisroel Bornstein holds eight-day-old
Matthew Jeffrey while his mother,
Jennifer, family member, Battery B,
1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery, looks
on. Pronman, assigned to the 17th
Signal Battalion in Kitzingen, provides
Jewish services throughout southern
Germany and also travels to offer
monthly services in Bosnia. Weekly
Sabbath services are held at the
Leighton Chapel in Wuerzburg. For
more information, call Pronman at 355-
2497 or (09321) 702497.
Infected German cattle
prompt growing concern
by Roger Teel
U.S. Army Hospital, Wuerzburg
Alarm is sweeping across Europe as the
incidence of mad cow disease in German beef
spreads, but Americans buying beef on U.S.
military installations need not fear as there has
been no incidence of the disease in U.S. beef.
“Although there is a small risk of BSE in
European beef, the best measure to minimize the
risk is to avoid European beef products,
especially burgers and sausages because they are
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
more likely to contain infected meat parts,” said
Maj. Petrina Gavrilis, chief of community health
nursing, U.S. Army Medical Department
Activity, Wuerzburg.
“U.S. beef has not been infected and is
considered safe. All beef sold or prepared in
U.S. military facilities is from the United States
and is the safest beef to consume.”
A seventh German cow infected with bovine
spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, was
detected Dec. 30. Germany has since called for
meat testing to be stepped up as a health scare
grips the country. The first case of BSE in
Germany was discovered Nov. 24.
German Minister of Agriculture Karl-Heinz
Funke wants to widen BSE testing to include
A new registration policy for privately owned firearms put
more than 2800 soldiers on notice Jan. 1.
By that date, those who own guns should have come into
compliance with the German law, but for most Americans in
Germany, full compliance is nearly impossible.
New rules say American military and civilians must register
their weapons with the German government and store them in an
approved manner. German registration also requires the owners
to have a Waffenbesitzkarte, which most American gun owners
do not possess.
Acquiring a Waffenbesitzkarte is difficult, but not impossible,
according to Maj. Mark Walworth, Headquarters and Headquarters
Detachment, 235th BSB and USAREUR German
hunting course instructor.
“The course is about 60 hours and equivalent to a college
class. It takes time to study, practice, and there are fees involved.
About 60 percent of the students pass the course,” he said.
Walworth said the new policy would probably not affect avid
American hunters who already put forth the effort to become
legal on the German side.
“Weapon owners who just shoot a couple times a year pro-
The Thorne Thorne
familyleaves
familyleaves
the U.S. Army Army
Hospital,
Wuerzburg
Jan 1
See Page 16
BSE fears grow daily in Europe
sheep and has called for a Europe-wide initiative
to examine the possibility that sheep could be
linked to mad cow disease.
“We need a European solution to protect consumers,”
Funke told ARD television Dec. 28.
Funke and German Health Minister Andrea
Fischer have come under fire from the European
Union, consumer groups and opposition conservatives,
who accuse them of acting too late to
protect the public. EU officials told them
German cows had probably been infected nine
months ago.
American soldiers and civilians have been
consistently assured by the Center for Health
Promotion and Preventive Medicine, Europe,
See BSE FEARS on Page 16
Local offices process passports
by Olivia Feher
CRUSADER
U.S. personnel in the 98th ASG should process
passport applications through their installation
passport office, instead of going
directly to a U.S. Consulate.
“Our passport offices not only screen documents,
but share the workload with the consulate,”
said Lt. Col. Barry Swain, 38th Personnel
Services Battalion commander, Bamberg.
“These offices are usually co-located with the
installation ID card office and assist not only
with applications for no-fee and tourist passports,
official passports and amendments, but
also take birth registrations,” Swain said.
Passport agents administer oaths, help prepare
forms, and ensure the application packet is
complete. It’s then sent to the servicing U.S.
Consulate or embassy via military courier or
registered mail. Passports are returned to the
sending offices, who then notify their customers.
“Utilizing this service not only saves customers
travel time, but increases security.
Emergency passport processing can be properly
prioritized with a control number,” said Capt.
Betsy Atherton, Detachment A, 38th Personnel
Services Battalion commander, Kitzingen.
Atherton added, the turn-around time varies
from four to six weeks at peak times during the
summer to a few days in an emergency. “Cus-
tomers are encouraged to call first to find out
what documents they need to bring with them to
apply for a passport. If they do this, depending
on their circumstances and needs, we can
process the application on the first visit,” she
said.
Passport application requirement can be
found at:
www/acaim.hqusareur.army.mil/library/reg/
600-290A.htm.
For more passport information, call (0981)
183838 in Ansbach; (0951) 3007728 in
Bamberg; 354-6307 or (09721) 966307 in
Schweinfurt; or 355-2376/2377 or (09321)
702376 in Kitzingen.
New weapons’ policy sparks change
bably don’t want to go through the trouble,” he said.
“Those who have no intention of obtaining a Waffenbesitzkarte
have some options,” said Lt. Col. Bob Brown, 98th ASG
provost marshal.
Registered owners who no longer want to keep their weapons
may turn over their weapons to their BSB provost marshal for
destruction.
He advises those who use this option to bring proof of
ownership and get a receipt for the weapon.
According to the USAREUR customs office, soldiers, not
civilians, may mail long guns to the United States through the
Army Post Office, while pistols must be sent through a licensed
dealer. “Check with customs before mailing a weapon. The
preferred method of returning weapons to the United States is
through household goods shipments,” he said.
“Troops who have no intention of using their weapons here
should keep them locked up in their current locations or move
them to a more secure location in their unit arms room pending
rotation to their next assignment,” Brown said.
The 1st Infantry Division policy is stricter than USAREUR
guidelines. Although “Waffenbesitz” is printed on the
USAREUR registration, the only valid card is from the German
government.
Read our home page at www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil
Lisa Soule

Team of Teams!
Street talk: Have the recent cases of mad cow disease stopped you buying beef?
Photos by CRUSADER staff
Jonnelle Works, family member,
6th Battalion, 52nd Air
Defense Artillery, Shipton Kaserne,
Ansbach.
“I really hadn’t heard
much about it before now.
I still plan to eat it at
home, but I won’t eat it off
post.”
Recycling
trash saves
money and
is the law
As reported earlier, a key area of emphasis in our “War on
Trash” has been to find ways to reduce the amount of bulk trash
that must be removed from our communities.
Bulk trash costs up to four times as much to remove as
recycled material. A key part of our efforts was the formation of
a process action team, comprising representatives from each
Sgt. Dwayne Moss, A Battery,
33rd Field Artillery (MLRS),
Warner Barracks, Bamberg
“Well, my wife works in
the meat department so
I’m certain that the beef
sold at the commissary is
fine. It’s vacuum-packed
and there’s no reason to
worry. I’m always skeptical
about buying beef on
the economy.”
CRUSADER
Ansbach • Bad Kissingen • Bamberg • Giebelstadt • Illesheim • Kitzingen • Schweinfurt • Wuerzburg
Producer: MILCOM Advertising Agency
Roswitha Lehner
Zeilaeckerstrasse 35 · 92637 Weiden
Telephone (0961) 67050-0 (Mo–Th 7.00 am–3.30 pm)
Telefax (0961) 67050-32 · Internet: www.milcom.de
e-Mail for paid advertisements: crusader@milcom.de
Free classifieds (0931) 2964397 · Fax Crusader (0931) 2964626
2 Crusader, January 12, 2001
Carol Furman, Secretary, Assistant
Division Commander
for Support, 1st Infantry Division,
Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt
“The concern about the
disease has not affected
my decision to eat beef. I
always pray before eating
and bless the food. Also,
I don’t buy meat at the
local supermarkets.”
base support battalion and the 98th ASG staff. Their job is to look
at how we handle trash in our communities.
What they found was that due to the geographical dispersion
of our communities, we are dealing with different municipal and
private trash contracts, all charging different rates for varying
levels of service.
Our base support battalions continue to work with their
respective contractors, trying to find ways to cut costs. Across
our communities, we have determined that we can save
significant amounts of money if our soldiers and families living
in on-post housing and on the economy maximize use of
recycling centers.
If you live on the economy, find out where your local recycle
point is, and use it rather than bringing your recyclable trash on
post to get rid of. For the location of the site nearest you, call the
local DPW SORT coordinator or visit the 98th ASG web site at:
http://www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil. We will also be
publishing a consolidated list of local recycling sites in a near
future edition of the CRUSADER.
For those living on post, all our communities either now have
or will soon have consolidated recycling centers. I ask everyone
to recycle to the maximum extent possible. The more we recycle,
the more we save on our trash bill. Last year, our communities
Thumbs up – Thumbs down
Thumbs up to the Cantigny Club,
Cilyna Blackburn, Gordon Jones,
Maria Mateo, Tony Sowell and
Robert Claus for making Homecoming
2000 a great success for Wuerzburg
American High School. Together, these special
people made our Homecoming 2000 a wonderful
event. We appreciate all of them very much.
Thank you from the class of 2001.
Billy Porter, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to Melissa Joyce, Lt. Col. Tim
Gorrell, and the staff and teachers of Wuerzburg
American High School for making the
extraordinary effort to bring the parent-teacher
conferences to Schweinfurt. As a result, many
more parents were able to participate in the
conference and teachers became acquainted
with the Schweinfurt community.
Katie McMaster, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to Cecilia Ruyle for giving
unselfishly to the Bamberg community. While
working with the Armed Forces Network staff in
the Lindenanger housing area, she prepared a
plate of eggrolls for our enjoyment. She is
known throughout Bamberg for her delectable
Asian cuisine. Cecilia, thanks for your random
acts of kindness. It was greatly appreciated – you
are a sweetheart.
Cheryl Boujnida, Bamberg
Thumbs up to Mike Deerhake, Bamberg PX
manager, and Georg Hummel from the 279th
BSB Department of Public Works. Mr. Deerhake
donated the Christmas paper and ribbons
for the community family readiness group
Christmas gift wrap, and Mr. Hummel arranged
the gift wrap booth.
Sylvia Gerstner, Bamberg
Thumbs up to all the family readiness
groups in Bamberg that participated in the
Christmas gift wrap. Everyone did a fantastic
job! The FRGs are true examples of people
helping people and they certainly possess fine
qualities of caring for our soldiers, families and
the 279th BSB community.
Sylvia Gerstner, Bamberg
Thumbs up to Andrea Vives and Lasann
Evans from the transition office for the
outstanding help they always give to soldiers.
SSgt. Martin Bensch, Schweinfurt
Thumbs up to Wayne Gamble for helping the
National Junior Honor Society at Wuerzburg
American Middle School have a successful
winter dance. He came through at the last minute
as the DJ with great music that kept the kids
moving. He is one of the many great folks
working at the teen center on Leighton.
Pat Rooney, Wuerzburg
Thumbs up to Ricky Byrd, manager of the
Wuerzburg PX, and his staff in the furniture
store. They went out of their way to help me find
a replacement key for a Bavarian schrank and
their service was professional and friendly.
Geoff Walden, Wuerzburg
Sgt. Jonathan Gerringer, American
Forces Network, Leighton
Barracks, Wuerzburg
“I wouldn’t order beef in
a local restaurant. I do
buy it from the commissary
as they have U.S.
beef, so I don’t have to
worry.”
Thumbs up to the Leighton Barracks PX for
providing the children with an opportunity to
shop with 75% off their purchases. Employees
also assisted the children. Thank you for the gift
you gave back to the community.
Julie Minich-Castro, Kitzingen
Thumbs down to the Military Postal
Service for not postmarking voting
ballots. I hope that none of them came
from Wuerzburg, but I think it is
possible. As they don’t postmark MPS mail,
they probably don’t postmark any pre-paid mail.
Perhaps now they will postmark all mail.
John Jensen, Wuerzburg
Thumbs down to AAFES Vending for not
filling the vending machine on the third floor in
building 206 on Ledward Barracks properly.
They filled it with the wrong sodas for the
selection button shown. Sprite is not the same as
Mountain Dew!
Dave Luellwitz, Schweinfurt
❋❋❋
“Thumbs up – Thumbs down” is about people who do a
good job. It’s also about people who need to be more
considerate of others. This column is not about institutions,
units, agencies or situations that could be subject to legal
action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Submissions must be brief and include the writer’s name
and telephone number. The identity of the submitter will be
published along with the comments.
Send comments to Thumbs up – Thumbs down;
CRUSADER; 98th ASG PAO; Unit 26622; APO AE 09244.
Or bring them to room 216, building 208, Faulenberg
Kaserne, Wuerzburg. Phone-in submissions are not accepted.
Sgt. Brian Roberts, Battery E,
6th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense
Artillery, Shipton Kaserne, Ansbach
“It has definitely changed
my mind about eating
beef. I don’t eat beef here
at all because I’m not
sure it’s safe. Germans
handle it differently here
than we do in the United
States.”
The “CRUSADER” is an authorized unofficial newspaper, published every two weeks under
the provisions of AR 360-1 for the members of the 98th Area Support Group.
The “CRUSADER” is a commercial enterprise newspaper printed by the “MILCOM
Advertising Agency”, a private firm, in no way connected with the United States
Government or Department of Defense.
The contents of the “CRUSADER” do not necessarily reflect the official views or
endorsement of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army or the 98th
Area Support Group.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does
not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status,
physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other nonmerit characteristic of the
purchaser, user of patron.
Circulation is 21,000 copies per issue.
Editorial content is provided, prepared and edited by the Public Affairs Office of the 98th
Area Support Group. The 98th ASG hot line is 351-4800 or (0931) 296-4800.
The editorial offices are located in building 208, Faulenberg Kaserne, Wuerzburg,
telephone 351-4564 or (0931) 2964564.
Mailing address:
Editor – The CRUSADER, 98th ASG-PAO, Unit 26622, APO AE 09244.
email: fehero@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil
produced 18,200 tons of non-separated trash which cost us $6.7
million to dispose of, compared to $2 million for 14,125 tons of
separated trash.
These quantities equate to about 812 pounds of refuse and 630
pounds of recyclable trash per person annually. This is money
that we can use to improve the quality of life here in our
communities. Although we have been getting better in our
recycling habits over the past year, we still have a long way to go
as only 56 percent of our total trash is recycled.
To be a complete success, recycling relies on 100 percent
community participation. Sorting trash is essential and it has to
start in the home.
Again, I urge everyone to help us conserve resources that can
be funneled back into the community to improve quality of life.
Resources are limited. Recycling not only makes sense, it’s
the law in Germany.
Team of Teams!
SSgt. William McGrew, A Battery,
33rd Field Artillery
(MLRS), Warner Barracks,
Bamberg
“No, it hasn’t affected my
decision to eat beef at all.
It doesn’t bother me in
the least. I’m not scared,
and I don’t think I should
be either.”
GERALD E. FERGUSON JR.
Colonel, Armor
98th Area Support Group Commander
Milestones
Congratulations to the following individuals
who received awards at the 37th
Annual Incentive Awards Ceremony, hosted
by Gen. Montgomery Meigs, commander,
USAREUR and Seventh Army. Outstanding
Contribution to Accident Prevention – Bernhard
Raupach, Guenther Heinzmann,
Guenther Ludwig, Guenther Gabler,
Robert Harth and Alfred Bergner of the
plumber shop, 280th BSB. Outstanding
Contribution to Operational Safety – Thomas
Zirkelbach, James Medbourn, David
Little, CWO 3 Charles Woods, 1st Lt.
Kenneth Spicer, 1st Lt. Jennifer Tamburino,
1st Lt. Carolyn MacKinnon, Rudy
Stone, Wayen Gokey and Ethel McClain of
the environmental team, U.S. Army
MEDDAC, Wuerzburg. Outstanding Contribution
to the USAREUR SORT Program –
Harald Thal, DPW, 417th BSB. Outstanding
Energy and Water Conservation
Management Achievement – Hermann
Mees, DPW, 280th BSB. Outstanding Contribution
to the EEO Program – David Rose,
Director of Logistics, 235th BSB. Outstanding
Contribution to the Civilian Human
Resource Management Program – Ann
Cantrell, 417th BSB. Outstanding Contribution
in Public Affairs – George Ohl, 280th
BSB.
Congratulations to the following Wuerzburg
football players who were selected
to the 2000 All-Europe football team.
Roderick Haynes, Eric Dowty, Billy
Porter, Stephan Hopkins, Matt Shriver,
and Ansbach player Josh Hayes.
Mike Cormier, partnership officer,
Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 2nd Brigade,
Conn Barracks, Schweinfurt
“My family and I have
stopped eating beef. I
only buy some meat at a
local butcher where I
know the meat is not
contaminated with the
disease.”
Sgt. Amber Sorrell, Headquarters
and Headquarters Company,
12th Aviation Brigade,
Giebelstadt
“I just do what they tell
me to do. I don’t buy it off
the economy, just at the
commissary. I love beef,
but I would stop eating it
if I heard something bad
about the commissary
meat.”
The Ansbach, editorial office is located in building 5257, Barton Barracks, Ansbach,
telephone 468-7649 or (0981) 183649.
The Bamberg editorial office is located in building 7089, Warner Barracks, Bamberg,
telephone 469-7581 or (0951) 3007581.
The Kitzingen editorial office is located in building 145, Harvey Barracks, telephone 355-
8575 or (09321) 305575.
The Schweinfurt editorial office is located in Robertson Hall, Ledward Barracks,
Schweinfurt, telephone 354-6381 or (09721) 966381.
98th Area Support Group Commander ..Col. Gerald E. Ferguson Jr.
98th ASG Public Affairs Officer .........Donald Klinger
Editor ....................................Olivia Feher
Assistant Editor .........................Christy Schutte
Journalist (Ansbach) ....................Lisa Eichhorn
Journalist (Bamberg) ....................Cheryl Boujnida
Journalist (Schweinfurt).................Mark Heeter
Journalist (Kitzingen)....................Lisa Soule
Proofreader..............................Sigrid Peña
Reader contributions are welcome but will be published at the discretion of the editor.

Frantz
235th Base Support Battalion: Ansbach, Illesheim
School needs sponsors
Hosts are being
sought to sponsor a
high school student
for Groundhog Job
Shadow Day Feb. 2
from 9 a.m.-2:20 p.m.
Job host supervisors
are limited to Department
of Defense service
members and
employees. This is a
great opportunity to
let the youth of the
235th BSB gain insight into the daily
operations of a military installation. For
more information on how to sponsor a
child, call Brenda Frantz, 235th BSB school
liaison officer, at 468-7908 or (0981)
183731.
Parents needed to
improve plan
Parents of school age children are needed
to promote the School Improvement Plan,
or SIP, at all schools in the 235th BSB
during the accreditation visit in February.
Interested parents can call the school their
child attends to get necessary information.
Parents are encouraged to become involved
by learning more about their SIP.
Looking for leaders
Illesheim Boy Scout troops are looking
for leaders and bus drivers. The troops meet
each Monday at 7 p.m. For more information,
call Bonnie Huggins at 467-4683 or
(09165) 0844.
Scholarship bingo
The Ansbach Middle/High School scholarship
committee sponsors scholarship
bingo Feb. 1 in the school cafeteria. Doors
open at 6:15 p.m. and bingo starts at 7 p.m.
Prizes are polish pottery. For information,
call (09827) 925465.
Voice your opinion
at Conference
Join the Ansbach Quality of Life Conference
Jan. 23-24. Delegates are needed to
participate in group discussions on quality
of life issues. If interested in taking part in
the conference, call ACS at 467-2883 or
(09802) 832883.
See ‘Play Ball’ in
Illesheim
“Play Ball,” a sports-oriented comedy
and music revue, will take the stage at
Illesheim Recreation Center Jan. 17 at 7
p.m. A family night tex-mex dinner begins
at 5:30 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $5.50 for
adults, $3.75 for children 6 to 12. Children
5 and under eat free. Entry to the
soldiers’ show is free.
235th BSB
The Crusader, 235th Base Support Battalion, editorial
office is located in building 5257, Barton Barracks,
telephone 468-7649 or (0981) 183649. Mailing
address is PAO, Crusader, 235th Base Support Battalion,
CMR 463, APO AE 09177.
Internet web site address http:\\www.ansbach.
army.mil
The 235th BSB hot line is 468-7800 or (0981)
183800. The patient liaison number is (09841) 83512.
235th BSB
Commander .............................. Lt. Col. Cindy Connally
Public Affairs Officer ............................ Frauke Davis
Journalist ................................................ Lisa Eichhorn
Ansbach housing employee named USAREUR’s best
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
If you ask anyone who has been on a skiing trip with Rudy
Leykauf, they will tell you he runs the best trip in Europe. If you
ask USAREUR Headquarters who runs the best housing office
in Europe, they’ll say Rudy Leykauf.
At a town hall meeting in Illesheim Nov. 27, Maj. Brian
Green, 235th BSB DPW director, surprised Leykauf with the
news that he had won Housing Executive of the Year from
USAREUR.
Not known for being a man of few words, “I’m shocked,” was
all Leykauf could say.
Leykauf was modest about his accomplishments.
“My philosophy has always been to put myself in the soldiers’
shoes. I tell this to the people I work with all the time. If I were
Partnership promotes learning
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
Soldiers of Company B, 3rd Battalion, 58th
Aviation Regiment, are learning what it takes to
“Be all you can be” in the German army.
“In a unique exchange program, soldiers from
two German army units surrounding the Ansbach
area conduct joint training with American
soldiers to promote positive relations and understanding,”
said Capt. James Morris, Commander,
Company B, 3rd Battalion, 58th
Aviation Regiment.
“This program has been going on for a long
time, but due to recent deployments to Kosovo
and Bosnia we hadn’t had an opportunity to
work together. We have rekindled the relationship
and in the past few months have conducted
ranges and social gatherings both on our
installation and on theirs. It’s something our
soldiers wanted to do and have enjoyed. We
conduct a small arms range and let them shoot
our weapons, and they do the same for us,” he
said.
Morris added that the Americans have been
able to learn about the German army and how the
two differ.
“It has been quite an education. I always
thought they were very similar to us, but that’s
not necessarily the case. While we do have
similarities in areas such as ‘op tempo’, we are
very different in other areas, such as the way we
are organized,” he said.
Morris attributes the strong bond between the
Community pitches in
to help create clinic
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
In a move to enhance the quality of life in the
235th BSB, a long awaited veterinary treatment
facility has just opened in Bleidorn Housing
Area in Ansbach.
“This project has been in the works for some
time. We had been looking to expand our services
for some time and we looked at several
options. The opportunity to put a clinic in here
came up and we took it. I would like to thank all
the people who worked so hard to make this
happen, especially the 235th BSB and the 11th
Aviation Regiment,” said Lt. Col. Paul Schmidt,
commander, 72nd Medical Detachment, Ansbach.
P2PivP 300, a combat engineer unit, and the
Verband der Reservisten, the reserve unit in
Middle Franconia, to Rudi Pielhoff and Werner
Schroeder. They facilitate the joint training for
both units.
“Rudi is the rock in the program. He coordinates
everything for us and it is through his
efforts that we have such a great relationship.
Werner also helps by letting us know who we
can work with and when,” Morris said.
The veterinarian in charge of the clinic is
Capt. Kelley Evans.
“I just came back from Kosovo and was asked
if I would come down here to man this clinic. We
are definitely going to have some growing pains
because we are still working on acquiring
equipment, but we are eager to serve the community.
All the records of animals currently
registered in Wuerzburg
that live in the 235th BSB
will be relocated here.
This is now the 235th
BSB’s clinic so all animals
should come to us. However,
as always, all pet
owners should have a
German veterinarian they
can call for emergencies,”
Evans said.
Evans
Working with Evans is a
to go to a foreign country, with a new
language and new environment, the one
place I would want to be my refuge would
be my home. I certainly cannot say yes to
every request because I can only offer
things that I have available to people, but
I always try to do my best,” he said.
Leykauf added that he doesn’t feel he
solely deserves the credit.
“I have to say that my co-workers deserve
this award as much as I do. I’m
sometimes not the easiest person to work
with, and they always get the job done.
Leykauf
I truly appreciate them.”
In the nomination packet, Leykauf is described as an innovative
and creative leader in the housing profession. His
Capt. James Morris
A German army soldier explains the specifications of a German weapon to American
soldiers during joint training.
Pielhoff said both he and Schroeder are very
happy to be working with the American Army.
“It is very important that we work together, as
we have real world missions such as Kosovo and
Bosnia where we serve together. It is nice for the
German soldier to have a good understanding
about the American Army. It can be a challenge
to coordinate our calendars, but when we do get
together, it is always great training and great
fun,” Pielhoff said.
Veterinary treatment facility opens
civilian veterinarian, Carla Barker.
“A lot of work has gone
into creating this clinic.
The community has done a
great job in a short amount
of time. I am very excited
about the opportunity to
work here and I look forward
to seeing animals,”
she said.
The services currently
available are annual vaccinations;
health certificates; Barker
sick call examinations;
routine animal bite cases; geriatric and new
animal examinations. Operating hours for the
clinic are Mon-Fri, 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
The clinic is located in building 5083, under the
library. For more information, call 468-7510 or
(0981) 183510.
Lisa Eichhorn
Run for fun
Soldiers from 4th Aviation
Brigade, along with other
units stationed at Katterbach,
enjoy a brisk winter
fun run Dec. 13. This year’s
run had added meaning as
most units have returned
from assignments abroad.
The runners thrilled school
children by running past
them not once, but twice
throwing candy. The community
turned out to cheer
the participants on in spite
of chilly temperatures and
the early hour.
program of placing a soldier and the family into permanent
quarters upon arrival from the airport is said to be unprecedented
in USAREUR.
“I developed this program because we don’t have an inn at
Illesheim to place people temporarily. I work closely with the
incoming soldiers’ commander and sponsor so that when they
reach Illesheim, they only have to unpack their suitcase once,”
Leykauf added.
Michael Hayes, Ansbach housing manager, speaks fondly of
his friend of twenty years.
“Rudy truly loves this community. In our business we often
say that we create memories. They can be good ones or bad ones,
and only we can ensure that soldiers and family members leave
with good memories. Rudy is a memory; he’s definitely one of a
kind,” Hayes said.
Crusader, January 12, 2001 3

279th Base Support Battalion: Bamberg
Attend Martin
Luther King lunch
Listen to Lt. Gen.
Larry Jordan speak in
honor of Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr.’s
birthday at a Warner
Club luncheon Jan. 17
from 11:30 a.m.-1
p.m. A menu of roast
beef, buttered potatoes,
gravy, vegetables,
roll and a salad
Tax center opens
in Bamberg
Get your taxes in order at the tax assistance
center which opens Feb. 1 at 9 a.m.
The tax center offers a variety of services.
Hours of operation are Mon, Wed, and Fri
9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tue, and Thu from 9 a.m.-
7 p.m. For information, call 469-8261 or
(0951) 3008261.
Child screening set
If you’re concerned about your preschoolers
motor development, attend a
screening at the health clinic Jan. 18 from
8 a.m.-noon. For information, call (0951)
3007995.
Attend bible studies
Begin the new year by enrolling in a
bible study class at the Warner Chapel. Protestant
Women of the Chapel have a variety
of spiritual classes starting Jan. 15. For
more information, call Heike Hackney at
(0951) 9686568.
Story hour returns
Story hour at the library is back. The next
session is Jan. 17-Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. and is
open to children ages 3-5 years old. For
more information, call 469-1740 or (0951)
3001740.
Pancake pile-up
Whether you call them slapjacks, hotcakes
or pancakes, pile them up on your
plate at the recreation center every Sunday.
Starting Jan. 14, enjoy an all-you-can-eat
pancake breakfast from noon until 2 p.m.
for $1.50 per person.
Save at Arts and Crafts
If you’re crafty, then you won’t want to
miss the Crafter’s Keller January sale. Save
5 percent off selected Christmas stock, 40
percent off fabric, and 10 percent off yarn
goods. For more information, call 469-8659
or (0951) 3008659.
279th BSB
The Crusader, 279th Base Support Battalion, editorial
office is located in building 7089, room 423,
Warner Barracks, Bamberg, telephone 469-7581 or
(0951) 3007581. Mailing address is PAO, Crusader,
279th Base Support Battalion, Unit 27535, Warner
Barracks, APO AE 09139.
The 279th BSB hot line is 469-4800 or (0951)
3004800. Patient liaison number is (0951) 3007492.
Internet web site 279th BSB:
http://www.bamberg.army.mil
279th BSB
Commander ................................ Lt. Col. Timothy Hill
Public Affairs Officer .......................... Renate Bohlen
Journalist ........................................... Cheryl Boujnida
Bamberg Youth Services spice up kids’ programs
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Is your teenager making dinner tonight?
If not, perhaps he will be after completing a series of cooking
classes available at Youth Services, or YS, middle school and
teen programs.
Putting kids in the kitchen is one of many initiatives of YS
staff who’ve conjured up recipes for fun and learning.
“Believing in what you do makes a big difference in participation.
If programmers possess a certain amount of spark,
kids are naturally drawn to them and the program,” said Rebecca
Gengler, middle school programmer.
4 Crusader, January 12, 2001
German soldier acts heroically
Brigade engineers award
medal of commendation
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Sgt. Friedrich Waechter didn’t know what all
the fuss was about.
to a sled and led down an
isolated mountain pass by
Waechter and fellow soldiers.
“I did what is normal in
any emergency situation,
and I would do it for anyone.
Unfortunately, weather
conditions wouldn’t
bar will be served at a
Jordan cost of $6.50. Tickets
must be purchased in advance. For advance
tickets or information, call SFC Troy Ross
at 469-8624 or (0951) 3008624.
He said he was only doing what needed to be
done.
Despite his modesty, he was awarded an
Army Commendation Medal, or ARCOM, for a
heroic deed.
Waechter, a German soldier, used quick reactionary
skills to save the life of Sgt. John
Harmon, 1st Infantry Division Engineer Brigade,
during a partnership exercise in the Brannenburg
mountain range, one hour south of
Munich, last January. Harmon, who had broken
his ankle learning to telemark-ski, was secured
permit helicopter transport
off the mountain. It was too
windy and foggy. We had
to get him down the Waechter
mountain to medical attention
as soon as possible. He was in serious pain,”
Waechter said.
He explained that emergency situations in
mountainous regions require an immediate reaction.
Waechter spent two years as a ranger and
learned life-saving skills.
Wading through waist deep snow, Waechter
Bastogne memorial walk
draws Bamberg soldiers
by Tom Larscheid
Editor, Benelux Meteor
Bastogne, Belgium – Dec. 22: Under overcast
skies and windy conditions, about 300
individuals and groups from the Benelux, Germany
and England walked the trails and roads
that were fiercely fought over during the epic
Battle of the Bulge in 1944.
This year, the 23rd annual walk covered the
defensive area thrown up by elements of the 10th
Armored Division (Team O’Hara) and the 101st
Airborne Division (501st Paratroop Infantry
Regiment) in their desperate bid to stop the
attacking German army in its drive toward the
rail and road center of Bastogne.
For the first time, members of a German army
unit participated in the walk, and its commander,
Capt. Stefan Lempetzeder, along with his friend,
Capt. Sherwood Baker, Headquarters and Headquarters
Detachment commander, 279th BSB,
laid a wreath in McAuliffe Square on behalf of
the walkers.
“We have a real good relationship with our
partnership unit and we talked about doing this
walk,” Baker said. “Fifty-six years ago we met
here as enemies, and today we’re meeting as
friends. It’s been a great experience.”
The walk had a profound effect on the German
soldiers, according to Sgt. Maj. Andreas
Kiss.
“Yesterday we visited Malmedy where the
Germans killed 70 Americans in an open field.
That makes me very sad,” Kiss said. “I hope I
will be part of a group that makes sure this never
happens again. In our schools we don’t learn
about the war in detail.”
The memorial walk began in 1977 when
Maurice Sperandieu, a veteran of the battle, and
some of his Army buddies decided to do informal
walks around Bastogne to study the battle
more closely.
“After the war you tend to forget about what
happened because you become busy with your
job and family,” Sperandieu said. “Then you
start thinking we can teach the young people
what happened here. The life and liberty we
enjoy today is possible because of the Americans
who gave their lives at Bastogne.
An American walker said simply, “I’m on the
walk because of my father. He was a veteran.”
“If kids see that we’re excited and want to know what’s next,
then we’ve got their undivided attention,” she added.
Some of the new programs are a cooking club which is themeoriented
and features a different type of cuisine each month.
Another is a keystone club which focuses on leadership and
community service needs. There’s also a skills mastery and
resistance training, or SMART, which is a prevention education
program that addresses drug and alcohol abuse and premature
sexual activity. Also available is an art club, fine-arts oriented;
promise passport, a youth volunteer program; teen supreme, gets
teens ready to enter the job market; and torch club, geared at
young adolescents to promote group leadership.
Cheryl Boujnida
guided soldiers to continue even when they were
weary.
“He literally pushed us down the mountain.
There were times when we wanted to rest, but he
drove us to continue on so we could get out of
there,” said Sgt. Lucas Reavis.
Waechter’s role was critical for soldiers. “He
saved the day. When a soldier goes above and
beyond the call of duty to demonstrate leadership
skills, he is deserving of an ARCOM,” said
Spec. Jacobson Kubilus.
Because Waechter is a German national, it
took nearly a year before approval was complete
in order to award him the ARCOM.
Capt. Tobias Magan, company commander,
pinned the medal to his lapel. “It’s taken some
time to present this award, but Sgt. Waechter’s
decisive action is worthy of the wait. His selfless
efforts to evacuate an American soldier
exemplify what partnership efforts with host
nation units are all about.”
Tom Larscheid
Capt. Stefan Lempetzeder and Capt.
Sherwood Baker salute a veterans’
memorial on McAuliffe Square in
Bastogne after laying a wreath.
Get a new look at
the latest salon
Krystal Johnson gives Nadine Wingfield
a glamorous coiffure at the grand
opening of the Ultimate Touch beauty
salon at the Warner Club Nov. 27.
Specializing in ethnic hair care,
contractors Demosha Speller and
Johnson are qualified to style all types
of hair. They offer the community more
than 17 years of cosmetology and
beauty expertise. Speller and Johnson
opened Ultimate Touch because they
saw a desperate need for an ethnic hair
salon in Bamberg. Ultimate Touch
features unique hair care products
from the United States. Opening hours
are Tue and Thu from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.,
Wed and Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sat 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Appointments are also
available. To get your new look, call
469-7596 or (0951) 3007596.
“New youth programs, backed by USAREUR, will allow kids
to do something different. We don’t want them to do the same
things all the time or they’ll get bored,” Gengler said.
Many of the new programs are available to youth at a minimal
fee or free of charge. “Several programs began in September of
last year on a trial basis, and youth responded well to them and
they took off,” she said.
YS staff directly interfaces with kids on a personal level.
“Military kids are special – they’re not as desensitized as civilian
kids can be. If we reach one child who benefits from our programs,
then we’ve succeeded,” said Sharon Hack, YS administrative
assistant.

280th Base Support Battalion: Bad Kissingen, Schweinfurt
Amy Cuebas
Come to a
relocation class
If you’re moving to
a new duty station,
Army Community
Service, or ACS, offers
a relocation class
with tailor-made information
available
once you sign up.
Many subjects are
discussed, such as
financial benefits,
military entitlements,
employment informa-
tion, moving with children, how to pack up
and more. If you are interested, sign up at
ACS, building 242, Ledward Barracks. The
next class is Feb. 6 from 2-4 p.m. For more
information, call Amy Cuebas at 354-7077
or (09721) 967077.
Considering adoption?
If you want to adopt a child, you should
join the adoption support group in Schweinfurt
at Army Community Service on Ledward
Barracks Jan. 23 from 6-8 p.m. The
meeting will be hosted by Gerald Bowman,
a licensed clinical social worker. For more
information, call 354-7057 or (09721)
967057.
Learn to sponsor
Sponsorship classes are held at Army
Community Service, Ledward Barracks,
Feb. 14 and 22 from 3-4 p.m. Units can also
arrange that sponsorship classes be held at
their local units for individual companies or
troops. For more information or arrangements,
call Amy Cuebas at 354-7077 or
(09721) 967077.
Entertainment available at
Ledward Barracks
Abrams Entertainment Center now provides
a season of plays, classes and workshops,
with food and beverages available
for all events. The center is located at building
444 across from Ledward Barracks. For
more information, call 354-6460 or (09721)
966460.
Office goes online
The central enrollment and registration
office on Ledward Barracks is now accessible
by both fax at 354-6068 and e-mail at
cys280schweinfurt@280bsbnt3.schweinf
urt.army.mil. For more information, call
354-6517 or (09721) 966517.
Come and play bingo
The Enlisted Spouses’ Club will have a
crystal bingo Jan. 20 at the Adler Club.
Cards will go on sale at 3 p.m. and the first
game will begin at 4 p.m. Come out and
have a good time socializing with friends
while trying to win a piece of crystal.
280th BSB
The Crusader, 280th Base Support Battalion, editorial
office is located in Robertson Hall on Ledward
Barracks, Schweinfurt, telephone 354-6381 or (09721)
966381. Mailing address is PAO, Crusader, 280th Base
Support Battalion, CMR 457, APO AE 09033.
The 280th BSB hot line is 354-4800 or (09721)
964800.
Internet web site 280th BSB:
http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil
280th BSB
Commander ........................... Lt. Col. Timothy Gorrell
Public Affairs Officer ................................ George Ohl
Journalists ................................................. Mark Heeter
Cristina Denny
School principals highlight various new programs
by Cristina Denny
CRUSADER
The Schweinfurt Elementary School has new programs as
well as a new principal.
Judith Mayo arrived in Schweinfurt from Ramstein Air Force
Base where she was the principal of the intermediate school.
The elementary school has several new community initiatives
aimed at making elementary education more enriching and more
personal for the students and faculty.
“The school has been working on improving the students’
skills in reading and comprehension. We also make sure that we
have enough activities for the students after school,” Mayo
said.
Teachers have volunteered to teach chorus once a week and to
tutor students in subjects such as math, writing and other subjects
6 Crusader, January 12, 2001
Clinic gives community-friendly care
Customer service is
tops in Schweinfurt
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Several months ago, the Schweinfurt Health
Clinic on Ledward Barracks underwent extensive
renovations to allow better customer
service.
Now, it’s going one step further to improve its
services on the inside. The clinic is now
scheduling appointments under the primary care
manager, or PCM, system, which allows customers
to be seen regularly by the same doctor.
“We actually do already have it in place, but
it’s not something we’ve really been emphasizing,”
said 1st Lt. Therese Francomb, executive
officer at the clinic.
Under the PCM system, families are able to
build a strong relationship with one doctor. That,
according to Francomb, will make the clinic
more efficient.
“I think it will benefit everyone, including our
doctors. They’ll be able to get to know their
patients. The PCM system could eliminate the
need for excessive time spent on reviewing
patient histories during every appointment. It
will be family-doctor style, where spouses
and children will be assigned the same PCM,”
Girl Scouts train with soldiers
by Cristina Denny
CRUSADER
Physical training is not only for soldiers.
Ten Girl Scouts had the opportunity to train
with soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 9th Engineer Battalion, at the
Ledward Fitness Center in Schweinfurt Dec. 8.
“Girl Scouts are divided
into three groups – the
Daisies are our kindergarten
girls, the Brownies
range from 6-8, and the
Girl Scouts are from 8
years old and up,” said Sgt.
Ronnie Gainey, Battery C,
1st Battalion, 7th Field
Artillery, and a Daisies’
group leader.
“This year we have a
new program for Daisies
Gainey
that allows them to earn petals, which are
patches showing that they accomplished a
mission or a task. Each petal has a different color
Francomb said.
Laying the groundwork for the PCM system,
the clinic staff assigned one of its providers to
each of the units in the Schweinfurt community.
Soldiers with battalion aid stations will continue
to use them first, while family members and
those without aid stations will be referred
through PCM.
“The clinic staff is still flexible when scheduling
appointments, but the PCM system has
built-in flexibility. Each of the providers has
expanded service to handle acute, routine and
wellness checkups daily,” Francomb said.
While the clinic providers and staff expect
few problems implementing the system, they are
asking patients to be flexible when scheduling
appointments.
“The clinic now has a full staff of nine providers,
and patients should not expect delays in
seeing a doctor. We need patients to give our
system a chance. It’s going to be a learning process
for everyone,” said Lee Ann Wilson, Red
Cross volunteer for public relations at the
clinic.
“The intent is for patients to feel more comfortable
about coming to the clinic and the
doctors to be more informed about their
patients,” Francomb said.
To schedule appointments or identify their
PCM, patients should call 354-6781/6980 or
(09721) 966781/966980.
‘This year we have a new
program for Daisies that
allows them to earn petals.’
representing a line of the Girl Scouts’ law. The
red petal represents the virtues of courage and
strength, and that’s why the Daisies trained with
soldiers to build their self-esteem and strength,”
said Kara Bean, committee chairperson for the
Girl Scouts.
“Physically training with soldiers really
taught the girls the importance of living healthy
and about keeping in shape. You’re never too
young to start physical education and taking care
of your body,” Gainey said.
He added that SSgt. Inez Armas, HHC, 9th
Eng. Bn., also gave aerobics classes to the girls.
and activities. Also, multi-cultural activities are offered once a
week.
“The tutoring program has also been supported by the 1st
Battalion, 77th Field Artillery soldiers. They have been great in
providing tutorial help to the children every week. They work on
a one-on-one basis with children, but also with groups of
students in class,” said Ken Law, deputy principal, Schweinfurt
Elementary School.
“We also offer German classes for the children, and it would
be great to be able to offer more foreign-language classes as
well,” Mayo added.
Law said that the U.S. Department of Defense has invested
$60,000 in computer software programs.
“We have seen an improvement in how students are scoring in
– Kara Bean
Mike Cormier
Mark Heeter
Dr. (Maj.) Dean Pedersen, left, offers medical
advice to Brooke Bailey about her
baby, Madison, at the Schweinfurt Health
Clinic.
“I was in charge of warm-up and cool-down
exercises, while my wife, Victoria, a specialist
with HHC, 9th Eng. Bn., was responsible for
setting up the whole event to include leading the
group in aerobic exercises and serving as a
medic,” Gainey said.
“Although this is the
first time that Girl Scouts
have trained with soldiers,
I think it will be an annual
event from now on. It’s
recommended in the new
leaders’ book for Girl
Scouts, and I am sure other
group leaders will follow
this example. It’s a wonderful
initiative, and our
leaders have to go through
Bean
intensive training before organizing events for
the girls. They devote a lot of their free time to
guiding them,” Bean said.
For information about registration for Girl
Scouts, call Kara Bean at (09721) 808148.
High hopes
Battalion master gunner SSgt. Willie
Marshall, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion , 18th
Infantry, explains the proficiency gunnery
training system to staff officers of
the 2nd Mechanized Czech Brigade,
while Maj. Pete Jones, 1st Bn., 18th Inf.
executive officer looks on. The Czech
unit visited the 1st Infantry Division’s
2nd Brigade in Schweinfurt late last
year. Three Czech officers and one
senior noncommissioned officer saw
various units in the 2nd Bde as well as
the turkey bowl football game. The two
brigades have participated in numerous
joint activities and are striving
for an official partnership this year.
the standardized test thanks in part to these new technologies,”
Mayo said.
Another new arrival to the area is Letch Connell, Bad Kissingen
Elementary School principal.
“Our main goal is to continue improving our students’ writing
and researching skills with our new computers,” Connell said.
Dr. Eldrenna R. Durham, Schweinfurt Middle School principal,
is not new to the Schweinfurt community. She arrived in
Schweinfurt in 1999.
“We are focusing on improving reading comprehension for
our students. We feel that if the children can read and
comprehend, life will be easier for them. It is also important to
make the students good citizens. I put out success cards, and
when students do something good, we send them to the parents,”
Durham said.

417th Base Support Battalion: Giebelstadt, Kitzingen, Wuerzburg
Vote on projects
The 417th BSB
needs community feedback
on how to spend
winnings from their
recent Army Community
of Excellence
prize. Jennifer Marton,
program coordinator,
said in keeping with
the battalion’s philosophy
of listening to
Marton
its customers, interested
community members
may make comments and prioritize
the list of potential projects. Soldiers,
family members and other customers can
send their comments, before Feb. 1, to
martonj@cmtymail.98asg.army.mil. The
current list of projects includes electronic
information marquees for all 417th installations;
replace and upgrade of all
library computer systems; replace all
school age services computers; furniture for
school age services; upgrade exercise
equipment for all fitness centers; community
recreation and youth activities 50passenger
bus; Sunday school furniture for
all chapels; and furniture upgrade for customers
at drivers’ testing.
CID offers reward
The Army Criminal Investigation Command
offers a $250 reward for information
leading to the identification and prosecution
of the person or people involved in a
theft at the Cantigny Club on Leighton
Barracks between Dec. 12-13. More than
$2,000 was stolen during the break-in. Call
Special Agent Paul Cormier at 351-4347 or
(0931) 2964347.
Dowty takes command
Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Dowty officially
took command of the 2nd Air Support
Operations Squadron on Leighton Barracks
in a Nov. 22 ceremony at Victory Park. The
master navigator has been the acting
squadron commander since June. Dowty
and his wife Gloria have five children,
Peter, Jennifer, Eric, David and Sean.
Hall assumes duties
CSM Kenneth Hall accepted responsibility
for the Division Support Command in
a Dec.14 ceremony on Harvey Barracks.
Hall’s wife Sandra and children Kenny and
Andre join him on this tour.
Win baskets, pottery
Join the Kitzingen Community Spouses’
Club for Bradford basket bingo at the
Woodland Inn Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Polish
pottery will be raffled off. Childcare is
available for children enrolled in the child
development center, reservations are necessary.
For more information, call Amy
Brummund at (09321) 923107.
417th BSB
The Crusader, 417th Base Support Battalion, editorial
office is located in building 109, Harvey Barracks,
telephone 355-8575 or (09321) 305575. Mailing
address is PAO, Crusader, 417th Base Support Battalion,
Unit 26124, APO AE 09031.
The 417th BSB hot line is 355-8999 or (09321)
305999.
Phone numbers for patient liaisons are: Kitzingen,
355-8415 or (09321) 305415; Wuerzburg and Giebelstadt,
call the 67th Combat Support Hospital, 350-3874
or (0931) 8043874.
417th BSB
Commander ............................ Lt. Col. Frank Wheeler
Public Affairs Officer ........................... Gabriele Drake
Journalist ..................................................... Lisa Soule
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
If the holiday season put a dent in your budget, you are not
alone.
History shows more military families seek financial help just
before or after the holidays, according to Steve Giles, 417th BSB
financial assistance program manager.
“We have already seen several families who received assistance
from the Sergeant Major’s Holiday Share Program,”
Giles said.
But he stressed the food voucher program is a temporary fix.
“Most families return to Army Community Service for budget
counseling.”
Kitzingen soldier fights house fire
Lisa Soule
SFC Ray Wilcox, HHD, 417th BSB, demonstrates
a fire extinguisher similar to
the one he used.
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
When a Kitzingen soldier stepped outside of
his Marshall Heights home Dec. 20, he knew
something was wrong.
He said he heard a smoke alarm screeching
and saw a silhouette of smoke above a house
across the street.
SFC Ray Wilcox, Headquarters and Headquarters
Detachment, 417th BSB, dashed over to
make sure no one was in the house.
Family members outside the house told
Wilcox everyone was safe, but that the townhouse
was on fire.
Wilcox ran back to his own house, had his
wife, Sandra, call the fire department and grabbed
his fire extinguisher. He went back across
the street, entered the house and found the
kitchen ablaze.
“This was no campfire. It was a black flame
like I’ve never seen before,” he said. He aimed
the extinguisher at the grease fire on the stove
and then at the flaming cupboards until the extinguisher
was empty.
“I went outside, threw up and went back in.”
The cupboards were still burning and the stove’s
hood had caved in.
“The electricity was out, so I grabbed a tall
beer glass by the sink and threw water on the
Secure identification or face charges
Military police take
firm stand on cards
Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
Soldiers who use their military identification
cards for collateral at clubs may be violating the
Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Some local nightclubs require customers to
relinquish a picture identification for entrance.
The 417th BSB Provost Marshal, Maj. Drew
Stathis, said while the clubs are well within their
rights, soldiers who give up their military ID
card are failing to secure government property.
Though commanders have passed this information
to soldiers, military police continue to
get calls from club managers to pick up cards
that soldiers forget to retrieve.
Stathis advises soldiers who patronize these
establishments to use something besides their
military ID card.
‘Soldiers who give up their
military ID may face charges
under the Uniform Code of
Military Justice.’
Giles said people tend to overextend
themselves near the holidays. They fail to
pay their bills and wind up in financial
trouble.
“Most people have the means to get hold
of their finances, they just lack the tools or
a solid program,” he said.
When soldiers need assistance, Giles
asks them to bring their last two leave and
earnings statements, their bills, and a
completed financial worksheet.
“This gives us a snapshot of where the Giles
person is at,” he said. Based on the income and expense statement,
Giles can recommend the best approach for each situation.
– Maj. Drew Stathis
“A stateside driver’s license, a bus pass or any
other form of identification is acceptable, but a
military ID card is U.S. government property
and shouldn’t be relinquished,” he said.
Criminal investigators who make routine
walk-throughs of clubs have picked up as many
as 20 cards in a night.
Up to this point, military police have tracked
down soldiers to return their cards.
The continuing problem has led the provost
marshal office to take a firm stand.
“Soldiers who give up their military ID may
face charges under the Uniform Code of Military
Justice,” Stathis said.
cupboards. I thought the fire was out, and I went
outside to catch my breath.”
But when he went back in, he noticed a glow
around the cupboards, the fire was raging inside
them. He doused them with more water until the
fire was completely extinguished.
When the fire department arrived, they treated
him for smoke inhalation. The home sustained
an estimated $15,000 worth of damage.
Heike Downing, who wasn’t home when her
house caught fire, said she is grateful to Wilcox.
“I’m glad he was right there on the spot,” she
said. She also credits her son who cleared
everyone out of the house.
Later that night as Wilcox was working on his
home computer, he caught a glimpse of his
daughter staring at him from across the room.
When he asked 11-year-old Rebecca what she
was looking at, his daughter broke into a wide
smile. “Daddy, you’re my hero,” she said.
Wilcox said the real hero is the Kitzingen Fire
Department. “Had it not been for a sergeants’
time training class, I wouldn’t have known how
to tackle the flames.”
He said the first thing he did after the fire was
buy two more fire extinguishers.
“One is for myself, and the other one is just in
case I ever have to put out another neighbor’s
fire,” he said.
Lisa Soule
Military ID cards should not be used in
exchange for entrance into clubs.
New video game
hits teen center
Wuerzburg teens are mesmerized after
accepting a holiday gift from the Army
and Air Force Exchange Service mall
in Wuerzburg. Ricky Byrd, AAFES
manager, presented a Sony Playstation
II, one of the season’s hottest toys,
to the 417th BSB Youth Services.
Teens shown here at the Leighton Teen
Center were first to try out the new
video game. Youth Services director
Joe Marton said the new game will
travel round robin from Wuerzburg to
teen centers in Kitzingen and Giebelstadt
so more kids have an opportunity
to enjoy it.
Fix the dent in your post-holiday finances
Lisa Soule
Many times this means suggesting clients pay off the highest
interest credit cards and loans first.
Giles rarely advises customers to destroy their credit cards.
“But, I do recommend the wise use of credit. I also stress
layaway options and self-discipline,” he said.
He also tells clients to shop smart and be alert consumers. “Be
aware of high-interest loans and signature loans.”
Giles also operates as the consumer affairs manager and urges
soldiers to check with their chain of command or himself when
faced with questionable financial propositions.
“My best advice for soldiers and families is to seek our assistance
in checkbook maintenance and budgeting before a crisis
arises,” he said.
Crusader, January 12, 2001 9

Construction continues in all four BSBs
The past two months were
an exciting time in my life as
I began working for nearly
45,000 customers the 98th
ASG DPW serves here in
Northern Bavaria.
As you will see in this
issue’s DPW section, the new
century will continue to be
filled with numerous projects
to better serve the
families, soldiers and units in
our area.
In Ansbach, Bamberg, Giebelstadt,
Illesheim, Kitzingen,
Schweinfurt and Wuerzburg,
your ASG and BSB DPW
personnel are working hard to
continue to improve your quality of life.
As I visited various locations in November and December last
Lisa Soule
A crane in the foreground hoists a helicopter engine. The installation of the ceilingmounted
crane was part of hangar renovations carried out by the STOV.
Unique contracts
get the job done
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
Government officials are shopping for building contractors
the way homeowners might shop for roof repair.
A unique type of contract called contracting, customer
and contractor, or C-3, cuts the in-house design process and
looks to contractors for ideas.
“The old type of government contract sets forth all the
specifications of a project, down to the infinite detail, before
they are sent out for bid,” said Randy Hamilton, Wuerzburg
Regional Contracting Office business operations manager.
“These projects go to the lowest bidder since everyone is
bidding on the same specifications,” he said.
The C-3 contracts, in use for about three years, look to
contractors for their own ideas, solutions and specifications.
“If you needed a new roof, you wouldn’t draw up your
own blueprint. You’d call some contractors out and ask
them how they would fix it and what it would cost,”
Hamilton said.
The same premise works with the C-3 contracts. Customers
work with the directorate of public works, or DPW,
to draw up a general description of the job.
Interested contractors meet with a contracting specialist,
attorney and DPW to walk through the site. “When the
contractors come back to us, they bring a design and let us
know what type of materials they will use,” Hamilton said.
Without knowing the prices, DPW officials review the
plans and decide which are technically proficient. The
contract goes to the lowest bidder of the proficient proposals.
“The C-3 contracts are a relatively new, cost-effective
tool allowing us to spend wisely,” said Bill Holz, deputy
director, 417th BSB DPW.
Hamilton said the success of the C-3 could easily be put
another way. “We could call it W-3, or win, win, win.”
year, it was impressive to see how much our facilities have
improved since I served in this region in the 1980s.
What will happen this year? The 98th ASG and BSB DPWs
currently have over 100 major projects that are in the
construction or design phase this year.
There will be numerous projects that will start in March and
April throughout your communities. Soldiers’ barracks (1+1
program), children’s youth services facilities, administrative and
maintenance and training facilities are just some of the items on
a long list of projects that will continue throughout the year.
As these projects take place, I would ask all our customers
throughout the 1st Infantry Division and the 98th ASG to be
careful around our construction sites.
Our German contractors understand the safety issues we are
concerned with at these sites, but I would ask everyone to please
insure they stay out of facilities or clearly marked construction
sites, so we do not have any injuries to you or your family
members.
During the year, the 98th ASG and BSB DPWs will continue
to work on improving our recycling and trash collection
programs. I would like to thank everyone in the 98th ASG area
for doing their part in carefully sorting daily and weekly trash
articles and placing them in the correct containers. Please
continue to do a great job!
Fire prevention continues to be a top emphasis from your local
BSB DPWs as they often distribute information booklets and
papers to assist all of you in preventing small, but often costly
fires that can occur in the barracks or at home.
Over the past five years, unattended cooking fires were the
number one cause of fires in the 98th ASG. Please turn off your
stoves if you leave your kitchens for any length of time while
cooking.
All ASG and BSB DPW personnel want you to have a
productive and safe year in Northern Bavaria.
RICHARD B. HOOK
Lieutenant Colonel, Engineer
Director of Public Works
Something’s cookin’
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
When you hear talk of a stove in Giebelstadt,
nobody is referring to cooking.
“We’re not a kitchen appliance,” laughed
Ernst Naige, chief accountant for the Standortverwaltung,
or STOV.
The STOV, or garrison administration office,
is headquartered outside the main gate, in a
building that once housed officers of the Third
Reich.
STOV staff maintains the airfield under a
unique arrangement between the U.S. Army and
the German government.
“The Giebelstadt agreement lists the Army as
a tenant on German federal land,” said Bill Holz,
417th BSB deputy director of public works.
Other installations in Germany are consigned
to the U.S. outright and Americans maintain the
property.
With the Army as tenants, the German army,
under the umbrella of the STOV, provides
maintenance and upkeep for the buildings and
grounds.
In their most recent endeavors, the STOV
took on major construction projects to prepare
the airfield for the 12th Aviation Brigade arrival
and completed it in record time.
The projects that began in May included a
hard stand to accommodate more than 100
military vehicles, hangar renovations and massive
upgrades to nine buildings. Barring minor
electrical work, the jobs were completed by
November.
“The STOV worked quickly, and the Army
saved about a quarter million dollars by relying
on the STOV,” Holz said.
The STOV also coordinated with a German
army engineer battalion in Volkach to build a
new 400-meter access road inside the airfield
perimeter.
“STOV employees are mostly local residents
who have worked here a long time,” said Tony
Stock, contracting officer representative.
Stock said part of the STOV’s success is their
ability to cut red tape. “As an arm of the German
government, they don’t face the same administrative
restrictions the Americans do,” he
said.
Those direct connections allow the STOV to
fill service orders in three days, and an on-site
parts warehouse cuts down customers’ waiting
time.
Turnstile gate gives more security
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
For residents in Katterbach leased housing, gaining
secured pedestrian access to the installation was a bit
treacherous. Now, thanks to an innovative solution, the
problem is solved.
“Katterbach leased housing is directly behind the
fence of the Kaserne itself,” said Maj. Brian Green, 235th
BSB DPW director. “At a recent town hall meeting a
concern came forward regarding residents being required
to walk on the road to get to the back gate to gain access
to the installation. Parents were concerned for the safety
of their children who walked to school by means of the
road, which was dangerous, as there was no established
walking path. We became very concerned for the safety
of those residents and immediately began working on a
solution.”
The solution, Green added, was to put in a turnstile
gate between the back of the leased housing and the
installation. This would allow the required access, while
giving the guards at the gate control of who entered. It
also had the added benefit of being available 24 hours a
day. Along with the new gate, security cameras were
installed so residents can hold up their identification
cards to the guards. This allows security personnel to
continue to monitor and control who is given access to
Katterbach.
“This was the most common sense approach to solve
the problem of access versus security,” said Maj. Mark
Walworth, 235th BSB S-3. “During this time of added
emphasis on force protection, we are doing our best to
work with the community to make things as convenient
as possible, while doing what we have to do to protect
them. Since the gate is remote-controlled by the gate
guards, we are confident that access at the turnstile gate
will be as good as it is at one of our drive-through gates.
We feel that this is the best solution to a valid concern
from our residents. It also shows us how important town
hall meetings are in bringing issues such as this to the
forefront.”
Lisa Eichhorn
The gate behind leased housing at Katterbach will be
replaced with a new turnstile gate to give residents 24-hour
access.

Play area ready
by Cristina Denny
CRUSADER
The design of the new playground on Askren
Manor, located behind the youth activity center,
was made by the Schweinfurt Corps of Engineers
in accordance with the latest state-ofthe-art
playgrounds in the United States.
The contract was awarded to Grounds for
Play from Arlington, Texas. Work started July
24 and was ready for turnover to the user by mid-
October last year.
The contractor was responsible for two
separate delivery orders. One was for the construction
of the playground equipment, and the
second was for the actual installation of the
equipment.
A separate contractor, Mickam, was responsible
for the site work preparation. Both
contractors worked simultaneously while building
the new playground at a cost of approximately
$143,000.
“We demolished the old youth center as part
of the construction of the new state-of-the-art
youth center. In the vicinity of the old youth
center there used to be a playground. And since
we took it away to install the new youth center
we had to provide the kids with a new playground,”
said Rolf Kuefer, chief engineer with
280th BSB DPW.
“One of the best features of the playground is
the surface because it provides a cushioning
effect in case a child falls. The surface is really
soft and is made from a special precaution
material,” said Phillip Payne, project engineer,
280th BSB DPW.
“One of the best features of this playground is
the material. The structures are made out of
recyclable material. It’s weatherproof and the
color doesn’t fade,” Payne said.
“The area is very colorful and attractive for
the kids,” he said.
The play area consists of many elements, such
as a little amphitheater, a gazebo, a play tower,
picnic tables, water play areas and more. It also
has sunshades and a multiple storage area where
children can store small toys.
“The new playground will enhance the playing
activities from tots to older children. They
can even do some gardening under the guidance
of an instructor,” Kuefer said.
New housing progresses
Cheryl Boujnida
Construction is progressing in build-to-lease housing, but the access road
poses several challenges. In an unpaved state, it’s congested by construction
vehicles and isn’t yet ready for automobile traffic. Finished units may be turned
over for appliance installation in January, but won’t be occupied until spring.
Construction projects add to an improved Bamberg
End results are pretty
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
Construction isn’t always a pretty sight but the end results
are.
The exterior entrance to Bamberg’s Recreation Center now
sports a sidewalk-café look after construction endeavors. New
wooden tables and benches provide an outside alternative for
those ordering snack foods from the recreation center, and
sidewalks were also replaced as a part of the project for safety
reasons. Construction that began in November was finished one
month later. Landscaping is expected to
be complete by early spring.
“Initial renovations stemming from a
work order to replace old, cracked sidewalks
that were unsafe were modified. It
really looks classier now and was done at
minimal additional cost,” said Hans-
Juergen Betz, engineer planning and services
division chief. He explained that
other sidewalks in Bamberg are also
targeted for replacement because they are
Betz
in a state of disrepair.
Construction to the sidewalk adjacent to building 7041 will
LIFE center is alive and well
by Christy Schutte
CRUSADER
The 98th Area Support Group, or ASG, is encouraging
lifestyles that improve and protect the physical, emotional and
spiritual well-being of each member within the community with
a new Lifelong Individual and Family Excellence, or LIFE,
Center.
The LIFE Center, which will have its grand opening the
beginning of February, was made possible by the efforts of three
main groups.
Lisa Reid, 98th ASG Health Promotions coordinator, said the
417th BSB DPW was the driving force behind renovating the
inside of the building. The Family Life Program and the Army
Health Promotions Program are both responsible for various
programs that they each specialize in.
“The Family Life Program offers enrichment, prevention and
intervention programs that focus on communication and coping
skills for the individual and the family. The Army Health
Promotions Program offers opportunities to improve social,
mental and physical health,” Reid said.
The LIFE Center is located in building 47 on Leighton
Barracks. Interior areas in the center include a main lobby, a
conference room, a counseling room with an observation room
for training, and a resource library.
Lisa Soule
Workers spruce up the exterior of the consolidated mail room on Larson Barracks to
match recent renovations on the inside of the building.
“We are trying to build a multitude of information with all of
the resources that are out there so it will all be available for
family readiness groups and commanders,” said Chaplain (Maj.)
Ronald Thomas, 98th ASG Family Life chaplain.
Thomas said that the LIFE Center will focus more on
prevention than it has in the past.
“Typically the centers have been more prevention oriented,
but we want to expand to focusing on the person as a whole in
the prevention arena. We’ll still offer intervention and
enrichment programs, but now we want to include the whole
spectrum of community life,” he said.
Initial classes include parenting, single soldier and dual
military family issues, couple and family communication skills,
family life cycle education, pre-deployment and deployment
issues, suicide prevention, pre-marital/marital counseling,
conflict resolution, pastoral counseling, sports nutrition, injury
prevention, stress management, civilian fitness program
guidelines and tobacco cessation facilitator training.
“All training is exportable to every ASG community, and
curriculum will evolve as training is developed based on need,”
Reid said.
For more information about the LIFE Center, call Chaplain
(Maj.) Ronald Thomas at 351-4475, or Lisa Reid at 351-4818.
begin approximately Jan. 15. The walkway next to the building
will no longer be used. Instead, a new pedestrian walkway will
be constructed across the street.
“It won’t be an easy feat constructing the new sidewalk
because old utility lines are being relocated across the street,”
Betz said.
Weather permitting, sidewalk excavations will be complete
by mid-February.
A plan to replace sidewalks extending from the Teen Lounge
in the direction of Burger King is under consideration.
“Many Bamberg projects are funded based on community
input, and we’re here to help make it happen,” Betz said.
Skyline housing gets a
major summer refresher
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
Buildings in Wuerzburg’s Skyline housing area are being
vacated to prepare for major construction this summer.
“Four buildings will get basement to roof renovations as
part of a plan to upgrade all housing by 2008,” said Bill
Holz, 417th BSB DPW.
Each 1950 vintage apartment will receive a $110,000
facelift that will modernize appearance and add individual
washers and dryers.
“The difference will be very dramatic, like night and day.
Soldiers and their families will have a better place to live,”
Holz said.
As other housing areas wait for renovation, exterior
painting continues. “With the planned renovation, we are
trying to paint buildings that don’t need much in the way of
outside work,” he added.
For housing lower on the waiting list for renovation, the
DPW has beefed up the maintenance performed as tenants
move out. “We will use the between-occupancy time to fix
railings and paint balconies and stairwells that don’t get
routine attention,” Holz said.
Larson Barracks sees
many shifting priorities
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
Construction work on Larson Barracks is a
sign of shifting priorities.
“Larson was the focus of a lot of new
construction in the 1980s – it was really in the
spotlight then,” said Bill Holz, 417th BSB
DPW.
The spotlight is back on Larson Barracks as
DPW work focuses on improving the installation.
The new soldiers’ service center in building
12 was the most recent addition to the post.
“The refurbished building lends a clean, new
look that we are instilling around the post,”
Holz said.
The community mail room, one of the first
buildings inside the main gate, is getting fresh
plaster and paint to match its recently renovated
interior.
The chapel annex in building 53 is another
recent improvement. The building once served
as the post commander’s home.
Improvements to the annex began as a troop
construction project, but soldiers from the engineer
battalion left the project half completed
when they were called up for a Kosovo deployment.
“Contractors finished the job and it’s a nice
addition to the installation. A new pool fence
and barracks renovations add to the list of postwide
improvements,” Holz said.
Another priority on Larson is getting the
entire post hooked up to district heat.
“Switching to city-provided heat gets rid of
a big capital expense. The piped-in heat will
eliminate the need for individual boiler rooms
and provide energy savings,” Holz said.
The renovations are not lost on Kitzingen
leadership. Acting area support team community
manager, David Leinberger, said local commanders
are glad to have Larson Barracks back
in the spotlight.
“We are extremely excited about these projects.
They are all about improving the area’s
appearance and making a better quality of life
for soldiers and family members in Kitzingen.”
“The area really needed some attention.
Renovations to the infrastructure as well as
building exteriors will spruce up the entire
installation,” Holz said.

Kindergarten causes shuffle
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
School age services, or SAS, in Bamberg is
relocating to youth services, or YS, serving
middle schoolers.
Currently housed at Bamberg Elementary
School, SAS is moving to make room for fulltime
kindergarten children who will attend
school in Sept. 2002.
Primarily an after-school program, SAS provides
activities for children who range in age
from kindergarten up to fifth grade.
Plans have been designed to expand the
existing YS facility by constructing an additional
wing to accommodate the additional
SAS program. If funded, both SAS and YS programs
will be combined in one facility and
construction will begin in June 2001.
“The idea of combining YS and SAS implements
a synergy effect, which means co-usage of
a facility. Having two programs share a building
directly impacts overall costs,” said Michael
Kempner-Strehlow, department of public works
deputy director.
“We’re here to facilitate programs that are
embraced and executed by community experts.
This project is dear to everyone’s heart because
it’s something that had to happen. DoDDS needs
the space now so they can renovate and add
additional classrooms which will accommodate
full-time kindergarten needs,” he said.
The SAS Program isn’t the only youth program
that will see changes. Middle-school-age
children enrolled in YS programs will now meet
at the Teen Lounge.
“The middle school children and teen combination
will work because of the hours offered
at the Teen Lounge,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Hill,
279th BSB commander.
Shuffling the 279th BSB youth programs to
accommodate future kindergarten enrollment
has been a top priority project within the 279th
BSB. Community input is a vital aspect of the
design packet and has been sought at December
and January town hall meetings. For additional
information, call 469-1770 or (0951) 3001770.
photos by Cheryl Boujnida
Left to right, Austin Zahn, Joseph Willams, Alex Shinneman, and Javon Williams play a magnet game with Susan Unger, a youth
services program assistant.
Fitness center gets a facelift
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Dwarfed by wall-covering scaffolding and dust screens, one
man spent a recent Friday morning shooting baskets at the
Finney Fitness Center on Conn Barracks, Schweinfurt.
The only people sharing the gymnasium with him were the
electricians working on the facility’s renovation.
The $300,000 project is on schedule to be completed by the
end of February. Part of the money being used to finance the
renovations came from the 280th BSB Army Community of
Excellence winnings from last year.
“We’re expanding the center, renovating it and bringing it up
to standards,” said Trevor Jordan, deputy director of the 280th
BSB Directorate of Public Works, or DPW.
While carrying out the work, the DPW has tried to ensure that
patrons of the facility would be able to continue to use the
basketball courts and weight rooms.
“During this renovation, the gym is not closed. We’re working
it so they can continue to use the gym,” Jordan said. He said some
of the project’s highlights include utility lines being re-routed
and a more spacious design, which will give spectators a better
view of sporting events.
Other features include a new training room to accommodate
martial arts training and aerobics.
“That room will have elastic flooring and, because they do
aerobics and a lot of jumping, that will be better for them,” said
Gerd Schomburg from the 98th ASG DPW engineering, plans
and services, or EPS, division, which oversees the project.
Additionally, according to Schomburg, the walkway around
the gymnasium on the second floor will have new suspended
ceilings, new lights, wallpaper and a new railing.
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
Ascending the steps around the back of building 242 on
Ledward Barracks, one first notices the ceiling of the large room
which was once the Ledward Entertainment Center. The stage
has disappeared, though, and an elevator shaft stands alone
where audiences used to enjoy plays and musicals.
Soon, the room will be filled again; however, this time books
will take the place of stage props. The Ledward Library is
scheduled to expand its services to include the second floor about
the end of February.
“We decided to relocate the entertainment center so we could
expand to the second floor,” said Trevor Jordan, deputy director
of the 280th BSB DPW.
Jordan said, the scope of work includes installing a lift for the
Mark Heeter
Electrician Karl-Heinz Maesch fuses wires that will be
used in the new security system at the Finney Fitness
Center.
Library set to expand its services
books and reinforcing the floor to accommodate the plans for the
library.
“My past experience is that libraries have had problems with
floors being able to sustain or hold loads of books,” Jordan said,
adding that concentration of the loads compounds the danger of
a floor collapsing.
“Books are very heavy, especially when they are in
concentrated loads. DPW, therefore, analyzed the existing floor
and decided that a replacement was necessary.
“We have to be customer-oriented. Our job here is to satisfy
the customer, and the library is key to quality of life here,” Jordan
said.
According to Helen Davidson, the 280th BSB librarian, the
expanded library will have much more to offer its customers,
including second-floor conference rooms and more computers.
Jacquez Freelove makes a skillful decision
during a chess match.
Semone Wingfield-Turner, left, and
Alexxa Breeland glue cotton snowballs
and colored glitter to their cards
Legal services come to
Giebelstadt community
by Christy Schutte
CRUSADER
The Giebelstadt community now has a full range of law
services right under its nose.
The Giebelstadt Legal Office, located in building 609, is
up and fully functioning.
Maj. Sam Smith from the Kitzingen Law Center said the
office offers all the same services as the Kitzingen center
does – for both commanders as well as individual clients.
“At the office they are doing notarizations and powers of
attorney on a daily basis, accepting claims forms, and legal
assistance clients can be seen every Tuesday. Also, Capt.
Chris Jacobs, trial counsel for the Giebelstadt community,
is there meeting with and advising commanders, preparing
courts-martial and handling adverse administrative actions,”
Smith said.
“I’m hoping that by having more of a legal presence here
in Giebelstadt, we’ll be able to handle the military justice
matters of the units and commanders very quickly,” Jacobs
said.
Smith said that work on the office was quickly finished
so that the Giebelstadt community would have access to the
services as soon as possible.
“In a few months, 417th DPW totally rebuilt the interior
of the office, including putting up walls, repainting, and
adding fixtures and a drop ceiling. The phone and computer
systems are working, and the new furniture is expected to
arrive in January. This is a first-rate facility that will benefit
the community for many years,” Smith said.
He praised DPW’s responsiveness and the 417th Base
Support Battalion’s leadership.
“Lt. Col. Frank Wheeler recognized the need for legal
services in Giebelstadt and invested precious local money
to make the office a reality. Maj. Joe Moore and his DPW
staff did a great job on a shoe-string budget,” Smith said.
SFC Maria Cruze, noncommissioned officer in charge,
Giebelstadt Legal Office, said they’re getting a positive
response from the community.
“We’ve been extremely busy since we’ve been here, but
that’s a good thing. We want to help out the soldiers and
their families here as much as possible,” she said.
Spec. John Lutes, legal specialist, Giebelstadt Legal
Office, added that now people won’t have to go out to
Kitzingen for their legal services anymore.
For more information about the Giebelstadt Legal Office,
call 352-7970 or visit the Kitzingen Law Center website at
www.98asg.wuerzburg.army.mil/klc/index.htm.

Cristina Denny
SFC Kenneth Schmidt, HHC, 2nd Bde,
standing, inspects Spec. Shelton
Foster’s safety harness. Foster is from
the 95th Maintenance Company in Giebelstadt.
Spec. Shelton Foster traverses an
imaginary river using a one-rope bridge.
Spec. Michael Epstein, HHC, 1st Bn.,
26th Inf., helps two fellow soldiers climb
the tower.
Training builds confidence
by Cristina Denny
CRUSADER
Workers clear local ranges
while getting the lead out
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
Hauling sand is no day at the beach for safety-conscious
contract workers.
When sand-filled catch basins on firing ranges are
impregnated with spent bullets, it’s time for a change,
according to Ken Sims, 417th BSB environmental engineer.
To avoid lead exposure, workers must don disposable
protective suits, respirators and gloves.
“Lead is not absorbed through the skin, but it does pose
a threat if it is breathed or ingested,” said Maureen Pikal,
98th ASG industrial hygienist.
The sand is either filtered or replaced. With the replacement
method, workers shave off the first meter of
sand. The casing-loaded granules are treated as hazardous
waste.
A mixture of sand, combined with salt to prevent freezing,
replaces the old filler and serves as the new absorption
material.
Two of the 417th BSB firing ranges received sand
replacements last year.
“Soldier safety is the number one reason for sand replacements,”
Sims said. When the basins are full, bullets
may spit back. Safety officials monitor the ranges to watch
for signs of spit-backs or ricochets.
“Ultimately, the Army will get out of the business of
using sand in catch basins and turn to rubber blocks or other
methods,” Sims said. But the sandless catch, he said, still
requires further development.
The new obstacle course at Camp Robertson
provides soldiers an opportunity to build confidence
as they negotiate the course’s 24 stations.
280th DPW engineers Harald Seidenath and
Rolf Kuefer have played an important role in
the project, which took three months to build.
Work started in June and ended in August last
year.
“The new obstacle course, designed after the
U.S. Army Rangers’ Darby Queen obstacle
course at Fort Benning, Ga., consists of 24
stations. These stations include low wire, the
tough nut, the weaver, hip-hip, slide for life,
horizontal ladder, and many more,” said Rolf
Kuefer.
Kuefer said the engineers supervised the
construction of the wood-steel obstacles in
accordance with the design and regulations of
German playgrounds. The structures are designed
and constructed with the appropriate
dimensions and stability in order for two people
to train on one obstacle at any given time.
“Wooden chips and sand were used to increase
safety on the surface and underneath the
obstacles. Prior to each training exercise, all
jump-down areas of sand should be loosened
and leveled off. If this is done, these areas retain
their proper cushion effect,” Seidenath said.
He added that for safety reasons some of the
higher obstacles are surrounded with rubber in
case of an accidental fall.
“At least once a year all obstacles will
undergo a thorough safety inspection,” Kuefer
added.
“In order to prevent anyone from getting
injured on the course, it’s recommended that
the facility should only be used when it’s dry.
It’s important that prior to usage, each obstacle
be examined for any damaged or misplaced
parts. Also, soldiers should never use the
course alone,” Seidenath said.
A special course feature is the climbing
tower. Up to 20 people are allowed on the
observation platform and the accompanying
staircase at one time.
The total cost for the project was $300,000,
half of which was spent on the obstacles and the
other half on the course itself.
James Kissinger, 280th BSB training support
chief, who developed the idea of building a new
training area for the soldiers, said that the
obstacle course in Camp Robertson presents a
true and unique asset for the Schweinfurt community.
“Camp Robertson in itself is an excellent
facility for any training soldiers want to do. The
obstacle course offers units real flexibility in
doing a lot of self-confidence training, and also
it prepares soldiers when they have to do certain
missions. Units coming from outside Schweinfurt
can also use it, as Camp Robertson provides
them with a place to stay overnight,” Kissinger
said.
For more information or to reserve the
training area, call Camp Robertson at (09720)
580.
Left to right, Pvt. 1 Charles Ledbetter, SSgt. Eric Bloom, Spec. Michael Epstien, all from HHC, 1st Bn., 26th Inf., Spec. Shelton
Foster, and Sgt. Steven Mathew, HHC, 1st Bn., 26th Inf., sprint towards the new obstacle course at Camp Robertson.
Giving break to bad building
by Lisa Soule
CRUSADER
The reputation of the central issue facility, or CIF, on Larson
Barracks will be changing – a little.
“We’re known as the worst-looking building in the place, but
we offer the best quality service,” said Gene Johnson, material
handler.
“The building’s exterior received a much-deserved facelift,
probably its first one in 30 years,” said Carl Sweet, 417th BSB
director of logistics.
Recent renovations have improved the atmosphere for
workers and customers. “New windows and insulation
have taken the chill off. It used to get very cold inside,” Sweet
said.
The CIF issues clothing and field gear to soldiers in the entire
417th BSB. They have operated out of the building for seven
years. Last year, the facility handled more than 11,000 direct
customer transactions, issuing in excess of $8 million worth of
military equipment.
Before it was the CIF, the building served as a 3rd Infantry
Division warehouse. The old bay doors, allowing for truck
deliveries, were among the first things to go.
“Some of the doors were in bad shape. They weren’t
necessary for current operations, so their removal increased the
capacity for heating,” Sweet said.
The $103,000 project included the bay door removal, door
repairs, new windows, and exterior plaster and paint. An
outdoor annex was also demolished in the process.
“The annex was an eyesore. The ceiling tiles contained
asbestos that needed to be removed,” said Bill Holz, 417th BSB
deputy director of public works.
“Renovations wrapped up just before the New Year. Plans to
refurbish the interior are in the works and will proceed when
funds become available,” Holz said.
Lisa Soule
Gene Johnson, a material handler at the Kitzingen CIF,
fits Sgt. Lolita Davis, 38th Postal Company, with a
helmet and vest.

Sports
Lisa Soule
Left to right, Zahid Husain, 6, and Sarah Walworth, 5, get some basketball tips
from Leloni Hart during the basketball camp she organized as a Girl Scout
project.
Scout shoots for award
by Lisa Eichhorn
CRUSADER
Children in the 235th BSB were treated to
some hot tips on playing hoops at a basketball
clinic, organized by 13-year-old Leloni Hart.
“Leloni hosted the clinic as part of a Girl
Scout project in order to earn her Silver
Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can
receive,” said Valerie Hart, Leloni’s mother
and Girl Scout leader.
“She has always been very good with
children, so when she came up with this idea
I knew it was perfect for her. She has been
playing basketball since she was in third
grade, so she is completely in her element on
the court,” Hart said.
“This was a complicated project for a girl
Bamberg soldiers covet trophy, boost morale
by Cheryl Boujnida
CRUSADER
A track shoe, spray-painted gold and mounted
to a wooden plaque, signified a victory of a flag
football tournament, but the trophy was only
part of the prize.
The real payoff for Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 7th Corps Support Group, or
CSG, soldiers is that they’re able to get down
and dirty on the playing field quarterly. Playing
sports is now a regular part of their training
regime. They beat Hanau’s 596th Company,
16th CSG’s team in a Dec. 8 football tournament
Learn martial arts
Bamberg’s BASICS, a satellite fitness facility,
offers judo and jujitsu every Tuesday and
Thursday. Judo is offered from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
and jujitsu from 6:40-7:40 p.m. The cost is $25
each month for one martial art or $30 each
month for both. Get your monthly ticket at the
recreation center. For more information, call
469-8837 or (0951) 3008837.
Go snowboarding
Bamberg Youth Services offer a snowboarding
day trip to Mittenwald for youth ages 13-19.
A cost of $25 includes transportation and
snacks. Lift ticket and equipment is not included.
Snowboard rentals are available at the
recreation center. For more information, call
469-8557 or (0951) 3008557.
Learn to scuba dive
The Finney Recreation Center now offers
scuba instruction and certification for teens and
adults. Classes start the 1st and 15th of each
month. Theory classes are held at the Finney
Recreation Center on Conn Barracks, and
Roundup
Leloni’s age. She did all of the administrative
work herself – from setting everything up with
the gym, to taking in the registrations, to
organizing the different basketball drills the
children are being taught. A lot of planning
went into this and she has done a terrific job,”
said John Paul Meier, a clinic volunteer.
Leloni said the project was a great way for
her to be able to connect with children.
“I have wanted to be a teacher since I was
very little. Basketball was a natural choice for
me because the game helped teach me
discipline and gave me self-esteem, and that’s
what I wanted to give to these kids. The reason
I love working with children is because they
understand you and always want to help, no
matter what. They give me back more than I
could ever give,” she said.
with a final score of 26-23. Initiated by Col.
James Chambers, 7th CSG, group commander,
sporting activities will promote team building
within geographically dispersed units in Bamberg,
Mannheim, Grafenwoehr and Illesheim.
The best team within 7th CSG then goes on to
challenge 16th CSG’s best team in a final
tournament.
“It’s all in the name of esprit-de-corps. We
don’t play enough sports because we’re often
too busy and it’s important enough to add to our
training calendar. It’s a morale booster also,”
Chambers said.
Many 3rd COSCOM units will participate in
practice sessions are at the pool in Bad Koenigshofen.
For more information, call Silvia Joiner
354-6270 or (09721) 966270.
Do you like skiing?
At the outdoor recreation issue center in
Schweinfurt you can rent skis, boots and poles
for $11 a day, $22 a weekend or $55 a week.
Snowboards are also available for rent for
$12.50 a day, $25 for the weekend or $62.50 for
a week. Snowboards come with soft-bindings.
For more information, call 353-8080 or (09721)
968080.
Ski Switzerland
with the 98th ASG
Join the 98th ASG on a ski trip to Meiringen,
Switzerland, Jan. 26-29. The cost per person is
DM410 in a double and DM510 in a single.
Children under 12 cost DM295. The trip
includes three overnights and three days with
half board. For more information, call Drew
Stathis at 355-8952 or e-mail him at
Stathisd@wurapo.pmo.army.mil.
Basketball tourney
becomes marathon
by Mark Heeter
CRUSADER
They were not springing so high anymore,
their feet were not so quick to snap across the
hardwood floor, and their passes had lost much
of their force.
The last two teams standing in the Schweinfurt
community 3-on-3 basketball tournament
had played over three hours of nearly non-stop,
half-court basketball, and they wore their
weariness openly.
“I don’t know what do – whether to lay down
and go to sleep or what,” said Jefferson
Clemons, as he walked off the court following
the final game of the tournament.
Moments later, Clemons’ team, Team 2,
forfeited the final game of the tournament,
allowing Team 1 to claim the title.
Timothy Gorrell, Larry Price and Larry
Wilder fought their way through six games to
earn the championship of the four-team contest.
Team 1 and Team 2 faced off in the winners’
bracket. Team 2 opened the scoring in the final,
when Christopher Donaldson hit a jump shot
from the free throw line. Then Wilder answered
for Team 1 by nailing his jumper from the same
spot.
Moments later, Gorrell put Team 1 on top
with a baseline jumper and Donaldson followed
a score for his team. The two sides continued to
trade possessions, but the scoring slowed. At the
halfway point of the 20-minute contest the teams
were deadlocked at four points each.
Clemons put Team 2 ahead with a lay-up, but
Price gave his team a push with a baseline
jumper and a follow-up basket after a Gorrell
miss.
Team 2 rattled off three consecutive baskets,
as Donaldson, Clemons and Tony DeBruce each
scored unanswered baskets. Price hit a jump shot
in the lane for Team 1 with three minutes to play,
but Team 2 held its lead for the remainder of the
game.
“I’m giving our team a pat on the back
because we’re older than they are,” Wilder said,
quarterly sporting activities such as basketball,
football, track and field and baseball.
“This is certainly the right tool needed to
achieve cohesiveness within the units,” said
Maj. Keith Hunt, 7th CSG adjutant.
Excelling in sports relates to a soldier’s skills
on the battlefield. “A victory on the playing field
transfers to a victory on the battlefield because it
can’t be accomplished alone,” said Col. Paul
Willis, 16th CSG commander.
He explained that implementing sports into
training is critical for enhancing morale. “Soldiers
have something to look forward to and
String a new bow
Mark Heeter
Larry Price, left, struggles to get a shot
over Jefferson Clemons in his team’s
winning effort.
after his team was declared tournament champions.
“I think it’s pretty clear the players are
enjoying themselves out there,” said Al Ablong,
Schweinfurt community sports director.
He said he plans to host more 3-on-3 tournaments
in the future and, with more advance
notice, expects a larger turnout.
they’re eager to play,” Willis said.
Two 7th CSG soldiers who agree that sports
breaks up the monotony of daily training are
SSgt. Raphael August and SSgt. James Carr. “If
you stick with doing pushups every day, it gets
boring. Playing organized sports taps into our
talent pool and gets us in better shape,” August
said.
Carr stressed that team sports can be a motivator
for soldiers who aren’t doing well in
physical training, or PT. “At times, PT is
humdrum, but it’s playing in a tournament that’s
exciting,” he said.
Lisa Soule
Capt. Greg Turner, Company A, 7th Battalion, 159th Aviation, shows archery
equipment at a sportsmen’s tradeshow at the Woodland Inn in Kitzingen. Turner,
a member of the Illesheim Archery Club, said the club is accepting new members.
For more information, call 467-4687 or (09841) 83687.
Crusader, January 12, 2001 15

Health & Fitness 2000
Underwood
This tech CAREs
A radiological departmentadministration
assistant is Wuerzburg
MEDDAC’s
CARES winner for
December. LeAnn
Underwood was nominated
for caring for
a customer with a
suspicious mammography
screen. The
CARES award, which
stands for Compas-
sionate, Attentive, Responsive, Enthusiastic
Service, is presented monthly to any
soldier, civilian or local national, regardless
of occupation, who is within the scope of
employment with the organization.
Nurse Corps turns 100
The Army Nurse Corps celebrates its
100th anniversary Feb. 2. To commemorate
the event, an Army Nurse Corps function
will be held at Heidelberg Feb. 10. Contact
Lt. Col. Dennis Driscoll at 350-3898 or
(0931) 8043898 for more information.
Get fit for life
235th BSB – Katterbach Fitness Center
offers cardio-kickboxing Mon, Wed, Fri
from 9-10 a.m. and step aerobics Mon and
Wed from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Illesheim Fitness
Center offers step aerobics Tue and Thu
from 6-7 p.m. Personal training services
are also available. It is time to sign up for
the Civilian Fitness Program. Call Sharon
Morejon at 467-2810.
279th BSB – Multiple aerobics classes
are offered five days a week at BASICS in
building 7110, next to the travel agency.
Workout tickets are $2 each, available at the
recreation center, building 7047. Contact
the new fitness coordinator, Vic Arther, at
469-8890.
280th BSB – Check out Kessler and
Finney fitness centers for all of your
physical fitness needs. Contact Al Ablong
at 354-6474 for aerobics schedules.
417th BSB – Contact outdoor recreation
at 355-8629 for your winter recreation
needs. Contact Lucian Kimble at 355-8847.
Cutting back won’t help
About 48 million Americans smoke, an
addiction that kills 400,000 people every
year due to heart disease, emphysema and
lung cancer. Smokers are also at risk for
seven other cancers. Quit smoking, and
these risks start dropping. The Mayo Clinic
found there is no health benefit when hardcore
smokers cut their habit in half. For
more information on quitting versus cutting
back, see: www.foxnews.com/health/
010101/smoking.sml.
Health & Fitness 2000
Health and Fitness 2000 is a monthly
supplement to the CRUSADER cosponsored
by the 98th ASG and the U.S.
Army Hospital, Wuerzburg. Editorial office
is in the U.S. Army Hospital, Wuerzburg,
room 4NE10, phone 350-2296 or
(0931) 8042296. Mailing address is
Commander, U.S. Army Hospital, Attn:
Public Affairs Office, Unit 26610, APO AE
09244.
Hospital
Commander ........ Col. Bernard DeKoning
Public Affairs Officer .............. Roger Teel
Health Promotions
Coordinator ..................... Candance Jones
98th ASG Health
Promotions Coordinator ............ Lisa Reid
BSE FEARS
From Page 1
16 Crusader, January 12, 2001
Millennium baby arrives Jan. 1
by Roger Teel
U.S. Army Hospital, Wuerzburg
and by Defense Commissary Agency officials that all beef sold
in commissaries and served at dining facilities and food outlets
on U.S. installations are 100 percent U.S. beef products.
The World Health Organization, or WHO, expressed Dec. 22
the concern that mad cow disease and the associated fatal human
illness, a variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or vCJD, could
have worldwide exposure. The United Nations health agency
said it would convene a major meeting of experts and officials
from all regions on the neurodegenerative diseases striking cattle
Mariah Evangeline Thorne arrived right on
time.
The seven pound, six ounce baby girl was
born at 7:49 a.m. Jan. 1. She was the first baby
of the new millennium born to American parents
stationed in Germany.
Her parents, Spec. Chauncey and Jennifer
Thorne, were at a New Year’s Eve party when
her contractions began.
“I had fallen asleep, and when I woke up I felt
like it was time,” said Jennifer. Then, since she
was the designated driver for the evening, she
drove herself and her husband to the U.S. Army
Hospital in Wuerzburg, about a 15-minute drive.
Maj. Susanna Itara, labor and delivery nurse,
checked Jennifer’s vitals and attached a fetal
monitor.
“She was dialating and I told her I’d keep an
eye on her. About an hour later she was ready to
push. Once she started, it only took nine minutes
until the baby was born,” said Itara. Dr.
Elizabeth Brill was the attending physician.
Thorne, assigned to Kitzingen’s Company D,
4th Battalion, 3rd Air Defense Artillery, said
they expected the baby around Christmas.
“I even took her for a walk in the vineyards to
help get her started,” he said.
The birth starts a new count for Wuerzburg
hospital. There were 461 births in 2000.
Photos by Roger Teel
Spec. Marcelino Espinosa and Maj. Susanna Itara prepare Baby Thorne for her first
breastfeeding.
and humans. It will be held in Geneva in late spring, probably in
May.
WHO officials spoke after experts had reviewed scientific
evidence on a variety of issues amid growing consumer concern
in countries including Germany and Canada. Experts’ concerns
center on British meat and bone meal exports in the 10-year
period between 1986, when BSE surfaced in Britain, and 1996,
when an export ban was imposed on British beef. There are also
wider concerns about European Union exports.
“Our concern is that there was sufficient international trade in
meat and bone meal and live cattle that there actually has been
exposure worldwide already,” said Dr. Maura Ricketts of WHO’s
animal and food-related public health risks division, as reported
by Reuters news service.
Since 1986, 180,000 BSE cases have been confirmed in
Six-year-old Lexis Thorne cuddles with
her new sister.
Spec. Chauncey Thorne cradles his
newborn daughter as Jennifer rests after
giving birth.
Ecstasy pure isn’t pure ecstasy
What you don’t know
could very well kill you
by Melinda Roark
Education Coordinator
Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Control Program
Illegally produced designer
drugs are becoming
popular with young adults
and military personnel.
One such designer drug is
Ecstasy – known as the
“love pill” and “the Queen
of the Night.”
Ecstasy is a derivative
of amphetamine (speed)
that is taken by mouth in
pill form. It is estimated Roark
that six new designs of ecstasy are produced
every month and come in a variety of colors,
sizes and names.
Ecstasy gives the user the energy to dance for
hours, as well as an intense feeling of friendship
and euphoria. The desire to be physically close
in clubs or party environments also increases the
risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Symptoms of Ecstasy use include: hallucinations,
loss of concentration, confusion,
anxiety, depression, paranoia, internal bleeding,
insomnia, blurred vision, nausea, irregular
heartbeats, faintness, severe dehydration, kidney
failure, heart attacks and strokes. Symptoms can
last for weeks after a person uses Ecstasy, even
if they are not habitual users. Recent studies
show Ecstasy may also cause brain damage and
sudden death.
Taking Ecstasy is like playing Russian Rou-
lette. Drug dealers are making it for the money.
A batch of Ecstasy found in Holland in February
2000 contained 8 mg of strychnine in each pill.
Strychnine is a poison and the fatal dose to
humans is 5-15 mg.
Uncertainties about where drugs originated,
pharmacological agents and chemicals used in
manufacture, as well as possible contaminants
make it difficult to determine just what one is
taking. Products ranging from pure amphetamines,
methadone, LSD, and any mixture of
these with pure Ecstasy have been passed off and
sold as Ecstasy. Pills have also been found to
contain alarming items, such as de-worming
pills and fish tank oxygenating tablets. Not
good, clean fun by any stretch of the imagination.
If you need help, or know someone who does,
contact a community counseling center for assistance.
Dental program enhances benefits
United Concordia Companies, Inc., or UCCI,
the dental contractor who administrates the
TRICARE Dental Program, or TDP, will begin
complying with new contract provisions of the
military family member dental insurance program
Feb. 1.
This program is the same family member
dental insurance plan that has been in existence
for the past ten years in the U.S., but it has
several changes and a number of beneficiary
enhancements.
The overseas plan offers all the benefits of the
stateside program plus additional features for
overseas participants.
There are no cost shares in overseas locations
for oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, or
most restorative procedures. In addition, the
overseas family only pays 50 percent for
orthodontics and several other services within
the limits of annual and life time maximums.
UCCI and the government pick up the remaining
charges.
The TRICARE Europe Office in Sembach,
Germany, and your local dental treatment facility
will assist answering questions or problems that
may arise with the TDP. You may contact your
local clinic or call 496-6358 or (06302) 676358
in Germany. E-mail questions to
tfmdp@sembach.af.mil or
george.schad@sembach.af.mil.
British cattle, with 1,300 to 1,400 cases elsewhere in Europe –
mostly in France, Ireland, Portugal and Switzerland, and now
Germany, according to WHO.
Small numbers of cases have been reported in Canada,
Argentina, Italy and Oman, but in each of these countries the
incidence was related to imported British cattle.
In all, 87 cases of vCJD have been reported in Britain, three
in France and one in Ireland, according to WHO.
German beef sales have plummeted nearly 80 percent in some
regions due to concerns over infected beef. Reports of falsely
labeled sausages have led to calls for stricter food safety
measures.
While fears have been expressed by a number of American
consumers, U.S. medical officials maintain there is but a small
risk to Americans who avoid European beef products.