From life behind the fence Published Sept. 2, 2008 By Translated by 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Reprinted with permission from Trierischer Volksfreund, Weekend Bernkastel/Wittlich Edition, 9/10 Aug 08 Reporter Katharina Hammermann Start of a new series "American Way of Eifel"--Part 1: Spangdahlem Air Base They are amongst us, live in Spangdahlem, Bitburg, Wittlich, Trier and countless Eifel villages - but how the "Eifel Americans" actually live and what they do exactly, very few know. In the series "American way of Eifel" television takes a look behind the fence of the American military base, at cultural differences, military missions and in American shopping carts. One does not enter through the large gate simply. Because behind it, surrounded by Eifel cow meadows and a fence, lies another country, another world. Spangdahlem Air Base is a small piece of America in the middle of the Eifel; a truly military piece of America. Fighter planes, those filling missions in Afghanistan, Iraq or other regions of the world, start and land here. But people also live here. They work, go to school, play sports, go shopping, entertain themselves... Those who want to participate in the life behind the fence need a good reason and an access pass. The first step therefore leads visitors into the pass office at the main gate of the air base. Even there things are much different. A piece of equipment hangs on the wall; one normally only seen in American (TV) series: a water fountain*, the people speak English and many of them wear camouflage uniforms. (*fountain described as a stainless steel-pushbutton water-in-the-mouth sprinkler) Approximately 15,000 people live and work on Spangdahlem Air Base, where the 52nd Fighter Wing of the American Air Force is based. 5,200 of them are career military. Many have brought their families along. The "Airmen" remain in the Eifel two to three years, before they are again moved elsewhere. Among them are numerous women. Some are busy with lawn mowers behind the large gate: In uniform, with red ear protection, they push the mowing machines with precise steps over the grassy areas - in front of buildings, which resemble each other like two peas in a pod: pale-yellow, houses built in rows with brown balconies up to three or four stories high. Situated on approximately six square kilometers, it offers everything that a small American town would normally offer plus more: apartments for approximately 1,000 people, around the clock businesses, restaurants, pubs, fitness center, cinema, a gas station, schools, physicians, bowling center, police and even a golf course. Even in the mornings, one can observe people playing golf; ones who are completely unmoved by the jets starting and landing nearby. Many residents from the surrounding villages see and hear this less unmoved (lightly). Again and again, there are protests from the population about aircraft noise. However, the politicians of the region do not let the waves strike too high: the air base is an important economic factor. And the second largest employer in the region. According to information from the American press office, 1,800 civilians work there. Approximately 800 of them are German. Thus a big field behind a well-secured fence. In the coming weeks the TV will highlight different aspects of American life in the region. History of the air base: Spangdahlem Air Base was built by French occupation troops, who never used it. Already in 1953, the year of completion, the Americans came. Over the years, different squadrons were stationed in Spangdahlem. The 52nd "Fighter Wing" moved to the base in 1971 and has remained since then. The F-16 fighter jets have been there since 1987, the A-10 planes since 1992. In 1993, after the closure of Bitburg Air Base, a radar control unit moved to Spangdahlem. Since 2005, the base regularly receives C-5 and C-17 transport aircraft, which are making a stopover. Original Article (German) with Photos: http://www.volksfreund.de/totallokal/bitburg/aktuell/Heute-in-der-Bitburger-Zeitung;art752,1784047