BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Spouses were treated to a promenade Saturday with the mayor as their guide.
This walk, though, called for some hiking boots.
Paul Lang, Baumholder’s burgermeister, led several women and a few children along a city forest trail, pointing out trees, bird nests, and other local flora and fauna.
"I never would have known this was out here," said Allison Lawhon.
Leaves crunched underfoot as the women made their way through the 40-minute hike. The weather was unseasonably warm, which meant their feet also tramped through thick mud. Still, they said the walk was relaxing and gave them the rare chance to catch up with each other.
"It makes you feel more at home here," said Jessica Craven.
That is exactly why the mayor planned the walk, the last of several events he held for the families of deployed soldiers.
"They are a big part of our community," Lang said, "and we want to take care of them."
He did. After the hike, assistant mayor Michael Roehrig grilled some bratwursts. Most couldn’t get enough of the German staple, grabbing second and third helpings.
"People sometimes hole up on base and never get to experience Germany," said Lt. Col. Robert Rigsby, 2nd Brigade rear detachment commander.
"This way there is an exchange of ideas. We bring hot cocoa. They bring brats. It’s a great opportunity for everybody."
