Military Bases in Germany

Just to point out an error in the Slimes.
Ramstein doesn't have a large hospital.
Ramstein is an air base, the Hospital is Army located in Landstuhl.
While geographically close, I would bet that the Army wouldn't like it's facility to be called Ramstein Hospital?

"The American military hospital at Ramstein Air Base, the largest outside the United States, provides specialized care for battlefield casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan as it did for those from Bosnia, Kosovo and the U.S.S. Cole."

The "Slimes" need to check their facts: 1)Landstuhl is not at Ramstein it is near Ramstein 2) It is not on the list to be closed.

I was a military brat, and aware of the prestige and the Plum posting that Europe was for families.

I was fortunate to be stationed on two AF bases during my tour in Germany: Hahn & Spangdahlem (77-81). I don't recall anybody in my unit, or anybody who I knew, saying that these were "plum" assignments. The military was a step-child during the Carter years, and was going through the pain of establishing an all-volunteer force.

I loved Germany...but I was a bachelor, too, with no wife or family to care for. I didn't have any problems with weekly/twice weekly Staff Duty Officer, where I was on-site for 24 hours straight. I was also able to enjoy the challenge of being in the Wing Command Post for 4 days straight during alerts, because I was one of two officers in my unit with the requisite security clearance. The Battery Commander was the other, and he had his share of pressing duties.

Plum assignment? I don't think so, but I have many great memories: living near the Mosel River for 3 years (Traben-Trarbach), the summer of 79 (3 months TDY at Todendorf Anti-Aircraft Range), monthly visits to Eduard Kroth Winery in Zell, and being invited to sit at the "stammtisch" of my neighborhood gasthaus, to name but a few.

However, our defense needs have changed, and it's time to reduce our presence in areas where's it's not needed, such as Germany.

***she told me that she'd been taught in Germany that WW-II German POWs were mistreated in America.***

If they were sent to the POW camp in Louisiana, then I guess they probably do think they were mistreated between the heat, redbugs, ticks, and snakes. :o) My father's family lived on the outskirts of that camp and they told stories of seeing them marching around and singing their German songs.

I had a good experience in Paris back in 2000. The Parisians on the street were friendly and helpful. I had been dreading my stay there based on what I had heard about them. Other European travels I found them to be the same with the exception of older Germans at different resorts - they had quite the attitude - guess you could call them the "Ugly Germans". I've not been back to Europe since 9/11 happened - matter of fact my passport expired last year.

You served during the worst years for the condition of our military and the economy.

I was referring to a previous era, when the dollar was strong, and military families lived well in Europe and enjoyed the great experiences that you also have as memories.

Believe me, during the 1960s, families were excited to hear that they were being posted to Europe.

Hey, Michael I like your choice of Kanzler-Adenauer was a fine Kanzler, so was von Bismark.
When I was living in Goettingen some were in between Kassel and Hann-Muenden, I was/am member to the same Partei CDU/CSU and Franz Josef Strauss was my main man.

Boy Franz Josef was kicking Willi Brand's butt. SPD back then was a very powerful Partei.
I can not believe that Joschka Fisher of Die Gruennen is the aussenminister! That guy is verrueckt!

What's the price of a liter of benzin in Deutchland?

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