Spangdahlem explores the Eifel with local community

Published May 5, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Timothy Kim
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Airmen and family members of Saber Nation attended the 11th annual Explore the Eifel information and adventure fair April 29 in Club Eifel here.

The fair featured information booths, live demonstrations, shows and activities aimed at informing U.S. citizens living in the Eifel community of the German culture and local sites.

Many exhibitors, local community leaders, area officials, Bitburg County representatives, Host Nation Council representatives, honorary commanders, community volunteers, travel and tourist office agents and private establishments offered information on the Eifel and tailored excursion and event packages in English to Airmen and their families.

"Many of you are coming here for the 11th year in a row. To teach us, Spangdahlem Sabers and their families, the tradition and culture of the Eifel and the surrounding countries of Luxembourg and Belgium," said U.S. Air Force Col. Joe McFall, 52nd Fighter Wing commander as he welcomed the exhibitors and local nation dignitaries. "I can't thank you enough for providing this service to our Saber family. This truly proves the friendship between your countries and the communities of the Spangdahlem Air Base. Vielen Dank."

The Muddy Creek Kids, a local music act, emceed as hosts of the fair and performed alongside other entertainment groups throughout the day.

Base members visited the booths, viewed demonstrations and activities inside and outside Club Eifel and participated in games for prizes during the fair. Booth representatives also had sign-up sheets available for tours or activities during the Explore the Eifel adventure weekends, which took place May 1-3 with additional tours offered later in May and June.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Smith, a 52nd Communication Squadron cyber systems operator, remarked on how the fair's atmosphere brought people together.

"This place is extraordinarily informative," Smith said. "You've got everybody mingling and talking to each other; everyone's getting to know each other and finding common ground and that helps build relationships."

Smith's colleague, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Torrie Cox, a 52nd CS cyber systems operator, also recommended fellow sabers seize the opportunity to learn about their host nation's heritage and culture.

"If I were to give this place a definition, I would say it's great for first-term Airmen to come here and give it a try and get to know the area," Cox said. "If you have a family, bring them out here. You've got Germans and Americans working together, and if you don't know the German heritage, you get the chance to learn and realize that it's something you can get in tune with and learn about the area we live in."

For more photos of the fair, click here