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USO Kaiserslautern
Rhine Ordnance Barracks
APO AE 09054-3152
Vogelweh/Im Haderwald
Gebäude 2913, Pulaski Barracks
67661 Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern USO Centers
Kaiserslautern USO Staff
Area Director
Konrad Braun
Area Operations Manager
Colleen Lynch
Administrative Assistant to the Director
Deborah Grady
Volunteer Coordinator
Brittany Garcia
Accountant
Jacque Joye-Leidheiser
Accounting Clerk
Czarina Kelly
Tours & Marketing Manager
Gail L. Winfree
Assistant Tours Managers
Beth Gross • Tom Kelley • Jo Anne Pinney
Warehouse Manager
Bob Harrington
Warehouse Specialist
Jim Clark
Deployment Operations Specialist
Alicia Green
Landstuhl USO Center Manager
Rubria Meza
Vogelweh Building 2043 by the Galaxy Theater parking lot
Telephone: Civ 0631-3506512, Fax: 0631-3579279
Open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday and
U.S. holidays
Ramstein Passenger Terminal, Building 3333
Telephone: DSN 480-6326, Civ 06371-42623, Fax 06371-42626
Open Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday and U.S. holidays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Landstuhl Hospital, Building 3776
Telephone: DSN 486-8240, Civ 06371-63463, Fax 06371-18940
Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed weekends, U.S. holidays, and LRMC training
holidays.
Center hours are subject to change at any time due to current world events.
USO Administrative Offices, Pulaski Barracks, Building 2913
(USO Director, Administrative Assistant to the Director, Accountant, Special Events &
Volunteer Coordinator, Kaiserslautern Kabel Office, Tours Office)
Telephone: DSN 493-4403/4531, CIV 0631-3406-4403/4531, Fax 0631-3406-4534
Admin Office E-mail: kaiserslautern@uso.org
Tours Office Telephone: DSN 493-4532/4533, CIV 0631-3406-4532/4533
Tours Office E-mail: toursKL@uso.org
Ramstein CASF (Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility)
Telephone: DSN 480-5494, CIV 06371-47-5494, Fax 06371-47-2918
Landstuhl Warrior Center
Telephone: DSN 486-5791, CIV 06371-802-4900, Fax 06371-802-4901
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Landstuhl USO Center Information Specialist
Tommy Washington
Landstuhl Warrior Center Manager
Laura Ponzo
November 2014
Landstuhl Warrior Center Programs Manager
Alexandra “Nicol” Gecewich
Landstuhl Warrior Center Information Specialist
Amanda Follmer • Shannon Huffman
Ramstein USO Center Manager
Renee’ Palmer
Ramstein USO Center Assistant Manager
Kristina Hadden
Ramstein USO Center Information Specialists
Anne Marie Herrmann • Hannelore Hollis
Aaron O’Connor • Katie Pelletier
Judy Strickland • Loriann Tierney
Ramstein USO CASF Center Operations Supervisor
Kenneth Early
Vogelweh USO Center Manager
Earl Milligan
Vogelweh USO Center Information Specialist
Ana Roldan
Host Nation Advisor
Wolfgang Herzog
Kaiserslautern Kabel
Cover photo by
Teresa Morrow
Magazine for the Greater Kaiserslautern Community
The Kaiserslautern USO is a civilian not-for-profit orgainization that works in cooperation
with the Kaiserslautern Military Community to provide services to military personnel
and their families. The USO receives no direct federal funding, but is supported solely by
contributions from individuals, organizations, corporations, and the Combined Federal
Campaign. All revenue raised by the USO is used to conduct USO programs that support
the Kaiserslautern and Baumholder military communites. Those wishing to support USO
through the CFC should designate 11381 on their CFC contribution.
The Kaiserslautern Kabel is published monthly and distributed free of charge to the
greater military community by USO. Printing expenses of the Kabel are defrayed by paid
advertising. For information on advertising, contact Gail L. Winfree at 0631-3406-4532
or fax 0631-3406-4534 or e-mail gwinfree@uso.org.
Editor: Gail L. Winfree
Printing: Kerker Druck, Kaiserslautern
Circulation: 8,000
Copyright © 2014 by USO, Inc.
3
USO Tour Bus Pickup Point
Vogelweh Bowling Center Parking Lot
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Artwork by Denise Ciernia
USO tour reminders—
Don't leave home without knowing these
Make sure you have enough local and
foreign currency for souvenirs, eating,
and so on. We try to ensure that you
know what is and what is not included
in the tour price. Also remember that
outdoor vendors at flea markets and
fests normally do not take credit cards,
and ATMs are not always readily
Bring your USO receipt and travel available here.
documents. Without proper travel
Wear comfortable walking shoes and
documents, you risk the chance
dress for the weather. Many USO
of being left at the border when
tours involve some walking, especially
leaving or returning to Germany.
those with a castle tour (most castles
When traveling outside Germany,
were built on hills).
we recommend having a U.S. (blue)
or EC passport. Travel documents Dress for the weather, and remember,
are your responsibility. In some the weather changes quickly here. Be
countries, like the Czech Republic, prepared.
Switzerland, and Poland, passports
Some tours involve late lunch breaks.
are required.
Therefore, it's a good idea to have
Current security precautions might snacks and drinks with you.
mean delays in some cases and
make it that much more important If it’s a shopping tour within Germany,
to have proper identification on you bring VAT forms to increase your
savings. Since some tours go to more
at all times.
than one store, it’s a good idea to bring
At the USO, we’re proud of what we
do, especially when it comes to the
quality of our tours. We want you to
have a positive experience every time
you take a tour with us. To help, when
taking a USO tour, please remember
the following hints.
Kaiserslautern USO Tour Notes—
According to the U.S State Department, you may use your no-fee
passport only when traveling overseas while performing official
duties. For personal travel, you must use a regular-fee tourist
passport. You may have both a valid tourist passport and a valid
no-fee tourist passport at the same time. For more information on
passports and travel, visit www.travel.state.gov.
All Kaiserslautern USO tours have an approximate time of return
indicated on the tour description. This time is approximate and
refers to arrival time back in the Kaiserslautern area. We try to
estimate this time within one hour either way.
4
a couple of VAT forms. You can save
up to 19% value added tax at many
places.
Small children do not do very well on
long trips, so consider their comfort.
Also, some of our tours have aggressive
itineraries—covering several sites in a
short time span or requiring a lot of
walking—and may not be suitable
for small children or elderly visitors
due to the terrain or nature of the tour
(i.e., military history tours have long
segments of explanation that require
adult concentration). Be selective of
your tours so that they are suitable to
all participants.
Ensure that you fully understand
the conditions and any special
requirements of the tour when you
sign up. Review the USO tour policy
on page 6.
According to German law, all passengers, regardless of size
or age, must have a seat on a bus. Seatbelts are not required
in older buses that do not already have them. However, most
buses being built today have seatbelts installed and customers must wear them. If a bus is pulled over and checked by
the German police, you will be fined if you are not wearing
your seatbelt.
According to the Kaiserslautern
Garrison Misconduct Officer, the
USAREUR policy and regulation
states that the legal drinking age
within USAREUR is 18. Since the
USO falls under USAREUR, we
will apply this policy regardless
of German law on all of our USO
tours and orientations.
The USO would like to thank
volunteer Denise Ciernia for the
excellent USO Tour Bus Pickup
Point map she created.
NOTE: The USO is not responsible for possible allergic reactions
to products used in our cooking
and baking classes.
Kaiserslautern USO
Tour Guides
These folks are the backbone of the USO’s
tours program. They represent some of the
best tour guides in the business, and their
training, dedication, eagerness, and professionalism add to the quality that continues to
make USO tours the best.
Robert Allen (Military History)
Chantal Alleyne
Jennifer Anderson
Sabrijah Askew
Maria Goering
Beth Gross
Michael Harrigan
Ty Hunt
Sandra Johnson
Catherine Leavins
Jacque Joye-Leidheiser
Rubria Meza
Sabine Patterson
Jo Anne Pinney
Donna Rediger
Elise Schubert
Robert Seifert (Military History)
Susanne Stewart
Lynette Yesis
Wieslawa Ysen
Christel Deitrick (German Instructor)
Sabine Patterson (German Instructor)
Karin Ullrich (Cooking/Baking Instructor)
Rafaela Koch (Cooking/Baking Assistant)
Marissa Saludes (Translator/Facilitator)
Customers who have small children requiring car seats are
reminded that car seat standards and specifications might
differ between the U.S. and Germany. If you plan to travel
a lot, we recommend you buy a car seat that conforms to
German standards.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TRAVEL SHOPPE
Haven’t found that special souvenir yet? What about something for that new family
member? Then check out what the USO offers.
Kaiserslautern USO centers at Landstuhl, Ramstein, and Vogelweh sell all sorts of
books, maps, postcards, clothing, and assorted souvenirs.
Books and maps of Trier, Rüdesheim, the Mosel and Rhine rivers, Munich, Heidelberg,
Rothenburg, the Black Forest, and more can make your touring more informative
and meaningful.
Kaiserslautern USO gift certificates are also available at local USO centers. Gift certificates can be bought for any amount and can be used on all Kaiserslautern USO
tours.
Just a few of the things you can find at the USO
Restaurant Coupon Book - $25
Save money at local restaurants and spas.
Let’s Cook CD 1 - $12
Let’s Cook CD 2 - $12
Let’s Cook CD 3 - $12
Let’s Cook CD 4 - $12
Let’s Cook CD 1, 2, 3, 4 Pack - $40
Find your favorite USO cooking and baking class recipes on CD.
Kaiserslautern USO offers ADAC auto club memberships
Kaiserslautern USO centers offer membership to the German Automobile Club, ADAC. The ADAC, known as the
“Yellow Angels” because of its yellow service vehicles that roam German roads helping motorists in need, offers
many services to its members. Some of these services include roadside assistance, travel planning, travel health insurance, legal expense insurance, a monthly magazine (in German), and much more. ADAC membership is a must if
you plan to drive on German roads. ADAC offers various types of memberships that are available at Kaiserslautern
USO centers. Stop by any of the USO centers for more information and to pick up an ADAC package.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
OUR ADVERTISERS
These businesses support the USO by
advertising in the Kabel. We encourage
you to patronize our advertisers (tell them
the USO sent you), and they look forward
to seeing you and wish you an enjoyable
stay in Germany. Want to join our group
of dedicated advertisers, then call Gail L.
Winfree, 0631-3406-4532, for details on
how you can support your business, your
community, and the USO.
BMW Motorcycle Military Sales
Cantina Mexicana
Capitol Motors (Volvo)
City-Polster
Globetrotter Travel Agency, Ramstein
House of 1000 Clocks
House of Black Forest Clocks
KD German Rhine Line
Kerker Druck
Kulturamt Kaiserslautern
Legoland Deutschland
Rhineland-Palatinate Tourist Board
Roland’s Auto Agency, Car Rental, Ramstein
Sandy’s Hairstyling Salon
Schoolhouse Antiques
TKS
5
KAISERSLAUTERN USO TOUR POLICY
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
We want to ensure that your USO tour experiences are the best possible.
To do so, we have established some policies (without being too bureaucratic, we hope) that let us do our job more efficiently and effectively.
Please refer to this policy if you have administrative questions about
our tours. Have a great time!
TIPPING: Tipping is at the discretion of the customer. In Europe, it is
customary to tip the bus driver on longer bus tours and local guides who
conduct, for example, city and castle tours. However, the USO covers
the tips for local or castle guides on our regular tours.
RESERVATIONS: All tours and classes must be personally booked by
SOFA-supported ID card holders at any USO office; telephone reservations are not accepted. Persons under 18 years old may only participate
in tours and classes when accompanied by their adult sponsor (mother,
father, or legal guardian).
CROSSING INTERNATIONAL BORDERS: Passengers are responsible
for having passports or valid border crossing documents and an adequate
supply of the local currency when a tour crosses into another country. If a
passenger does not have the proper documentation, it may be necessary to
leave that passenger at the border. The USO cannot be held liable for any inconveniences incurred if passengers don’t have the proper documentation.
PAYMENT: All tour prices are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted
in the tour description and must be paid in full when signing up. Cash,
money orders, credit cards, and cashier or traveler checks can be accepted.
Personal checks will not be accepted.
USO OBLIGATIONS: All tours and orientations will follow the
program in the Kabel as closely as possible. However, the USO is not
responsible for strikes, mechanical problems, inclement weather, or
circumstances associated with a vendor.
PICKUP POINTS: Currently, Kaiserslautern USO has only one designated pickup point. That is at the parking lot in front of the Vogelweh
Bowling Center (see page 4 for map). USO buses will depart the pickup
point promptly at the time indicated.
LATE BUS: Although we make every effort to be at the pickup point
at the designated time, circumstances may delay the bus. If the bus is
late, passengers must remain at the pickup point for one hour past the
scheduled pickup time or be counted as no-shows if the bus arrives
within that hour.
SEATING: Bus seating is generally on a first come first served basis.
The USO tour guide may realign seating in order to accommodate large
family groups, handicapped people, or other special circumstances. Once
a seat has been taken or assigned, it remains yours for the duration of the
tour unless arrangements are made with the USO tour guide. SMOKING
IS PROHIBITED ON ALL USO BUS TOURS.
BAGGAGE: Large items such as packs, coolers, or strollers that cannot
be stowed in the overhead rack or under the seat must be placed in the
baggage compartment. Large items must not be placed in the aisle or
block emergency exits.
USO TOUR GUIDES: The USO tour guide is the official representative of the USO and is solely responsible for the conduct of the tour.
The tour guide is the final authority on all matters relating to the tour.
Any complaints or disputes may be brought to the attention of the Tours
Manager after completion of the tour.
CHILDREN DISCOUNTS: According to German bus passenger safety
requirements and German law, all passengers, regardless of size or age,
must have a seat on a bus; infants cannot ride free on their parent’s lap.
Infants are required to have their own seat on our bus tours. Car seats are
the responsibility of the tour patron. Car seats will not be provided by the
USO or the bus company. The price of all bus seats for children (infants
through the age of 11) is the children’s price noted in each tour description.
If there is no children’s price noted in the tour description, the normal tour
price “per seat” is as stated. All children (infants to 11 years) must pay a
minimum of $25 on USO train tours, unless other wise indicated.
BOOK EARLY: Weekend tours without sufficient participants are cancelled at close of business on the Wednesday preceding the tour. We encourage you to book as soon as possible to help avoid tour cancellations.
6
TOUR REFUND POLICY: Customer-requested cancellations made up
to eight days prior to tour date will receive a 90% refund. Cancellations
made between three and seven days will receive a 50% refund. Refunds
are not possible for cancellations made less than three days of tour date or
for no-shows. All refunds will be issued by check or credit card only (credit
card only at USO center where used). Absolutely no cash will be given. If
a cancellation involves non-refundable expenses prepaid by the USO, the
customer will receive a partial refund only. Tour cancellations made by the
USO will result in full refunds. Refunds that are paid by check require a
minimum of 7 to 10 business days for processing. Note: Paris Fast Train
tickets cannot be refunded after the cancellation date. This policy change
is effective with the March 2014 tours.
REFUND POLICY FOR OVERNIGHT TOURS: Customer-requested
cancellations made up to 21 days prior to tour date will receive a 90% refund.
Cancellations made up to 14 days prior will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made between 7 and 13 days prior to tour date will receive a 25%
refund. All refunds will be issued by check or credit card only. Absolutely
no cash will be given. Tour cancellations made by the USO will result in
a full refund. Customer-requested cancellations involving non-refundable
expenses prepaid by the USO will result in a partial refund. Refunds are not
possible for cancellations made less than 7 days of tour date or for no-shows.
This policy change is effective with the March 2014 tours.
CANCELLATIONS: The USO reserves the right to cancel any tour until 4
p.m. of the last day before the tour. We make every effort to contact passengers
by email first, and then telephone. When a tour is cancelled (by the customer or
by the USO), customers have seven business days to initiate the refund process
whether in the form of a credit card refund or check request.
DB TRAIN SPECIALS: Kaiserslautern USO acts only as an agent for
the German Railway for these trips. USO does not provide a tour guide or
escort and is not responsible for any mishaps that take place during the trip.
Payments must be made in advance and tickets must be picked up one day
before the trip at the booking office. No refunds. No exceptions.
PERSONAL PROPERTY AND PETS: The USO is not responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged articles. Pets are prohibited on all USO tours.
INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: If road conditions
are red in Vogelweh, USO-conducted tours will be cancelled. The USO
will try to call customers in advance, but we cannot predict the weather.
If you awaken on the morning of your tour and the roads are condition
red, please do not attempt to drive to the pick-up point. On the next
workday, visit or call the nearest USO center for a credit card or check
refund. Tune in to AFN Radio or call 480-COLD or 06371-47-2653 for
the latest road conditions. Remember that road conditions are reported
by both the USAG Kaiserslautern and Ramstein AB. Ramstein AB lists
the Vogelweh Military Complex separately and that is the report we use
at the USO. The Ramstein AB website is http://newpreview.afnews.
af.mil/ramstein/weatherinfo.asp. When road conditions are in question,
we will post updates on our Kaiserslautern USO Facebook Page.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO EVENTS CALENDAR
N O V E M B E R
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Frankfurt am
Main Fall Crafts Market
Saturday, November 1
Amsterdam City Tour
Saturday, November 1
Rothenburg Medieval City
Saturday, November 1
Frankenstein Castle
Halloween Festival Family Day
Sunday, November 2
German Baking Class
Tuesday, November 4
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Wissembourg
Thursday, November 6
German Baking Class
Thursday, November 6
Military Heritage Tour—
Battle of Normandy
Two Overnights
Friday-Monday, November 7-10
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Tongeren Antique & Flea Market
Sunday, November 16
DB St. Wendel Christmas Market
Saturday, December 6
Valkenburg Caves Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 20
German Baking Class
Tuesday, November 18
DB Wissembourg & Neustadt
Christmas Markets
Sunday, December 7
Salzburg, Austria
Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 20
Aachen at Christmas Time
Sunday, December 7
Paris Dinner, City Tour, & Evening Cruise
Saturday, December 20
An Evening at the Theater—
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Monday. December 8
Nürnberg & Rothenburg
Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 20
German Baking Class
Tuesday, December 9
Cologne Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 20
DB Frankfurt Christmas Markets
Wednesday, December 10
DB Saarbrücken Christmas Market
Saturday, December 20
CentrO Mall Christmas Market
Thursday, December 11
German Cooking Class
Thursday, December 11
Bamberg—City of Bishops & Beer
Bamberger Krippenweg (Nativity
Scene Trail) & Medieval Christmas
Market
Saturday, December 20
DB Trier Christmas Market
Saturday, December 13
DB Heidelberg Christmas Markets
Monday, December 22
Bern, Switzerland
Saturday, December 13
DB Speyer & Visit to Sealife, Technical
Museum, or IMAX Movie
Christmas & New Year Market
Friday, December 26
Paris Dinner, City Tour, & Evening Cruise
Saturday, November 22
Munich City Tour
Dachau Concentration Camp
Saturday, November 22
Military Heritage Tour—
Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge
Saturday, November 22
Lucerne, Switzerland, City Tour
Saturday, November 22
Brugge, Belgium
Saturday, November 22
Bern Onion Market
Monday, November 24
Two Nights in London
Wednesday-Sunday, November 26-30
Berlin & Dresden
Wednesday-Sunday, November 26-30
Military History Tour—
Bastogne Historical Walk
Saturday, December 13
Paris Dinner, City Tour, & Evening Cruise
Saturday, November 8
Thanksgiving Special—
Cochem Castle & Medieval Dinner
Thursday, November 27
Masstricht, Holland
Saturday, November 8
Valkenburg Caves Christmas Markets
Friday, November 28
Bad Wimpfen, Michelstadt, & Erbach
Christmas Markets & Medieval Towns
Saturday, December 13
Innsbruck, Austria
Saturday, November 8
Brussels, Belgium, Citry Tour
Saturday, November 29
Amsterdam City Tour
Saturday, December 13
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Trier
Saturday, November 8
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Shopping
Saturday, November 29
DB Freinsheim & Deidesheim
Christmas Markets
Sunday, December 14
A Day in Paris by Fast Train
Monday, November 10
Military Heritage Tour—
Verdun
Tuesday, November 11
Bad Wimpfen & Ludwigsburg Christmas
Markets & Medieval & Baroque Towns
Sunday, November 30
D E C E M B E R
Mainz City and Sekt Tasting
Tuesday, November 11
German Cooking Class
Thursday, December 4
Kaiserslautern City Tour
Tuesday, November 11
DB Heidelberg Castles
Christmas Market
Friday, December 5
Host Nation
Begins Wednesday, November 12
Strasbourg City Tour
Saturday, November 15
Mosel Dinner & Wine Tasting
Bernkastel-Kues City Orientation
Saturday, November 15
Cologne City Tour
Saturday, November 15
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Speyer
Saturday, November 15
Bavarian Fairy Tale Castles
Saturday, November 15
Kaiserslautern Kabel
DB Mannheim & Ludwigshafen
Christmas Market & Mall
Wednesday, December 17
Paris—City of Lights & Christmas
Markets
Wednesday, December 17
DB Mainz Christmas Market
Friday, December 19
After Christmas Special—
Black Forest Winter Wonderland at the
Waterfall Lights & Fireworks
Saturday, December 27
Paris City Tour
Saturday, December 27
New Year’s Special—
Three Overnights in Prague
in a Downtown Hotel
Sunday-Thursday, Dec. 28-Jan. 1
New Year’s Special—
Two Overnights in Berlin
Monday-Thursday, Dec. 29-Jan. 1
After Christmas Special—
Black Forest Winter Wonderland at the
Waterfall Lights & Fireworks
Monday, December 29
DB Landau & Deidesheim
Christmas Markets
Friday, December 5
Paris Dinner, City Tour, & Evening Cruise
Saturday, December 6
Nürnberg & Rothenburg
Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 6
Bruchsal Palace & Maulbronn Monastery
Christmas Market in the Monastery
Saturday, December 6
Welcome to Kaiserslautern City Tour
Saturday, December 6
7
LOOKING AHEAD
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
JAN UAR Y
Cologne City Tour
Saturday, January 3
Amsterdam City Tour
Saturday, January 3
German for Beginners
Starts Monday, January 5
German Cooking Class
Morning Class
Tuesday, January 20
German Cooking Class
Evening Class
Thursday, January 22
German Cooking Class
Evening Class
Thursday, January 8
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Freinsheim
Red Wine Walk
Friday, January 23
Military Heritage Tour—
Nürnberg
Saturday, January 10
Munich City Tour
Dachau Concentration Camp
Saturday, January 24
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Heidelberg
Saturday, January 10
Brussels, Belgium, City Tour
Saturday, January 24
Bern, Switzerland
Saturday, January 10
Bavarian Fairy Tale Castles
Saturday, January 10
German Cooking Class
Morning Class
Tuesday, January 13
Paris One Overnight
Saturday-Monday, January 17-19
Strasbourg, France
Saturday, January 17
Mosel Dinnner & Wine Tasting
Bernkastel-Kues City Orientation
Saturday, January 17
Innsbruck, Austria, City Tour
Saturday, January 17
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Speyer
Monday, January 19
2015
Overnight Tours
just around the corner
We’ve started planning our 2015 overnight tours and will be
posting them as soon as the details are confirmed. Here is a
sneak preview of what we already plan to offer.
Paris One Overnight
Saturday-Monday, January 17-19
Freinsheim Red Wine Walk by Bus
Sunday, January 25
Carnevale in Venice
Sightseeing in Florence
Two Overnight
Thursday-Sunday, February 12-15
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Wissembourg
Wednesday,January 28
Prague One Overnight
Friday-Sunday, March 13-15
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Shopping
Saturday, January 24
Luxembourg, Mettlach, & the American
Cemetery
Satuday, January 31
Lucerne, Switzerland, City Tour
Evening Class
Saturday, January 31
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation & Trip to Trier
Saturday,January 31
Cochem Castle & Medieval Dinner
Saturday, January 31
Spring Break—
Three Overnights in Provence and the Camargue
Explore the South of France
Thursday-Tuesday, April 2-7
Holland Tulip Overnight—
Keukenhof Gardens, the Flower Parade, and Delft
One Overnight
Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26
Frankenstein Castle Halloween Rules
(taken from www.frankenstein-halloween.de)
designate
CFC
11381
We are now posting a third month of tours to make it easier
for customers to plan their trips with the USO. These tours are
posted for planning purposes only, and customers should be
able to sign up for January tours by the end of November.
8
It doesn’t matter if it is raining or snowing, our monsters are ready! The
Halloween party is an open air event and bad weather does not entitle
individuals to a refund. All drinks and snacks are served in areas that are
protected from the weather. However; the organizers have the right to
cancel or move the event in the case of thunderstorms or for any other
reason that is considered a safety risk. If this happens, no refunds will
be made. Bottles, boxes, perfume sprayers, umbrellas, flashlights, spray
cans, knives, guns, and other weapons, as well as dangerous costume
parts like sword and choke chain may not be taken for safety reasons in
the castle court. We reserve the right to search everyone’s pockets and
backpacks. Forbidden objects can be left at the entrance for a €1.00 fee.
The organizer is not responsible for anything that is lost or misplaced.
Anyone who is intoxicated will not be allowed to enter the castle. There
is a lost and found in the souvenir shop located next to the bathrooms.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
N O V E M B E R
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation and Trip to Frankfurt
Fall Crafts Market
Saturday, November 1
Learn everything you always wanted to know about
German trains on our hands-on train orientation. Tour the
Kaiserslautern train station, receive an overview briefing
on the train system, buy your ticket, and take a trip to
the cosmopolitan city of Frankfurt am Main. You’ll be
accompanied by a USO escort, but you will do the work
and gain firsthand experience purchasing tickets and riding
the trains. Learn about the many specials the German Rail
(DB) offers, for example: weekend tickets, family tickets,
city specials and more. On this orientation tour, we’ll travel
by train to the fascinating city of Frankfurt am Main. We
all know Frankfurt from our trips to the airport, but the
city center has so much more to experience. On our city
tour, you’ll see architectural feats dating from Roman,
medieval and modern times. Frankfurt’s impressive
postwar U.S.-style skyline has given the city its nickname
“Mainhattan.” Frankfurt has just about anything a big
city would offer—shopping, museums, and more. This
weekend, we’ll visit the annual fall crafts market in the
former Dominican Monastery. There will be free time to
visit the market, shop on the famous “Zeil,” or shopping
mile, or to have lunch in the “Fressgasse.” You can try one
of the local specialties, Apfelwein (apple wine) or Grüne
Soße (green sauce) with potatoes. You can stroll along
the Main River, or even take a boat ride if time permits.
Tour involves lots of walking. Please do not bring large
strollers, as the tour involves train travel and transfers.
Tour price includes train transportation, train orientation,
Frankfurt city tour, entrance to the crafts market, and a
USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0700
Return: Approximately 1930
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
Amsterdam City Tour
Saturday, November 1
Explore exciting, beautiful Holland with the USO. We
arrive in the Netherlands early morning for breakfast (included). After breakfast, we’ll visit a wooden-shoe maker
and cheese farm where you can see how shoes and cheese
are made. You can also sample and buy some of the cheese
products, as well as shoes and other souvenirs. We’ll then
have an orientation of downtown Amsterdam. From the
Dam Square, you’ll be able to visit Anne Frank’s House,
the famous Red Light District, the Royal Palace, or some
of the many other downtown sights, museums, and shops.
After the city orientation, you’ll have the afternoon to spend
in this fascinating city. Those wishing to visit the Anne
Frank House can reserve tickets in advance at http://www.
annefrank.org/content.asp?PID=754&LID=2. When ordering tickets, indicate the 1-3 p.m. time slot. We recommend
U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents
are the responsibility of the customer. Please bring euro.
Dinner stop will be in Germany (not included). Tour price
includes transportation, breakfast, shoe maker and cheese
farm, city orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Rothenburg Medieval City
Saturday, November 8
Kown as the “gem from the Middle Ages,” Rothenburg is one of the best preserved medieval cities in
Germany. The old city walls are still standing and
you can actually walk around part of the city on the
city wall’s walkway. There are wonderful museums
like the Kriminalmuseum (criminal museum), where
medieval torture instruments are displayed. See the
Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village with one of the
world’s largest selections of German Christmas
decorations. There is also a doll and toy museum, and
the city museum that was once a Dominican Priory.
You can climb the old town tower in the original part
of the city hall for a magnificent view over the city.
You will have time to have lunch (not included) and
explore on your own. Tour price includes transportation, city tour, entrance to St. James Church, and a
USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2130
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Frankenstein Castle
Halloween Festival
Family Day
Sunday, November 2
If you love to be frightened, then
don’t miss the annual Halloween
festivities at Frankenstein Castle
near Darmstadt. Of course, it really
wouldn’t be Halloween without a haunted castle. You’ll
be able to walk through the Frankenstein Castle and see
all kinds of horrific monsters, vampires, werewolves,
and ghosts. In each room of the castle ruins, there will
be different scenes of the macabre. Be sure to bring a
friend; after all, you never know what comes out after
dark on Halloween. This day is especially designed
for spooky family fun. The monsters and witches are
a little tamer today and tend to let the children peek
behind their masks. Please note, though, that children
under 6 years old are not recommended due to the
scary nature of this event, and they must stay in the
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
monster-free area. No strollers please. Be sure to read
the “Frankenstein Castle Halloween Rules” on page
8. Bring euro for food and drinks, and dress for the
weather. Tour price includes transportation, haunted
castle entrance, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1200
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
German Baking Class
Christmas Cookies
Hands-On
Tuesday, November 4
Ever wondered how those wonderful German Christmas cookies are made? Well, now is your chance to
learn. During a three-hour hands-on session, you
will learn how to prepare a variety of popular German Christmas cookies. We’ll taste what we create,
but please bring small containers to take home any
leftovers, a coffee cup, and your appetite. The USO
will supply all the ingredients. Classes are planned in
advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group,
KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO
class. This class is for adults only; please no children
under 12. Each Christmas cookie class in November
and December will feature different recipes.
Time: 0900-1200
Place: Vogelweh Chapel kitchen
Cost: $25
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation and Trip to
Wissembourg, France
Thursday, November 6
Learn all about how the German train system works on this
USO train orientation and tour. Tour the Kaiserslautern
train station, receive a briefing on the train system, and
take a trip to the French town of Wissembourg and return.
You’ll be accompanied by a USO escort, but you can
gain first-hand experience purchasing tickets and riding
the trains. Learn about the many specials the German
Train (DB) offers, for example: weekend tickets, family
tickets, city specials and much more. On this orientation
tour, we’ll travel to the Alsatian town of Wissembourg.
Although just across the German-French border, this
town has a distinct French flair. See the half-timbered
medieval houses perched along the Lauter River. We’ll
see the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the church of the
former abbey, which is the second largest gothic church
in the Alsace region (second only to Strassbourg). Try a
Flammkuchen or some of the other local specialties before
we return to Kaiserslautern. We recommend U.S. (blue),
EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the
responsibility of the customer. Tour price includes train
transportation, train orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 1700
Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0130
Return: Approximately 0100 (SUN)
Cost: $99 Adults, $89 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
9
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
German Baking Class
Parents and Kids
Christmas Cookies
Hands-On
Thursday, November 6
In this pre-Christmas season, we are offering an early
evening special hands-on German baking class for
children and parents. Now is your chance to learn how
to make some wonderful German specialties. During
a three-hour session, we’ll teach you and your child
how to prepare a variety of popular German Christmas
cookies. We’ll taste what we create, but please bring
small containers to take home any leftovers, a coffee
cup, and your appetite. The USO will supply all the
ingredients. For safety reasons, a maximum of two
children can be accompanied by one adult, and the
minimum age for participation is 5 years old. Classes
are planned in advance and the cookie assortment
can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO
German Cooking and Baking. Bring your camera
if you would like to take pictures of the wonderful
specialties. Participation is limited so enroll you and
your child now. Reminder: minimum age 5 years old
and a maximum of two children per adult. This class is
absolutely FREE for one or two parents and up to two
children per family. Until October 23, priority will be
given to families with a deployed military member,
or a military member who has returned from deployment in the last three months (August, September, or
October). A copy of the orders of the deployed parent
must be presented at time of sign up. We will keep a
waiting list for families who are interested but do not
meet the deployment criteria. Waiting list customers
will be contacted beginning October 24.
Time: 1700–2000
Place: Pulaski Chapel Kitchen Bldg 2869
Cost: FREE
Military Heritage Tour—
Battle of Normandy
Two Overnights
Friday-Monday, November 7-10
Sign up before October 8 and receive
a 5% discount.
Join us for a memorable two-overnight tour to the Normandy D-Day coast. We’ll visit the places that feature
prominently in the historical accounts of the battle. We
will start with the Pegasus Bridge Museum. You will receive a briefing with a slideshow outlining the Normandy
landings and have a chance to see the current bridge up
close before going into the museum. We will explore
other museums, including the ones at Omaha Beach
and Utah Beach, and two memorial sites dedicated to
the valiant men and women of the Allied Expeditionary Force. We will make a stop at the Grand Bunker on
Sword Beach, a 5-story bunker built especially for Field
Marshall Erwin Rommel. You will have a chance to
walk all five of the landing beaches. Our journey takes
us to Ste Mere-Eglise, Pointe du Hoc, and St Marie du
Mont, where a German and American patrol passed
within a few feet of each other without realizing it until
later. You will also have the opportunity to investigate
two gun batteries, including Grandchamps Maisy, the
“secret battery,” the largest battery in Normandy. Due
to the long trip and the ambitious itinerary, children
11 and under are not allowed on this tour. Please visit
www.bobs-tours.com to view a tentative schedule for the
10
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
tour. Tour price includes transportation, two overnights
with breakfast in Bayeux, two bag lunches, all entrance
fees, and the services of an experienced USO military
history tour guide.
Innsbruck, Austria
City and Castle Tour
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2230 (FRI)
Return: Approximately 2000 (MON)
Cost: $339 (Based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $120 (Must be paid at time
of booking and will be refunded if share basis is
possible)
Innsbruck, Austria—the capital of Tyrol—is one of the
most beautiful towns of its size anywhere in the world,
owing much of its fame and charm to its unique setting. To the north, the steep sheer sides of the Alps rise
like a shimmering blue and white wall, literally from
the edge of the city, an impressive backdrop for the
green domes and red roofs of the Baroque town tucked
beneath. Almost every corner offers a spectacular
view of the mountains, often referred to as the city’s
natural skyscrapers. En route, we’ll stop for breakfast
(not included). On arrival in Innsbruck, we’ll visit
the old town, which remains as it was 400 years ago,
and see such sites as the Golden Roof, Stadtturm,
the ornately decorated Rococo Hebling House, St.
Jacobs Cathedral, Hofburg Imperial Palace, Imperial
Church, the tomb of Maximillian I, Triumphal Arch,
and Anna Column. Bring euro for shopping and lunch.
We’ll also visit the Bell Foundry where the Grassmayr
family has been making bells since 1599. We’ll have
a guided tour of the Schloss Ambras, a 10th Century
fortress turned into a Renaissance super palace with
manicured gardens and 64 acres of pristine parkland
inhabited by wandering fowl and colorful peacocks
We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the
customer. Tour price includes transportation; entrance
to the Grassmayr Bell Foundry and Schloss Ambras;
city tour; and USO tour guide.
Paris Dinner, City Tour, and Evening
Boat Cruise
Saturday, November 8
Bonjour! Join us on this express trip to Paris—a city of
history, sights, and Oui, excitement! See such major tourist
attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the
Arch of Triumph, and much more as we spend the day
sightseeing with some free time for lunch and shopping.
We arrive mid-morning and start out with a city tour where
you’ll see those famous tourist attractions. After some free
time, we go for a unique dining experience; we’ll head
over to the Latin Quarter in the evening for an authentic
five-course meal served in a historic atmosphere. You’ll also
marvel at the City of Lights on an evening boat cruise on
the Seine River. Be sure to bring your camera because we
make photo stops whenever we can. Please bring euro for
personal expenses, i.e., shopping and lunch. We recommend
U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents
are the responsibility of the customer. Please, no children
under eight years old. Tour price includes transportation,
city tour, dinner, boat ride, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 0430 (SUN)
Cost: $139
Maastricht, Holland, City Tour
Saturday, November 8
The oldest fortified city in the Netherlands, Maastricht is
today a city of 120,000 people with an ideal location on the
Meuse River. Its old town quarter will charm you with its
historical buildings, art, many shops, and city squares full
of sidewalk cafes and restaurants representing a variety of
cultures. Our day will start with a city tour of the old town.
On this walk, the guide will show you the best spots in the
old city center, including the Basilica of Our Lady on the
O.L.Vrouweplein, the Ramparts and Hell’s Gate, Vrijthof
Square with the Church of St. Jan, and the Basilica of St.
Servatius. You’ll then have plenty of free time to explore the
sights, shop, or visit one of the city’s many museums. Before
our departure, we will tour the famous St. Pietersberg caves.
On the walls are interesting inscriptions, some extremely
old, from those who hid or worked here. During the many
sieges Maastricht suffered, and also during the last world
war, local inhabitants used the passages as a shelter. The
temperature in the caves is 9-10 degrees Celcius; therefore,
visitors are advised to bring a cardigan, pullover, or coat.
U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports are required. Travel
documents are the responsibility of the customer. Tour price
includes transportation, city tour, entrance to the caves, and
USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0630
Return: Approximately 2300
Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children
Saturday, November 8
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0100
Return: Approximately 0130 (SUN)
Cost: $109 Adults, $99 Children
Learn to Ride the German Train—
DB Orientation and Trip to Trier
Saturday, November 8
Learn all about how the German train system works
on this USO train orientation and tour. Tour the
Kaiserslautern train station, receive a briefing on the
train system, and take a trip to the historical city of
Trier and return. You’ll be accompanied by a USO
escort, but you can gain first hand experience purchasing tickets and riding the trains. Learn about the
many specials the German Train (DB) offers, such
as weekend tickets, family tickets, city specials, and
much more. Trier boasts a fantastic collection of
Roman excavations. You will see sights such as the
Porta Nigra and the Roman Baths. Along with the
Roman ruins, you will also see the medieval relics
in the popular pedestrian walkway area. After the
city tour, you’ll have plenty of free time for lunch or
exploring the area on your own before we board our
late afternoon train back to Kaiserslautern. Please do
not bring large strollers; they are difficult to get on
and off the train. Be sure to bring your cameras and
euro for lunch and personal expenses. Price includes
train transportation, train orientation, city tour, and
USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at the Kaiserslautern HBF at 0800
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
A Day in Paris—
Travel to Paris in 2 Hours and 28
Minutes
Monday, November 10
How would you like to go to Paris for the day? Do you
have a “Need for Speed”? Don’t like the five-hour bus
ride, or tolls and high gas prices? We can’t beam you
there, but we can do the next best thing. Zooming from
Kaiserslautern to Paris in 2 hours and 28 minutes,
we’ll travel at speeds of up to 320 km (200 miles)
per hour. Join us for this unique experience. Spend
the day in Paris, shopping, sightseeing, visiting a museum, or just hanging out watching people. Sound like
a dream? If traveling on the autobahn isn’t fast enough
for you, perhaps this train will be. It’s not only fast,
but comfortable and energy efficient too. You’ll travel
by train, with a USO tour guide, and upon arriving in
Paris, our expert guide will direct you to some of the
highlights of the city via public transportation, or if
you choose you can plan your own agenda. Of course,
we can’t see it all in nine hours, so make sure you set
your priorities in advance. Space is limited, group
size is small, so don’t hesitate and sign up now. Travel
lightly, backpacks are recommended, as lockers are
not always available. We don’t have a tour bus at our
disposal so be prepared to walk and ride the Metro
to our destinations. This tour is not stroller-friendly
due to the stairs in the Metro and cobblestone streets.
Not recommended for small children. We recommend
U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Tour
price includes round trip train transportation, tickets
for public transportation within Paris, and a USO tour
guide. Please note train tickets are nonrefundable
beyond the USO cancellation date.
Transportation: High Speed Train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby
0645
Return: Approximately 2135
Cost: $199
Military Heritage Tour—
The Battle of Verdun
Tuesday, November 11
Join us on one of our most popular military history
tours to the World War I battlefield of Verdun.
Comparable to Gettysburg in its size, significance,
and countless memorials, German and French
forces unleashed 60 million artillery rounds in what
would become the longest and most devastating
battle in the history of warfare. Amazingly, Verdun
occurred in an area of approximately eight square
miles, where unexploded ordnance renders large
parts of the battlefield off limits and 100,000
soldiers lie in unmarked graves throughout the
visibly scarred countryside. We begin the tour at the
Verdun Memorial which is an outstanding museum
providing an excellent overview of the battle and
an impressive collection of weaponry, vehicles, and
countless artifacts from the battle. Next, we visit the
command post of the 56th and 59th French Light
Infantry Battalions commanded by Lt Col Emile
Driant, a famous French politician and author whose
foresight, courage, and death at the start of the battle
made him a French national hero. From here, we
visit the Trench of Bayonets where a monument
marks the location of French soldiers believed to
have been buried alive by German artillery fire.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Following lunch at a restaurant on the battlefield, we
will tour the village of Fleury which changed hands
some 16 times and was one of nine villages that were
completely destroyed during the battle. Next we
travel to the Ossuary, where the remains of 130,000
French and German soldiers rest in alcoves below
the structure and are visible to visitors. Finally, we
tour deep into Fort Douaumont, the centerpiece
of the Verdun defense system, yet was captured
by a single German soldier. No better chance to
visit one of the most historically significant and
impressive battlefields in all of Europe. Please wear
comfortable walking shoes and bring euro for lunch
and shopping. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC,
or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the
responsibility of the customer. Tour price includes
transportation, entrance fees,  and an experienced
USO military history tour guide.
can come with us on this new monthly orientation tour.
Some generous local sponsors have made this program
possible, and they are proud to have you visit their city.
You will receive a historical overview of the city, hear
some of the local legends, as well as many practical tips
from our experienced guides. Learn some of the German
customs and have the opportunity to eat a typical German
lunch (not included). We will visit the city on market day
and we’ll introduce you to some of local produce and
products that you will be able to taste and purchase if you
would like. On this orientation tour, we plan to visit and
tour the Barbarossa Castle and tunnels. We recommend
you bring euro for lunch and shopping, and VAT forms
for your purchases. Depending on the season, we will
participate in some of the local events for example: the
Christmas market, the fall pumpkin displays at the Garden
Show and much more. Join on this new and unique tour
and see what surprises we have in store for you.
Transportation: German bus
Depature: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2030
Cost: $79
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0800
Depart: In front of Ramstein PAX Terminal (Bldg.
3333) 0830
Cost: Free but must sign up at one of our USO centers
Return: Approximately 1610 Ramstein, 1630
Vogelweh
Veterans Day Special—
Mainz and the Kupferberg Champagne
Cellars
Tuesday, November 11
Mainz, the capital of the German
state of Rhineland-Pfalz, is the
home of Europe’s first printing press
and the famous Gutenberg Bible,
which was printed in the 15th century. Strategically
located at the junction of the Rhine and Main rivers,
Mainz was the headquarters of the Roman envoy for
the upper German territories, and home to church and
political leaders over the centuries. Our guided tour
of the city will include such sites as the Cathedral, St.
Stephen’s church with the unique Chagall stained glass
windows, and the Gutenberg Museum, where an original Gutenberg Bible is on display. Also, the Fasching
(Carnival) season officially begins on November 11 at
11:11 a.m. in Germany, and Mainz will be celebrating
opening ceremonies. After free time for lunch (not
included), shopping, and exploring this beautiful city,
we’ll visit the world famous Kupferberg Sekt (Champagne) cellars. These are the deepest wine cellars in the
world, originally built by the Romans in the first century A.D. A tasting of this excellent Champagne which
has often been the top choice of Europe’s royal courts
is also included. This is a great opportunity to pick up
your champagne for the holiday season. Tour price
includes transportation, city tour, museum entrance,
Champagne tasting, and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2000
Cost: $79
Welcome to Kaiserslautern
Willkommen in Kaiserslautern
Barbarossa Castle and Underground
Tunnels
Tuesday, November 11
Are you new to the area and want to get to know what
the city of Kaiserslautern has to offer? Even if you are
not new, but haven’t had the opportunity to visit the city
on one of the military host nation orientation tours, you
Host Nation for Adults
German Culture Class in Landstuhl
German Advent and Christmas
Traditions
Starts Wednesday, November 12
Are you interested in learning about German customs,
culture, and local history? We can even teach you few
basic German phrases to use at your local grocery
store, café. or bakery. Each morning, our experienced
guide and instructor will take you through a different
chapter of getting to know our Host Nation, Germany.
The four lessons will include a visit to a popular café
for “Kaffee und Kuchen” (coffee and cake), a walking
tour of Landstuhl, a guided tour of the famous Nanstein
castle, a visit to a German grocery store, and much
more. Come to this class and learn about Germany, its
language, and its customs, from our local guide and
language instructor, Christel, who is excited to share
her country with you. Participation is limited, so sign up
soon. Tour price includes Landstuhl city and castle tour,
and a USO tour guide. Bis bald! (See you soon!)
Dates. NOV 12, 19, DEC 3, 10
Time: 1000-1200
Place: Landstuhl City, Café Goldinger (park at
market square; overflow parking at Lidl)
Cost: $35 (includes all four days)
Strasbourg, France, City Tour
Saturday, November 15
Curious about the French Alsace region, the region
Louis XIV called “the beautiful garden”? Then you’ll
want to take this USO tour to Strasbourg, the capital of
Alsace. We’ll begin our day with a city tour, including
a visit to the beautiful Gothic cathedral that took about
400 years to build, and the famous La Petite France
section of the charming old city with its 16th and 17th
century timbered houses lining the Ill River. After
the city tour, you’ll have free time to try one of the
regional dishes, Flammkuchen, at one of the quaint
restaurants (not included), explore on your own, or
shop in the large department stores and numerous
11
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
shops. Don’t forget to bring euro for shopping and
lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of
the customer. Tour price includes transportation, city
tour, cathedral visit, and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0630
Return: Approximately 2100
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Mosel Dinner and Wine Tasting
Bernkastel-Kues City Orientation
Saturday, November 15
Join us on this popular tour that starts in the picturesque village of Bernkastel-Kues. Here you’ll
discover medieval half-timbered houses surrounded
by vineyards and dominated by the mighty 13th
century castle Landshut. After our city orientation,
you’ll have time for shopping, exploring, and a light
snack. But don’t eat too much because early in the
afternoon, we’ll take you to a family-owned Weingut
where you’ll be served a traditional German meal
of roast pork, turkey, or a vegetarian dish and given
a tour of the vineyard. The vintner will tell you all
about the production and characteristics of his wine
and entertain you with some fascinating local folklore,
as we taste 13 of his wines (including an Eiswein or
Beerenauslese—some of his best!). Also, the vintner
accepts VAT forms, dollars, euro, and credit cards for
the purchase of wine. Because of the extensive wine
tasting, this tour is not recommended for children
11 and under. Tour price includes transportation,
city orientation, dinner, wine tasting, and a USO
tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0800
Return: Approximately 1930
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Cologne City Tour
Saturday, November 15
With a history of almost 2000 years, Cologne (Köln)
is the one of the largest and oldest metropolitan cities
of Germany. You will be awestruck by the majestic
cathedral, one of the largest in Europe and the most
important landmark of Cologne. The physical appearance of modern Cologne belies its ancient heritage.
Allied bombing during World War II destroyed some
90 percent of the town; therefore, much of what you
see was rebuilt in the 1950s and 1960s. Our expert
guide will give you a tour of the city and relate to
you the history and sights of Cologne’s storied past
dating back to the first century B.C. when the Romans
founded Colonia Agrippensis. After our city tour,
you’ll have free time to stroll through the picturesque
old town, take a walk along the Rhine River, or try
a Kölsch (a light beer only made in Cologne). Don’t
forget that Cologne has fantastic shopping. The two
classical shopping streets known by all Cologne
visitors are the Hohe Strasse and the Schildergasse,
Germany’s first shopping streets only for pedestrians
12
and completely without traffic. The many shops and
two shopping malls offer clothing, shoes and jewelry,
and much more. Whatever you do, expect to spend an
unforgettable day full of exciting impressions. Bring
euro for meals and purchases. Tour price includes
transportation, city tour, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0630
Return: Approximately 2130
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
Learn to Ride the German Trains—
DB Orientation and Trip to Speyer
and Visit Sea Life, the Technical
Museum, or IMAX Movie
Saturday, November 15
Come with the USO on this great family outing and
learn all about German trains. Tour the Kaiserslautern
train station, receive an overview briefing on the rail
system, and take a trip to the city of Speyer and return.
Learn about the many specials the DB offers, for example: weekend tickets, family tickets, city specials,
and more. Speyer is a historic yet dynamic city near
the German Wine Road, and its history spans more
than 2000 years. Speyer’s beautiful Salian cathedral
is one of Germany’s outstanding landmarks. Almost
1,000 years old, the impressive cathedral is the final
resting place of eight German emperors and kings.
You’ll have time for lunch and some shopping before
we return via train to Kaiserslautern. There will be
sufficient time to visit one of the museums or IMAX
movies that is included in the tour price. The Sea
Life Aquarium Museum features the life of water
animals in simulated natural habitats—rivers, lakes,
and oceans. If you chose to visit the Speyer Technical Museum, you can see more than 3,000 exhibits
that include 70 aircraft, 20 locomotives, 50 vintage
cars, and 40 fire engines. You can climb the stairs
to enter a Boeing 747 and slide down the 54 meter
tube slide! If you are an IMAX movie fan, you can
watch one of the movies (in German). Bring euro for
shopping and lunch. Group size is limited so sign
up early. Also, traveling with large baby strollers on
German trains is not easy, especially if train transfers
are involved. Price includes train tickets, one museum
(Sea Life or Technical Museum) or IMAX entrance,
and a USO escort.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 1730
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
Bavarian Fairy Tale Castles—
Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein
Saturday, November 15
On this express tour, we’ll pursue the traces of Ludwig
II of Bavaria, the 19th century “Fairy Tale King” who
built the lavish castles that are among the greatest
tourist attractions in Germany. After a breakfast stop
(not included), we will tour Hohenschwangau where
Ludwig spent several years of his childhood and
where the ornate wall frescoes of Germanic legends
stimulated his romantic dreams and his love for the
Alps. He used the dramatic backdrop of this mountainous scenery for the castles Neuschwanstein and
Linderhof. In the afternoon, we visit Neuschwanstein,
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
King Ludwig‘s magnificent and most famous castle
built in the style of a medieval Camelot and the
model for Walt Disney‘s Cinderella castle. There
will be free time for lunch (not included) and some
souvenir shopping. We‘ll stop on our way home for
dinner (not included). Because of strenuous walking and an ambitious itinerary, this tour is not
stroller-friendly. Tour price includes transportation,
entrance fees to both castles, uphill transportation to
Neuschwanstein, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center, 0300
Return: Approximately 0100 (SUN)
Cost: $105 Adults, $95 Children
Tongeren Antique and Flea Market
Sunday, November 16
If you like antiques and the excitement of searching for
them then this is the tour for you. Known as the oldest
town in Belgium, Tongeren is also the home of Belgium’s
largest and most famous antique market. Held every
Sunday morning, this is a fantastic place for browsers
and shoppers. The merchants display their goods on the
Veemarkt along the Leopoldwal and within the entire
Eburon Hall. You’ll have plenty of time to have breakfast
at one of the local cafes before you hit the market where
everything from ordinary household goods to rare works
of art are on display. We’ll stay in town until early afternoon, so you’ll have plenty of time to bargain for your
purchases and have lunch before we start our trip back
home. Be sure to dress for the weather, wear comfortable
walking shoes, and bring euro (many vendors also take
U.S. dollars) for shopping and meals. We recommend
U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents
are the responsibility of the customer. Tour price includes
transportation and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 1830
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
German Baking Class
Christmas Cookies
Tuesday, November 18
Ever wondered how those wonderful German Christmas cookies are made? Well, now is your chance to
learn. During a three-hour session, you will learn how
to prepare a variety of popular German Christmas
cookies. We’ll taste what we create, but please bring
small containers to take home any leftovers, a coffee
cup, and your appetite. The USO will supply all the
ingredients. Classes are planned in advance and can
be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. Participation is limited so
sign up now for this special USO class. This class is
for adults only; please no children under 12. Each
Christmas cookie class in November and December
will feature different recipes.
Time: 0900-1200
Place: Vogelweh Chapel kitchen
Cost: $25
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
Paris Dinner, City Tour, and Evening
Boat Cruise
Saturday, November 22
Bonjour! Join us on this express trip to Paris—a city
of history, sights, and Oui, excitement! See such major
tourist attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Arch of Triumph, and much more as
we spend the day sightseeing with some free time for
lunch and shopping. We arrive mid-morning and start
out with a city tour where you’ll see those famous tourist attractions. After some free time, we go for a unique
dining experience; we’ll head over to the Latin Quarter
in the evening for an authentic five-course meal served
in a historic atmosphere. You’ll also marvel at the City
of Lights on an evening boat cruise on the Seine River.
Be sure to bring your camera because we make photo
stops whenever we can. Please bring euro for personal
expenses, i.e., shopping and lunch. We recommend U.S.
(blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are
the responsibility of the customer. Please, no children
under eight years old. Tour price includes transportation, city tour, dinner, boat ride, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 0430 (SUN)
Cost: $139
Munich City Tour
Dachau Concentration Camp
Saturday, November 22
Nestled in natural Bavarian settings, Munich is Deutschland at its picture-perfect best! Munich is Germany’s
third largest city and is the heart of German technology; but at the same time, its traditional local costumes,
music, dance, food, and festivals make Munich the stuff
of guidebook cliché. On our tour of the old-city, we’ll
see the beautiful Residenz, Marienhof, Frauenkirche,
Michaelskirche, Palace of Justice, the Viktualian Market,
and more. Then you’ll have free time to enjoy the city
on your own or eat at the world-famous Hofbräuhaus.
Perhaps you’ll want to do a bit of shopping or browse
about the lovely city on your own. We’ll also pay a
sobering visit to the first Nazi concentration camp in
Dachau. The camp stands today as a memorial to the
horrors endured during World War II. This tour is not
recommended for young children because of the
graphic nature involved with the Dachau portion of
the trip and because of the ambitious tour through
Munich. Bring euro for meals, and wear comfortable
shoes. Tour price includes transportation, Munich city
tour, entrance to Dachau, and USO tour guide.
to the area around, and in, the city of Bastogne. We’ll see
the actual battlefield sites and get briefings on the action
and personalities involved. A documentary about the
battle and a slideshow will be presented on the way. We
start our tour at the American Cemetery in Luxembourg
where 5 members of Easy Company and Gen Patton are
buried. From there we will travel to Diekirch to visit one
of the most complete museums dedicated to this pivotal
battle. Next we travel through Clervaux where the 110th
Infantry regimental commander was almost captured. We
will continue to follow the attack route of the 5th Panzer
Armee through what is known as the Bastogne corridor
toward Bastogne. You will be briefed on key aspects of
the battle along the route. Our first stop in Bastogne will is
the memorial dedicated to Easy Company at the site where
they first went into the front line on 20 Dec 1944. From here
we will visit the actual foxholes of Easy Company. Next
we will visit the Mardasson Memorial which is dedicated
to all the brave men who fought in the battle. The Landing
Eagle dedicated to the 101st Airborne by the city of Bastogne
is also located here. Our last stop is at the Bastogne Barracks where McAuliffe’s “NUTS” cave is located. We’ll
end the day in Bastogne with free time to sightsee, shop,
and for dinner. You will see McAuliffe square and have an
opportunity to see the memorial to General Patton and the
plaque dedicated to Renee Lemaire. You may also want
to visit the 101st Airborne museum which is only a few
minute walk from the town center. Please wear comfortable
walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, and open shoes are not
recommended. Don’t forget to bring euro for lunch, dinner
and souvenirs. More information about the tour is available
at WWW.BOBS-TOURS.COM. There will also be a
WiFi hard drive on the bus for you to download additional
information if you wish so remember to bring your mobile
device or laptop with you. WE WILL NOT STOP FOR
BREAKFAST OR LUNCH so please plan accordingly.
We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports.
Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer.
Tour price includes transportation, entrance fees, and an
experienced USO military history tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2130
Cost: $69
Lucerne, Switzerland, City Tour
Saturday, November 22
Saturday, November 22
Imagine sitting along the shores of a crystal clear lake,
drinking coffee, admiring distant snow-capped mountains.
This is Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.
Come with us and enjoy the mountain air, great shopping,
and Swiss hospitality. On the way to Switzerland, we’ll
stop for breakfast (not included). In beautiful Lucerne,
we’ll have a walking tour where we’ll see famous landmarks such as the Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest and
longest covered bridges in Europe. We’ll also have a
relaxing boat ride on the picturesque lake. On a clear day,
you can see the breathtaking Swiss Alps mountain range.
You will have free time to shop, sightsee, relax, and enjoy
lunch (not included). Please bring your U.S. (blue), Canadian, or EC passports (they are mandatory). You can use
euro, Swiss francs, and credit cards and ATMs are readily
available. This tour includes a lot of walking, so wear good
walking shoes; also, strollers and young children are not
recommended. Tour price includes transportation, city
tour, boat ride, and a USO tour guide.
It was the Band of Brothers, the Screaming Eagles, and
the incredible defense by thousands of cold, brave young
men. It was the Battle for Bastogne, part of the largest
battle in American military history. Our tour will take us
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 2330
Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0300
Return: Approximately 2300
Cost: $89
Military Heritage Tour—
Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge
The Band of Brothers
Kaiserslautern Kabel
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Brugge, Belgium
Saturday, November 22
Time has long stood still in medieval Brugge, a
romantic city that went to sleep in the Middle Ages,
leaving a perfectly preserved gem that is today among
the loveliest places in Europe. On our journey from
Germany through Belgium, we’ll make a short breakfast stop (not included). After arriving in Brugge, we
will tour the city, stroll through the lively markets,
and have an opportunity for lunch at one of the many
restaurants and cafes. Don’t pass up this opportunity
to visit a marvelous city that is often overlooked.
We’ll make a dinner stop (not included) en route
home. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility
of the customer. Tour price includes transportation,
city tour, and USO tour guide. This tour includes a
long bus ride, strenuous walking on cobblestone
streets, is not stroller friendly, therefore it is not
recommended for children under 6.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately midnight
Cost: $79 Adults, $75 Children
Bern, Switzerland
Onion Market
Monday, November 24
Don’t miss the famous Onion Market in Bern, the romantic capital of Switzerland. This unique market has
drawn people from all over Europe since 1860 who
come here to sample the wonderful tasty specialties
made with onions and cheese. This is a celebration of
the palate and of the changing seasons. A beautiful city
with its famous bear pit, clock tower, flowers, fountains, and quaint specialty shops, Bern is an unspoiled
jewel of medieval architecture. During a guided tour
through Bern’s old town, you’ll see the bear pit,
cathedral, Houses of Parliament, prison tower, and
famous Zyttglocken clock tower. You’ll have time to
shop for Swiss chocolate, cheeses, watches, and other
souvenirs on the six-kilometer long arched shopping
promenade, the largest in Europe. We will also visit
the famous Swiss Emmentaler Cheese Factory, where
the history of Emmentaler Swiss Cheese begins. Here,
you can see how the cheese is made and buy cheese
and other Swiss specialties U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports are required. Travel documents are
the responsibility of the customer. Please bring Swiss
franc for meals and souvenirs. Tour price includes
transportation, city tour, and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 2300
Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children
13
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
Thanksgiving Special—
Two Nights in London
Wednesday-Sunday, November 26-30
Sign up before October 20 and receive
a 5% discount.
Want to spend an extended weekend in London, but can’t figure out how to get there or where to stay? Then, let the USO
take you to London, bus transportation and hotel included, so
that you may experience the many delights the city can offer
you, without the hassle of planning it. Whether your interests
lie in museums, many of which are free, attractions such as
the London Eye or Madame Tussauds, historic buildings or
just enjoying the many facets of London culture, join the USO
for a long weekend and enjoy the UK’s capital city. This tour
includes a walking tour of the main attractions of the city
in the center of London, a chance to eat lunch at Leicester
Thanksgiving Weekend Special—
Berlin, Capital of Germany
Dresden, Florence of the Elbe
With Christmas Markets in Berlin
and Dresden
Wednesday-Sunday, November 26-30
Sign up before October 20 and receive
a 5% discount.
Come with the USO on this special trip to Berlin and
Dresden. Throughout the centuries, Berlin, former
divided city and beautifully refurbished capital of
Germany, has frequently been a focal point of major
historic events. During our stay in Berlin, we will take
you to the most popular sights that you have heard
about in the media and read about in history books: the
Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, Potsdamer
Platz, Unter den Linden, the Memorial Church, the
Berlin Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, Tempelhof
Airport, and the Kurfürstendamm shopping street,
and much more. We’ll depart Kaiserslautern late
Wednesday evening and arrive in Berlin early Thursday morning. After breakfast en route, we’ll begin
our sightseeing tour of this extraordinary city. We’ll
visit the House on Check Point Charlie Museum and
the Topography of Terror, and one of the remaining
stretches of the Berlin Wall. In the afternoon, we’ll
check into our centrally located four-star hotel. During our two days in Berlin, we’ll visit many historical
sites of the Prussian era, World War II, the Cold War,
and the modern day capital of Germany. But we’ll
also have time to take this opportunity to get into the
Christmas spirit and visit as many Christmas Markets
as we can, to include the large Christmas Market on
the former west side, surrounding the Kaiser Wilhelm
Memorial Church. Here you can visit Germany’s largest department store, the KaDeWe, and the Ku’damm
shopping street, which will be all decked out for the
holiday season. We’ll spend time Unter den Linden,
around the Alexander Platz, and the famous Museum
Island. You will have free time to visit the Pergamon
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Museum with the famous Ishtar Gates and Pergamon
Altar. If you choose, you can visit the Altes Museum
where you can admire the bust of Nefertiti. After checking out of our hotel on Saturday morning, we’ll leave
Berlin for Dresden, “the Florence of the Elbe.” Called
the “City of Art” and a “Baroque Treasure,” Dresden
is truly one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, a phoenix
that has emerged from the ashes of the World War II
firestorm. In the heart of the German state of Saxony,
it has regained its old-world atmosphere from the days
of August the Strong in the early 17th century. Stroll
along the Elbe River or view it from the Bruhlsche
Terrace, known as the “Balcony of Europe.” Wonder
at the Parade of Princes, a timeline of Saxon nobility
made of 25,000 Meissen porcelain tiles. The impressive Frauenkirche is just a stone’s throw away from the
Semper Opera House and the Zwinger, two more of
Dresden’s monumental treasures. We’ll have a walking
tour of the city and its major sights. During your free
time, you can visit one or more of the centrally located
museums: the Old Masters Gallery, home to Raphael’s
Sistine Madonna (with the two world famous angels)
the Porcelain Museum, the Armor Museum; and the
Salon of Math and Physics. You can have lunch in one
of Dresden’s famous vaulted cellars typical of Saxony,
or visit the world famous Strietzel Markt, one of the
oldest Christmas markets in Germany, dating back to
1434. The Strietzel Markt is named after the German
Christmas specialty the Christstollen, a specialty of
Dresden. Late afternoon, we’ll depart Dresden for our
return trip to Kaiserslautern. Tour price includes transportation, two overnights in a four-star hotel in Berlin,
breakfast en route and in hotel, city tours of Berlin and
Dresden, Checkpoint Charlie Museum entrance, Berlin
Cathedral entrance, Olympic Stadium Tower entrance,
and a USO Tour Guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2300 (WED)
Return: Approximately 0100 (MON)
Cost: $359 Adults, $349 Children
Single Supplement: $160 (must be paid at time
of booking and will be refunded if share basis is
possible)
Square after booking tickets for a West End theater show, and
a brief visit to Covent Garden, before checking into the hotel.
You’ll have a chance to tour the Tower of London (included)
and St Paul’s Cathedral (included), as well as have free time
for shopping and leisure. You will even be able to watch the
Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace during our
weekend in London. To enjoy the traditional culinary delight
of Fish and Chips and more, sign up for these two nights in a
spacious 5-star hotel, with spa, swimming pool and gym, in
the center of London, conveniently located to all attractions
including most of London’s hit theater shows in and around
the West End. Passports, US (blue), EC or Canadian, or travel
documents, are necessary, and are the responsibility of the
customer. Be sure to bring euro for purchases and food en
route, and British Pound Sterling for spending in the UK.
Price includes bus transportation, two nights in a 5-star hotel,
two full breakfasts, entry into the Tower of London and St
Paul’s Cathedral, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2100 (WED)
Return: Approximately 0400 (SUN)
Cost: $569 Adults, $559 Children when sharing
room with parent, per person (based on double occupancy). No optional tour expenses
Single Supplement: $200
14
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
Medieval Thanksgiving Dinner at
Cochem Castle
Thursday, November 27
Have a Thanksgiving you’ll never
forget—partake in a medieval feast
at Cochem Castle with the USO.
Step back into the age of royal courts
and experience how feudal lords, ladies, and knights
feasted. The USO will take you to a medieval banquet
where you’ll be entertained by minstrels while you eat.
Prior to the eatery, we’ll have a guided tour through the
1000-year-old Reichsburg (imperial castle) of Cochem
situated on an imposing hilltop with a commanding
view over the Mosel River. After the guided tour, you’ll
take part in an authentic medieval feast. The Lord of the
Manor will welcome you with a goblet of Mosel wine
and explain the medieval customs and table manners for
the feast. Servants and maids in period costumes serve
you lavishly and pass you a water basin in which to wash
your hands so that you can eat with your fingers. Bread
and lard make the rounds while a hot and spicy soup is
steaming in the cookery pot. Huge drumsticks are served
for the main course. Jesters in medieval outfits provide
entertainment and authentic music. The evening climaxes
with the traditional knighting ceremony. Even though you
may have traveled all over the world and eaten in the most
basic or most exclusive restaurants, this kind of feasting
will be an experience you’ll never forget. It is simply an
adventure that must be experienced. Go on a journey back
to the Middle Ages when the Lord of the Manor declared
to his servants and maids: Let the banquet begin! The walk
up to the castle is steep, so wear comfortable walking
shoes. Be sure to bring euro for drinks and souvenirs. Tour
price includes transportation, castle tour, dinner with two
drinks, and USO tour guide. This special dinner tour is
not recommended for children under 6.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1100
Return: Approximately 0030 (SUN)
Cost: $99
Valkenburg Caves Christmas Markets
Friday, November 28
This might be the Christmas market you will never forget.
Under the Castle of Valkenburg near Maastricht in the
Netherlands is the Velvet Cave, a labyrinth of passages
more than a thousand years old and rediscovered in 1937.
Once used as an escape route, the passages enabled the
knights and their warriors to secretly vanish from the castle
and attack the enemy from the back. During the German
occupation and World War II, the cave served as shelter for
Jewish people, locals, and American troops. Now, Christmas transforms this underground world with twinkling
lights, magic illumination, and music. You can shop at stalls
with quality Christmas gifts and watch demonstrations of
Old Dutch handicrafts. Visit the garden in the heart of the
cave to have a bite to eat and try the famous Glühwein
and marvel at the chapel and its many impressive mural
carvings, inscriptions, and sculptures. We recommend U.S.
(blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are
the responsibility of the customer. Strollers are not recommended. Note: The caves stay a constant 12° Celsius (53.6°
Fahrenheit) year-round. Tour price includes entrance to two
markets, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children
Brussels, Belgium, City Tour
Saturday, November 29
Brussels—one of Europe’s capitals and an international city with flair. A city bustling with activity,
beautiful shops, and a myriad of museums. That’s the
Brussels you’ll see as we start our day with a city tour,
during which you’ll see the beautiful main square, La
Grand’Place, the famous statue Manneken-Pis, and
much more. Next, you’ll have plenty of free time to
have lunch (try a famous Belgian waffle for dessert),
shop, explore the sights, or visit one of Brussels’ many
museums. Be sure to bring euro for lunch and shopping. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of
the customer. Comfortable shoes are recommended
for our walk through the cobblestone streets. Tour
price includes transportation, city tour, and a USO tour
guide. Due to strenuous walking on cobblestone
streets in crowded areas, this tour is not recommended for children under 6.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately midnight
Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Black Forest Cuckoo Clock Shopping
and Museum
Saturday, November 29
Join us on a visit to one of the most beautiful areas in
Germany—the Black Forest. On the way to Triberg, we’ll
stop at a traditional family-owned clock shop where the
owner still makes his own clocks. The shop carries a good
selection of original Black Forest clocks as well as other
local souvenirs. Upon arriving in Triberg, you’ll have time
for more shopping and lunch. If weather permits and it’s
opened, you can also visit Germany’s highest waterfall in
Triberg. Later in the afternoon, we’ll visit the local Triberg
museum, one of the nicest museums in the Black Forest.
Here, you can learn the history and story behind German
clocks, as well as see some ultra-modern time measuring
instruments, and other Black Forest traditions and customs.
The museum offers one of the best time measuring collections in Europe. If you are planning to buy a clock, please
don’t forget to bring VAT forms and check out the back
inside cover of this Kabel. Tour price includes transportation, museum entrance, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2030
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Bad Wimpfen and Ludwigsburg
Christmas Markets and Medieval
and Baroque Towns
Sunday, November 30
You don’t want to miss this Christmas tour to a medieval
and a baroque town that provide breathtaking backdrops
for their enchanting Christmas markets. We’ll begin
the day in Bad Wimpfen, an imperial town of great
importance throughout the Middle Ages. Experience the
town in its Christmas splendor as we step back in time
walking along the old town walls and through the gates,
towers, and winding streets lined with half-timbered
houses. Its famous “Blue Tower” dominates the town’s
skyline when viewed from the Neckar River Valley
below. The Christmas market in Bad Wimpfen is known
as the “Altdeutscher Weihnachts Markt” (Old German
Traditional Christmas Market). With its 160 booths,
the romantic atmosphere will invite you to try many of
the Christmas delicacies. Ever wanted to step back in
time to a Fairy Tale Christmas? If so, join us for a trip
to the Baroque Christmas Market in the Royal town of
Ludwigsburg. The town was built to service the adjacent
Ludwigsburg Palace in the early 1700s, and they have
both maintained their exquisite Baroque and Classical
appearance. This USO tour includes a tour around the
palace, with the chance to see a rare 1759 theatre with
original working machinery, and a leisurely afternoon
in the historic Baroque Christmas Market. You can also
wander around the Baroque Flower Gardens, get lost
around a 250-year-old maze, listen to traditional Fairy
Tales in the Fairy Garden, or visit Rapunzel’s Tower.
Your palace ticket also includes entry into four museums
within the palace complex. Take the opportunity to go
back in time and visit this traditional Christmas market,
but don’t forget to bring euro for food, souvenirs, and
presents from the Christmas market. Tour price includes
bus transportation, entrance ticket into the palace complex and gardens, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0830
Return: Approximately 2100
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
15
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
D E C E M B E R
NOTE: If this is your first pre-Christmas advent season in
Germany, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Even if you
have been here for a while, you may want to visit or revisit some of Germany’s most charming markets with the
USO. During “12 Days of Christmas,” we will visit some of
the area’s best Christmas markets by train. We are offering
several train orientations to nearby towns and cities known
for their special ambiance and Christmas spirit. Learn how
to ride the trains and have a beautiful outing at the same
time Here is a list of the markets we will visit by train during
the “12 Days of Christmas.”
Friday, December 5 – Heidelberg and Castle Market
Friday, December 5 – Landau and Deidesheim
Saturday, December 6- St. Wendel
Sunday, December 7 – Wissembourg and Neustadt
Wednesday, December 10 – Frankfurt am Main
Saturday, December 13 – Trier
Sunday, December 14 – Deidesheim and Freinsheim
Wednesday, December 17 – Mannheim and Ludwigshafen
Friday, December 19 – Mainz
Saturday, December 20 – Saarbrücken
Monday, December 22 – Heidelberg City
Friday, December 26 – Speyer
German Cooking Class
Christmas Festive Menu
Thursday, December 4
In this special cooking class, you can learn how to
prepare a festive German holiday menu. Come and
learn some of the special recipes so you can prepare
them on your own during this holiday season. You
will taste the dishes, so bring your appetite, and please
bring eating utensils, and enough small containers
to eat out of and to take home any leftovers. Menus
are planned in advance and can be viewed on the
Facebook group, KMC USO German Cooking and
Baking. USO will supply all the ingredients. Participation is limited so sign up now for this special USO
cooking class. Bring your camera if you would like
to take pictures. This class is for adults only; please,
no children under 12.
Time: 1800-2100
Place: Pulaski Chapel Kitchen Bldg. 2869
Cost: $25
DB Heidelberg Castle
Christmas Market
Friday, December 5
On this first day of our “Twelve Days of Christmas”
train tour series, we have chosen the perfect destination for you. Heidelberg is one of the most romantic
cities in Germany. Located on the Neckar River, this
university city with a population of 150,000 has a special aura—especially at Christmas time. What could
be more magical than visiting the Christmas markets
that are located in many of the squares throughout
the city in the shadows of the mighty castle ruins?
More than 140 booths are located along the mile-long
main street, or Hauptstrasse. We will extend our stay
in Heidelberg to visit the unique Christmas market
16
located around the majestic castle. Note: The walk
and tram ride to the castle is not stroller friendly. This
tour includes rail transportation, a train orientation, a
city tour, the ride up to the castle, and the entrance to
the castle courtyard (but will not include a tour of the
interior of the castle), and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 2000
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
DB Landau and Deidesheim
Christmas Markets
Friday, December 5
This special trip will take you to two of the nicest
Christmas markets in the southern Palatinate region.
Landau’s special artisans market is named after Thomas Nast, famous caricaturist who was born in Landau
in 1840. Although known as a political cartoonist,
some of his most famous sketches are his Christmas
drawings. The Deidesheim Christmas Market with
its romantic setting boast more than 100 booths and
is one of the most popular in the region. Our plan is
to arrive before the crowds. You’ll have time at both
Christmas markets to shop at the stands and taste some
of the specialties before we return home by train.
Price includes train tickets and a USO escort. Bring
euro for shopping and lunch. Group size is limited so
sign up early. Tour includes rail transportation, a train
orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 1130
Return: Approximately 2000
Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children
Paris Dinner, City Tour, and Evening
Boat Cruise
Saturday, December 6
Bonjour! Join us on this express trip to Paris—a city
of history, sights, and Oui, excitement! See such major
tourist attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Arch of Triumph, and much more as
we spend the day sightseeing with some free time for
lunch and shopping. We arrive mid-morning and start
out with a city tour where you’ll see those famous
tourist attractions. After some free time, we go for a
unique dining experience; we’ll head over to the Latin
Quarter in the evening for an authentic five-course
meal served in a historic atmosphere. You’ll also
marvel at the City of Lights on an evening boat cruise
on the Seine River. Be sure to bring your camera because we make photo stops whenever we can. Please
bring euro for personal expenses, i.e., shopping and
lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of
the customer. Please, no children under eight years
old. Tour price includes transportation, city tour, dinner, boat ride, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 0430 (SUN)
Cost: $139
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Nürnberg and Rothenburg
Christmas Markets
Saturday, December 6
Visit two of Germany’s most famous Christmas
markets on this tour. First, we’ll travel to Nürnberg
where Germany’s oldest and most popular Christmas
market takes place. The main marketplace with its
“Beautiful Fountain” and Our Lady’s Church provides
the picturesque setting for the Christmas Market that
will get you in the spirit with its gingerbread, delicious
sausage and wafts of Glühwein. A few blocks from the
market square, there is a famous Toy Museum. In the
afternoon on our return home, we’ll stop at Rothenburg, the “Gem from the Middle Ages.” Although this
is not the largest Christmas market in Germany, it is
one of the finest. You will have the chance to shop at
the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt stores and at the many
smaller booths selling Christmas wares and foods.
Bring good walking shoes and euro for shopping
and meals. Tour price includes transportation and
USO tour guide.
Transportation German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Bruchsal Palace and Maulbronn
Monastery
Christmas Market in the Monastery
Saturday, December 6
Schloß Bruchsal, built in 1719 as a residence for the
Prince Bishop of Speyer, is one of the finest pieces
of Baroque architecture in the area. Come along to
marvel at the beautiful exterior and then hold on to
your hats for the extravagant and luxurious interior.
The Bruchsal Palace is not as large, but it is certainly as beautiful as the Prince Bishop’s Residence
in Würzburg, which was also designed by the famous
baroque architect Balthasar Neumann. One wing of
the palace is dedicated to one of the world’s largest
mechanical musical instrument collections. After free
time for lunch and shopping in the town of Bruchsal,
we’ll drive to Maulbronn Monastery. More than 850
years old and founded by Cistercian monks, the Maulbronn Monastery is considered the best preserved
and most complete medieval monastery north of the
Alps. As one of the sites listed on UNESCO’s World
Heritage List, the Romanesque-Gothic architectural
style helped spread the Gothic influence in northern
Europe. This weekend, you’ll be able to experience
the wonderful Christmas market within the monastery
complex. NOTE: Tour includes walking up and down
three flights of stairs in the palace. Tour price includes
transportation, palace and monastery tours, entrance
to the Christmas market, and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0730
Return: Approximately 2100
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
Welcome to Kaiserslautern
Willkommen in Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern Christmas Market
Saturday, December 6
Are you new to the area and want to get to know what
the city of Kaiserslautern has to offer? Even if you are
not new, but haven’t had the opportunity to visit the
city on one of the military host nation orientation tours,
you can come with us on this monthly orientation tour.
Some generous local sponsors have made this program
possible, and they are proud to have you visit their city.
You will receive a historical overview of the city, hear
some of the local legends, as well as many practical tips
from our experienced guides. Learn some of the German
customs and have the opportunity to eat a typical German
lunch (not included). We will visit the city on market day
and we’ll introduce you to some of local produce and
products that you will be able to taste and purchase if
you would like. On this orientation tour, you’ll have the
opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas as the
city hosts its annual Christmas market. We recommend
you bring euro for lunch and shopping, and VAT forms
for your purchases. Join on this new and unique tour and
see what surprises we have in store for you.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0800
Depart: In front of Ramstein PAX Terminal (Bldg.
3333) 0830
Cost: Free but must sign up at one of our USO centers
Return: Approximately 1610 Ramstein, 1630
Vogelweh
DB St. Wendel Christmas Market
Saturday, December 6
Today we are going to visit one of the most popular
Christmas markets in our neighboring State of Saarland.
At St. Wendel’s Christmas Market, we’ll enter a magical
world of the sights and sounds of the advent season. St.
Wendel, a quaint town with a population of approximately 26,500, has been meticulously restored and provides
the ideal setting for its enchanting Christmas market.
The market, with 120 decorated booths, features a giant Christmas pyramid, a living crèche, and a medieval
Christmas market where craftsmen demonstrate their
trades. The historic town center with its beautiful basilica
dedicated to St. Wendelinus provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market, bringing back memories
of days gone by when tradesmen sold their wares around
the church during the advent season. Along the medieval
town wall, you’ll find a miniature village with 14 little
houses and 200 tiny figures going about their daily tasks.
A highlight each day is the procession of the three wise
men with their followers and live camels, followed by a
Christmas pageant. In the museum, nativity scenes from
all over the world will be on display. Our local guide will
show us some of the special sites in St. Wendel and give
us an historical overview of the town’s eventful past,
and even tie its history with that of the United States.
At the market, you can try some of the traditional local
specialties and some of the Glühwein (spiced wine)
before we return via train to Kaiserslautern. Tour price
includes rail transportation, train orientation, local guide,
and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
DB Wissembourg and Neustadt
Christmas Markets
An Evening at the Theater—
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”
Although it’s just across the German-French border
in the Alsatian region of France, a distinctive French
flair prevails in this town of Wissembourg. Its Christmas market will be nestled between the half-timbered
medieval houses perched along the Lauter River. We’ll
see the Church of St. Peter and Paul, the church of the
former abbey, which is the second largest gothic church
in the Alsace region (second only to Strasbourg). You
will have time to try a Flammkuchen or some of the
Vin Chaud (hot mulled wine) or other local specialties
before we return to Kaiserslautern. Since we will pass
the quaint German city of Neustadt on der Weinstrasse
along the way, we will hop off of the train and take in
its Christmas markets too. We recommend U.S. (blue),
EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the
responsibility of the customer. Tour price includes rail
transportation, train orientation, town orientation of
Wissembourg, and a USO tour guide.
Looking for a change from all those Christmas
videos you’ve lined up for the season? Make a new
Christmas memory with the USO and this special
evening in Saarbrücken. We’ll travel by deluxe motor
coach to Saarbrücken for an English language performance of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,”
the renowned story of Scrooge who is pursued in his
dreams by the spirits of Christmas Past, Christmas
Present, and Christmas Future. He witnesses the
touching Christmas celebration by his employee
Bob Crachit and Bob’s family before the spirit of
Christmas Future forces Scrooge to preview his own
imminent death—an event which changes his whole
outlook on life. We arrive prior to the show and have
time to visit the central market square “St. Johanner
Markt” that is decorated for Christmas. Numerous
little huts selling all sorts of Christmas items, ranging from original Christmas decorations through
tasty cakes and cookies to mulled wine, put you in a
jovial mood. The winding streets and cozy pubs and
restaurants clustering around the “St. Johanner Markt”
will enhance the festive atmosphere and invite you
to eat prior to the performance. Tour price includes
transportation, tickets, and USO escort.
Sunday, December 7
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0930
Return: Approximately 1800
Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children
Aachen at Christmas Time
Sunday, December 7
Are you looking for a different Christmas market to explore
this year? How about being one of the 1.5 million visitors
who visit the fabulous Christmas market each year in this
most important German city of the Middle Ages. Guests
from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United
Kingdom come to the old coronation city every year and
enjoy shopping for Christmas gifts or seasonal delicacies
while listening to festive Christmas carols. Strolling along
more than 120 stands decorated in magical lights and
colors, your family’s smaller or bigger Christmas wishes
may be fulfilled by a large selection of precious and unique
items. Step into the footsteps of the “Father of Europe”
Charlemagne who celebrated his first Christmas after
becoming King of the Franks here in Aachen, his favorite
residence. The oldest part of the magnificent Cathedral of
Aachen was built by Charlemagne and his remains are resting there in a golden shrine. During 600 years of German
history, more than 30 German kings were crowned in this
imperial cathedral that still houses Charlemagne’s marble
throne. Visit this first German UNESCO World Heritage
site or the equally grandiose Rathaus (city hall) where the
coronation guests feasted after the ceremonies. Speaking
of feasting, specialties waiting to be sampled include the
famous Aachener Printen, a type of ginger bread that has
been baked here for hundreds of years and comes in many
varieties, Domino Stones (a kind of Christmas petits four),
Spekulatius (a spiced short crust cookie), Marzipan, and
Reibekuchen (potato pancakes). Kids can enjoy a ride on
the carousel while the adults sip some mulled wine. If you
are still looking for that very exclusive Christmas gift, you
are in luck. The traditional stores are open on this special
Sunday afternoon as well. Make sure to bring plenty of
euro, credit cards, and VAT forms for shopping and food.
Note: This tour is not stroller friendly. Tour price includes
transportation, city orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2100
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
Monday, December 8
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1600
Return: Approximately 2330
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
German Baking Class
Christmas Cakes
Tuesday, December 9
Ever wondered how those wonderful German Christmas cakes are made? Well, now is your chance to
learn. During a three-hour session, you’ll learn how
to prepare some popular German Christmas baked
goods, in particular, the Christstollen. The most traditional of all German cakes, Stollen is a fruit cake made
with candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices, covered
with powdered sugar. We’ll taste what we create,
but please bring small containers to take home any
leftovers, a coffee cup, and your appetite. The USO
will supply all the ingredients. Menus are planned in
advance and can be viewed on the Facebook group,
KMC USO German Cooking and Baking. Participa-
17
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
tion is limited, so sign up now for this special USO
class. Class is demonstration only unless otherwise
indicated. Bring your camera if you want to take
pictures of these delicacies. This class is for adults
only; please no children under 12.
Time: 0900-1200
Place: Vogelweh Chapel Kitchen
Cost: $25
DB Frankfurt am Main
Christmas Market
Wednesday, December 10
We all know Frankfurt from our trips to the airport,
but the city center has so much more to experience.
Located on the Main River, Frankfurt’s impressive
postwar U.S.-style skyline has given the city its
nickname “Mainhattan.” Frankfurt has just about
anything a big city would offer—shopping, museums, and more. This time of year, Frankfurt will be
especially beautiful. The main Christmas market is set
up around the historic city center on the Römerberg
and around St. Paul’s Square. You are sure to get
some shopping done at the market or on the famous
“Zeil” or downtown shopping mile. The Frankfurt
Christmas Market is considered one of the most
popular in Germany. For those of you who want to
venture to the new Skyline Plaza and do some of your
Christmas shopping at a mall, our tour guide will point
you in that direction. The Skyline Plaza features 170
specialty stores and restaurants. There will be free
time for exploring the city and shopping, or to have
lunch on the famous “Fressgasse,” where you can try
one of the local specialties, Apfelwein (apple wine)
or Grüne Soße (green sauce) with potatoes. If you
are not keen on traditional German fare, the new mall
features a Chipotle Mexican Grill. Tour price includes
rail transportation, train orientation, city tour, and a
USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0830
Return: Approximately 1930
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
CentrO. Mall Christmas Market
Thursday, December 11
Shop till you drop on this tour to CentrO. Mall, the
largest mall in Europe, located in Oberhausen, north of
Düsseldorf. CentrO. Mall houses more than 200 stores
and boutiques and more than 20 restaurants, snack
bars, and pubs, with authentic Irish, Louisiana-style,
and Mexican foods. CentrO. Mall also has one of the
most magnificent Christmas markets of the Ruhr area.
More than 3,000,000 lights; 65,000 new Christmas
decorations, and more than 4,000 crystals sparkle
throughout the mall. Highlights of the Christmas
market are some 135 huts with international goods.
A glassblower- factory, CentrO-Winterworld with
toboggan-run and jet ski-run, one of the biggest pyramids from the “Erzgebirge,” distribution of presents
by the Coca-Cola Santa Claus, and a 20-meter tall
Christmas tree with more than 50,000 lights. Tour
price includes transportation and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
18
German Cooking Class
Special Hands-On Class
Parents and Children
Festive Finger Foods
Thursday, December 11
In this special cooking class, you can learn how to
prepare some popular German finger foods and party
treats for your New Year’s Eve or tailgate party. Come
and learn some of the special recipes so you can prepare them on your own. You will taste the dishes, so
bring your appetite, and please bring eating utensils,
and enough small containers to eat out of and to
take home any leftovers. If you have a favorite paring
knife, bring that too. Menus are planned in advance
and can be viewed on the Facebook group, KMC USO
German Cooking and Baking. USO will supply all the
ingredients. Participation is limited so sign up now for
this special USO cooking class. Bring your camera if
you would like to take pictures. Participation is limited
so enroll you and your child now. Reminder: minimum age 5 years old and a maximum of two children
per adult. This class is absolutely FREE for one or
two parents and up to two children per family. Until
November 30 priority will be given to families with
a deployed military member or a military member
who has returned from deployment in the last three
months (October, November, or December). A copy
of the orders of the deployed parent must be presented
at the time of sign up. We will keep a waiting list
for families who are interested but do not meet the
deployment criteria. Waiting list customers will be
contacted beginning December 1.
Time: 1800-2100
Place: Pulaski Chapel Kitchen, Bldg.2869
Cost: FREE
DB Trier Christmas Market
Saturday, December 13
Our Christmas market tours would not be complete
without a visit one of the area’s nicest Christmas
markets in the fantastic city of Trier. Besides the
Christmas market with its 95 booths, this city of
more than 100,000 inhabitants has great shopping
opportunities. If you have finished all your Christmas
shopping, you can spend some time sightseeing. Trier
boasts a fantastic collection of Roman excavations.
You’ll see sights such as the Porta Nigra and the Roman Baths. Along with the Roman ruins, you will also
see the medieval architecture in the popular pedestrian
walkway area. After our guide introduces you to the
city, you’ll have plenty of free time for lunch, visiting
the Christmas market, or exploring the area on your
own before we board our late afternoon train back to
Kaiserslautern. Tour price includes rail transportation,
train orientation, city tour, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
cialty shops, Bern is an unspoiled jewel of medieval
architecture. During a guided tour through Bern’s old
town, you’ll see the bear garden, cathedral, Houses
of Parliament, prison tower, and famous Zyttglocken
clock tower. You’ll have time to shop for Swiss
chocolate, cheeses, watches, and other souvenirs on
the six-kilometer long arched shopping promenade,
the largest in Europe, or at the Christmas market. We
will also visit the famous Swiss Emmentaler Cheese
Factory, where the history of Emmentaler Swiss
Cheese begins. Here, we’ll have a guided tour where
you’ll see how the cheese is made, visit the Huntsman Lodge and curing chambers, and have a tasting
of several different cheeses. He can also buy cheese
and other Swiss specialties. U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports are required. Travel documents are
the responsibility of the customer. Please bring Swiss
franc for meals and souvenirs. Tour price includes
transportation, city tour, tour of the cheese factory,
and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 2330
Cost: $89 Adults, $79 Children
Military Heritage Tour—
Bastogne Historic Walk
Saturday, December 13
Join us on this special tour for the 35th Annual Bastogne December Historic Walk. This year’s walk will
be in the area where the 101st Airborne/502nd PIR and
the 436th Field Artillery Battalion defended Bastonge
in the area to the northwest of the city. You will have
a choice of a 7, 13, and 22 km walk. We will sign up
and depart from the Sport Center in Bastogne. The
fee for the walk includes a certificate of participation,
a free hot drink along the longer routes, a map of the
route, a historical booklet, and a souvenir patch. After
the walk, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at
the McAuliffe and Patton memorials. There will also
be a ceremonial throwing of nuts at the city hall. The
routes usually converge in Bastogne near the 101st
Airborne Command Post—the “Nuts Cave”—so
don’t miss the opportunity to visit. Remember to wear
comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather.
We will not stop for breakfast on the way and if you
walk the longer routes there is no place for lunch
so plan accordingly. You will have time for dinner
in Bastogne before we return. Please bring euro for
dinner and souvenirs. There will be several opportunities to buy World War II memorabilia all around the
city. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility
of the customer. Tour price includes transportation,
participation fee, and an experienced USO military
history tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0500
Return: Approximately 2130
Cost: $69
Bern, Switzerland
Bad Wimpfen, Michelstadt, and Erbach
Christmas Markets and Medieval Towns
Visit Bern, the romantic capital of Switzerland, and
witness a true winter wonderland. A beautiful city
with its famous clock tower, fountains, and quaint spe-
You don’t want to miss this Christmas tour to three
medieval towns that provide breathtaking backdrops
for their enchanting Christmas markets. We’ll begin
Saturday, December 13
Saturday, December 13
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
the day in Bad Wimpfen, an imperial town of great
importance throughout the Middle Ages. Experience
the town in its Christmas splendor as we step back in
time walking along the old town walls and through
the gates, towers, and winding streets lined with halftimbered houses. Its famous “Blue Tower” dominates
the town’s skyline when viewed from the Neckar
River Valley below. The Christmas market in Bad
Wimpfen is known as the “Altdeutscher Weihnachts
Markt” (Old German Traditional Christmas Market).
With its 160 booths, the romantic atmosphere will
invite you to try many of the Christmas delicacies. The
Christmas markets in Michelstadt and Erbach are not
quite as large (70 booths) and both provide wonderful
settings. The Market Square of Michelstadt with its
15th century city hall is one of the most photographed
sites in Germany. The Baroque Palace of Erbach and
its adjoining medieval town are the ideal backdrops for
the seasonal festivities. In Michelstadt, you can visit
the crafts market in the old castle. You will find many
reminders of the once important trade of this region of
the Odenwald—ivory carving. Whether you are coming
along to work on your Christmas shopping list, collect
a few more Christmas mugs, take plenty of pictures, or
learn about the history of these charming towns, you
won’t be disappointed. Tour price include bus transportation, town orientations, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0830
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
Amsterdam City Tour
Saturday, December 13
Explore exciting, beautiful Holland with the USO. We
arrive in the Netherlands early morning for breakfast
(included). After breakfast, we’ll visit a wooden-shoe
maker and cheese farm where you can see how shoes
and cheese are made. You can also sample and buy
some of the cheese products, as well as shoes and
other souvenirs. We’ll then have an orientation of
downtown Amsterdam. From the Dam Square, you’ll
be able to visit Anne Frank’s House, the famous Red
Light District, the Royal Palace, or some of the many
other downtown sights, museums, and shops. After the
city orientation, you’ll have the afternoon to spend in
this fascinating city. When ordering tickets, indicate
the 1-3 p.m. time slot. We recommend U.S. (blue),
EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the
responsibility of the customer. Please bring euro. Dinner stop will be in Germany (not included). Tour price
includes transportation, breakfast, shoe maker and
cheese farm, city orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Those wishing to visit the Anne Frank House can
reserve tickets in advance at http://www.annefrank.
org/content.asp?PID=754&LID=2.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0130
Return: Approximately 0100 (SUN)
Cost: $99 Adults, $89 Children
DB Freinsheim and Deidesheim
Christmas Markets
Sunday, December 14
This special trip will take you to two of the nicest
Christmas markets in the southern Palatinate. The
Deidesheim Christmas Market with more than 100
Kaiserslautern Kabel
booths is one of the most popular in the region, and we
plan to arrive before the crowds. From Deidesheim,
we’ll travel to Freinsheim, a completely walled city,
located on the German Wine Road. Here you’ll have
the opportunity to taste more of the regional specialties and try the Glühwein made from the local wines.
One of the highlights of the Freinsheim Christmas
Market is a living nativity scene and a pageant in
the local dialect. You’ll have time at both Christmas
markets to shop for unique crafts and as well as enjoy
the atmosphere of this special season. Bring euro for
shopping and lunch. Group size is limited so sign up
early. Tour price includes rail transportation, train
orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 1130
Return: Approximately 2000
Cost: Adults $29, Children $25
DB Mannheim and Ludwigshafen
Christmas Markets
Wednesday, December 17
On this special tour in our Christmas market series,
we’ll take you to two very special destinations.
Mannheim is a university city located on the Rhine
River with a cosmopolitan flair and great shopping
opportunities. Its wonderful main Christmas market
with more than 200 booths circles the city’s famous
landmark, the water tower, or Wasserturm. Another
smaller special market featuring 70 booths is located
on the Kapuziner Planken near the main shopping
street, the Planken. You’ll have time for lunch, exploring the markets, and some shopping before we head
to Ludwigshafen’s Rhein-Galerie, a 323,000-squarefoot mall on the site of the former customs port on
the Rhine. After spending some time at the mall or at
Ludwigshafen’s Christmas Market, we return via train
to Kaiserslautern. Tour price includes rail transportation, train orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0830
Return: Approximately 1830
Cost: $29 Adults $25 Children
Paris—City of Lights and
Christmas Markets
Wednesday, December 17
During the holiday season, Paris truly lives up to its
name as the “City of Lights.” Join us on this midweek tour to enjoy the atmosphere of a big city at
Christmas. Experience the magical Christmas markets
of Paris, which are some of the most beautiful in the
world. We’ll visit at least two markets and perhaps
even more. See Paris as you never have before. The
windows of two main department stores will be decorated by no less than the most famous designers of the
world. This year, the windows of Printemps have been
designed by Burberry, and will tell the story of the
“Magical Journey” of a young boy and his teddy bear.
During our day in Paris, maybe you’ll find those last
minute special Christmas gifts—whether at one of the
markets, a museum store, or on the famous Champs
Elysees. Of course, churches are especially beautiful
during the advent season, and you’ll have the opportunity to admire the traditional nativity scene in the
cathedral of Notre Dame. We won’t miss out on the famous sites. During our windshield tours, we’ll see the
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
most famous landmarks and neighborhoods that are
decked out in their finest. We will make photo stops
whenever we can. Please bring euro for shopping and
meals. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility
of the customer. Tour price includes transportation,
breakfast, city tour, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0230
Return: Approximately 0100 (THU)
Cost: $99 Adults, $95 Children
DB Mainz Christmas Market
Friday, December 19
On today’s Christmas market tour, we’ll travel to
Mainz, a bustling capital city located at the confluence
of the Rhein and the Main rivers. The state capital of
Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz is rich in history; it was
once a Roman headquarters for the upper German
territories, and home to church and political leaders
over the centuries. Its Christmas market also has a
longstanding tradition; more than 200 years ago,
Mainz had its first Nicolaus market. The Christmas
market is situated on the historical market square
immediately in front of the mighty cathedral and the
museum dedicated to the famous son of the city—Johannes Gutenberg. You’ll have free time for lunch and
shopping in some of the unique stores in the close
proximity of the cathedral, or even visit a museum
or two. Tour price includes train transportation, train
orientation, city orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0830
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
Valkenburg Caves Christmas
Markets
Saturday, December 20
This might be the Christmas market you will never
forget. Under the Castle of Valkenburg near Maastricht in the Netherlands is the Velvet Cave, a labyrinth of passages more than a thousand years old and
rediscovered in 1937. Once used as an escape route,
the passages enabled the knights and their warriors to
secretly vanish from the castle and attack the enemy
from the back. During the German occupation and
World War II, the cave served as shelter for Jewish
people, locals, and American troops. Now, Christmas
transforms this underground world with twinkling
lights, magic illumination, and music. You can shop
at stalls with quality Christmas gifts and watch demonstrations of Old Dutch handicrafts. Visit the garden
in the heart of the cave to have a bite to eat and try
the famous Glühwein and marvel at the chapel and
its many impressive mural carvings, inscriptions, and
sculptures. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of the customer. Strollers are not recommended.
Note: The caves stay a constant 12° Celsius (53.6°
Fahrenheit) year-round. Tour price includes entrance
to two markets, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0700
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children
19
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Salzburg, Austria
Christmas Markets
Nürnberg and Rothenburg
Christmas Markets
DB Saarbrücken
Christmas Market
Experience the magic and beauty of Salzburg, one of
Austria’s most beautiful towns. Salzburg has all the
character of a capital city—grandeur, culture, and a
fascinating history—in the setting of a small town
in the mountains. The city is majestically beautiful, arranged around the banks of the river Salzach,
squeezed between two cliff outcrops, and surrounded
by Alpine peaks. The old city center bursts with
historic sights from the remnants of the Roman city,
Juvavum, to the churches, palaces, and squares built
during Salzburg’s thousand-years under the powerful prince-archbishops. Towering over the city is the
medieval fortress of Hohensalzburg, a symbol of the
powerful politics and religion that ruled the town.
Mozart’s hometown is lively year-round, but few cities can rival its festivities during the Christmas season.
Beautiful Cathedral Square, the traditional stalls, the
stars overhead and the quality of the products charm
visitors year after year. You’ll be enchanted by traditional craftsmanship, delicious Christmas cookies,
aromatic tree ornaments, and many arts and crafts
of the season. Performances by traditional Salzburg
choirs and children’s groups from Salzburg schools
are a magnet for visitors year after year. Whether it’s
the market in the courtyard of the mighty fortress or
one of the many market squares, you’ll find wonderful
surprises everywhere. Remember to bring your U.S.
(blue), EC, or Canadian passport (they are mandatory). Tour price includes transportation, breakfast,
and a USO tour guide.
Visit two of Germany’s most famous Christmas
markets on this tour. First, we’ll travel to Nürnberg
where Germany’s oldest and most popular Christmas
market takes place. The main marketplace with its
“Beautiful Fountain” and Our Lady’s Church provides
the picturesque setting for the Christmas Market that
will get you in the spirit with its gingerbread, delicious
sausage and wafts of Glühwein. A few blocks from the
market square, there is a famous Toy Museum. In the
afternoon on our return home, we’ll stop at Rothenburg, the “Gem from the Middle Ages.” Although this
is not the largest Christmas market in Germany, it is
one of the finest. You will have the chance to shop at
the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt stores and at the many
smaller booths selling Christmas wares and foods.
Bring good walking shoes and euro for shopping
and meals. Tour price includes transportation and
USO tour guide.
On this special USO tour, we’re going to visit Saarbrücken, the capital of our neighboring state of Saarland.
A dynamic university city with a population of 180,000,
Saarbrücken has some of the best shopping in the area.
It is very close to France, and Saarbrücken’s downtown
area and Christmas market reflect the moods of the
French “savoir vivre” and classic German Christmas
tradition. You’ll have time to visit the Europa Galerie,
Saarbrücken’s elegant shopping mall. With its 110 shops,
the mall is located at the beginning of Saarland’s longest
pedestrian shopping zone, and it boasts a Primark and
a TK Maxx, large clothing and accessory stores. Of
course, you’ll have time to enjoy the sights and sounds
of Saarbrücken’s festive Christmas market, with more
than 80 stands where you can try some of the local
specialties and even some Glühwein. We’ll stay at the
market around the old town square until 1700, so we
can witness the aerial arrival of Santa via sleigh. If
you want to visit some of the historical sites, below the
palace are underground passages that were once part of
the medieval castle and were essential to Saarbrücken’s
defense for more than 500 years. Bring euro for shopping
and food. Some stores accept VAT forms. Strollers are
not recommended. Group size is limited so sign up early.
Tour price includes train transportation, train orientation,
city orientation, and a USO tour guide.
Saturday, December 20
Saturday, December 20
Transportation German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0900
Return: Approximately 1900
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0100
Return: Approximately 0130 (SUN)
Cost: $99 Adults, $89 Children
Paris Dinner, City Tour, and Evening
Boat Cruise
Saturday, December 20
Cologne Christmas Market
Saturday, December 20
Saturday, December 20
Bonjour! Join us on this express trip to Paris—a city
of history, sights, and Oui, excitement! See such major
tourist attractions as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame
Cathedral, the Arch of Triumph, and much more as
we spend the day sightseeing with some free time for
lunch and shopping. We arrive mid-morning and start
out with a city tour where you’ll see those famous
tourist attractions. After some free time, we go for a
unique dining experience; we’ll head over to the Latin
Quarter in the evening for an authentic five-course
meal served in a historic atmosphere. You’ll also
marvel at the City of Lights on an evening boat cruise
on the Seine River. Be sure to bring your camera because we make photo stops whenever we can. Please
bring euro for personal expenses, i.e., shopping and
lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility of
the customer. Please, no children under eight years
old. Tour price includes transportation, city tour, dinner, boat ride, and a USO tour guide.
Enjoy the enticing smell of hot-spiced wine, roasted
chestnuts, and gingerbread at the Cologne Christmas
markets. There are five different markets taking place
all within walking distance of each other. The markets
are a mass of color and smells, incredible decorations,
candles, lights, great food and drink, and Christmas
carol singers. The traffic-free streets make a perfect
setting for the Christmas markets, and on this tour, you
can combine your shopping with a little sightseeing.
The magnificent cathedral, the Old Town Hall, and
the broad River Rhine flowing through the city will
entice you. Come and join the fun. Price includes
transportation and USO tour guide.
Bamberg—City of Bishops and Beer
Bamberger Krippenweg (Nativity
Scene Trail) and Medieval Christmas
Market
Saturday, December 20
This Christmas, the USO has arranged a special tour for
you: a tour to Bamberg, the city of bishops and beer. Every
year during advent, Bamberg features a “Krippenweg”—a
trail leading from nativity scene to nativity scene in more
than 30 locations throughout the city. The magnificent
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0630
Return: Approximately 2200
Cost: $59 Adults, $49 Children
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0400
Return: Approximately 0430 (SUN)
Cost: $139
20
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
Imperial Cathedral, neighborhood parish churches, as
well as museums open their doors for visitors to see this
beautiful and unique collection of crèches. The trail,
which leads you over the city’s seven hills, has been a city
tradition for over 20 years, but has historical roots dating
back 400 years, when the Jesuits set up the first nativity
scene in Bamberg. Experience this wonderful Christmas
tradition, and see the nativity scenes displayed in the same
churches that house some of the world’s most impressive
works of art by medieval, renaissance, and baroque artists
and sculptors. A special addition this weekend is a medieval Christmas market in the courtyard of the old palace.
Bamberg’s history reaches back as far as 902, but it was
raised to the status of a Bishopric in 1007 under Emperor
Heinrich II. For a short time, Bamberg was even the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. In the 17th century, the
most renowned architects of their day made their lasting
impression on Bamberg, changing it into an unmistakably baroque city. Escaping substantial damage during
the wars, Bamberg is blessed with the largest intact Old
Town in Germany, which since 1993 has been a UNESCO
World Cultural Heritage Site. Bamberg’s old town hall,
perched on an island in the middle of the Regnitz River,
is surrounded by the tanners’ houses along the old canal, the millers’ quarter, and the fishermen’s settlement
known as Little Venice, and are all guaranteed to provide
exceptional photo opportunities. During your free time,
you can explore Bamberg’s old town with its interesting
pubs and stores, which include over 20 antique dealers.
Beer brewing in Bamberg began over 900 hundred years
ago in the monasteries, and by the 12th century Bamberg
was producing beer to send off to far-off countries as a
valuable export. Try some of Bamberg’s world renowned
“Rauch Bier” or smoked beer brewed at one of Bamberg’s
nine remaining breweries (there were still 65 breweries in
1818), or try some Glühwein (mulled wine) at the local
Christmas market. After free time for lunch and shopping, we will visit more of the sites along the Nativity
Trail, before returning to Kaiserslautern. Tour includes
transportation, city tour, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0600
Return: Approximately 2300
Cost: $69 Adults, $59 Children
DB Heidelberg Christmas Market
Monday, December 22
Heidelberg is one of the most romantic cities in Germany. Located on the Neckar River, this university
city with a population of 150,000 has a special aura,
especially at Christmas time. What could be more
magical than visiting the Christmas markets that are
located in many of the squares throughout the city in
the shadows of the mighty castle ruins? More than 140
booths are located along the mile-long main street, or
Hauptstrasse. If you haven’t finished your Christmas
shopping, this is the tour for you. Heidelberg’s shopping mile is abundant with specialty stores, souvenir
stores, and department stores galore. Note: This tour
does not include a visit to the castle, but you may visit
the castle courtyard during your free time. The train
ride and ride to the castle are not stroller friendly. This
tour includes rail transportation, a train orientation, a
city tour, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 1830
Cost: $29 Adults, $25 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
DB Speyer and Visit to Sealife,
Technical Museum or IMAX Movie
Christmas and New Year Market
Friday December 26
Come with the USO on this great family outing and
learn all about German trains. Tour the Kaiserslautern
train station, receive an overview briefing on the rail
system, and take a trip to the city of Speyer and return.
Learn about the many specials the DB offers, for example: weekend tickets, family tickets, city specials,
and more. Speyer is a historic yet dynamic city near
the German Wine Road, and its history spans more
than 2000 years. Speyer’s beautiful Salian cathedral
is one of Germany’s outstanding landmarks. Almost
1,000 years old, the impressive cathedral is the final
resting place of eight German emperors and kings.
The Speyer Christmas and New Year’s Market will
still be in place and the city will be decorated with a
festive flair. There will be sufficient time to visit one
of the museums or IMAX movies that is included
in the tour price. The Sea Life Aquarium Museum
features the life of water animals in simulated natural habitats—rivers, lakes, and oceans. If you chose
to visit the Speyer Technical Museum, you can see
more than 3,000 exhibits that include 70 aircraft, 20
locomotives, 50 vintage cars, and 40 fire engines. If
you are an IMAX movie fan, you can watch one of
the movies (in German). Bring euro for shopping and
lunch. Group size is limited so sign up early. Also,
traveling with large baby strollers on German trains
is not easy, especially if train transfers are involved.
Price includes train tickets, one museum (Sea Life or
Technical Museum) or IMAX entrance, city orientation and a USO escort.
Transportation: German train
Depart: Meet at Kaiserslautern HBF main lobby 0800
Return: Approximately 1730
Cost: $35 Adults, $29 Children
After Christmas Special—
Black Forest Winter Wonderland at
the Waterfall
Saturday, December 27
Between Christmas and New Years, Germany’s
largest waterfall in Triberg becomes the center of a
spectacular light show. The ocean of lights surrounding the waterfalls with its 750,000 lights is one of
the most spectacular Christmas shows in Germany.
Upon arrival, you’ll be able to enjoy music on two
stages, local crafts, foods, and of course the traditional Glühwein. Enjoy a stroll through the city to
the sound of live music and watch craftsmen exhibit
the traditional art of wood carving and clock painting.
You will of course have the opportunity to shop for
cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest crafts. In the
evening, the waterfall turns into a spectacular show of
lights and performers, creating a magical illumination
you’ll never forget. Please wear warm clothing, the
events take place outdoors. Bring euro for meals and
personal expenses. Also, most of the shops take VAT
forms. Tour price includes transportation, waterfall
entrance, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1200
Return: Approximately 0130 (SUN)
Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Paris City Tour
Saturday, December 27
Bonjour! We invite you to join us on this express trip
to Paris—a city of history, sights, romance, and Oui,
such excitement! See such major tourist attractions as
the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arch of
Triumph, and much more as we spend the day sightseeing and shopping, with plenty of time to investigate
the fine French cuisine. The city will still be adorned
in its festive lights and decorations, and some of the
Christmas markets will still be opened. Be sure to bring
your camera because we make photo stops whenever
we can. This tour offers sufficient time for those customers who want to go up the Eiffel Tower (entrance
fee not included). Please bring euro for shopping and
lunch. We recommend U.S. (blue), EC, or Canadian
passports. Travel documents are the responsibility
of the customer. Tour price includes transportation,
breakfast, city tour, and USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0200
Return: Approximately 0100 (SUN)
Cost: $99 Adults, $95 Children
New Year’s Special—
Two Overnights in Berlin
Monday-Thursday, Dec. 29-Jan. 1
Sign up before November 20 and receive
a 5% discount.
Ring in 2015 at one of the largest New Year’s Eve
celebrations in the world! Our centrally located hotel
will be in walking distance of the party street around
the Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate. Berlin, the
former divided city, and beautifully refurbished capital
of Germany beckons to you to come with the USO on
this special weekend. Throughout the centuries, Berlin
has frequently been the focal point of historic events.
During our two days in Berlin, you’ll have guided tours
to the most popular sights that you have heard about
in the media and in history books: the Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Parliament Building, Potsdamer Platz, Unter den Linden, the Memorial Church,
Tempelhof Airport, and the Kurfürstendamm shopping
street. We’ll depart Kaiserslautern late Monday evening
and will arrive in Berlin early Tuesday morning. After
breakfast en route, we’ll begin our sightseeing tour
of this extraordinary city. We’ll visit the Checkpoint
Charlie Museum and the Topography of Terror. We’ll
have free time for shopping and sightseeing on the
former west side of Berlin, where you can visit one of
Germany’s largest department stores and zoos. In the
evening, we will take you to the center of the former
east Berlin, Alexander Platz, near Berlin’s Old Town,
the Nikolai Quarter, and the trendy Hackesche Höfe.
Of course, there will be free time to visit some of the
fascinating museums or do some individual exploration
of this remarkable city for those who want to venture
out on their own. Tour price includes transportation,
two overnights in a centrally located hotel, breakfast
en route and in hotel, city tour, Checkpoint Charlie
Museum entrance, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2300 (MON)
Return: Approximately 2200 (THU)
Cost: $489 Adults, $479 Children (based on double
occupancy)
Single Supplement: $150 (Must be paid at time of booking and will be refunded if share basis is possible)
21
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
New Year’s Special—
Prague Three Overnights
in a Downtown Hotel
Sunday-Thursday, December 28-January 1
Sign up before November 20 and receive
a 5% discount.
Spend this New Year’s in one of Europe’s most fascinating cities—Prague. We’ll arrive in the city early
Monday morning and drive to our downtown hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel (included), we’ll start our
city tour. Prague has been called Europe’s golden city.
It’s a city filled with history, art and culture, a city
of contrast and mystery. On the guided tour, you’ll
see such sights as the Powder Tower, the old Town
Square, and the Charles Bridge. You’ll also have
plenty of time for shopping, sightseeing, exploring
the Jewish Quarter, or you may want to participate in
one of the many tours offered by local experts—for
instance, literary tours, architectural tours, the castle
tour, ghost tour, and more. The next day, we’ll visit
the Castle District—an entire town within itself on a
hill overlooking the city—for a guided tour. You’ll
have plenty of free time to explore on your own or
just rest up for the evening. That evening, we’ll have
dinner (included) complete with entertainment, at one
of the local Czech locales. The next day, you’ll have
free time to explore the city, visit the Jewish Cemetery,
shop, and prepare yourself for the evening fireworks
and celebrations that will be taking place throughout
the town. Our hotel is located in the center of town,
so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ring in the
New Year. After breakfast Thursday morning, we’ll
depart Prague for home with a early afternoon dinner
stop. Please bring your U.S. (blue) or EC passports.
They are mandatory. Non-U.S. citizens should check
with their consulate for visa requirements. Tour price
22
includes transportation, three overnights in a comfortable 4-star hotel in downtown center, breakfast each
morning, one dinner with entertainment, city and
castle tour in Prague, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 2330 (SUN)
Return: Approximately 2000 (THU)
Cost: $649 Adults (per person based on double
occupancy) $639 Children
Single Supplement: $240
After Christmas Special—
Black Forest Winter Wonderland at
the Waterfall
Monday, December 29
Between Christmas and New Years, Germany’s
largest waterfall in Triberg becomes the center of a
spectacular light show. The ocean of lights surrounding the waterfalls with its 750,000 lights is one of
the most spectacular Christmas shows in Germany.
Upon arrival, you’ll be able to enjoy music on two
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
stages, local crafts, foods, and of course the traditional Glühwein. Enjoy a stroll through the city to
the sound of live music and watch craftsmen exhibit
the traditional art of wood carving and clock painting.
You will of course have the opportunity to shop for
cuckoo clocks and other Black Forest crafts. In the
evening, the waterfall turns into a spectacular show of
lights and performers creating a magical illumination
you’ll never forget. Please wear warm clothing, the
events take place outdoors. Bring euro for meals and
personal expenses. Also, most of the shops take VAT
forms. Tour price includes transportation, waterfall
entrance, and a USO tour guide.
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 1200
Return: Approximately 0130 (TUE)
Cost: $79 Adults, $69 Children
Kaiserslautern Kabel
USO TOURS, CLASSES & ORIENTATIONS
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Willkommen! Welcome!
Welcome to Kaiserslautern
Willkommen in Kaiserslautern
Kaiserslautern Kerwe Fall Festival
Tuesday, November 11
Are you new to the area and want to get to know what
the city of Kaiserslautern has to offer? Even if you
are not new, but haven’t had the opportunity to visit
the city on one of the military host nation orientation
tours, you can come with us on this monthly orientation tour. Some generous local sponsors have made
this program possible, and they are proud to have you
visit their city. You will receive a historical overview of
the city, hear some of the local legends, as well as many
practical tips from our experienced guides. Learn
some of the German customs and have the opportunity to eat a typical German lunch (not included). We
will visit the city on market day and we’ll introduce
you to some of local produce and products that you
will be able to taste and purchase if you would like.
We recommend you bring euro for lunch and shopping, and VAT forms for your purchases. Depending on the season, we will participate in some of the
local events for example: the Christmas market, the
fall pumpkin displays at the Garden Show and much
more. Join on this new and unique tour and see what
surprises we have in store for you.
And, by the way, the tour is free, thanks to our local sponsors.
Tuesday, November 11
U.S. Holiday
Tuesday is Market Day
Feature: Barbarossa’s Castle & Tunnels
Saturday, December 6
Saturday is Market Day
Nikolaus Day
Christmas Market Kasierslautern
Kulturamt Christmas Market
Transportation: German bus
Depart: Vogelweh Bowling Center 0800
Depart: In front of Ramstein PAX Terminal (Bldg.
3333) 0830
Cost: Free but must sign up at one of our USO centers
Return: Approximately 1610 Ramstein, 1630 Vogelweh
Kaiserslautern is a city of contrast and contradiction.
It’s a quiet city on the move and growing steadily. It’s
a city more than 725 years old, but just sprouting. It’s
rural and urban, old and new, small and large, provincial and international.
Kaiserslautern has many titles—door to the Pfälzerwald; Barbarossa’s city; little America; the industrial city in the forest; the university town; the city of
schools, soccer, and sewing machines—and it’s
deserving of each one. It’s the city known as K-town
Kaiserslautern Kabel
to many Americans who have lived and worked here
with the U.S. Forces since 1951.
In August, we began to partner with local sponsors to offer a new program to introduce you to all
the possibilities Kaiserslautern offers. Welcome to
Kaiserslautern (Willkommen in Kaiserslautern) is a
free orientation tour to the city, and we plan to offer
one each month with a different emphasis (see proposed schedule).
23
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
German Traditions—
Christmas markets, Advent,Wreaths, and Calendars
Christmas markets in Europe traditionally start with Advent
(the four Sundays before Christmas day), providing a wonderful
countdown to one of the most anticipated days of the year.
Just about every German city has a Christmas market; some run
the full time of Advent, others just a weekend, and many small
villages might have just a one day affair. Called Adventmarkt,
Christkindlemarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt, or Nikolausmarkt in Germany, these markets offer a variety of sights, sounds, and smells
that are sure to instill the season spirit in young and old alike.
Dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of decorated stands selling all
sorts of Christmas specialties, hot wine, candy, and gifts, line the
pedestrian areas and market squares during these markets. Music
and laughter fill the chilled air. Gaiety and good cheer fill the
hearts. It’s a truly wonderful time to be in Germany.
The Kaiserslautern USO offers tours to a number of these markets; in
fact, just about every tour we do in December will involve a Christmas
market of some sort. We hope you take part in some of these markets,
for you surely will remember them for Christmases to come.
For more complete listings of Christmas markets in Germany and
some of the surrounding countries, try one of these websites: www.
germany-christmas-market.org.uk, www.militaryingermany.com,
www.christmasmarkets.com, or www.germany-tourism.de.
Advent
The first Sunday of Advent (November 30 this year) officially
kicks off the Christmas season in Germany. During the 6th century, Pope Gregor the Great ruled that the four weeks preceding
December 25 would be a time of quiet meditation and fasting to
prepare for the birthday of Jesus. This time was called Advent
(Advent is Latin for “arrival”). Advent has become an important
time, cherished especially by children and celebrated in a number
of traditions.
Advent Wreaths
The first Sunday of Advent is marked by the lighting of the first candle
on the Adventskranz (Advent wreath), a tradition of pagan origin.
Germanic tribes first created these “magic rings” to ward off evil
spirits. Johann Heinrich Wichern, a pastor in Hamburg, picked
up the idea and popularized it in 1838. He placed candles on a
wooden wheel and later added pine boughs.
Today, Advent wreaths are made from many different materials
and in many styles. Pine is still popular, but straw or other wood
wreaths—often elaborately decorated with baubles, figurines, or
bows—are widely used. Four candles sit atop the wreath; they’re
lit one by one every Sunday of Advent, helping children count
down the days until Christmas.
Christmas Calendars
The Adventskalendar (Advent calendar) is a
fairly recent addition to German Christmas
traditions. It functions much like the Advent
wreath. As the story goes, a little boy in
Munich kept bugging his mother incessantly
asking, “How many days till Christmas?” His
mother came up with the idea of drawing
24 squares on a big piece of cardboard and
placing a candy in each space, allowing the
boy to remove one every day, thus marking
off the days to December 25.
The boy’s name was Georg Lang. Georg grew up and never forgot
this family tradition. In 1904, he produced the first Adventskalendar,
then called the Münchener Weihnachtskalendar (Munich Christmas
Calendar), which contained little drawings and poems. This was the
beginning of today’s versions that are popular throughout the world.
24
Kaiserslautern Kabel
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Ramstein USO happenings
Jesus Cruz (left), stationed at Ramstein AB, and his brother Lupe
Cruz (right), visiting from Mexico, stopped by the Ramstein USO
Center in the passenger terminal for information about USO tours.
Accompanying them were Jesus’ twin sons—Santiago (little guy on
left) and Cortez (little guy on right)—who brought a lot of joy and
energy to the center.
Sarah Loomis (left) presents Renee’ Palmer,
Ramstein USO Center Manager, with fresh
fruit. For the past three years, Sarah has donated peanut butter sandwiches, fresh fruit,
toiletries, and snack items to the USO center in the passenger terminal. At least once a
month—and sometimes twice—Sarah drops
off her donation, always with a smile, for use by
service members and families passing through
the terminal.
Since spring, 12-year-old Abigail
“Abby” Soisson has been donating
freshly baked goods to the Ramstein
USO for the troops passing through the
terminal. Abby bakes all of the goods
herself, and when she comes to donate,
she has the baked goods in a cute tote
basket with her name on it. Just this
month, Abby baked banana bread,
peanut butter cookies, and chocolate
chip cookies. She has a blog where her
recipes can be found: www.a-girl-andher-cookbook.blogspot.com.
Flying
Frankfurters
Kaiserslautern Kabel
25
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
CASF happenings
CASF USO Monthly Cookie Mission
The CASF USO is embedded within a medical facility on Ramstein AB. The mission
of the CASF USO is to provide a “home
away from home” for wounded service
members who are staged within the facility as they transit back to the United
States for further medical treatment. The
CASF USO is open 24/7 for our wounded
warriors and also provides respite for the
CASF medical staff.
USO CASF hosts Volunteer and Staff Appreciation with a fall flair
On October 14, the USO CASF hosted
a Volunteer and Staff Appreciation
event. We served pizza, lattes, and
spiced caramel cupcakes that some folks
claimed tasted just like frappuccinos.
The volunteers socialized and painted
pumpkins used to decorate the CASF
and the USO center in the passenger
terminal for fall. “Thanks-A-Latte” to
all of the volunteers who work hard
every day to support the troops and their
families. Everyone at the USO appreciate
you and what you do.
26
Kaiserslautern Kabel
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
WC happenings
The USO Warrior Center is located at
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Its
mission is to enhance the quality of life
of the wounded warriors and provide a
“Home Away From Home” during their
stay at the medical transient and to provide a place for the hospital staff to relax
and decompress. The USO Warrior Center
is open 365 days a year.
On October 16, the USO Warrior Center
hosted a meet and greet with the Kansas City
Chiefs Cheerleaders. The ladies brought pizza
and mingled with our wounded, ill, and injured
service members.
On October 10, the USO
Warrior Center hosted a
game night tournament with
the new Madden 15. While
the gamers were going head
to head, our dedicated volunteers were busy serving up a
delicious dinner.
In honor of German-American Day, some of our Kaiserslautern
neighbors baked German cakes to celebrate our friendship. German
American Day commemorates the date in 1683 when 13 German families from Krefeld landed in Philadelphia. These families subsequently
founded Germantown, Pa., the first German settlement in the original
13 American colonies. Thanks to Gundi and the Kaiserslautern International Partnership Association for sharing this with us.
Kaiserslautern Kabel
On October 15, the USO Warrior Center hosted an Italian dinner thanks to Bruno’s Pasta Bar. Actor Timothy
Omundson, who has starred in popular TV shows such as
“Psych,” “Supernatural,” “Jericho,” and “Deadwood,”
stopped by to hang out with our service members.
27
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Members of the German American
and International Women’s Club
Kaiserslautern presented a new coffee urn to the Kaiserslautern Chapter
of the USO Sept. 11. The urn will be
used at the USO’s mobile canteen and
deployment centers. The club raises
money through its annual Pfennig Bazaar each March that is then donated
to various American and German
charities in the Kaiserslautern area.
Pictured in the photo (from left) are
Donna Drohan, GAIWC Pfennig Bazaar chairwoman; Vicki Welch, GAIWC international treasurer; Christina
Callaghan, GAIWC international vice
president; and Kaiserslautern USO
Area Director Konrad Braun. For
more information on the GAIWC, go
to www.daifc.de.
USO Volunteer of the Month
Gilbert Saenz
Air Force Staff Sgt. Gilbert Saenz deployed to Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center from San Antonio in July 2014. He originally came to the USO Warrior
Center to accompany patients, and he liked it so much that he signed up to
become a volunteer. In just a few months, he has become an integral part of our
team, logging more than 180 hours. He often stays late to help the staff close the
center and is always willing to step up to do whatever needs to be done. Gilbert
makes everyone feel at ease with his easy-going and positive attitude and is
always there to lend an ear. His favorite experiences with the USO include his
support of wounded, ill, and injured service members, his collaboration with
USO staff to achieve the mission, and an opportunity to meet Chef Irvine. Unfortunately for us, Gilbert’s deployment has come to an end. He says he will
miss the Warrior Center and our mission here, but he’s looking forward to
going back home to his wife and daughter. Thank you so much, Gilbert, for
everything you do. We’ll miss you!
Visit us at www.uso.volunteer.org and volunteer today
28
Kaiserslautern Kabel
INSIDE THE USO
www.uso.org/kaiserslautern
Geraldin “Thibaut” Lenkoue
USO Overseas Volunteer of the Year 2014
By Joseph Andrew Lee
Lifting the spirits of wounded, ill, and injured troops is one of the
USO’s most meaningful services. But it’s not a job for everyone.
Some people might be too shy to take on new friends, especially at a
hospital. But for 29-year-old Army Sgt. Geraldin “Thibaut” Lenkoue,
a lab technician at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl,
Germany, volunteering with the USO was a natural fit.
The oldest of three children born in Cameroon, Thibaut (pronounced
“Teebow”) joined the Army in May 2010 in search of something
bigger. What he became — a soldier, a USO volunteer and most
impactful to him, a U.S. citizen — was more than he envisioned.
“Five years ago I would never believe it if you told me that I would
be here today,” Lenkoue said. “This dream was too far away — too
far to dream. Sometimes U.S. citizens take it for granted, but the
way I see it, the U.S. is the best country in the world and the most
powerful country in the world. It was total fulfillment for me.”
A naturalized U.S. citizen through his Army service, Lenkoue was
honored at the 2014 USO Gala as the USO Overseas Volunteer
of the Year for bringing his upbeat personality to his volunteer
service at the USO Warrior Center in Germany. Lenkoue volunteered more than 1,220 hours for the USO in 2013.
He began volunteering with the USO for a new face and a change
of pace. Because he works with specimen and inanimate objects all
day, he needed face time with real people. The USO provided the
opportunity to mingle with hospital employees and even patients.
“We have a lot of people coming from downrange who spend
their first week in a hospital bed,” Lenkoue said. “But after that
they want to get out of the hospital and the USO is the first place
they go. They always want to meet and talk to someone, so this
looked like a good way for me to make new friends and be a friend
to those here receiving treatment.”
Kaiserslautern Kabel
Lenkoue listens to what USO center visitors need and steers them
towards the best USO programing. He knows the intricate workings of the center and can run it seamlessly without supervision.
In fact, Lenkoue said his most memorable moment from the past
year was when he was given a set of keys to the center.
“The moment I felt the best was when the manager asked me if I
wanted to be trained to take care of the center like a staff member,”
he said. “It was an incredible opportunity to step up. To be able
to take care of the center, to have a set of keys, to be counted on
to open or close the center by myself is a huge honor.”
Lenkoue usually heads straight to the USO after work. He’s set
up celebrity tours, run programs and has even helped cook spicy
pizza dinners.
“At the end of the day when you see that wounded soldier leave
on crutches and he comes to thank [you] for helping, you don’t
want to stop working,” he said. “Even if it’s just one conversation,
it makes you feel good.”
While his time at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center — his first
duty station — is almost up, he’s looking forward to finding a USO
center at his next assignment.
“The USO is a family for me,” he said. “We depend on each other and
team up to make each event a success. I feel the same everywhere I
go and I meet good people and that motivates me to keep going with
the team. The accomplishments I have today are because of them.
“Sometimes you go somewhere and you find people not working hard
or not taking their job seriously,” he added. “But you go somewhere
like the USO, where people work hard to make something different
every time and to make people feel better every single time, that is
enjoyable for me. You see them, they put their heart in the service and
that makes you want to work with them and accomplish the mission
with them. Everything that you do, you just want to do more.”
29
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November 14
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LET’S GET TOGETHER
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
This page is reserved for private clubs
and groups, not institutions. Note that we
reserve the right to edit listings to meet
space and editorial requirements. To be
listed on this page, please fill out the below
form and send to us.
Acoustic Guitar Club
corey_holden@yahoo.com
Adoptive Support Group
www.usaadopteurope.com
Air Force Sergeants Association CHAP 1674
MSgt Jeffrey Foreman, 06371-47-7126; 480-7126
AGLOW—Charismatic Christian Woman’s Group
Patsy Carpenter, 06307-401343
AA Help Hotline
Europe: 01803-224357; K-town, 0157-36123097
Amateur Radio Club
Rob Murphy, 0160-934-10325; Guadalupe
Macias, 0176-683-98678
American Association of Critical Care NursesEuropean Chapter
MAJ Edward Ruiz, 06371-946953
American Legion Post #1
Steve Ward, 0171-4378855
Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Assn
Col Tracy Phillips, 480-5567; Todd Poynter, 480-4222
AUSA Mid-Palatinate Chapter
Jerry LaComb, 0151-28344861
Bakers’ Club
Sharon Reed, 06384-514858
Cub Scout Pack Contacts
Baumholder.pack96@gmail.com – Baumholder
Troop84tac@gmail.com – Kaiserslautern
Vogelwehcubscouts@yahoo.com - Vogelweh
Pack243landstuhl@gmail.com – Landstuhl
Barbarossapack156@gmail.com – Ramstein
Cubpack196@gmail.com – Ramstein
Pack232@yahoo.com – Ramstein
Pack166committee@yahoo.com – Ramstein
Pack164@yahoo.com – Sembach
Boy Scout Troop Contacts
Troop96@gmail.com – Baumholder
barbarossascouts@gmail.com - Kaiserslautern
Troop69bsa@gmail.com – Vogelweh
Barbarossatroop243@gmail.com – Landstuhl
Ramsteintroop156@gmail.com – Ramstein
Troop12.ramstein@yahoo.com – Ramstein
scoutmaster@ramsteinscouting.org – Ramstein
troop232ramstein@gmail.com – Ramstein
sembachtroop164@yahoo.com – Sembach
Venture Crew Contacts
Crew42ktown@gmail.com – Kaiserlsautern
Venturingcrew21@gmail.com - Ramstein
Baumholder Bahnbrecher Volksmarching Club
Dieter Nüssler, 06783-4257; Bill Howerton,
06783-187503
Baumholder Community Service Club
Diane Crage, 06783-9304
Baumholder Community Spouses Club
Julia Sullivan or Tara Walsh, 06783-66653
Bible Study Fellowship
Steve Shea, 06372-6289711
Black Sheep Harley Davidson for Christ
Motorcycle Ministry
Larry A. Burns, Jr., 0151-40509965
Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC)
Katie Hanna, kmccwoc@gmail.com
Children’s Learning Academy PTA
Emily Matlock or Dena Cable, 06374-994131
Chinese/Taiwanese Friendship Club
Jesse Chen, 0152-05779534
DADS Club
Anita Delacy, 06395-7769, or Ronnie McCall,
06371-43711
Hash House Harriers
Todd Farman, 06385-925034
MOMS In Touch, International
Minister Constance M. Fletcher, 06303-808413
Hispanic Heritage Committee
hhcktown@yahoo.com
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)
Ramstein: ramsteinmops@gmail.com
Vogelweh: vogelwehmops@gmail.com
Hochspeyer American Social Club
Timothy Klingenberg, 06305-715349
Installation Volunteer Program —Vogelweh
Angela Bellamy, 489-6752 or 0631-536-6752
J4H Ministry
M. Johnson, 0162-5178347
Kaiserslautern American German Business Club
Tom Shaver, 06304-4130 or 0170-9317144
Kaiserslautern Family History Center
0631-95245
Kaiserslautern High School PTSO
Andrew Premont, 0175-7979039 or 484-7312
Kaiserslautern-Landstuhl Spouses Assn (KLSA)
Berniece Jones, 06313-507622
Kaiserslautern Protestant Women of the Chapel
kaiserslauternpwoc@gmail.com
Dog Tag Dads of KMCC
dogtagdads@gmail.com
Kaiserslautern RC- Flying Friends (Remote Control Club)
Richard Frye, 0160-9918-1601
Daughters of the American Revolution
Ramona Kechelen, 0171-6419690
Kaiserslautern-Westpfalz Ski Club
Dave Sowell, 06374-801529
Dining for Women
Mary, diningforwomenkmc@googlemail.com
Kaiserslautern Sunny Coyotes Volksmarching Club
Leonard Cotterell, 06337-8732
Embry-Riddle Ramstein Alumni Association Group
Glenn Carter, 06371-475755
Kaiserslautern Texas A&M Club
www.facebook.com/groups/kmcaggies/
Euro Knightz Motorcycle Club
euro_knightz@yahoo.com
Kids’ & Moms’ Christian Fellowship (KMCF)
Maureen Richardson, 0162-689-9103
European Branch, American Counseling Association
eb-aca.jimdo.com
KMC 5/6
kmc.56council@us.af.mil
Filipino-American Association of KMC
Cate Escalera, catherine_escalera@yahoo.com
KMC African-American Heritage Committee
Chante, 0151-52531702; Terryl, 0171-16853259
Florida A&M University Club
Steve Mitchell, 0170-2622938
KMC American Civil War Living History Group
David H. Thomas, 0631-350-6514
Four ‘N More Barbershop Chorus
Dick White, 0151-10712670
KMC Cycling Club
www.kmccycling.com
Freemasons PHA, King David Lodge 87, Ramstein
kingdavidlodgeno.87@googlemail.com
KMC Mothers of Preschoolers
kmcmops@yahoo.com
Galilei-George Washington Lodge 810A, Kaiserslautern
lodgeggw810a@gmail.com
KMC Top Three
kmc.top.3council@us.af.mil
G-A Community Office
0631-3633010
Knights of Columbus-Ramstein
Tom Shaver, 06304-4130 or 0170-931-7144
G-A International Women’s Club Kaiserslautern
Heinke Balzulat, 0631-3633399
La Leche League of Kaiserslautern
Melanie Feddeck, 0631-34100377
Girl Scouts
• baumholdergirlscouts@usagso-na.org (Baumholder)
• landstuhlgirlscouts@usago-na.org (Landstuhl)
• ramsteingirlscouts@usago.na.org (Ramstein)
• sembachgirlscouts@usago.na.org (Sembach)
• kaiserslauterngirlscouts@usago.na.org (K-town)
Landstuhl Fisher House
Veronica Sexton, volunteerlfh@gmail.com
Please list the following organization in the Let’s Get Together section of the
Kaiserslautern Kabel—
Organization: __________________________________________________
POC & Phone: _________________________________________________
I understand that this listing will run for six months, then deleted if not updated. I
agree to inform the Kaiserslautern USO of any changes to the above information as
they occur and to update this listing every six months.
Signature: ________________________________ Date: ________________
Name: ________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________ Email: ___________________________
LRMC Motorcycle Club
SFC Derick Knight, 06371-9464-4935; Richard
Rhodes, 06371-9464-8704
MOMS Club of Kaiserslautern
kmc_momsclub@yahoo.com
Officers Christian Fellowship
LT Alex Graboski, 0151-61220235
Overeaters Anonymous
oa_ktown@yahoo.com
PEP Cars Kaiserslautern Chapter
Robert Thompson, 0172-6818866
Pfalz Pepper Sweet Adelines Barbershop Chorus
Maria Domke, 0631-57450 or 0176-270-75060
Ramstein Area Bluegrass Association
www.ramsteinareabluegrass.weebly.com
Ramstein Enlisted Spouses Association
resa.president@live.com
Ramstein Intermediate School PTA
Michelle Rushing, ramstein.pta@gmail.com
Ramstein Military Chapter H.O.G. 330102
Mony Lopez, info@ramsteinmilitarychapter.us
Ramstein Officers Spouses Club
www.ramsteinosc.org
Ramstein Roadrunners Volksmarching Club
ramsteinroadrunners@yahoo.com
Ramstein Skydiving Community
Joseph Elsberry, 0173-6847097
Ramstein Toastmasters Club
Dave Sears, ramsteintoastmasters@gmail.com
Rhineland Breast Cancer Coalition
Kerry McLeary, kdmcleary@yahoo.com
Rheinland-Pfalz Challengers Car Club
Harry Wilson, 0152-27057259
Rheinland-Pfalz International Choir
www.sing-rpic.de; Sharon, 0171-7734278
Rheinland-Pfalz Quilt Guild
www.rpqg.eu
Tannenbaum Ski Club
www.tannenbaumskiclub.com
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Rita, 0170--800-7205; Linda, 0630-380-7708
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10614
George Gilgore, 0631-25668
Vogelweh Elementary School PTSA
Julia Halpain, ptsa.vogelweh@eu.dodea.edu
Westpfalz Corvette Club
Garry Powers, 06386-404532; Dawn Powers, 489-6236
WOA Rheinland-Pfalz Silver Chapter
Guillermo Lopez, 483-7870
Woodlawn Women’s Golf Association
www.ramsteinwwga.weebly.com
Writer’s Group
Angela Cerrito, angelacerrito@yahoo.com
You can list your club or organization here. It’s easy. Just
fill out the form and send to us, or email your information to
gwinfree@uso.org.
We encourage all organizations listed here to keep their contact
information current. This list is one way of letting readers know
about your organization, so help us keep it current and useful.
Mail to Kaiserslautern USO, Rhine Ordnance Barracks, APO AE 09054, or drop off at
any Kaiserslautern USO office, or email information to gwinfree@uso.org.
34
Kaiserslautern Kabel
The Cuckoo Clock.
A piece of Germany‘s finest.
A piece of Black Forest tradition.
A piece of heritage.
A piece of handmade art.
A piece made with love
just for Y O U .
Triberg
Downtown
right next to
the waterfall
House of 1000 Clocks
www .hausder1000uhren. de
Hauptstraße 79-81
78098 Triberg
VAT
Forms accepted
Phone: + 49 (0 ) 77 22 - 96 30 0
Email: office@1000uhren.com
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10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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