U.S. forces participate in state fair

Petra Lessoing
Kaiserslautern American


***image1***This year’s Rheinland-Pfalz State Fair takes place June 10 to 12 in Bad Ems. Cities, union communities of the state of Rheinland-Pfalz and military forces participate in the event and show who they are and what they have to offer. An entertaining program is offered on 13 stages and activities areas. There is live music, dance performances, presentations and displays. The highlight is the parade June 12.

“The state and people’s fest presents itself in its utmost diversity,” said Kurt Beck, Minister President of Rheinland-Pfalz. “The beautiful river bank avenues are included in activities, so is the Lahn River with excellent water shows.”

The U.S. Air Force is represented by the USAFE Marching Band. They perform and walk in the parade in between decorated wagons, walking groups and other bands 1:30 to 5 p.m. June 12.

“The 52nd Fighter Wing from Spangdahlem sends a variety of military vehicles,” said Bernhard Schäfer from the Spangdahlem community relations office. “There will be our mobile dental clinic, our so-called ‘dental bus,’ a fire truck and a police car from our security forces.”

The U.S. Army is represented by the 21st Theater Support Command.
“The Commanding General of the 21st TSC, Maj. Gen. Bennie Williams, will host this year’s military reception June 11,” said Brigitte Bénézet from 21st TSC International Relations.
Like last year, the 21st TSC will present the Apprenticeship Program of the General Support Center, Europe.

“Five outstanding Soldiers between the ages of 18 and 23 from the 21st TSC and five apprentices from GSC-E were selected to represent the U.S. Army and attend this year’s youth reception hosted by the minister president,” said Mrs. Benezet.

***image2***The 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital will showcase its field hospital, which is the last 100 percent MASH left in the U.S. Army today.

The 76th Army Band performs the opening concert at 8 p.m. June 10 on the stage “Bühne der Regionen.”

The city of Kaiserslautern will show itself as soccer world cup location. A stand provides all kind of information about the world cup next year as well as information about the garden fair, Japanese Garden, leisure activities, displays and events. Giant soccer balls will roll in the parade, accompanied by drum players and soccer players of the U14 team of the 1. FCK soccer club.
A laser show will end festivities at 10:30 p.m. in the Kurpark. Bad Ems is located east of Koblenz, on B260.

Next year’s state fair is scheduled for May 19 to 21 in Speyer.