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Many U.S. Soldiers stationed at U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz locations in Germany face the challenge of spending Christmas far from home.
To combat this loneliness, the Baumholder Military Community facilitates “Operation Good Cheer,” a voluntary program that pairs single and geo-bachelor Soldiers with German host families for the holiday season.
The program kicked off Dec. 3 with a meet-and-greet American-style dinner event at a local Baumholder fire station, where 14 soldiers met with 12 host families from Rheinland-Pfalz and Saarland. During the meetups, participants chatted about hobbies, Christmas traditions and personal anecdotes.
Bernd Mai, USAG Rheinland-Pfalz host nation advisor in Baumholder, emphasized the program’s goal of fostering community ties and providing soldiers with a sense of belonging during the holidays. He has volunteered as overseer of Operation Good Cheer for the past 35 years.
“Experiencing Christmas with a German family is a unique experience for the soldiers,” Mai said. He noted that the initiative helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and encourages cultural exchange.
Sgt. Lamar Porter, 16th Sustainment Brigade, has participated in the program for three years. He read a heartfelt letter to his host family, thanking them for their warmth and hospitality. He will spend Christmas with them again this year.
“For three years in a row, you have opened your home and your hearts to me, giving me not only a place to celebrate, but also a sense of belonging,” he said. “You welcomed me as warmly as if I had always been part of your family.”
Alexander Schweitzer, who hosts Porter along with his wife Tina and son Silas, expressed the family’s appreciation for the connection.
“We are completely overwhelmed and feel incredibly honored,” Schweitzer said. What began as a holiday acquaintance has developed into a lasting friendship, with regular visits between the families.
Mai said this is the goal of Operation Good Cheer, and he hopes for similarly positive outcomes this year as the program continues to strengthen bonds between U.S. soldiers and local families.
U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz sets, serves, and secures the total force community, enabling power projection for the Euro-pean Theater.
