Text and photos Lt.Col. Antje Kalka

It started with an order, distributed via base-wide announcement on 29 July – and ended with a more than happy officer: the bestowal of the German Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Silber (Cross of Honor in Silver) to Lt.Col. Brynt “Woody” Query.

“Today is a very special day for us and especially for a single person”, said Brig.Gen. Burkhard Pototzky as he started his speech. All available Component personnel had assembled at the grass area between the Training Wing and the Old Gym – but nobody knew the reason. Component Commander Pototzky, however, did not disclose the secret immediately.

Instead he continued, “We are here to honor an individual, who did extremely well in critical situations concerning our operations. At all times he stayed very calm and worked very well and detailed even under high

operational tempo. He is a guy who meets all criteria of our Code of Conduct. He is very impartial. He is an exceptional professional. He has displayed integrity and 100 percent loyalty. And he is always accountable for his actions and his recommendations.” With “he” General Pototzky meant Lt.Col. Brynt Query, the former Chief of the Operational Deployment Planning Division, now Operations Officer for Flying Squadron Two, who finally stepped forward.

“Lt.Col. Query has fulfilled his functions with great commitment”, General Pototzky stressed while the German and the NATO flags were flapping in the background. “He has fulfilled his functions with great commitment”, the Component Commander continued. “In addition to his outstanding conceptual capabilities and his well-balanced personality, it is in particular his knowledge of this Component and the functional processes which enabled

him, even under extreme time pressure, to finalize all plans on time.”

As highest German officer on base, Brig.Gen. Pototzky pinned on the Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr on Lt.Col. Query’s flight suit. In presence of Force Commander Maj.Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt, Brig.Gen. Pototzky stressed “Woody’s” capabilities as a team player with great diplomatic skills.

Usually it takes several months until the German Minister of Defense signs the award certificate and additionally it is very exceptional that the Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr is awarded to a soldier, who does not wear a German uniform. In the case of Lt.Col. Query, however, the reasons were that convincing that it took only two months until the award could be handed over. This is an indication that, as the Component Commander explained, “Our nations are looking close at us and looking at

what we are doing and how we are performing”. The Force Commander took the opportunity to thank the Component personnel for their hard work, dedication and professionalism, especially during the ongoing Operations Afghan Assist and Unified Protector.

Immediately after the sound of the German national anthem had faded away, the congratulators assailed Lt.Col. Query and expressed in four words what everybody had felt during the ceremony:

Woody, you deserve it!

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 12 August 2011Volume 27, No. 14

NATO E-3A COMPONENT

IN SUPPORT OFOPERATION UNIFIED PROTECTOR

142 DAYSWESTERNSAHARA

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A very special Friday Germany honors Component member

Photo Wiel Borghans

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12 August 2011 NATO Skywatch 3

NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial commercial enterprise newspaper published under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW&CF E-3A Component by HOUX DIGIPRINT, Arendstraat 3, 6135 KT Sittard, +31 (0)46 4582111. Opinions expressed by contributors are their

Volume 27, No. 14 12 August 2011

own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by NATO of the products or services advertised. Submissions are due seven days before publication and may be edited for style and space.Email articles and classified advertisements to pao@e3a.nato.int.

For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger Media at +31 (0) 46 452 9292, cellphone +31 (0)6 5472 6473 or hub@durlingermedia.nl.

Articles may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention is made of NATO Skywatch. To read the NATO Skywatch online visit www.e3a.nato.int

CommanderBrig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky

Chief, Public AffairsLt.Col. Antje Kalka

EditorsMrs. Maureen Geraets-Head

Mrs. Janina Bien

By Lt.Col. Udo Krein

As a reminder to all, please keep in mind that only NATO ID (blue, pink or authorized green) card holders can sponsor up to four guests/visitors with pass exchange. The NATO ID card holder must be present in order for the guest(s) to be permitted access and any guests arriving with a privately owned motor vehicle (POMV) must obtain a visitor parking permit.

While on the E-3A Component all guests must be in possession of a valid national ID card or passport and be escorted by a sponsor at all times. During a party or social function, guests are not allowed to leave the facility where the event is

being held or to circulate on base without being escorted by a sponsor and everyone must be clearly recognizable by the gate guards. Pass exchanges are controlled by the Visitor Pass Office in building 1, therefore all visitors or guests are required to enter through the main gate. The sponsor of a social function is to meet his or her invited guests upon arrival at the Main Gate and inform the guards of the start and ending time of the event.

The maximum number of guests/

visitors that can be sponsored by a card holder is four. However, if there are more than four guests/ visitors, the sponsor can use form E-3A F 34.17, and then forward to Reception Centre Cell (BSR) for approval/ processing at least five

working days prior to the scheduled function. If any of the guests/visitors are from a country of security concern, ten working days are required.

A guest is a person or a group invited by a Component member to visit the Component for private reasons (wedding, birthday, Oktoberfest, Carnival etc).

A visitor is a person or group requiring base access for a duty-related matter or commercial activity, like service technicians, suppliers, construction workers, freight and mail carriers and persons having an appointment with a base agency. An official visitor is a person or group, whose visit is officially

contracted and sponsored by a base agency.

Contracted visitors are mainly personnel from other NATO HQs, government agencies and contractors from industry providing services to NATO.

A sponsor is a Component member, who escorts visitors/guests and remains with the person at all times from the pick-up to the departure at the Main Gate or Visitor Pass Office (VPO). Non-Component club members and Non-Component MWA card holders require a pass exchange as well, but they are not allowed to sponsor.

Please be advised that form F34.23 is no longer used and has been obsolete since August 2010.

How to sponsor visitors on base

Two unusual visits to NATO Air BaseText and photos CMSgt. Claus Cohnen

On 12 and 13 July there were two extremely unusual visits on the air base in Geilenkirchen: the aviation discussion group, arriving with nine aircraft, and one day later the

Austrian Pink Skyvan landed with a group of visitors from East Friesland in Germany.

It was a sunny Tuesday morning, when the nine small propeller-driven aircraft of the Aviation Discussion Group (ADG) Hessen approached NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen. After initial contact with the tower, the group was subdivided into three groups, based on the respective size of the aircraft. Respecting safety distances, they performed a low approach, staying in German airspace and then landed just before the rescheduled take-off of an E-3A. “It took quite some preparation before the flight plan was finalized and everything coordinated,” said Capt. Joachim Braselmann, Air Traffic Controller and shift leader on that morning on the Tower. “It was a rare

opportunity and good experience for us to control this unusual number of aircraft at once and include them in the base flight schedule.” In the course of the subsequent regular PAO program, the visiting flight enthusiasts also had an opportunity to exchange experiences with

personnel from the flying squadrons.

In terms of the weather, the group that came from East Friesland on the next day was less fortunate. Mist and drizzling rain prevented a low approach with their special pink-painted Short S.C.7 Skyvan flown by the Austrian crew from Pink Aviation Services. Mr.Thomas Lewetz is the owner of this company, pilot, technician and an experienced and successful parachutist with more than 9,000 jumps. Additionally he holds the world record for

organizing the biggest skydiving formation.

He provides his parachuting service all over Europe and was extremely happy, when he was asked by the German Armed Forces Reserve Association whether he could provide transportation for the group from

Wittmund, where

Brig. Gen. Burkhard Pototzky was the

former base Commander. In addition to an extended visitor tour program hosted by Public Affairs, including a visit of the tower and the Fire Department, the Austrian air crew members had the opportunity to visit the flight simulator. “In this Boeing 707 the pilot still has the real feeling of flying and not of being flown by a computer,” said

Thomas Lewetz with a beaming face after several scenarios, including an air-to-air refuelling. “Perhaps we’ll see each other again at an air show elsewhere in Europe or even here in Geilenkirchen,” smiled Thomas Lewetz before his plane took off into the grey sky.

The Short S.C.7 Skyvan was manufactured by Short

Brothers in Belfast. It transports up to 20 parachutists to a height of 4,000 meters for their jump. The special paint finish was produced by a paint brush drawn by a Chinese varnisher in Singapore, later supplemented by drops, small clouds and cords around the face.

4 NATO Skywatch 12 August 2011

By Cpl. Dustin Francis

The 2011 Canadian Contingent Terry Fox Committee would like to take this opportunity to once again invite the entire Geilenkirchen NATO Component to be a part of this year’s campaign to raise money for cancer research. This year marks the 31st year that people from all over the world join together and run, walk or bike in support of Terry’s dream of raising money for cancer research.

Over the past 29 years, the Geilenkirchen Terry Fox Campaign has donated over €264,500 directly to the German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebshilfe), helping them to continue their quest in search of a cure.

Originally from British Columbia in Canada, Terry Fox was 18 years old when he had his right leg amputated above the knee due to cancer. While in hospital, Terry was so moved by the suffering of cancer patients that he decided to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research. He called his journey the ‘Marathon of Hope’. With little fanfare, Terry began his run on 12 April 1980 on Canada’s east coast. Terry ran 42 kilometers every day, which is the distance of a marathon. After 143 consecutive running days and 5,373 kilometers in total, Terry was forced to end his run when the primary cancer spread to his lungs. Terry died a short while later on 28 June 1981 at 22 years of age. Terry was gone, but his legacy was just the beginning.

Thirty-one years later, Terry’s ‘Marathon of Hope’ is still running strong. During this period of existence of the ‘Marathon of Hope’, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised more than 550 million dollars in more than 50 countries worldwide.

In past years, the Geilenkirchen Annual Terry Fox Run was held on the Component and over time it moved to the Selfkant-Kaserne in Niederheid. In 2011 the run will return to the NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen. The Terry Fox Run will start from the Canadian National Support Unit (NSU) building 98 at 1200 on Thursday, 22 September 2011. After the completion of the run, the Terry Fox Committee would like to invite the participants to the Canadian NSU for a social gathering and BBQ reception. Details will be posted in future advertisements.

This year additional fundraisers for the Terry Fox activities include:

•Raffle Draw (over €400 in prizes) – tickets will be sold at all the events and can be purchased by contacting the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Committee.

•Information & Registration Day (Terry Fox Halle in Niederheid) on 21 August - Bring the family to sign up for clubs/ teams, receive a new haircut by the Coiffeur Team Pfeil Hair Salon from Heinsberg and enjoy a delicious BBQ.

•Car Wash (Bldg. 65N, near the NATEX Garage) on 26 August

•Pancake Breakfast (Terry Fox Halle in Niederheid) on 9 September

•Geilenkirchen Realschule 4th Annual Run on 23 September

•Terry Fox Campaign Gala (Barbara Casino in Niederheid) on 5 November.

Bring the whole family and get involved in this worthwhile cause. Most of us may know someone, who had cancer or who has been affected by cancer. This is an opportunity to

enjoy team spirit in an international setting, be part of a worthwhile cause and honor someone you may know who has been affected by cancer.

For more information about the events, please contact the Chairperson MSgt. Marlene Shillingford, ext. 2458, or Vice-Chair, Sgt Randy Dowden, ext. 3664.

Terry Fox Campaign 2011

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6 NATO Skywatch 12 August 2011

These boots are made for walking!

By Lt.Col. Heiko Lambert

From 19 to 21 July 2011, the AWACS International Marching Team (IMT) participated in the 95th ”4-daagse” in Nijmegen, Netherlands, representing the NATO E-3A Component for the 27th time at this super event.

Geilenkirchen in May 2011, 0730 at the Mass Briefing Facility (MBF), SMSgt. Kai Basse and his team are preparing themselves for another training march. „Ladies and gents, I see you’re ready for another training walk. All right then, grab your rucksacks and let’s go!“

Together we walk through the Main Gate heading towards Geilenkirchen. This time we go to Baesweiler via Übach-Palenberg and turn back through the Wurmtal and Willy-Dohmen-Park. All in all it’ll be about 30 kilometers.

When leaving the gate our tempo is already 5 to 6 km per hour, although some of us are tired. The weather forecast predicts sunshine, partial cloud and temperatures up to 25°C. Everybody is in a good mood - what else does it take for a good march? Someone states that he is already sweating ... laughter. Some colleagues in their cars heading towards the Air Base are tooting their car horns and waving; we see the sun rise and I feel the fresh morning breeze - what a wonderful morning I think to myself. The IMT is on the road again, getting

prepared for the “4-daagse” 2011 in Nijmegen.

The “4-daagse” in the region of Nijmegen is one of the most popular multinational marching events in the world. Every year more than 42,000 civilians and more than 6,000 military participants join the march. Participants come from countries all over the world. Most civilians walk 200 kilometers in four days and military participants walk 160 kilometers fully packed.

Every year the walkers are warmly welcomed by the Dutch government and the population in and around Nijmegen. Nowadays, the visitors joining this event to see and greet the walkers are to be estimated at more than two million visitors, possibly even more. Oh yes, it’s a huge event and everything is well organized by the governmental driven umbrella organization Koninklijke Nederlandse Bond voor Lichamelijke Opvoeding – Wandelsportorganisatie Nederland (KNBLO) co-operating with the military, police, medics, national and international media and currently more than 200 civil donating agencies.

The participating military are accommodated in a tent city named ‘Heumensoord’, which is located in the rural area of Nijmegen close to the city. Whereas the civilian walkers come from Nijmegen and its neighborhood every morning to join

the marchers starting at the central starting point in Nijmegen City, all military marchers start from Camp Heumensoord and join the masses downtown.

For the military the first three days are completed in Heumensoord. On day four, the military is awarded the Nijmegen Medal in Charlemagne. This is an official rest point for all the military, followed by the last 6 kilometers walk – the ‘big parade’ down the ‘Via Gladiola’. For all participants the 4-day marches officially end in the centre of Nijmegen, close to the city hall, where thousands of people welcome the marchers.

If you have never seen it, nor completed the “4-daagse” yourself, you hardly can imagine what this super event is about and what huge effort it takes every year from the Dutch government, military, police, medics, civilian organizations and most of all the Dutch population in and around Nijmegen to make this a successful event for all. If you never did it, you won’t know the feeling to proudly walk the parade on the Via Gladiola with flowers in your hands, thousands of people welcoming and celebrating all walkers.

Of course it’s a challenge and after having walked the 40 kilometers distance or even 50 kilometers on

the second day (when walking as a civilian) you learn to know your body from a completely different perspective. Only those marchers who are trained are really able to enjoy the whole event, whereas most of those, who did not exercise enough in the fore-field badly suffer from their aching body and blisters on their feet.

But don’t worry, also the experienced feel their feet hurt and face blisters on their feet, when walking all these miles - that’s the name of the game! No matter whether you participate as a military delegation or as a civilian marching group or if you rather prefer to walk single in uniform or civilian clothes, the “4-daagse” is a ‘must’ for everyone, who loves walking and partying at the same time.

You proudly want to represent our E-3A Component or your country at the ”4-daagse” in Nijmegen? You want

12 August 2011 NATO Skywatch 7

to experience ultimate

walking events, not

only during the Nijmegen

marches,but throughout

the whole year when walking several IMT marches

in different countries? You want to experience true comradeship? Then jump in your boots, grab your rucksack, join the AWACS IMT and prepare yourself for the 2012 Nijmegen march – you’ll see it’s worth it. Your boots are made for walking, too!

You’ll have the opportunity to approach your physical limits from a total different side and, more important, you will experience team spirit and comradeship. Don’t miss your chance, just do it!

For more information, please visit the following homepage on www.4daagse.nl or contact SMSgt. Kai Basse, ext. 3673 or MSgt. Klaus Rudzki, ext. 3684.

Walk of the World

By Lt.Col. Antje Kalka

The Nijmegen ‘4-daagse’ – a myth for soldiers all over the world. 95 years ago, the tradition of the march started as a fitness test for the Dutch Army. Meanwhile the vast majority of participants are civilians. Some in marching teams, others doing their individual ‘walk of the world’ in the region of Nijmegen in the Netherlands.

Not only the AWACS International Marching Team, but also some NATO civilians participated again this year and amazingly one of them did the famous march for the 26th time. Just calculate: marching 26 times 50 kilometers four consecutive days in a row. The result is more than 5,000 kilometers. In other words: a marching distance comparable to the airline distance between Geilenkirchen and the North Pole or between Geilenkirchen and Afghanistan.

Who is capable of walking such a distance? It is Mr. Wiel Borghans from our Component’s Visual Media Services Cell. “I love the atmosphere at the 4-daagse,” he says. “It is unique. Thousands of enthusiastic

people support the long stream of marchers, and after almost 30 years, the 4-daagse has become part of my annual schedule.”

Indeed, the atmosphere is unique. People living along the route prepare fresh fruit and vegetables for the marchers (all for free, of course). In the cities and villages music bands perform. On a street crossing in the city of Groesbeek even three colorfully dressed young people offering ‘free hugs’ as motivation for tired marchers. The streets and pubs are crowded. For four days (and nights) the Nijmegen region becomes a mixture of an open-air party and carnival, and throughout this party the endless line of marchers is walking, walking, walking.

The E-3A Component Chief of Staff, Col. Werner Nemetschek, not only visited the AWACS International Marching Team during a break, but also joined and supported the team as an ‘additional marcher’ for some hours. Together with our 16 military marchers he walked up- and downhill (yes, there are hills in the Netherlands) and also became completely soaked, when a heavy rain shower came down during the last marching hour.

Nonetheless, Col. Nemetschek could get a good impression from

what the very core of the 4-daagse is: on the one hand you enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and hospitality, on the other hand the 4-daagse is not only fun, but also pain and exhaustion.

The ‘Walk of the World’ is a challenge with many facets. Part of the ‘Nijmegen myth’ is the inevitable price that needs to be paid in the form of aching muscles and blistered feet, not to mention the strain caused by the heavy backpacks, an obligatory 10 kilograms minimum for the military participants.

Another element of the ‘Nijmegen myth’ is the weather, as often it can be very hot in July. The sun shows no mercy, no shadow in the lowlands of the Nijmegen region.

Five years ago, the march even had to be cancelled after the first day. Too many walkers had heat-related health problems and two participants even died. For that reason no medals were handed out to the marchers after the one-day-march in 2006. Instead, they received a remembrance pin with a scorching sun in the middle surrounded by a tear shaped border.

Luckily, 2011 was a ‘normal’ 4-daagse year. All of our participants completed successfully and were rewarded with the Four Day Marches Cross (‘Vierdaagskruis’), the highly appreciated medal.

Congratulations to our Component marchers!

8 NATO Skywatch 12 August 2011

Text Liselotte BierbaumPhotos Dr. Bernd Bierbaum

Rwanda FestIt is time again for the next annual

event in Heinsberg: on 28 and 29 August the next big ‘Rwanda Fest’ will take place at the Realschule Oberbruch, Parkstraße, in Heinsberg. Over the last few years this benefit celebration ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’ (We support Rwanda – Aca) has acquired a huge following. In addition to a very attractive car show, visitors have the opportunity to experience a touch of Africa. Performer Fatima will heat things up with her captivating drum music and initiation of audience participation. The oriental dance group Couscous e.V. and Inanna will take us to the land of 1001 nights. In the midst of this will be enticing scents from Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana and Congo inviting you to eat. But there will also be traditional German pork chops, sausages, hotdogs and potato cakes to satisfy your hunger, as well as booths providing drinks to quench your thirst. Don’t miss the cafeteria with its homemade cakes! Naturally our Greek and Portuguese neighbors will spoil the visitors with their own traditional cuisine that could already be experienced in previous years.

Mr. Jürgen Wellens and the well-known band ‘Strings and Voices’ will entertain you on Saturday evening, and for Sunday the Eschweiler Trommlerkorps and ‘Big Band Oberbruch’ are scheduled to perform. All will be live and filled with enthusiasm for a good cause. There

will be something for everyone at the artists’ hobby and crafts exhibition, as well as a colorful flea market. You might even take home one of our great raffle prizes! A children’s area with bouncing castle, archery and many other attractions are also available to provide lots of fun for the entire family. As not all attractions and events can be listed here, please note that there will be even more on offer. So come and visit us at the Rwanda Fest and be surprised!

All the clubs from Oberbruch, including the entertainers, are donating their services and time. Everybody participates because they know that 100% of the proceeds go straight to Africa.

Background information about the organization

Jos und Miranda Lafleur, a married couple whom most Component members probably know, also support ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’. In 2005 they spent their holidays in Africa, where they witnessed the immense extent of poverty there. When they returned home, they were so impressed that they deeply wanted to help. They contacted ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’ and have supported the work of the organization since then. In 2006 they saw the local projects firsthand and observed for themselves how effectively the donated money was spent. The volunteers do not receive any salary; they even need to pay for their own travel arrangements

to Africa and back home, as well as for their accommodation while they are there. The organization and its volunteers truly believe that all donations should be used solely for the purpose that they were given for.

In 1994, when the horrifying images of the genocide in Rwanda and the suffering of children in the refugee camps reached us, Dr. Bernd Bierbaum and his friends in Oberbruch founded the organization ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’. In the past 17 years this small organization, with its volunteers and monetary donations of 2 million euros, not to mention the countless items that have been donated, has been able to accomplish unbelievable things and concrete projects in Rwanda and Congo.

After the genocide, the first projects of ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’ were purely emergency aid. At that time the organization received permission to charter and send three large cargo planes filled with food, blankets and medication to the refugee camps in Goma, Congo. Later projects were more of a self-help type, such as the goat bank project, the sponsorship of education and the building of schools and trade-training facilities. In addition, hospitals have been stocked and renovated.

Currently the most important, biggest and most demanding project is the center for children with mental disabilities in Rwanda. This center is the first of its kind in Central Africa. It is not a facility for collecting and permanently housing mentally disabled children, but rather a place where these children receive basic education and rehabilitation so that they will be able to return home to their families along with their guardians, who are being trained by a teacher specially qualified in this field.

Mr. Horst Peske from Heinsberg works as the construction site foreman in Rwanda. He spends almost all his time in Africa, only returning to Germany two or three times a year. He is retired and lives

in Africa solely on his retirement pension. All of his time and hard work is 100% voluntary. He has built this center almost exclusively with local helpers. Instead of using expensive machines, everything has been built by hand. The center is in a poor, rural community where the organization ‘Wir für Ruanda - Aca’ is now the most important employer.

Although construction has not been completed, Mr. Peter Mpolokoso, a special education teacher from Zambia, has been able to start his work with the first 14 children and the training of the first four teachers in special education. For now, only children and teachers from the immediate area can be looked after and schooled. But once the first small home units for children and teachers have been built and more therapy rooms and classrooms have been completed, then there are also plans to offer this service to children from greater distances.

This project is being looked after by Dr. Anton Geiser, who himself is a special education teacher and professor at the college of higher education for therapeutic pedagogy (Fachhochschule für Heilpädagogik) in Landau. He is an expert in conducting such projects in Africa and has built several centers throughout that continent. He also volunteers his time and work to this organization.

Although there are also many other volunteers, who help them to accomplish such projects, these projects devour large sums of money. Since the organization is completely dependent on donations, the ‘Rwanda Fest’ is a crucial source of income to allow us to further build and develop the center for mentally disabled children. By visiting this great event, you can have a fun-filled weekend while supporting a noble cause!

As stated above, all donations are welcomed. Donation account: Kreissparkasse Heinsberg BLZ 312 512 20, Account no.: 230 9995, international account no.:DE46 3125 1220 0002 3099 95SWIFT-BIC: WELADED1ERK

Rwanda fest in Heinsberg

Landscape of Rwanda.

Please support these children.

12 August 2011 NATO Skywatch 9

Barefoot path ‘Blotenvoetenpad’, Brunssum, NLGanzepool (road between JFC Brunssum and the West Gate). Entrance: between E 6 (adults) and E 3 (children), group discounts possible. Open from April until end of Oktober. www.blotenvoetenpark.nl

Glidersclub ‘Zweefvliegclub’ in Schinveld, NLEerste Limburgse Zweefvlieg Club Address: Leiffenderhofweg 3, 6451 PR Schinveld, telephone +31 45 5641651E 40 for a try-out flight, open from May to November daily 1000-1900www.elzc.nl

Wildfreigehege GangeltAdmission fees: adults E 6, childrenE 4, family ticket E 20, also group discount and season tickets, no parking fees. Opening hours: 0900-1900 all-season. In winter until dawn. Address: Wildpark Gangelt, Schinvelder Str., 52538 Gangelt, tel. 02454 2459. You may bring your dog on a lead/ leash. Just the falconry is not to be accessed by dogs. www.wildpark-gangelt.com

Aachen ZooAachener Tierpark, in Aachen. Opening hours until 15 October: 0900-1830. Prices: for adults E 5, children as from the age of 3: E 2.50, special discounts for retirees, students and groups. Address: Obere Drimbornstraße 44, 52066 Aachen. www.euregiozoo.de

Kletterwald, AachenOutdoor climbing activity in the Aachen forest.Opening hours Monday-Friday 1500-dawn, Friday-Sunday 1000-dawn. Prices for adults between E 18 and E 12, children between E 14 and E 6, special offers for summer holidays for children. Address: Unterer Backertsweg, 52074 Aachen, tel. 0241 51000824 www.kletterwald-aachen.de

Erholungsgebiet Übach-PalenbergOpen to the public all year around. With playground, water-bikes, miniature golf and restaurant. Address: Im Wurmtal, 52531 Übach-Palenberg

Snow World Landgraaf, NLIndoor Ski slopes, open all year. Special summer discounts. Address: Witte Wereld 1, 6372 VG Landgraaf, tel. +31 45 5470700www.snowworld.com

Mondo Verde Park, Landgraaf, NLFamily park with world theme gardens, zoo, funpark. Address: Groene Wereld 10, 6372 PW Landgraaf, telephone +31 45 5350161. Entrance between E 15 and E 9, also with special discounts for families, retirees and groups. Open 1000-1800 daily.www.wereldtuinenmondoverde.nl

Indoor climbing wall Neoliet ‘Klimwand’, Heerlen, NLPrices: E 10.50 for adults, E 8.50 for children, special discounts for children below 5 and families. Opening hours in July and August: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1800-2300, Wednesday 1500-2300, Saturday 1200-1800. www.neoliet.nl

Zoo Gaia park, Kerkrade, NLOpen daily 1000-1800, entrance fee E 17.50 for adults,E 15.50 for children, parking fees per car E 4.50.Address: Dentgenbachweg 105, 6468 PG Kerkrade, tel. +31 45 567 60 70www.gaiapark.nl

Mosaqua indoor-outdoor swimming pool with wild-water track, Gulpen, NLDaily open, entry fees for adults E 7.95, children E 7, check special discounts on their homepage,Address: Landsraderweg 11, 6271 NT Gulpen, tel. +31 43-4507400 www.mosaqua.nl

Cannoo and Rafting at the river Maas, Maastricht, NL Prices per person: canoe and raft E 12, discount for groups 12 persons or more, lunch and dinner also possible, return by bus can be arranged, tel.+31 43-4071954. From April to November, in the morning or afternoon. Canoe, rafting or hiking tours.www.kanomaastricht.nl

Caves in MaastrichtThere is a network of underground corridors that can be visited with a guide, for instance the Zonneberg, until 4 September. Daily tours in English, starting at 1350 for E 5,25. Bring a jacket – it’s cool inside the caves. Tours for groups available upon request throughout the year. Check online for more details. www.maastrichtunderground.nl

Kajak Maasland, Rafting & Outdoor, Lanaken, Belgium Rafting for 8 up to 21 km, also during the evening possible. From April to end of Oktober, prices varying from E 16 in a single canou, double canoe E 24, 3-seater E 33 and 4-seater E 42. Rafting E 15 and E 10, return by bus can be arranged. Tel. +32 89 71 73 90 or email: info@kajakmaasland.bewww.kajakmaasland.be

Scooter tour in LimburgScooter rental, motors and quads. Address: Fun-Ride, Visésteenweg 131, 3770 Riemst in Limburg, tel. +32 494 320125/ +32 496 15 48 75. Different paakcages on offer. www.j-pbikes.be

Valkenburg, NL: Valkenier family parkA family park with fun attractions. Children over the age of 2 and adults E 8.95, group and season tickets are also on offer. Address: Koningswinkelstraat 53, 6301 WH Valkenburg, Netherlands, tel. +31 43 6012289www.pretpark-de-valkenier.nl

Sand Sculpture Festival in HoensbroekThe traditional Dutch Sand Sculpture Festival takes place until 6 November at Kasteel Hoensbroek, in Hoensbroek, the Netherlands, just a 20 minute drive from Geilenkirchen. Open daily from 1100-1730. Tickets are E 7.50 for adults, E 4.50 for kids 4-12, and E 7 for 60+. Entrance to the sand sculpture event plus a visit to the castle: E 14.50 for adults, E 8.00 for kids 4-12, and E 8.00 for 60+.Address: Klinkertstraat 118, 6433 PB Hoensbroek.www.kasteelhoensbroek.nl

SuggeStionS for a day trip in the local area

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10 NATO Skywatch 12 August 2011

The competitive swimming season for the Geilenkirchen Orcas swim team begins on 16 August.

An information and registration night will be held at Canada Place from 1830-2000, open to all families of swimmers aged 6-19. With the current closure of the JFC pool, they are practicing at local venues until 2 September and will compete from 24 Sep 2011 until 19 Feb 2012.

More information can be found on www.gkorcas.org.

The Orcas start swimming again

Ticket sale starts

Kindergarten ‘Die Waldwichtel’ at Selfkant-KaserneBy Yvonne Richter

You are looking for a place, where your child is well cared for and is also brought together with other children from all over the world?

We can do this and even more. Who? Well, the German kindergarten in the Selfkant barracks in Geilenkirchen. We are a kindergarten where children are encouraged to engage in movement. A movement-based kindergarten, located in green surroundings, far away from the road. We currently care for children of six nationalities (Spain, Italy, Canada, and more).

Your child will have the opportunity to play and to gain experience in the natural surroundings of our generous landscaped outdoor area.

We offer several movement activities daily, and once a week

the children take part in physical education with kids of the same age.

Creative and educational activities are available to the children, to raise their motivation to learn.

The children grow together through numerous joint activities into a close-knit community.

Our service is available for periods of 35 hours (0730-1230 and 1400-1630) or 45 hours (0730-1630 with lunch-time supervision) per week for children of 2-6 years, in two mixed-age groups.

Interested to find out more? Good, then come and visit us on our homepage www.die-waldwichtel.net or personally visit us Monday to Friday, 1400-1600.

We look forward to seeing you! The “Waldwichtel” team

Photo courtesy www.die-waldwichtel.net

The German NCO Association (DUK) would like to invite all Component members, their families and friends to the 29th annual MOB Geilenkirchen Oktoberfest. It will take place in Hangar II on 24- 25 September.

Doors will open at 1800 on Saturday, 24 September, for an evening of delicious food, special Festbier and live entertainment.

On Sunday, 25 September, the doors will open at 1030, with the traditional ‘Frühschoppen’ at 1100. As the Sunday event is a family day, there will be plenty of entertainment for kids.

Tickets will be on sale at the German NCO Association (DUK)

office, building 46, ext. 3465, from 15 August until 22 September 2011. Tickets will be available between Monday and Friday from 1000-1500.

Please use Component Form 34.17 to register your external guests, because this will simplify your purchase of tickets (see article on page 3).

Each NATO ID holder is entitled to purchase a maximum of five tickets.

If you sponsor anyone who does not hold a NATO ID, you have to register their full name and national passport number when purchasing the tickets. If you need to change names on tickets after buying them, this change has to be registered at the DUK office, building 46.

Play Handball in Übach-PalenbergBy Koos Brongers

We are looking for some handball players for our handball club in Übach-Palenberg. We have three men’s teams playing in different categories. The first team is playing in the Verbandsliga, they have training on Tuesday and Thursday from 1930-2200. The second team is playing in the Kreisliga, also on Tuesday and Thursday from 1930-2200. The third team is playing in the 2. Kreisklasse, training on Friday 2000-2200. We also have one ladies’ team in the Kreisliga, their training is on Wednesday 2000-2200. And we also have youth training at various times. If you are interested please call Mr. Koos Brongers, ext. 4666 or 0176-96634297.

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Airport Shuttle ServiceZentrale Schumacher

Phone: +49 (0)2452 - 7777 Call for information/reservations and ask for Mary

Only 9 miles from base and only 1 mile to the centre of Heinsberg.

Indoor pool, playgrounds and jogging path, various shopping facilities and restaurants within walking distance.

Fully equipped modern kitchen, washer, dryer, SAT-TV, DVD- and CD Player,free high speed DSL Internet, babybed, highchair, toys, backyard, basket-ball.

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Enjoy your transition in this independent guesthouse.

Cosima’s Lodge

For further information or reservations please contact Mrs. Cosima Gödde at:

Cosima’s Lodge

•Every 2nd & 4th Sunday from 9:00 -10:00 @ Volkel, Zeelandsedijk # 11, The Netherlands

•Every Sunday from 13:00 & every Wednesday 18:30 @ Treebeek, Horizonstraat #73, The Netherlands

For more information: Call: 0031-455234818 Fax: 0031-455234819 E-mail: cphop@yahoo.com

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