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SERVING THE BEST TROOPS IN THE WORLD  An Around the World Tour with our United States Armed Forces! Our Troops are stationed all over the world, let's go visit them! Today's stop - U.S. Army Garrison, Wiesbaden |
Guten Tag! Welcome to U. S. Army Garrison, Wiesbaden  The area that is presently Wiesbaden Army Airfield has a long history as a festival grounds. A early as 1184 a national festival was held on the grounds, and German emperor Friedrich I, knighted his sons there.
Wiesbaden now serves as the home station of the US Army Garrison Wiesbaden, 1st Armored Division Headquarters, 3d COSCOM, 205th Military Intelligence Brigade, and C Company of the 5th Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment. In 1998 the Air Base was officially renamed Wiesbaden Army Airfield. U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany 
The 1st Armored Division first got its name, Old Ironsides, during the Tennessee Maneuvers of 1941 when General George S. Patton christened his 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels". The men and officers of the 1st Armored Division decided they also needed a nickname.
General Magruder announced a competition among the men to the 1st Armored to come up with a name. Over 200 entries were received but to Magruder none of them seemed suitable as a name for his division. While contemplating at his desk he gazed up at the picture of the USS Constitution, one of the first US warships, in his office and remembered the old ships nickname "Old Ironsides". The 1st Armored Division had its nickname. |
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C Company of the 5th Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment, handles multiple missions at once, manning the Wiesbaden and Heidelberg Army Airfields on a daily basis. In addition to those missions, they augment the rest of the battalion when called upon to deploy in a V Corps/USAREUR mission. Operation Steel Forge gave C Company and the rest of the battalion the opportunity to set up its 60-foot air traffic control tower, radar and other equipment needed to conduct air traffic services in the field. The 60-foot antenna and air traffic control tower provide aircraft with directions, radio communication and ground control approach in any field environment. Among the many tools of this tower is a high frequency radio. In addition to setting up and providing air traffic services for the exercise, C Company trained its soldiers, certifying them on different pieces of equipment. |
Location: Wiesbaden is a city in central Germany. It is the capital of the Bundesland (federal state) of Hessen. Wiesbaden is situated on the north bank of the Rhine, near the city of Mainz on the opposite side of the river, and a short distance, about twenty miles (thirty kilometers) from Frankfurt am Main, to the east. Wiesbaden has about 274,000 inhabitants.  Background: During the Berlin Airlift of 1949, airmen from Wiesbaden distinguished themselves in support of "Operation Vittles". C52's and C84 "Flying Boxcars" of the 60th Troop Carrier Group flew missions daily from Wiesbaden to Tempelhof Airport in the beleaguered city of Berlin. During one day's operations more than 80 tons of food and supplies were airlifted from Wiesbaden Air Base. The streets on Wiesbaden Army Airfield are named after servicemen that gave their lives during the Berlin Airlift.
In 1976 USAFE and all USAF flying units moved to Ramstein and were replaced at Wiesbaden Air Base by an U.S. Army Mechanized Infantry Brigade. During this period flying activities at Wiesbaden were greatly reduced. In 1983 the unit was de-activated and the decision made to use the Air Base for its primary purpose, that of an aviation facility. Although it retained the name Wiesbaden Air Base, at that time Wiesbaden AAF became the primary airfield of the U.S. Army V Corps.  Government category: Federal Republic, governing 13 federal states, and 3 free states. The unification of West Germany and East Germany took place on October 3, 1990. Flag: The explanation of the flag's colors and symbolism is the subject of much debate. The current Flag is the same design and color as the flag of The German Confederation from 1848-1866.  Weather: temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain wind. The Spring and Summer weather can best be described as cool and damp. The average Winter temperature is 38 degrees F, and Summer temperatures stay in the mid-70's.  Ethnic groups: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish) Languages: German and English    Economy: Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy - the fifth largest in the world - has become one of the slowest growing economies in the Euro zone. A quick turnaround is not in the offing in the foreseeable future. Growth in 2001-03 fell short of 1%, rising to 1.7% in 2004 before falling back to 0.9% in 2005. The modernization and integration of the eastern German economy continues to be a costly long-term process. Wiesbaden is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, providing our Troops and their families many unique experiences, and much to enjoy!
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Wiesbaden is famous for its thermal springs and spa. The thermal springs were first utilized by the Romans. The bathing business became important for Wiesbaden near the end of the Middle Ages. In 1370, sixteen bath houses were in operation. By 1800, there were 2,239 inhabitants and twenty-three bath houses. Among visitors to the springs were Goethe, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Richard Wagner, and Johannes Brahms. |
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| Schloss Biebrich (Palace), a magnificent three-winged Baroque residence, was erected between the years 1700 and 1750 directly on the banks of the Rhine River. It was the abode of the sovereigns and later dukes of Nassau. The rotunda and galleries provide the venue for prestigious functions held by the Minister President of the State of Hessen. The palace also accommodates the Hessian authority for the preservation of historic monuments. The palace park is the site of the famous International Equestrian Tournament every Whitsun. |
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At the request of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Kurhaus as it stands today was built by Friedrich von Thiersch between 1904 and 1907 for six million Goldmarks and replaced the society building which had been erected by Christian Zais on this spot in 1810. It is in Neo-Classical style. The imposing Ionic portal bears the Wiesbaden coat of arms with its three lilies and the phrase “Aquis Mattiacis“, i.e. the waters of the Mattiaci. The Kurhaus was restored in 1987 true to its original style and is equipped with the latest in communications technology. National and international congresses, meetings, concerts and exhibitions are held here, as well as open-air concerts of classical music, the Jazz Band Ball and the Kurhaus New Year‘s Eve party.
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  The thermal springs of Wiesbaden were first mentioned in Pliny the Younger's Naturalis Historia. The Roman settlement is first mentioned by the name Aquae Mattiacorum (Latin for "Waters of the Mattiaci") in the year 121. This name refers to the Chattian tribe of the Mattiaci (German: "Mattiaker"), who were living in this area.
| A trip on the Neroberg Mountain Railway will make you forget today's hectic pace. It is like a journey into the past. The carriages, preserved to the very last detail and bearing the town's cheerful blue and yellow livery, have rumbled up and down Wiesbaden's local mountain ever since the railway was opened in 1888. The Neroberg Mountain Railway season always starts on Good Friday and lasts until the end of October – a pleasure for young and old alike. |
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Ever since the middle ages, Wiesbaden has cultivated grapes within and around the city. It is the city itself that owns the most esteemed location on the hill Neroberg, as well as vinyards in its suburb Frauenstein, where the grapes are grown that later are turned into a wine of finest character. The surrounding region, the well known Rheingau, the Riesling grape is being cultivated along the slopes bordering the romantic Rhine river. |
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| On a boat tour of the Rhine River, you can taste of some various wines and different cultivations, culinary specialties, as well as lively musical entertainment for dancing, with it the loveliness of the landscape. You'll always look back at this wonderful trip with pleasure. |
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The varied landscape is ideally suited to leisure activities in nature. The unique view of the Rhine Valley, the cozy lookout platforms and the idyllic wineries with their wine taverns are made for splendid hiking tours. Rhine, with its districts, is an ideal starting point for short walks or short to extended hikes. With the Rheingauer, Rieslingpfad, the Rheinhoehenweg, and the Hessenweg HW7, several well-known long-distance hiking trails run through Rudesheim/Rhine. |
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 Rheinsteig Walking Trail - If you enjoy walking, you can look forward to the Rheinsteig walking trail. This route connects the Rheingau region, the Rhine Valley and the Siebengebirge mountain range near Bonn. 300 kilometres of footpath will be running through North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. The route challenges experienced hikers and runs along some of the most beautiful and impressive sites. The Rheinsteig route starts at the Neroberg mountain in Wiesbaden, passing the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard near Rüdesheim, the Mäuseturm toll tower. Then the trail takes you to Loreley and numerous castles of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, leading to the former Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Coblence. The route continues to Linz, crosses the Siebengebirge mountain range and some of its peaks, the Petersberg, Drachenfels and Löwenburg. The last leg of the trail descends to the Rheinaue gardens and the Bonner Hofgarten park. |
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The German Tourism industry and the federal train system (Deutsches Bundesbahn," but just "DB" or Die Bahn) have cooperated in making the entire country “bicycle friendly.” In Germany, individuals, groups, and entire families take bicycling vacations for a week or more. Some camp out in a Campingplatz but others use the local hotels, guesthouses (one Gasthaus, two Gasthäuser), bed and breakfast establishments (Pensions) |
 After all that hiking and biking, our Troops may want to get a bite to eat and grab a beer!   
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Wagner's Bistro is in the same building as the State Theater, just around to the side on Wilhelmstrasse. It's a small place with pleasant indoor and outdoor seating, and a great place to relax before the opera starts. They have coffee and cake, as well as drinks and snacks. |
| Alex is in the downtown area, a bistro, restaurant, and bar, with what many diners have said are the freshest and best sandwiches in the city. Alex has nightly drink specials! |
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The Lumen offers, from morning to night, a wide menu . A fast coffee at the bar over different breakfast choices, business lunch, seasonal specialty of the weeks menu, the small snack menu for in between, home-made cake and ice cream, to the multicourse menu. The Quick Lunch is the bargain offer for the hurried noon guest. During the week, select a light or hefty meal, regional or exotic. Whether geschmorte ducks thigh or juicy rump steak, fresh salmon filet, vegetable-risotto or salad plate with turkey breast – classic and innovative happens in the kitchen of Lumen. Do not miss the seductive desserts! Sunday brings all delicious 12 breakfast combinations, and is served until 4:30 in the afternoon!
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A traditional restaurant/wine house, Weinhaus Kögler is a popular location.
The traditional feel begins with the exterior decorations and continues into the warm dark wood-paneled interior of a very traditional German wine pub. There is live music on the weekends! There is a large outdoor terrace that is popular with groups in the summer.
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| A great place to to eat real Spanish food in a nice and familiar atmosphere, go to Don Carlos. Pablo the owner, cook and sometimes also, service, takes care of his guests. The restaurant offers a wide range of tapas, fish, meat and vegetarian meals. There is a menu daily that changes, but if Pablo is recommending something, just trust him. The restaurant is located in the “Westend” a walk of maybe 10 minutes from downtown. Make a reservation! “Don Carlos” pays half the price for the nearby parking garage! |
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Coyote Cafe guests are invited to a foray through the U.S. kitchen, and serves Buffalo Wings, sandwiches, steak and BBQ, Nachos, Burritos, and Fajitas. Coyote Cafe is the combination out of an American restaurant, a cocktail bar, and music cafe. |
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Yours American Sports Bar is located near Wilhelmstrasse and directly on Markplatz, and is easily accessible whether you're on foot, bus, train or car. Called a bar, but in fact it is much more than that. Serving a fantastic range of cocktails, many types of beer, and non-alcoholic drinks, they also offer a fantastic choice of American dishes. From homemade hamburgers, spare ribs and chicken wings with baked potatoes with sour cream, to muffins and donuts, a taste of home is available.
On top of all that, no-one should miss out on a typical American breakfast - sausages, pancakes, French toast and maple syrup. On Saturday and Sunday breakfast is served until 5pm. |
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| "Flagranty" means the present, and is the total bar experience. This club has a large dance floor, two longs bars, a "Chill Out Room", and several private lounges with Plasma TV's for small groups to party. Flagranty is definitely a modern nightlife experience! |
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 Gute Nacht! We hope you have enjoyed the visit with our Troops! FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before. Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. Let's have fun!
We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
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In the comic strip Peanuts, Lucy had just broken the news to Linus that children cannot live at home forever. Eventually they grow up and move away. Then she said that when he left she would get his room. But Linus quickly reminded her that at some time she too would have to leave home. When this realization hit Lucy, she was shocked, but she quickly came up with a solution. She turned the TV up loud, crawled into her beanbag chair with a bowl of ice cream, and refused to think about it. 
