Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Manuel Flaetgen
ABC in KMC: Storks in Germany
Germany is home to a rich tapestry of wildlife, but few creatures capture the public’s imagination like the stork. These majestic birds, with their long legs and striking white and black plumage, have a special place in German culture and natural history. The primary stork species found in Germany is the White Stork. These birds are migratory, spending their winters in Africa and returning to Europe in the spring to breed.
Lajes Field celebrates 4th of July
Lajes Field rocked this 4th of July with an unforgettable celebration! With fun games and activities for both kids and adults, a delicious BBQ, and awesome live music, our community came together in true patriotic spirit. The night ended with a fireworks show that lit up the sky.
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz employee recognized as one of IMCOM’s ‘very best’
From June 4-6, over 200 leaders from 104 U.S. Army garrisons worldwide converged in San Antonio for the annual Installation Management Command Garrison Command Team Conference. Hosted by Lt. Gen. Omar Jones, IMCOM commanding general, this pivotal event facilitated the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas on a spectrum of critical topics, including Soldier and family services, housing, barracks management, talent acquisition, and retention.
Army, Air Force medical personnel recognized for AFJROTC support
Brig. Gen. Roger Giraud, commander of Medical Readiness Command, Europe and director of Defense Health Network Europe, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus Gonzalez, had the pleasure of recognizing several Army and Air Force medical non-commissioned officers for their incredible work in recently hosting more than 120 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets and Cadre from the Kaiserslautern Military Community.
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz marks transition of ROB Fire Station 7 to Army control with ribbon cutting ceremony
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 15 to mark the transition of Rhine Ordnance Barracks Fire Station 7 to U.S. Army control. After more than two decades of Fire Station 7 operating under U.S. Air Force management, garrison leaders and Air Force partners spent the past year planning the transfer of authority from the Air Force to the Army.
German Polizei, Kaiserslautern Military Community partner to prevent, reduce DUI
Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Third Air Force and Kaiserslautern Military Community commander, and Michael Ebling, State Minister of the Interior of Rheinland-Pfalz, signed a cooperation agreement establishing a partnership between the KMC and the Police Presidium West Palatinate with the aim of preventing and reducing DUI offenses in the area July 15. The agreement initiated a collaborative DUI prevention campaign meant to promote safety in the community.
86 AW wraps up OV 24-2
23 July 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.8954 Pound: £ 0.751880 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 23.20 Egyptian Pound: E£ 48.38 Hungarian Forint: Hf 357.84 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.63 Polish Zloty: zł 3.93 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.9740
USAG Rheinland-Pfalz awards Public Service Commendation Medal to Stephanie Keenan for community contributions
Col. Reid Furman, (outgoing) commander of U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, recently awarded Stephanie Keenan, spouse of Lt. Col. Jeffrey Keenan, commander of the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion — Enhanced, with the Public Service Commendation Medal for her exceptional volunteer service to the Baumholder Military Community spanning from June 2022 to July 2024.
ABC in KMC: Olympic Games
France, our neighbor to the south, is hosting the Olympic Games this year. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to begin on July 26, and will run until August 11. Athletes from approximately 206 National Olympic Committees are expected to participate, representing a wide array of countries from around the world.
Summer safety: Heat injuries
Summer is the season for relaxing, having fun and spending time with your family and friends, but it’s also a time to remember simple precautions to keep yourself and your family safe. Heat cramps Occur after several hours of physical exertion in the heat.
CDC sets new rules for bringing dogs into US
Starting August 1, at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set new import requirements for dogs entering the United States. With the recent changes from the CDC, Public Health Command Europe veterinarians strongly encourage service members and civilians, who are moving back to the U.S. with their dog after Aug. 1, to plan accordingly and get familiar with the new entry requirements.
Your vote matters! USAG Rheinland-Pfalz provides a guide to absentee voting for US citizens abroad in 2024
Being stationed or deployed overseas can be both rewarding and challenging. One of these challenges is staying connected and informed about policies and issues back home. However, U.S. citizens can ensure their voices are heard through absentee voting, even while overseas.
Romanian native joins US Army — achieves career goals - Kaiserslautern American
Growing up in a small rural town in southern Romania near the Carpathian Mountains, Staff Sgt. Luiza Pozniak had always dreamed of living and working in the United States. Her love for the U.S. first began in 2007 when she arrived in Wildwood, New Jersey on a J1 Student Visa. She returned to Romania briefly but found her way back to the States in 2008. “In Romania, I was working and traveling during my summer breaks,” said Pozniak. “That’s when I decided to apply for the ‘Work and Travel’ program.
Everyday Heroes - Kaiserslautern American
Airman First Class Emily Haskins, 86th CPTS financial analyst, and Senior Airman Henry Blackburn, 86th Medical Support Squadron commander support staff technician, were hiking at Berchtesgaden National Park over the 4th of July weekend. Along the way they encountered a German hiker in need of medical assistance. Haskins, a certified wilderness first responder, expertly dressed the wound, and Blackburn quickly called for emergency services.
86th Civil Engineer Group Change of Command
18 July 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.8912 Pound: £ 0.7462 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 23.10 Egyptian Pound: E£ 48.23 Hungarian Forint: Hf 357.37 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.62 Polish Zloty: zł 3.92 Turkish Lira: ₵ 33.0900
ABC in KMC: Pennsylvania Deitsh
The Kaiserslautern Military Community is located in and around the county, right in the heart of the Pfalz (Palatinate). Anyone who has learned high German can certainly refer to the fact that the strong dialect spoken in the region is far from anything learned in German class. A German from the north may have trouble understanding speakers with strong dialect. But, did you know that there are about 100,000 people, mainly in Pennsylvania and Ohio that speak, or a variation of, this dialect?
Defense Logistics Agency cybersecurity director to umpire in College World Series
Linus Baker got the call he’d been hoping for three weeks ago when traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, to umpire at the Atlantic Coast Conference men’s baseball tournament. After 20 years as a college baseball umpire, including the last seven years in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the NCAA umpire coordinator called Baker to tell him he’d been selected as one of only eight umpires for the Men’s College World Series, which begins June 14 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center team leads medical readiness exercise in Ghana
A 25-member team composed of U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force medical, veterinary, and dental personnel from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Dental Health Activity-Rheinland Pfalz, Public Health Command Europe, the USAF 86th Medical Squadron, and the North Dakota National Guard, participated in a three-week medical readiness exercise, or MEDREX, together with members of the Ghana Armed Forces, May 12-31, at the 37th Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana.
7451st Medical Operational Readiness Unit takes charge of Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center
The 7450th Medical Operational Readiness Unit Det 64 relinquished authority of the Deployed Warrior Medical Management Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center to the 7451st Medical Operational Readiness Unit Det 2, during a transfer of authority ceremony July 8. The DWMMC is responsible for tracking all patients being evacuated from Combatant Commands and serves as the permanent link between the combat theater and continental United States medical facilities.
Decorating Kindergraves for Independence Day
Students from Burg-Gymnasium Kaiserslautern helped to maintain the American children’s graves in the Kaiserslautern cemetery on Wednesday, July 3. Together with the German-American Club Kaiserslautern, the Chiefs Group Ramstein, the Sergeant Morales Club Kaiserslautern and other volunteers, the memorial was beautifully decorated for the 4th of July. German and American volunteers got to know each other better and enjoyed working together for a good cause.
435th AGOW unveils COG: Shift towards enhanced operational capability
The Air and Space Communications Group has been redesignated as the 435th Communications Operations Group. This change reflects a strategic shift from a primarily maintenance-focused role to a more active, operational stance, highlighting the group’s evolving responsibilities and capabilities in modern warfare. June 27, when the group was redesignated from the 435th Air & Space Communications Group to the 435th Communications Operations Group, marked the next chapter of this storied unit.
521st Air Mobility Operations Wing welcomes new commander
The 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing has welcomed its newest commander during the wing’s Change of Command ceremony in Hangar 5 on Ramstein Air Base, July 3. During the ceremony, Col. Dan Cooley relinquished command of the 521 AMOW after serving as the unit’s 8th commander. Col. Jordan Norman acquired the guidon shortly after, symbolizing his acceptance of his new role as the 521 AMOW commander. In the midst of, the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt.
Ramstein Air Base hosts Freedom Fest 2024
11 July 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.9008 Pound: £ 0.7633 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 23.46 Egyptian Pound: E£ 48.05 Hungarian Forint: Hf 362.12 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.66 Polish Zloty: zł 3.93 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.8910
Maj. Aguilar replaces Lt. Col. Gilliam as 569th USFPS commander
20 June 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.9089 Pound: £ 0.7692 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 23.08 Egyptian Pound: E£ 47.66 Hungarian Forint: Hf 367.78 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.70 Polish Zloty: zł 4.05 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.6028
Welcome Message - Kaiserslautern American
86th Airlift Wing, As I settle into my new role as your wing commander, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredibly warm welcome, and share my enthusiasm about the journey ahead. Since stepping into this position in the past month, I have been deeply impressed by the remarkable dedication, professionalism, and spirit that define this team.
76th AS elevates travel for Global Gateway
13 June 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.9007 Pound: £ 0.7575 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 22.78 Egyptian Pound: E£ 47.69 Hungarian Forint: Hf 363.88 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.69 Polish Zloty: zł 4.00 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.3350
US Army pays tribute to WWII veterans, inspires next generation during D-Day 80
13 June 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.9007 Pound: £ 0.7575 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 22.78 Egyptian Pound: E£ 47.69 Hungarian Forint: Hf 363.88 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.69 Polish Zloty: zł 4.00 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.3350
Commemorating heroism, honoring fallen service members on D-Day 80
13 June 2024 One Dollar buys: Euro: € 0.9007 Pound: £ 0.7575 Other currency rates, not available at the Community Bank: Czech Krone: Kč 22.78 Egyptian Pound: E£ 47.69 Hungarian Forint: Hf 363.88 Israeli Shekel: ₪ 3.69 Polish Zloty: zł 4.00 Turkish Lira: ₵ 32.3350
Exploring Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a beautiful place to visit, located right at the foot of the Alps. Garmisch and Partenkirchen used to be two separate places, but were merged for the 1936 Winter Olympics. It may be a five-hour drive from Ramstein, but it is definitely worth the drive with places to stop and stretch your legs along the way as you admire the beautiful scenery.
6 Unexpected Reasons to Visit Heidelberg Castle
Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s iconic destinations – for good reason. The main gate is breathtaking. The interior architecture is magnificent. It sits high on a hill above Heidelberg and the Neckar River and is packed with history. If you’ve never visited, you should. If you’ve already been, here are six more reasons to entice you to go again. Because even though Heidelberg Castle is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations, it still contains plenty of mystery! 1.
Perfect landing: Developing skills in landing zone safety trainings
Are you someone who claps when the plane lands? Pilots usually get all the credit; however, there are those who ensure the landing will be safe far before the aircraft touches the ground. Landing zone safety officers are in charge of surveying landing zones in austere environments, ensuring the appropriate measurements from above, on and below the ground are sent to pilots to inform them of ground conditions prior to landing.
Service members should avoid foods with poppy seeds
Service members may want to hold off ordering that “everything” bagel. It’s not an urban legend: Eating poppy seeds can cause diners to test positive for codeine on a urinalysis, Defense Department officials said in a memo released yesterday. “Recent data suggests certain poppy seeds varieties may have higher codeine contamination than previously reported,” said Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.
Opinion: Why a healthy heart matters at any age
February is National Heart Health Month or American Heart Month, which is endorsed by the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the second week of every February is Heart Failure Awareness Week, sponsored by the Heart Failure Society of America. Celebrating National Heart Health Month is consistent with the core mission of the Defense Centers for Public Health–Aberdeen, formerly known as the Army Public Health Center.
BHM: A safe space for Ramstein Air Base
Currency Exchange Rates 1 March, 2023 One USD buys: €0.9152 One Euro costs: $1.0927 One USD buys: £0.8064 One GBP costs: $1.24 The following inter-bank rates are for information purposes o7nly and not available at military banks: Czech Krone (CZK): 22.12 Egyptian Pound (EGP) 30.61 Hungarian Forint (HUF) 355.65 Israeli Shekel (ILS) 3.66 Polish Zloty (PLN): 4.44 Turkish Lira (TRL): 18.8838
Small steps move mountains for first sergeant
Taking care of others can be very rewarding, but it also takes a lot of work. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Daniel Moffett, 86th Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agency first sergeant, sets the reset button for himself by waking up at 3:30 a.m. every morning and working out. He says this energizes him throughout the day. This, in addition to regular resiliency events, keep Moffett in top shape to support others.
NATO Secretary General thanks US, B9 leaders for their strong support for NATO, Ukraine
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and the leaders of the Bucharest 9 (B9) countries for their strong support for Ukraine and commitment to NATO collective defence, Feb. 22. Stoltenberg was speaking at a meeting of the B9 NATO Allies (Bulgaria, Czechia, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia) in Warsaw, co-hosted by Polish President Andrzej Duda and Slovak President Zuzana Caputová.
Team Member Orientation aims at providing warm welcome for USAG Rheinland-Pfalz newcomers
The U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz welcomed its newest employees with a Team Member Orientation on Feb. 15-16. The U.S. Army Installation Management Command Team Member Orientation program, which was put on hold for over 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic, was revitalized in September 2021 with significant improvements to make sure participants get the most out of it. Since then, more than 400 employees have benefitted from the program.
State of the Art: Nordrhein-Westfalen
Many members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community have found temporary or even permanent homes in one of the many villages and towns surrounding Kaiserslautern in the heart of Rheinland-Pfalz. You may already be familiar with your immediate vicinity, but there is much more to explore and experience at your “home away from home”. State of the Art is a series introducing Germany as a whole, but also highlighting an individual state or “Bundesland” every month.
Strength in numbers: Group physical therapy
Sometimes after a sprain or strained muscle, an ice pack isn’t enough to fix the damage. Group physical therapy may be a useful tool to a speedy recovery. Group physical therapy classes allow treatment for more patients deemed qualified within the same time frame, thus decreasing patient wait time for appointments while still providing high-quality care.
Ramstein job fair launches overseas spouse direct-hire authority pilot program
Ramstein Air Base is hosting a job fair, which will offer direct-hire positions for qualifying military spouses, at the Kaiserslautern Community Center Mall, March 3. A list of positions that will be offered at the Ramstein Job Fair can be found here: https://ramstein.af.mil/PCS-Info/Direct-Hire/ “We are so excited to be rolling out this program here,” said Renae Fischer, 86th Airlift Wing vice director.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Manuel
Contact Manuel, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack