USAG Wiesbaden
Wiesbaden is slated to become an important U.S. Army headquarters city after two major headquarters now at Heidelberg, USAREUR and V Corps, combine to become 7th Army. The new headquarters will eventually move to Wiesbaden. Though the merger is slated to take place September 30, 2009, the move to Wiesbaden is not expected until at least 2012. In anticipation the community is experiencing a $500 million building boom. Plans include a new 250-unit housing area and a high tech command and control center, both at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield. There will also be a big new post exchange and commissary complex and a hotel at the Heinerberg Housing Area; a $133 million renovation of existing housing and a $20 million upgrade of the schools. The runway at the airfield will also get some attention, but it is already in good shape.
All this should make Wiesbaden a very nice place to be stationed. It is already noted as a spa and health center. Nestled in the Rhine valley near the junction with the Main River, it reached its zenith near the end of the 19th century. Many villas give witness to its elegant past.
The Golden City of Mainz's rich history has been lighted by such luminaries as Barbarossa, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press. It is also the site of one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, and is perhaps most famous of all for one of the lustiest carnival (Mardi Gras) celebrations on the Rhine.
Facilities in Wiesbaden worth noting are the 18-hole Rheinblick Golf Course, the largest AAFES sports store in Europe, the American Arms Hotel/Conference Center and the Community Activity Center. For further information check USAG Wiesbaden's website at www.wiesbaden.army.mil or www.ArmyGermany.com.
FACILITIES
Sport and Recreation
For golfing enthusiasts there is the 18-hole Rheinblick Course. There is basketball, softball, wrestling, tennis and more, and invitational tournaments are organized year round. The Wiesbaden Fitness Center has a well-trained staff, convenient hours of operation, locker rooms and a full array of fitness facilities, including a climbing wall, skateboard half-pipe and a child play area. The Outdoor Recreation Center organizes great trips and rents all sorts of equipment; camping gear, bikes, ski gear, sleds, coolers and tents.
Schools
There are the Aukamm and Hainerberg Elementary Schools, a middle school and the Wiesbaden High School.
Health Services
The Health Clinic is an outpatient facility providing high quality primary and limited specialty health care. Serious cases are referred to local host nation hospitals or the Landstuhl or Heidelberg Regional Medical Centers in Germany. TRICARE-Europe is alive and well. The services of the Veterinary Clinic include animal disease prevention and control, issuance of health certificates and vaccinations.
Theater
The Amelia Earhart Playhouse presents musicals, dramas, and children's theater, and is always looking for actors, actresses and technicians.
Guest House
The American Arms Hotel/Conference Center offers affordable and comfortable alternatives to local hotels and pensions.
Shopping
The Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) operates one of the largest exchanges in Europe at Mainz-Kastel, and also has an extension at the Hainerberg Housing Area. In addition to the retail stores there are service stations, shoppettes, a pick-up point, military clothing sales, a video store, a Class Six beverage shop, a food court, a laundromat, an alterations shop, a movie theater and barber and beauty shops. There is a commissary at Hainerberg that sells U.S. brand-name products and many European specialties. There also are franchised restaurants spread throughout the Wiesbaden Military Community such as Burger King, Subway, Baskin and Robbins, Anthony's Pizza, Charley's Steakery, Cinnabon, Taco Bell and Popeye's Chicken. These franchise food restaurants provide opportunities for family member employment.
Clubs
The clubs at the Airfield and Hainerberg Shopping Center offer an assortment of entertainment and snacks, occasional live entertainment, a karaoke bar, wide-screen television, bingo and state-of-the-art video games.
Family and Single Servicemember Support
Army Community Service is an umbrella organization that covers Family Assistance Centers, the Family Advocacy program, Relocation Assistance, Outreach, Financial Readiness programs and Employment Readiness for family members, and is a resource for all community members. Youth Services operates a sports and fitness program throughout the garrison. The Better Opportunities for Single Servicemembers (BOSS) is designed to bring single personnel quality of life in line with their married counterparts. Billets afford single soldiers more living space, kitchens and other amenities. The single servicemember quality of life program in the garrison involves single soldiers in recreational travel and community help programs.
Chapels
Chapels at the Airfield and Hainerberg offer services and religious education in numerous denominations. Your Chapel staff can provide information about them. There is a wide range of Bible study groups, classes and retreats offered by the program.
AFN Hessen TV and EAGLE 98.7 Radio
AFN Hessen TV and EAGLE 98.7 radio are powerful command information tools within USAG Wiesbaden. They carry spots tailored to keeping personnel informed about upcoming events and activities.
Libraries
The Wiesbaden Community Library provides invaluable, modern resources to students of all ages and levels, plus reference material, daily newspapers, videos, magazines and books on tape. The programs at the Arts and Crafts Center include framing, ceramics, photography and woodworking.
Auto Craft Shops
The Auto Craft Shop at Mainz-Kastel offers assistance in performing automotive maintenance and repair. Equipment, tools and trained mechanics make everything, from charging a battery to major overhauls, possible at great cost savings.