Base Name:

*Vogelweh Housing, ROB, Ramstein

Base Location:

*Kaiserslautern, Germany

How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present)

*2008- present/2010

What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy?

* We live on post in Vogelweh Housing. I really do NOT like the housing b/c for one it is stair well housing and you have to go up 6 flights of stairs just to get to the 3rd floor (and there are 4 floors!) This makes it really hard for when you go grocery shopping and having to lug all that up those stairs. Also you have people who are no considerate to be mindful of their neighbors and be quiet. As for as the house it is an apartment. We got lucky enough to have one of the apartments with really large bedrooms. Our living room is a nice size too, but you have to put your table in your living room. The living room also doesn’t give much option for a set up. You have hard wood floors through out the house except in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room which is this tile that has a gritty material to it and it gets hard to clean unless you get the right stuff! They also have duplex’s but only for higher enlisted or people with 3+ children. They are currently in the process of building more duplex’s to rid of the stairwell housing!

Rate the PX & Commissary.

* We just got a new mall built in Ramstein which has the BX in it. It just sucks they shut ours down here on Vogelweh, and we have to travel to Ramstein to get things. However, they are in the process of making the shoppette more like the “one stop shop”. As far as the Ramstein BX they sell things on a “general’s salary”. Clothes are EXPENSIVE! I really like the commissary on Vogelweh, it’s hardly ever crowded which is nice to me. Ramstein’s is super crowded and the isles are not big, but to each it’s own!

Activities on base?

*The only activities for adults on Vogelweh would really be the two bars we have. The Irish Pub aka Armstong’s has a virtual bowling alley, pool tables, and casino slots. The Kazabra Club hosts a lot of bingo, which might sound lame, but it is actually really fun and exciting while you’re playing! It’s sometimes expensive though! As far as doing things with the kids, they have several parks throughout housing which is really nice. They also have a bowling alley, and a really small theater that only plays one show and doesn’t play often at all!  Ramstein has a movie theater which plays the newer movies, but it doesn’t accommodate many people so you have to be in line an hour prior to a movie starting to get a ticket!

Active Spouses Club?

*I am not active with the spouses club over here.

Things to do in area?

*Of course site seeing! There are so many castles and historic things to see. The good thing is they aren’t that far. Paris is only 4 hours away! The culture of Germany is great!

School System?

*My daughter isn’t in school yet, but from what I have heard apparently they aren’t able to accommodate all children into the school so some have to be sent off post. Since this is generally an air force base, air force gets first pick. Not too thrilled about that!

Any colleges in area?

*University of Maryland, and Central Texas

Jobs? (on post and off)

*Off post, I don’t know of any unless you speak fluent German. On post jobs are hard to find b/c 70% goes to the local nationals which leaves it hard for the spouses!

Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city?

*The culture and experience is great!

Least favorite aspect?

*The COLD weather! I am from Georgia, and my husband is from Florida so we really enjoy warm weather and sun shine. Which you don’t get a whole lot of in Germany… most of the time it is over cast! And the unit my husband is in!!!!

Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.)

*KMCC paper, Stars and Stripes, www.ramsteinyardsales.com (to get really great stuff for cheap)

Any other tips?
*Be prepared for a lot of long hours working, going to the field, and being deployed to unusual locations if your spouse gets stationed at ROB 5-7 ADA. The only good thing about 5-7 is they don’t get deployed down range, but they are gone all the time anyway. Definitely make sure you get out there and meet people, it makes it easier to be so far away from family b/c these people really become your family over here. Get out and explore, there are so many things to do that really only cost the gas to get there! Things can get expensive over here with the exchange rate which sucks, so expect that!

Your Name (if you would like it to appear):

Elizabeth Patchen

Base Name:

Patrick Henry Village, Heidelberg

Base Location:

Germany

How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present)

We got here March 29, 2005 to present

What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post?

On post housing is pretty good. They are stairwell apartments with 6 apts. in each stairwell. We also got into housing pretty quickly. I think the average waiting time is about 2-3 weeks. Most of the outlets are 220v instead of 110v so it is typically easier to get most of your kitchen appliances over here. You will also have to get a new phone because the phones over here are different and also your clocks will run slow–even if you use a transformer.  Off post I’m not really too sure about.

Rate the PX & Commissary.

The commissary is pretty much the same as it is anywhere, except they also have things from the German economy and they don’t carry a big variety of brands from the states. The PX is pretty good although they don’t carry a variety of brands so you may have to switch brands of things or have someone from the states mail you a supply every once in a while.

Activities on base?

There is a lot of things that you can do on base. The base is split up all over Heidelberg though so you have different things on each part. Patrick Henry Village (PHV) has bowling, miniature golf, tennis, thrift store, TGI Fridays, and a nice new park. Patton Barracks has a craft shop and the education center.

Active Spouses Club?

I am starting to get involved with our unit’s FRG, but I haven’t seen anything about the Enlisted Spouses Club or Officer’s Wives Club.

Things to do in area?

There is a lot to do around Heidelberg–just exploring where everything is at is fun. There are castles and old churches all over. There is also the Hauptstrausse (which is like main street) which has lots of shops, restaurants, and other things on it–the catch is that you don’t drive down this street you can only walk.

School System?

I don’t know much about the school system because both of my kids are under 5.

Any colleges in area?

Through the Education Center you have the University of Maryland, University of Oklahoma, and Texas Technical College.

Jobs? (on post and off)

There is always the jobs with the Commissary and PX. There is also a lot of places to volunteer at. I’m not to sure about off post jobs.

Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city?

The atmosphere is so beautiful (we have a view of the mountains from out bedroom window). There is so many things to experience with the different shops, foods, and even the way people drive.

Least favorite aspect?

Many of the soldiers and their families over here seem to not respect the Germans and their way they do things, which I think is very wrong. We are here as guests and should act that way instead of being rude or impatient when out and about.

Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.) Heidelberg–

http://www.heidelberg.army.mil/sites/local/

Hospital–

http://www.heidelberg.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/hmeddac.htm

MWR– http://www.mwrgermany.com/Flash.htm

Schools– http://www.eu.dodea.edu/

Any other tips? If you know you are coming over here–LEARN THE BASICS OF THE LANGUAGE! You can normally find someone who speaks English when you are out in Heidelberg, but you should still learn some of the basic phrases (like thank you and your welcome) and numbers at least to 10. You also may want to buy a book about Germany that includes the little things–like conversion charts from US to Metric. You will also want to pay attention in the Head Start class as the teacher will usually talk about phone rates. In the states you have the 10-10-220 numbers–they have the same thing over here and we pay less to call back to Kansas from here than it was at Fort Knox–for a call to KS that lasts about 2 hours we pay about 2 Euro (which is about $2.50). Most places over here also do not take checks and when you use your bank card to pay for something it comes out of your account immediately instead of a day or even two later. My last tip would be to travel and see as much as you can while you are here!

Your Name (if you would like it to appear):

Kasey Tanner

Base Name:

Panzer Kaserne, Kleber Kaserne, Danner Kaserne, Rhine Ordinance Barracks, Volgeweh Air Base, Ramstien Air Base & last the hospital post Landstuhl (KMC- Kaiserlsautern Military Community)

Base Location:

Kaiserlsautern ( K-Town) Germany

How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present)

2005- present

What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy?

On post in stairwell housing. This means apartments, usually up to a fourth floor. It’s pretty crowded, really no room. Wait list for a 2 bedroom is about 2 to 4 months, 3 bedroom 6 to 9 months and the 4 to 5 bedrooms are very few and at the top of t he buildings, with little ventilation because your in the attic. Y kids, a boy and a girl 2 years apart were expected to share a room. There is no separation rules, kids can share rooms, if you want to be particular then you move off post. There are also the duplexes now. There are only so many for certain ranks, this means lower enlisted have almost no chance of getting in. I lived on post for 2 1/2 years. Now I live off post. Rent is in Euro, the exchange rate for your OHA (overseas housing allowance) doesn’t change unless there is a dramatic drop in the normal exchange rate. You might end up paying out of pocket. You only get the amount of you rent. My husband is E4 our allotment could be up to 1165 euro our rent is 945, so wee only get 945, you also get money for bills, ours is 545 euro a month. Electric is expensive, ours is 150 euro a month, water and trash is about 245 euro every 4 months. Then there is oil, I use about 2000 liters every six months, oil is 1300 dollars a 1000 liters. You have to sweep your sidewalk once a week and recycle everything. Animals can not be left outside, no cars running for more then a minute and you have to ventilate your house everyday.

Rate the PX & Commissary.

Just like everywhere they are packed with little to choose from. The only difference is over here this is the only place you have to go. I usually go about 8 am and do self check out at the commissary. The PX…well BX cause I’m on army on an air force base, is terrible, especially during Christmas, shop on line. The children’s clothes area is bare, usually nothing below a size 2 t for boys.

Activities on base?

There is bowling, teen clubs, roller rink, movie theater, small skate park on Vogelweh, Ramstien and Vogelweh have activity teaching centers-ballet, soccer, gymnastics, etc. There is a place called Kids Zone, sort of like Chucky Cheese. They have play groups there and on Landstuhl.

Active Spouses Club?

There is one on Ramstien, RESA- Ramstien Enlisted Spouses Association. I’m army so I’m not active in that, there is also an officer spouses group. RESA does everything, from the thrift shop to craft bazaars.

Things to do in area?

There are a lot of clubs that younger married or single people go to. There are always fairs going on somewhere. A kids fun factory is  what it translates to in the downtown area. Garden show during the summer and spring. Dinosaur park, Christmas Markets. Lots of vineyards, with wine tasting. I would say it’s best to venture out on your own and not with MWR or USO. It’s cheaper and so much more fun. Oh yea and Edelweiss Lodge and Resort. It’s up near Munich, and in one weekend of staying there I went to Italy, Austria, and 3 castles. It’s really cheap, goes by your rank and in dollars because it’s a military facility.

School System?

This I can’t say. My oldest is only 4. She goes to a preschool at the CDC in Landstuhl, this is the only pace they have it. You have to pay though. They also have Sure Start for kids that are 4 before October.

Any colleges in area?

We have Central Texas, Maryland and Phoenix. Plus any on line you can think of. The problem is you are not able to do clinical over here, so nursing is out of the question. That was what sucked or me, putting my career on hold.

Jobs? (on post and off)

on post is everything like the states, aafes, commissary, mwr, banks. But the issue with this is a lot of local nationals hold those jobs and they will forever. If you can get in you won’t get far because once again the higher positions are held by local nationals or Americans that are staying here forever. Family Child Care is always a great idea. Off post really you won’t be able to get a job. Outside of the BX are always vendors selling this and that, they are sometimes hiring and pay in EURO under the table.

Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city?

I just love it, but you have to be adventurous and explore. Don’t live in Europe and do nothing except go on post!!

Least favorite aspect?

Working with the local nationals that think just because your a military spouse in their country you should treat them with all mighty respect, and yes they do act like that in a work environment.

Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.)

www.aafes.com-jobs

www.cpol.army.mil commissary jobs

www.edelweisslodgeandresort.com edelweiss reservations and seeing the area

435svc.fcc@ramstein.af.mil email for FCC info and provider list

www.435thyouthprograms.com signing kids up for sports, dance etc…

www.ryanair.com cheap cheap plane tickets with in Europe, like 4.99 to get to Ireland

www.anctravel.de cheap plane tickets to and from the states. If you do want to go home or bring someone here this is the place to go through!! The office is right by post!

Any other tips?

The biggest thing that I want to say, would be live  and love you time in Germany. For the most part this is such a great place to live. It took me 2 years to figure that out. Now I only have 9 months left and I hate the thought of leaving. Don’t waste money going back to the states to visit, go to Italy-9 hours away, spend the day in Paris-4 hours away, go see the crystals in Austria- 5 hours away. It’s all possible cherish Europe. It’s a once in a life time opportunity!!

Your Name (if you would like it to appear): Tracy H

Base Name: Bamberg   Base Location: Bamberg, Germany   How long have you been here? (give years please, ex. 2003-present)   June 05-April 07

What is housing like? On-post? (waiting list, conditions, etc.) Off-post? Any areas to stay away from? Average price to rent or buy? On post housing isn’t the best its apartments but they have started to remodel them. You can live off post they are also apartments owned by locals but still military housing if that makes since.

Rate the PX & Commissary.   there is 1 of each and its very small

Activities on base? there is a bowling alley, roller skating, skate park, a lake (which is really a pond)

Active Spouses Club? there is one and the ladies are really nice and they do have child care but its first come first serve

Things to do in area? there is lots to do in Bamberg go downtown and shop there is a castle you can to tour, just drive around its so nice.

School System? they have k-12 on post

Any colleges in area? don’t know much about that

Jobs? (on post and off) if you speak German then it might be easier to get a job

Favorite aspect of this base/surrounding city? Garmisch, Wurzburg, Nurnberg,   Least favorite aspect? its far from home

Local websites? (base, chamber, newspaper, schools, etc.) www.bamberg.army.mil

Any other tips? get out of your apartment and enjoy Germany!!