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Jennifer H. Svan

A service member donates blood at a drive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in 2018. The Food and Drug Administration has loosened restrictions on who can give blood, making potentially thousands more troops, veterans and retirees who have lived in Europe eligible to donate.<br>Stars and Stripes
A service member donates blood at a drive at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, in 2018. The Food and Drug Administration has loosened restrictions on who can give blood, making potentially thousands more troops, veterans and retirees who have lived in Europe eligible to donate.<br>Stars and Stripes

Thousands more eligible to give blood to Pentagon’s program as donor restrictions are relaxed

Troops, veterans and military retirees who’ve lived in Europe for an extended period once again may give blood to the Defense Department’s program after donor restrictions were relaxed to boost supplies during the coronavirus pandemic.

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The 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 558th AMXS paint team, at Robins Air Force Base, Ga, collaborated June 17, 2020, to stencil the name of 48th Fighter Wing pilot 1st Lt. Kenneth ''Kage'' Allen on one of three F-15 aircraft that just completed its programmed depot maintenance and is slated to return to RAF Lakenheath, England. Allen was piloting an F-15C Eagle during a training mission when his plane crashed into the North Sea June 15.<br>Courtesy photo
The 561st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 558th AMXS paint team, at Robins Air Force Base, Ga, collaborated June 17, 2020, to stencil the name of 48th Fighter Wing pilot 1st Lt. Kenneth ''Kage'' Allen on one of three F-15 aircraft that just completed its programmed depot maintenance and is slated to return to RAF Lakenheath, England. Allen was piloting an F-15C Eagle during a training mission when his plane crashed into the North Sea June 15.<br>Courtesy photo

Name of Air Force pilot who died in North Sea crash is stenciled on two F-15s

Air Force maintainers on both sides of the Atlantic have honored the memory of 1st Lt. Kenneth “Kage” Allen, who died this week when his F-15C crashed in the North Sea, by temporarily stenciling his name on two fighter jets.

A cafe in the Montmartre district of Paris in pre-coronavirus, social distancing days. Personnel assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland Pfalz may travel internationally but only to about 25 countries in Europe, a new general order from 21st TSC says.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
A cafe in the Montmartre district of Paris in pre-coronavirus, social distancing days. Personnel assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland Pfalz may travel internationally but only to about 25 countries in Europe, a new general order from 21st TSC says.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

New general order allows international travel for Army personnel in Rheinland-Pfalz

Some Army personnel in Germany can once again travel internationally after a general order issued Friday by the 21st Theater Sustainment Command lifted more coronavirus restrictions.

Oak processionary moth caterpillars pose health risks to humans and pets. They are easy to identify because by the long black stripe down the back of their yellowish-white body covered in gray hairs.<br>
Oak processionary moth caterpillars pose health risks to humans and pets. They are easy to identify because by the long black stripe down the back of their yellowish-white body covered in gray hairs.<br>

Watch for toxic caterpillars and more ticks in Europe, Army public health says

A hairy, toxic caterpillar frequently found in forests and a rising tick population have Defense Department health commands in Europe warning families to take precautions while outdoors in the months ahead.

A photo of the late Air Force Maj. Rodolfo Rodriguez is displayed during a road dedication ceremony in his name on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Strip
A photo of the late Air Force Maj. Rodolfo Rodriguez is displayed during a road dedication ceremony in his name on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Strip

Ramstein honors airman killed in 2008 attack while on secret mission in Pakistan

On Sept. 20, 2008, Air Force Maj. Rodolfo Rodriguez was outside the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan, when a dump truck rammed the hotel’s security gate and caught fire.

Airman Jared Chapa lifts dumbbells on the incline bench press on Monday, June 8, 2020, at the Southside Fitness Center on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The main gym on Ramstein reopened to service members for the first time Monday since closing its doors in March due to the coronavirus.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Airman Jared Chapa lifts dumbbells on the incline bench press on Monday, June 8, 2020, at the Southside Fitness Center on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The main gym on Ramstein reopened to service members for the first time Monday since closing its doors in March due to the coronavirus.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Workouts by appointment: Military gyms reopen for some in Germany

The open doors at one of the military’s largest overseas bases come as gyms throughout Europe slowly reopen with strict safety and hygiene rules.

The entrance to the commissary at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A Ramstein commissary employee's jokes about George Floyd's death in front of customers are being investigated and the store has apologized, after a service member who heard the comments reported them.<br>Stars and Stripes
The entrance to the commissary at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A Ramstein commissary employee's jokes about George Floyd's death in front of customers are being investigated and the store has apologized, after a service member who heard the comments reported them.<br>Stars and Stripes

'It's not a joking matter': Soldier wants Ramstein commissary worker fired for 'I can’t breathe' comment

“Somebody lost their life. Black, white or indifferent – it’s not a joking matter,” said Sgt. Andera Peeples of a recent incident at Ramstein Air Base in which commissary employees appeared to joke about the death of George Floyd.

A U.S. Space Force recruiting ad. The window for airmen to apply to join the newly established Space Force ended May 31. More than 8,500 active-duty airmen applied, the service said Tuesday.<br>U.S. Space Force
A U.S. Space Force recruiting ad. The window for airmen to apply to join the newly established Space Force ended May 31. More than 8,500 active-duty airmen applied, the service said Tuesday.<br>U.S. Space Force

Space Force draws 8,500 volunteers from Air Force ranks

More than 8,500 active-duty airmen are interested in moving over to the U.S. Space Force, the new service said Tuesday.

AFN television via cable will no longer be provided for free to military family housing and barracks at Army bases in Germany starting this fall, officials say.<br>U.S. Army
AFN television via cable will no longer be provided for free to military family housing and barracks at Army bases in Germany starting this fall, officials say.<br>U.S. Army

Army in Germany will stop subsidizing AFN programming in military housing

The American Forces Network will no longer be provided for free via cable to military family housing and barracks at Army bases in Germany, starting this fall, officials said.

A statue of Lady Justice at the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The Air Force???s top lawyer says the service needs to reform its judicial system to address racial inequities.<br>Maxwell Air Force Base
A statue of Lady Justice at the Air Force Judge Advocate General's School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The Air Force???s top lawyer says the service needs to reform its judicial system to address racial inequities.<br>Maxwell Air Force Base

Air Force’s top lawyer urges action against racial discrepancies in service’s legal system

The Air Force must address racial inequality in its legal system, the service’s top lawyer said this week, noting that young, black enlisted airmen are punished more frequently than their nonblack counterparts.

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Culinary Outpost food truck is parked next to the parade field at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The Army's first food truck in Europe gives soldiers on base a convenient option for breakfast and lunch.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The 21st Theater Sustainment Command's Culinary Outpost food truck is parked next to the parade field at Panzer Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. The Army's first food truck in Europe gives soldiers on base a convenient option for breakfast and lunch.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Now serving those who serve: Army food truck comes to Germany

The 21st Theater Sustainment Command food truck is the first to be shipped overseas to Europe and the seventh in the Army. It began full operations this week, visiting Baumholder, Sembach and Panzer on different days, serving breakfast and lunch to up to 200 customers per mealtime

Nala, left, and Evia, peer out from their kennel inside the passenger terminal at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Friday, May 29, 2020. Military families are beginning to move again with their pets as the Pentagon's stop movement eases but options for pet transportation are limited and expensive outside of military channels.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Nala, left, and Evia, peer out from their kennel inside the passenger terminal at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Friday, May 29, 2020. Military families are beginning to move again with their pets as the Pentagon's stop movement eases but options for pet transportation are limited and expensive outside of military channels.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Service members returning to US with pets face limited space, thousands in fees during pandemic

Many service members returning from overseas with pets are scrambling for limited spaces, as commercial shipping costs skyrocket amid the disruption to air travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Customers enjoy the warm spring weather at the Bremerhof beer garden in Kaiserslautern, Germany, while sitting at tables spaced widely apart and no more than six per table. The restaurant, located in the woods just south of Kaiserslautern, opened in mid-May. Strict social distancing and hygienic rules are in place to reduce exposure to the coronavirus.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Customers enjoy the warm spring weather at the Bremerhof beer garden in Kaiserslautern, Germany, while sitting at tables spaced widely apart and no more than six per table. The restaurant, located in the woods just south of Kaiserslautern, opened in mid-May. Strict social distancing and hygienic rules are in place to reduce exposure to the coronavirus.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Enjoy a beer, maintain social distance at Bremerhof beer garden in Kaiserslautern

Under clear, blue skies in mid-May at the Bremerhof beer garden in Kaiserslautern, Germans did what they do every spring when it’s warm enough to sit outdoors: They soaked up the sun and emptied their beer mugs.

Airmen with the 435th Contingency Response Squadron gather around an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The helicopter flew from Katterbach Army Airfield for the Agile Wolf exercise.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Airmen with the 435th Contingency Response Squadron gather around an Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The helicopter flew from Katterbach Army Airfield for the Agile Wolf exercise.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

GALLERY

Finding ways around coronavirus restrictions, Ramstein airmen practice ‘perishable’ jumping skills

Parachuting over Ramstein kicked off the Agile Wolf exercise Tuesday, allowing the 435th Contingency Response Squadron to practice with other units its core missions of opening air bases and supporting mobility aircraft across Europe and Africa.

Ramstein High School senior Asiah Shannon, 17, poses with a face mask while getting his photo taken at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on May 18, 2020. Seniors from Ramstein, Kaiserslautern and Baumholder high schools had the opportunity to get their photos taken while wearing a cap and gown in front of a C-130J Super Hercules belonging to the 86th Airlift Wing.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Ramstein High School senior Asiah Shannon, 17, poses with a face mask while getting his photo taken at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on May 18, 2020. Seniors from Ramstein, Kaiserslautern and Baumholder high schools had the opportunity to get their photos taken while wearing a cap and gown in front of a C-130J Super Hercules belonging to the 86th Airlift Wing.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Face masks and gown or virtual? Graduation ceremonies for DODEA Europe schools adapt to the coronavirus

Some commencement exercises will be entirely virtual, featuring recorded speeches and video clips of graduates, while others will be live ceremonies with rules meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

First Lt. Kane McManus, left, and Maj. Thomas Morgan, pilots with the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, flew a C-130J Super Hercules to Italy on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, to distribute medical supplies in support of pandemic relief efforts. The crew picked up supplies in Milan, delivered them to Rome, and picked up and transported more supplies back to Milan before returning to Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
First Lt. Kane McManus, left, and Maj. Thomas Morgan, pilots with the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, flew a C-130J Super Hercules to Italy on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, to distribute medical supplies in support of pandemic relief efforts. The crew picked up supplies in Milan, delivered them to Rome, and picked up and transported more supplies back to Milan before returning to Germany.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Air Force crew from Ramstein leapfrogs around Italy flying medical supplies

The itinerary was a first for a C-130 cargo plane crew from Ramstein: fly to Milan, continue to Rome, back to Milan, then back home to Germany, all in the same day.

Lui Selinski, a member of the Allied Trades machine shop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, inspects a plastic sheet barrier installed inside a bus belonging to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, May 12, 2020. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Lui Selinski, a member of the Allied Trades machine shop at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, inspects a plastic sheet barrier installed inside a bus belonging to the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron, May 12, 2020. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein’s ‘COVID Armada' is equipped to shuttle passengers in safety

Air Force buses are still in regular service shuttling air crews and other personnel around the base, but the ride is very different these days.

Vapor trails in the sky over Kaiserslautern, Germany, shortly after a sonic boom was heard, May 8, 2020. The booms heard across the state of Rheinland-Pfalz were German Eurofighter jets breaking the sound barrier during training flights.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes
Vapor trails in the sky over Kaiserslautern, Germany, shortly after a sonic boom was heard, May 8, 2020. The booms heard across the state of Rheinland-Pfalz were German Eurofighter jets breaking the sound barrier during training flights.<br>Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes

Sonic booms from German Eurofighters rattle residents near Ramstein Air Base

German Eurofighters flying over the state of Rheinland-Pfalz broke the sound barrier several times in recent days, shaking houses, rattling windows and unnerving more than a few people and pets.

People relax in a beer garden in Munich, Germany, in this file picture taken before the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and beer gardens will be reopening soon across the country with social distancing and hygiene rules to prevent a resurgence of the virus. But some U.S. service members might not be as free as their German counterparts to enjoy the reopenings.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes
People relax in a beer garden in Munich, Germany, in this file picture taken before the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and beer gardens will be reopening soon across the country with social distancing and hygiene rules to prevent a resurgence of the virus. But some U.S. service members might not be as free as their German counterparts to enjoy the reopenings.<br>Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes

Restaurants, hotels poised to reopen in Germany will remain off limits for many US personnel

U.S. military personnel in Germany may have to bide their time before they can enjoy a night out again in the country, where restaurants and hotels will begin to cautiously reopen this month after weeks of coronavirus closures.

A B-1B Lancer flies with a Danish F-16 during a training mission for Bomber Task Force Europe, May 5, 2020.<br>Danish air force
A B-1B Lancer flies with a Danish F-16 during a training mission for Bomber Task Force Europe, May 5, 2020.<br>Danish air force

Air Force B-1B strategic bombers arrive in the Baltics for NATO training

Two B-1B Lancers arrived in the Baltics to work with NATO allies this week, marking the heavy bombers’ first flights to Europe in about 18 months.

A view of Heidelberg, Germany, in February 2020, before there were any coronavirus-related restrictions in the area. A new general order from the 21st TSC commander on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, allows personnel to travel up to 100 kilometers from their homes, as long as they stay within the borders of their country of residence, putting the popular travel destination in range for many living in Germany.<br>Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes
A view of Heidelberg, Germany, in February 2020, before there were any coronavirus-related restrictions in the area. A new general order from the 21st TSC commander on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, allows personnel to travel up to 100 kilometers from their homes, as long as they stay within the borders of their country of residence, putting the popular travel destination in range for many living in Germany.<br>Ann Pinson/Stars and Stripes

Travel restrictions are eased on some US personnel in Germany, Benelux

Thousands of service members and their families can travel three times farther from their homes than they could over the last six weeks as one of the largest U.S. Army commands in Europe eased coronavirus restrictions Tuesday.

Kaltrian Ibrij shaves off Senior Airman Jeremiah Lamb's hair on Monday, May 4, 2020, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The base began reopening its haircut facilities after being closed for about six weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Kaltrian Ibrij shaves off Senior Airman Jeremiah Lamb's hair on Monday, May 4, 2020, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. The base began reopening its haircut facilities after being closed for about six weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

'It makes it feel like you’re in the military again': Haircuts are back at Ramstein

For the first time in six weeks, airmen ar Ramstein Air Base in Germany were able to do something they once took for granted: get a haircut.

The military police close the playgrounds at Wiesbaden's Crestview and Aukamm housing area because of coronavirus concerns. U.S. bases in Germany on Friday said they were still determining whether to open playgrounds and other venues.<br>David Edge/Stars and Stripes
The military police close the playgrounds at Wiesbaden's Crestview and Aukamm housing area because of coronavirus concerns. U.S. bases in Germany on Friday said they were still determining whether to open playgrounds and other venues.<br>David Edge/Stars and Stripes

US bases reviewing restrictions as barbershops, playgrounds and more prepare to reopen in Germany

U.S. military bases across Germany are still reviewing what services and facilities to resume and reopen, following Germany’s lead.

Second graders at Vogelweh Elementary School, Germany, answer a question in teacher Samantha Sanchez's class in February 2019. All DODEA schools will close their doors for the rest of the school year with the possible exception of those in South Korea, officials said Friday. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Second graders at Vogelweh Elementary School, Germany, answer a question in teacher Samantha Sanchez's class in February 2019. All DODEA schools will close their doors for the rest of the school year with the possible exception of those in South Korea, officials said Friday. <br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

DODEA schools worldwide will close doors for rest of school year, with possible exception of South Korea

All of the Defense Department’s schools will close their doors for the remainder of the school year with the possible exception of those in South Korea, officials said Friday.

The Spangdahlem Air Base main gate is shown in March of 2020. The preliminary findings of an Air Force investigation show that two airmen found dead in the same room on the base in January died accidentally of a drug overdose.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The Spangdahlem Air Base main gate is shown in March of 2020. The preliminary findings of an Air Force investigation show that two airmen found dead in the same room on the base in January died accidentally of a drug overdose.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Deaths of 20-year-old airmen found in Spangdahlem dorm room were accidental and drug-related, OSI says

Two airmen in Germany died from “multiple drug toxicity,” according to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

A pistol with a cable safety lock. The Air Force is distributing about 150,000 gun safety locks to bases in the U.S. as part of efforts to reduce suicides and accidental deaths, the service said.<br>Facebook/Project ChildSafe
A pistol with a cable safety lock. The Air Force is distributing about 150,000 gun safety locks to bases in the U.S. as part of efforts to reduce suicides and accidental deaths, the service said.<br>Facebook/Project ChildSafe

Air Force issuing 150,000 free gun locks in bid to improve safety and reduce suicides

The cable locks will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Airmen should contact their base’s violence prevention officer for details about local distribution, officials said.

A memorial tribute to Airman 1st Class Jacob A. Blackburn, depicted in the photo at left, and Airman 1st Class Bradley Reese Haile is held at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Oct. 22, 2019. Speed appears to have been a factor in the crash that killed the two airmen last fall, base officials said in a statement on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, citing an accident investigation report.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
A memorial tribute to Airman 1st Class Jacob A. Blackburn, depicted in the photo at left, and Airman 1st Class Bradley Reese Haile is held at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Oct. 22, 2019. Speed appears to have been a factor in the crash that killed the two airmen last fall, base officials said in a statement on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, citing an accident investigation report.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Speeding a factor in car crash that killed Spangdahlem airmen last year, Air Force says

Excessive speed was a factor in a car crash that killed two airmen and injured a third last fall on Spangdahlem Air Base, Air Force officials said Wednesday, citing a monthslong investigation into the accident.

Students in class at Kaiserslautern High School in Germany, Feb. 22, 2019. Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Europe have been closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are determining whether to reopen the schools or continue with digital learning for the rest of the school year.<br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes
Students in class at Kaiserslautern High School in Germany, Feb. 22, 2019. Department of Defense Education Activity schools in Europe have been closed for more than a month due to the coronavirus pandemic. Officials are determining whether to reopen the schools or continue with digital learning for the rest of the school year.<br>Jennifer Svan/Stars and Stripes

Italian schools to close until September as DODEA mulls decision for its schools in Europe

Italian schools won’t reopen until September, a decision that could impact U.S. bases in the country, as military officials determine whether to recommend online instruction for the remainder of the school year in Europe.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is given a water salute on Thursday, April 23, 2020, after completing 10,000 flight hours. The F-16 was the first in Europe, and only the second in the U.S. Air Force's inventory, to cross the 10,000 flight-hour mark.<br>Kyle Cope/U.S. Air Force
An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, is given a water salute on Thursday, April 23, 2020, after completing 10,000 flight hours. The F-16 was the first in Europe, and only the second in the U.S. Air Force's inventory, to cross the 10,000 flight-hour mark.<br>Kyle Cope/U.S. Air Force

F-16 at Spangdahlem first in Europe to hit 10,000 flight hours

An F-16 combat jet at Spangdahlem Air Base achieved a landmark 10,000 flight hours on Thursday, nearly 27 years after it rolled off the production line and began flying for the 52nd Fighter Wing.

Neil's Pub is the new name for the former Mack Du's in Mackenbach, Germany. Neil Burton and his family took over the pub about a year ago.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Neil's Pub is the new name for the former Mack Du's in Mackenbach, Germany. Neil Burton and his family took over the pub about a year ago.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Neil’s Pub in Mackenbach is open for takeout

The former Mack Du’s on the east side of Ramstein Air Base in Mackenbach is now Neil’s Pub, but customers might not have noticed the name change.

Retired chief master sergeant Juan Lewis recovers from the coronavirus in a Dutch hospital in Sittard, Netherlands, across the German border from Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, where Lewis works. Also known as the Fired Up Chief for the uplifting talks he gave airmen, Lewis said the virus ''hit me so hard that it made me want to die.''<br>Juan Lewis/Facebook
Retired chief master sergeant Juan Lewis recovers from the coronavirus in a Dutch hospital in Sittard, Netherlands, across the German border from Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, where Lewis works. Also known as the Fired Up Chief for the uplifting talks he gave airmen, Lewis said the virus ''hit me so hard that it made me want to die.''<br>Juan Lewis/Facebook

Air Force’s 'Fired Up Chief' survives a serious bout with coronavirus

Retired Air Force command chief master sergeant Juan Lewis — who’s widely known as the “Fired Up Chief” for the uplifting talks he gave to airmen — was the one in need of support and motivation as he fought for his life over the past few weeks.

Sgt. Jonathan Camacho, left, and Staff Sgt. Kyle Shields, parachute riggers with the 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial Delivery Company at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany, cut out fabric to be sewed into face masks on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The soldiers are using bedsheets purchased from local base exchanges for materials.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Sgt. Jonathan Camacho, left, and Staff Sgt. Kyle Shields, parachute riggers with the 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial Delivery Company at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Germany, cut out fabric to be sewed into face masks on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. The soldiers are using bedsheets purchased from local base exchanges for materials.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Army parachute riggers and civilians in Kaiserslautern make masks to protect the force

Sewing machines continue to hum inside the workshop at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, where U.S. Army parachute riggers who normally mend torn canopies have taken up a new project: face masks. The 5th Quartermaster-Theater Aerial Delivery Company soldiers have produced about 150 a day since Monday.

The Seewoog, a small lake on the outskirts of Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, is a good starting point for hiking and biking in the countryside outside of Kaiserslautern.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
The Seewoog, a small lake on the outskirts of Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, is a good starting point for hiking and biking in the countryside outside of Kaiserslautern.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

In the woods near Ramstein, you can feed the deer and grab a pizza

With movie theaters, outdoor cafes, parks, shops and swimming pools closed in Germany during the coronavirus pandemic, the great outdoors beckons.

Sgt. Josue Caballero, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Vicenza Army Health Clinic laboratory, prepares specimen collections for the new coronavirus rapid testing system. The new diagnostic test for the coronavirus, which returns results in around an hour, is available at seven military clinics in Europe.<br>U.S. Army
Sgt. Josue Caballero, noncommissioned officer in charge of the Vicenza Army Health Clinic laboratory, prepares specimen collections for the new coronavirus rapid testing system. The new diagnostic test for the coronavirus, which returns results in around an hour, is available at seven military clinics in Europe.<br>U.S. Army

Military clinics in Europe now have rapid diagnostic test for coronavirus

At least seven U.S. military medical clinics in Europe now have an in-house diagnostic tool that processes coronavirus tests in as little as 45 minutes, officials said this week.

Kendal Morgenweck, a fifth grader at Hohenfels Elementary School, does her daily online assignments from home, March 26, 2020, at Hohenfels Training Area. Some DODEA schools in Europe are adjusting their digital learning schedules to accommodate families with more than one school-age child and to reduce time online and workload for some students.<br>Garrick W. Morgenweck/U.S. Army
Kendal Morgenweck, a fifth grader at Hohenfels Elementary School, does her daily online assignments from home, March 26, 2020, at Hohenfels Training Area. Some DODEA schools in Europe are adjusting their digital learning schedules to accommodate families with more than one school-age child and to reduce time online and workload for some students.<br>Garrick W. Morgenweck/U.S. Army

DODEA schools juggle schedules as parents, kids adjust to digital learning during coronavirus pandemic

Some military schools in Europe will adjust their digital learning schedules this month, consolidating and staggering the times students spend online for group instruction, a top school official said.

Reusable bags like this green eco-friendly fabric bag are no longer allowed in commissaries worldwide, one of several measures the Defense Commissary Agency has implemented to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Baggers are also no longer bagging groceries for customers.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes
Reusable bags like this green eco-friendly fabric bag are no longer allowed in commissaries worldwide, one of several measures the Defense Commissary Agency has implemented to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Baggers are also no longer bagging groceries for customers.<br>Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes

Ramstein gate closed, postal services changed, commissary baggers gone

“The closure is being done in the best interest of our” gate guards, said Sandra Archer, an 86th Airlift Wing spokeswoman.