BHR1April10

Page 6 Herald Union April 1, 2010 .......................................................................... www.wiesbaden.army.mil

USAG Baumholder

www.baumholder.army.mil

By Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder Public Affairs Office

The Baumholder community came together at the Rhein-lander club March 13 for Stork Strasse, a massive, community wide baby shower and parenting symposium for new and expect-ing parents. Stork Strasse com-bined education and learning with fun, prizes and giveaways. Event coordinator Ann Rigsby explains what parents learned by participating in this first of a kind symposium for parents.

Stork Strasse was the brain child of Ann Rigsby, who wanted to share her passion for children and parenting with other parents. “The most important thing that parents are receiving from today’s Stork Strasse event is that it’s normal to be frustrated with certain aspects of parenting,” said Rigsby. “Everything has its own challenges, such as a new born that cries a lot, you don’t really know what they want, so it’s frustrating for parents to figure that out –to figure out what their baby wants.

“And when you get to the toddler stage, they’re tod-d l e r s , s o t h e y ’ r e bumping into everything so you have to child proof your home and you’re also teaching them how to use the potty, so potty training is also frustrating because I think a lot of books and mothering myths, so to speak, convince us as parents that these things happen overnight. Even as far as taking a newborn child from a crib to a toddler bed –that transition doesn’t happen within one night. It can take several weeks,” said Rigsby.

Rigsby explained that once parents learn and accept that it’s normal to be frustrated and that there are other parents in the same boat, the parental education can begin. “Once they accept that they’re normal, than we can add the education piece of it.” She gave an example. “A

Stork Strasse provides ‘Parenting 101’

Photo by Ignacio “Iggy” Rubalcava

Parents at Stork Strasse view a baby doll that features realistic, life-like functions.


Parents do a little shopping at the Gently Used Store.


Parents stroll down Stork Strasse.

toddler is different from a four-year-old so you have to change your parenting style as your child progresses. Each child is different so what worked for your oldest kid is probably not going to work for your middle kid and it’s probably not going to work for your youngest child.

So, you as parents have to be very creative and you have to be very intuitive to figure out what works best for your child,” she said

So why offer a baby shower and learning symposium of this magnitude to the Baumholder community when a multitude of parenting classes and learning opportunities already exist on Baumholder?

“We have a lot of young families here with a lot of kids so there’s a need for the parents to come together. I know that in other communities they offer one or two classes, like infant care, but I really wanted to focus on the parent, and provide sup-port for the parents, to be better parents number one, but also to come out and see what the com-munity has to offer to them, as well as the community agencies coming out and providing the

services to the parents in an interac-tive and posi-tive environ-ment,” said Rigsby.

S t o r k Strasse was a learning

experience for the whole fam-ily. Parents of course were encouraged to bring their little ones and several fathers, fathers to be, or those just curious about the effects that the extra weight has on the body while pregnant strapped on the “empty belly” apron and learned first-hand that carrying a child is no walk in the park. Asaya Guscott, whose husband is assigned to the 24th Brigade Support Battalion, took a walk down Stork Strasse and was pleased with what she saw and learned.

“I think this is really great for mothers and parents that are pregnant or are thinking about having babies because it gives them definitely one up on

the people that don’t have this information,” said Guscott. “I consider myself a pretty good parent but there are a lot of things I don’t know so it gave me the opportunity to get access to that information.

“I learned that the stress and the issues that I had when my babies were small were normal. The things that I went through were normal things. I really encourage people, if this hap-pens again, to come out here. Even people who are veterans like myself who have a five- and a six-year-old, or older, this information would be very important for them and would turn on a few lights that weren’t

there before,” said Guscott.And it appears that Stork

Strasse may indeed turn out to be an annual event, at least if Rigsby has a say in it.

“I believe that we can plan to have Stork Strasse be-come an annual event here at Baumholder. Next year we’re tentatively planning for Stork Strasse to be in April to coincide with Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. That will be targeted toward new and expecting parents. This Novem-ber we are tentatively planning a similar symposium but it will be for the school-age kids so we’ll have your elementary school group, your adolescent

school group and your teenag-ers and we’ll have the parenting symposium address those needs as well,” said Rigsby.

After participating in the numerous classes and visiting the various displays, parents re-ceived a stamp on their card that they were able to use to purchase everything from baby monitors to clothing at the gently used store. Most importantly, parents walked away from Stork Strasse with a better understanding of caring for their children and about parenting in general.

“We have a lot of young families here with a lot of kids so

there’s a need for the parents to come

together.”

www.wiesbaden.army.mil ........................................................................... April 1, 2010 Herald Union Page 7

USAG Baumholder


By Madeleine Dwoiakowski

U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder Public Affairs Office

How would you like to flip a 400 pounds Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck tire after a 10-kilometer march with a 35 pound rucksack?

That was but one of the many events of the ‘Rock Solid Challenge’ which seven teams of three MP Soldiers each had to accomplish during a recent one-day competitive Warrior Challenge and drills exercise.

According to 1st Lt. Paul A. DelleDonne, this event was planned to foster unit cohesion, sharpen the Soldiers’ skills and assess proficiency. “We will conduct this event once a year so the Soldiers can experience camaraderie at its best,” said DelleDonne.

The competition started with a ten-kilometer rucksack march to the Military Operations on Urban Terrain site, or MOUT, where six different challenges awaited the Soldiers.

Then each team had to push a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as a HMMWV, weighing 5,600 pounds, plus extra weight and driver, adding an additional 250 pounds. The HMMWV had to be pushed over a distance of 250 meters in a specific time limit - the fastest team manag-ing the task in just 54 seconds.

This event was followed by an obstacle course comprising of 15 push-ups, hurdle jump, tire jog, low crawl, litter carry, entering a house, carrying heavy canisters and re-entering the house, tire flip, log carry and sprint to the finish line. The fast-est time for this course was eight minutes and 43 seconds.

Teams were then put to a map reading and land navigation test followed by an observation lane on the roof of a three story build-ing. This exercise tested the teams ability to work together in spotting and identifying po-tential hazards in their field of view, ranging out to 200 meters, and then accurately describing the spotted object, ranging from IEDs and M16s to uniforms and boots.

Using a high powered bin-ocular set, scope and compass,

MPs build esprit de corps with Warrior Challengethe Soldiers were graded on the accuracy of their descriptions to the plotting of the located items on a map found by azimuth and obtaining grid coordinates all in less than 15 minutes. The best team spotted a total of 10 out of 16 objects in the given timeframe.

The final event at the MOUT site was an exercise on proper execution on entering and clear-ing a two-story building.

As the teams finished at the MOUT site, they strapped on their rucksacks again and

marched on to the indoor M9 range - uphill all the way of course. Here they were required to perform a ‘stress fire’ shoot where precision, team work and mental toughness were tested. Each team faced a pile of as-sorted weapon parts – M9 pistol, M16 rifle and M249 automatic rifle – initially just a heap of metal. Teams had four minutes to separate parts and assemble the three weapons from scratch, including a function check. One team passed this task in an incredible one minute and ten

seconds. In the second part of this event, teams had 15 shots to shoot with the M9 pistol at targets of varying difficulty at a 15-meter distance in a position of their choice, standing or lay-ing down.

“By the end of the day, Sol-diers were tired and fatigued but in great spirits. They passed all challenges as teams, displaying extraordinary enthusiasm,” said 2nd Lt. Michael W. Leggett.

After a grueling seven-hour day Soldiers marched back to the MOUT site for the final

event - an agility exercise of pushups and sit-ups requiring each team of three to have at least one person performing the exercise for two minutes.

At that point, the familiar rucksack was mounted again and all participants marched back another three kilometers to the initial mount site.

“Emphasis was on safety and well-being of the Soldiers as well as building esprit de corps. It will become an annual event,” said Sgt. 1st Class Paul K. Brasso.

Photo by Madeleine Dwoiakowski

Pvt. Nikita D. Martinez, Sgt. Janet L. Ybarra, and Pfc. Cody A. Emmond share a laugh as they enter the first part of the obstacle course.


Sgt. Janet L. Ybarra is assisting Pfc. Ni-kita D. Martinez into the hands of fellow teammate Pfc.Cody A. Emmond as he pulls her into a building.


Staff Sgt. Juan J. Rodriguez clocks the pace of Sgt. Jeremy C. Pough, Pfc. Manuel S. Jas, and Pfc. Patrick S. Boardley as they scramble to put to-gether the parts of the M249, M9 and M4 which were all placed in a box.

Page 8 Herald Union April 1, 2010 .......................................................................... www.wiesbaden.army.mil

USAG Baumholder


Since 1942, Army Emergency Relief has helped more than 3.2 million Soldiers and their Families with more than $1 billion in assistance. AER assists with emergency financial needs such as food, rent, or utilities, emergency travel, vehicle repair, funeral expenses and personal needs when pay is delayed. In addition, AER provides undergraduate-level education scholarships and tuition assistance, based primarily on financial need, to children and spouses of Soldiers. U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder’s AER representative, Yaelmie Gomez, explains the importance of helping fellow Soldiers. “Soldiers may never know when they may need AER since emergencies are unexpected. In an emer-gency, AER can step in and assist with an interest -free loan. I recommend that the Soldier come see me first before seeking a loan at a bank.”

AER is about Soldiers helping Soldiers. Your donation is very important as it ensures the continuation of AER assistance. In conducting the annual fund raising campaign, AER has three main goals: First, to promote awareness of AER benefits and programs that are available to active duty Soldiers, retirees, widows, and Family members; second, allow active duty and retired Soldiers to contribute to the welfare of their fellow Soldiers; and third, to ensure that AER meets the requirements for status as a non-profit, tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization.

This year’s campaign theme is, “Helping Maintain Army Strong.” The official kick-off date for Baumholder was March 16 and continues through May 15. To donate, contact your unit coordinator, or your local AER officer, Gomez. If you would like more information about AER or more information on donating, call Gomez at mil 485-8188 or civ (06783) 6-8188.

AER campaign helps maintain Army strong


Leading by example Lt. Col. Paul (P) Pfahler, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder and Command Sgt. Major Earla Reddock were the first to officially donate to Baumhold-er’s AER Campaign, demonstrating the importance of AER.

Each year, the month of April is set aside as the Month of the Military Child, in recognition of the more than one million of America’s children who have at least one parent currently serving on active military duty. They are serving in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and around the world.

According to a proclamation signed by Lt. Col. Paul Pfahler, commander, U.S. Army Gar-rison Baumholder, “More than 40 percent of Soldiers from the USAG Baumholder have families with children. These children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our men and women in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, we are taking care of their children.”

Pfahler signed this proclama-tion in a room full of preschool children March 22 during a visit to the Smith Child Development Center.

The proclamation also states, The recognition of a Month of the Military Child will allow

us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, their struggles, and their uncon-ditional support of our troops – because when parents serve in the military, their children also serve.

April is also Child Abuse Awareness Month. Children

are suffering from a hidden epidemic of child abuse and neglect all over the world. More than 3 million reports of child abuse are made every year in the United States and almost five children die every day as a result.

In the Baumholder commu-

nity, 79 cases pertaining to child abuse were substantiated in fis-cal year 2009. Why do people commit child abuse anyway? Is it for power or control over smaller individuals, moments of frustration, cultural beliefs or differences, or just plain ignorance? There are plenty

of professionals and abundant research which can answer this particular question, besides using common sense, but the bottom line is that the cycle of child abuse still continues at alarming rates.

In response to the issues of child abuse and neglect, the USAG Baumholder Family Advocacy program is recog-nizing Child Abuse Awareness month with 79 pinwheels inside the front gate representing the 79 children from FY 2009 that suffered at the hands of their caretaker.

Multiple awareness booths and door hangers will outline the reporting procedures to report child abuse and the agen-cies who can help.

On April 28 the commu-nity is encouraged to wear blue in support of the cause. More information on Child Abuse Awareness Month can be obtained by contacting the Family Advocacy Program at civ (06783) 6-8188.

Show your support for chil-dren and National Child Abuse Awareness Month, by wearing blue on April 28.

April declared as month to honor, protect children


Children at the Smith Child Development Center received a visit from Lt. Col. Paul (P) Pfahler, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder and Command Sgt. Major Earla Reddock, March 22. While there they signed a proclamation for the Month of the Mili-tary Child and then everyone found a spot on the floor and listened as Pfahler read from a Helen Palmer book titled “A Fish Out Of Water.”

www.wiesbaden.army.mil ........................................................................... April 1, 2010 Herald Union Page 9

USAG Baumholder


Joe Satellite

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

April 9Concert by the music as-

sociation Mörschied at Idar-Oberstein City Theater, 8 p.m., entrance feeApril 10

7th Rock Night at Freisen, Bruchwaldhalle, 8 p.m., en-trance feeApril 10

Flea market at Metz, France, 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.April 10

Flea market at Homburg/Saar, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.April 10

Magician Gala, Idar-Ober-stein, City Theater, 8 p.m.,

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

Caribic Ladies Night at StrikersEnjoy specials on Pina Coladas and Bay Breezes

at Striker’s Bowling Center (with free popcorn and potato chips) every Thursday from 5-7 p.m. during Caribic Ladies Night. For details call mil 485-6569 or civ (06783) 6-6569.

Salsa night every Friday Dance around the party sombrero every Friday from

5-7 p.m. and take advantage of margaritas and Corona specials. Try the free chips and salsa while listening to Latino and salsa music all night.

Funky 70s Saturday at StrikersCome out to Striker’s Bowling Center every Sat-

urday from 5-7 p.m. dressed in your best 70s attire (bell bottoms and fake fros) and get your groove on. Enjoy disco music all night and drink specials such as Purple People Eaters and Vodka and Redbull while enjoying free cheesy puffs for snacks.

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

coffee or drink at the Java Café and one of Siggi Zimmer’s specialty sandwiches or wraps while you are there. Siggi currently offers a selection of grilled chicken, ham and turkey at the Java Café counter, wrapped and ready to take-out. Siggi will be offering specialty cakes such as Black Forest cake and cheese-cake in the near future at the Java Café.

Easter brunch buffet at RheinlanderDon’t miss Siggi’s popular Easter brunch, April 4

from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost for adults is $18.50. Cost for

children ages 10 to15 is $11.50 and cost for children ages 6 to 9 is $8.50. Children ages five and under eat for free. The brunch a large selection of treats ranging from traditional breakfast entrees to pork tenderloin and much, much more. Siggi also offers a special children’s menu for the event. Reservations are not required. For more information call mil 485-6533 or civ (06783) 6-6533.

Annual Easter egg huntBaumholder’s annual Easter egg hunt will be

from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 3 at the Iron Soldier Park next to the Rheinlander Club. This year’s event is co-sponsored with the Free Mason’s Lodge Number 62 who will be providing a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The age groups are 0-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12. The egg hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m. followed by Easter ‘Make and Take’ arts and crafts. The Easter Bunny will also be on hand for pictures, please bring your own camera. No matter the weather (rain, snow or sunshine), the egg hunt will be outside so please dress children accordingly.

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

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

Viking Quest aquatic adventureIn celebration of the Month of the Military Child,

Child, Youth and Schools Services is sponsoring Viking Quest for children ages eight to 15 April 30 from 4-7 p.m. at the Baumholder Aquatics Center.

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

Viking Ships for children ages 3-7, April 30 from 4-7 p.m. In celebration of Month of the Military Child at the Baumholder Aquatics Center on Wetzel, Build-ing 8897.

Spring Arts Festival Create and submit your original artwork starting

April 1 for display and judging at the Spring Arts

Festival May 17-21. Choose from a variety of mediums for adults and youth such as acrylic, watercolor or oil paint, pencil drawing, photography, three-dimensional media such as sculpture, fabric, paper art, woodwork-ing and jewelry. There is also a new cake decorating category. Come by the Creative Arts Center for your entry form. Submissions are being accepted from April 1-30 (cake submissions will be accepted until May 14). All artwork will be displayed at the Rheinlander. The awards ceremony is May 21 at the Rheinlander. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The center is open Mondays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays noon - 5 p.m. For details call mil 485-6687 or civ (06783) 6-6687.

Auto Parts Yard goes to summer hoursBeginning April13 the Auto Parts Yard will adjust

their hours of operation to open Tuesdays through Fri-days from noon to 8 p.m. The facility will be open on Saturdays and training holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are closed on U.S. holidays. For more informa-tion call mil 485-6344 or civ (06783) 6-6344.

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

Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. to become familiar with maintenance, service procedures and intervals, as well as how to jump start or change a flat tire. Call for appointments of groups of four or more so that the Auto Skills Center may tailor the class to your group. For more information, come by the Auto Skills Center in Building 8438 or call at mil 485-6344 or civ(06783) 6-6344.

Outdoor Recreation tripslLegoland Park: April 11, 25; May 9, 23; June 13,

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

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

July 17lScuba Diving trip to Malta, April 15-19 lMemorial Weekend scuba diving trip to Croatia,

May 27-31 Scuba certification is offered every weekend from

April through September.

entrance feeApril 12

Market at Kirn, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.April 16

Altbier-Fest at Schwollen, 8 p.m., entrance feeApril 17 & 18

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

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

Musical Magics at Birken-feld, Sporthalle Am Berg, 8

p.m. entrance feeApril 25

Shops open at Idar-Oberstein on SundayApril 25

Motor Bikers Chapel Service at Burg Lichtenberg 10 a.m.April 30

“Witches Night Party” at downtown Kirn-SulzbachApril 30

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

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

May 1Soapbox race at Herborn,

10 a.m.May 2

Globus-Marathon at St. Wendel; [email protected] 3

Market at Kirn, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.May 4

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

Kirn car exhibition; shops are open on Sunday

May 8Flea market at Homburg-

Saar, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.May 8

Guided walking tour through the Maneuver Training Area 7.30 a.m. meeting point Guthausmühle, sign-up at civ (06783) 2148, participation fee.

Visitor sign-in gate closesThe POL Gate, which is used primarily to sign

in visitors, will close April 1 until completion of the new access control point in early 2011. Visitor sign-in can still be conducted at any gate. Primary sign-in for visitors will be at Freedom Gate (the new upper gate next to Artillery Gate) and secondary will be at the Main Gate. The Main Gate will conduct sign-ins as long as there is parking for customers. If parking is full, customers will be asked to go to Freedom Gate or the North Tank Trail Gate.

BHR1April10

Documents

ing parents

better parents number

parenting symposium

todays stork strasse

child proof

child progresses

newborn child

youngest child