Explore the Eifel offers cultural immersion opportunities

Published June 15, 2007
By Capt. Michael Cumberworth
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- The chance to live and work in foreign countries is one that many military families look forward to and remember fondly for years afterward, but it is not always easy.

Despite spending several years overseas, the demands of the job can often prevent people from visiting the closest local landmarks, much less immersing themselves in the host country's culture.

People living off base may have little time outside the office to learn the language or get to know their German neighbors; or they just might not know where to begin.

Those who do find time to travel often opt for the more famous locations around Europe, bypassing the less well-known historical and cultural jewels in their own backyards.

The 52nd Fighter Wing's "Explore the Eifel" program aims to change these habits by providing military members and their families the opportunity to collect information about the local area, and then spend a few days experiencing local culture firsthand while expanding relationships with friends in nearby German communities.

"The goal of this program is for people to explore the towns we live in as guests here in Germany while learning who our neighbors are and what makes the Eifel special," said Col. Darryl Roberson, 52nd Fighter Wing commander.

"This is not a chance to take off to Paris for the weekend - you have to take leave if you are not in the local area," Col. Roberson said. "Ideally, people will realize they don't need to spend hundreds of euros and travel for hours in order to experience the most scenic and interesting parts of Europe - we're already there!"

Celebrating its third anniversary, Explore the Eifel kicks off June 22 with the information fair in the Spangdahlem fitness center. A mandatory part of the duty day for military members, the fair offers one-stop shopping for information about things to see and do around the Eifel. People can also sign up for certain events here ahead of time.

A combination of the Fourth of July holiday and runway construction limiting flying operations provides a three-day block of time perfect for exploration. July 2 is wing sports day. July 3-5 are the official Explore the Eifel days, including Independence Day celebrations and fireworks. July 6 is a regular duty day.

In addition to exhibitors from as far away as Cologne and Bastogne, towns right outside the gates also set up their booths at the info fair, offering walking tours or cookouts during Explore the Eifel week specifically for base personnel and their families.

"Once a year we have the unique chance to get an insight to the Eifel region, the culture and the traditions. We should appreciate the efforts of the exhibitors who come here," said Bernhard Schaefer, 52nd Fighter Wing community relations advisor. "They come up with extra projects specifically tailored to the base's needs, so if you sign up to attend something you should go and make the most of the opportunity while it's available."

The Eifel region for the purposes of the event extends from the Mosel River to the Belgian border east to west, and from Luxembourg in the south to Cologne in the north.

Some historical sites outside those boundaries are also included and will have information available at the fair.

Information Fair schedule
The following are scheduled times for 52nd Fighter Wing groups to attend the Explore the Eifel information fair at the fitness center June 22:
Medical Group and Fighter Wing staff -- 9 - 11 a.m.
Mission Support Group -- a.m. - 1p.m.
Maintenance Group 1 - 3 p.m.
Operations Group and Munitions Maintenance Group 3 - 5 p.m.

Explore the Eifel fair