QUOTE FOR THE WEEK: Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the

embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love! ~Sitting Bull

Commandants Thoughts: Just step outside. It seems that overnight the grass grew, trees and flowers bloomed and the world became happier and more welcoming. Embrace the renewal and lushness of Spring.
_____________________________________ The Commandants office sends a weekly email which highlights upcoming events and general news. If you require All AFRICOM e-mail distro list dissemination of general information, submit your input to Commandants Office e-mail at commandant@africom.mil no later than COB each Tuesday. Attachments are prohibited as are lengthy emails. Please summarize the message into one paragraph and provide a POC and/or a link to additional information. Go to this link for the current briefing slides of the most recent USAG-S tenant meeting to get more community announcements and mission related news. http://www.stuttgart.army.mil/DPTMS/Community%20briefings.html.

___________________________AFRICOM NEWS____________________________
1. Come to the USAFRICOM hosted 2012 STUTTGART COMMUNITY ARMY BALL to enjoy a night of music, inspiration, and camaraderie with fellow military members/significant others in celebration of the Army's 237th Birthday. The Army Ball will be held on Saturday, 9 June 2012 and begin at 1800 hours in the Sindelfingen Stadthalle (Schillerstrae 23 / Stadthalle, 71065 Sindelfingen). All services, civilians, and contractors are welcome. Please contact MAJ Ollie Schaller (DSN 421-5508) or MAJ Sam Jackson (DSN 421-3000) for more information. 2. HUNGRY! Don't forget the AFRICOM OPEN MESS for breakfast and lunch. Contact SFC Amy Bauer at 421-4990. 3. SFO will be providing THREAT AWARENESS AND REPORTING PROGRAM (TARP), formerly known as SAEDA, at the Kelley Theater on 23 Jul 12,for personnel who missed Feb-Mar 12 training. In accordance with DoD Instruction 5240.6 and National Security Decision Directive 197, all military, civilian, and contract personnel, regardless of branch of service, are required to receive a TARP briefing at least once a year. Additionally, spouses and teenage children are strongly encouraged to attend. 23 Jul 12, Monday: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-16. 4. ELECTION YEAR 2012. Individuals can go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program website to register, request an absentee ballot, and find other election and voting information. REGISTER AND REQUEST YOUR BALLOT at: http://www.fvap.gov/index.html <http://www.fvap.gov/index.html> <http://www.fvap.gov/index.html <http://www.fvap.gov/index.html> > <http://www.fvap.gov/index.html. For additional assistance, the AFRICOM Voting Officer is Mr. Phillip Whigham, phillip.whigham@usafricom.mil, DSN: 421-3384. 5. RESERVE AFFAIRS OFFICE is the central point for all Reserve/Guard personnel and administrative actions at USAFRICOM (located in Bldg 3313, Room 018/ with a Program Manager for each branch of Service): Air Force 421-3487; Army/NG 421-4398; Marine 421-4543; Navy 421-4484). 6. LOOKING for the Official USAFRICOM PATCH? Contact Maj Campbell at 421-5025 for the 3.5 inch patch with Velcro for $5 each. 7. PCS/PRE-SEPARATION BRIEFINGS: Two classes will be presented this month in anticipation of larger attendance with the summer PCS season approaching. You must call the CPF at DSN 431-2599 or

commercial 07031-152599 to sign-up for one of the classes. *Information provided during the first 1 3/4 hours is applicable to all services and includes those who are separating from service. *It is mandatory that separating/retiring Soldiers remain for the transition portion of the briefing which is given during the last 45 minutes. 8. "TRAVEL CLINIC" WHAT: Travel Soldier Readiness Process ("Travel Clinic") for all HQ USAFRICOM Personnel (AD, Civilian, Contractor) WHERE: Kelley Annex, Building #3312 (next to Community Mail Room) WHEN: May 4 2012 from 1300 to 1500 WHY: Support official travelers to Africa by setting up a one-stop shop on Kelley for all pre-travel Force Health Protection requirements per ACM 4200.03 (including Yellow Fever certificates/shot records) HOW: Call Heidelberg Central Appointments at DSN 371-2622 (comm. 06221 172 622), and ask for a Travel Medicine appointment at the Kelley Clinic Annex. Future dates (tentative): May 18. POC: SGT Ryan Kendall, Kelley Clinic Annex NCOIC (421-5605) 9. THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN (TSP) INTRODUCES ROTH CONTRIBUTIONS: On May 7, 2012, TSP will begin to accept Roth TSP contributions. The Roth TSP was authorized by the Thrift Savings Plan Enhancement Act of 2009, which was enacted on June 22, 2009, and will allow Federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services to contribute after-tax dollars into the TSP for the first time. Both the contributions and their earnings will be tax-free when withdrawn, as long as IRS requirements are met. Additional details can be found at the TSP website: www.tsp.gov <http://www.tsp.gov> <http://www.tsp.gov <http://www.tsp.gov> > . The web site has a helpful video that provides an introduction to this new TSP element. In addition, there is a table that provides a comparison between the traditional TSP and Roth TSP. Department of Army Civil Service employees who have additional questions about TSP or other employee benefits and entitlements can contact the Army Benefits Center (ABC) at (877) 276-9287 or visit the ABC web site at: https://www.abc.army.mil/ <https://www.abc.army.mil/> <https://www.abc.army.mil/ <https://www.abc.army.mil/> > . 10. EUROPEAN MOTORCYLE SEASON is fast approaching; with that comes the need for refresher safety training. http://www.imcom-europe.army.mil/webs/sites/staff_org/safety/atstp/index.html will help you learn exactly what training is required to operate a motorcycle in Europe. You will also find course schedules, for all of Germany. If you would like to join the AFRICOM Motorcycle e-mail group please send an email to Matthew.Arant@USAFRICOM.MIL <mailto:Matthew.Arant@USAFRICOM.MIL> <mailto:Matthew.Arant@USAFRICOM.MIL <mailto:Matthew.Arant@USAFRICOM.MIL> > . 11. On behalf of the J2 Directorate, this is a reminder of the SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH BRANCH (SSRB) latest Brown Bag session. It will be held Wednesday, 9 May 2012, from 1130-1300, in building 3315, conference room 216. Brown bag sessions are a forum for an informal meeting, over lunch, to discuss various socio-cultural topics of interest to the command. Title: "Al-Shabaab and Al-Qaeda ideologies: Explaining Who is Who in an Environment of Shifting Allegiances" Presenters: Socio -cultural Analysts, Mr. Wayne Fulton and Mr. Keith Newcomer, SSRB, J2K Synopsis: This Brown Bag will introduce discussion points regarding the ideological divisions that exist among senior Al-Shabaab leadership. The forum will review takfiri doctrine and the evolution of jihad in Somalia, the relationship between Islam and clan, and the divided support for Al-Shabaab's membership in al-Qaeda. This brown bag will be held at a SECRET//NOFORN level. For additional information, please contact: Maj Kolva, 421-5051, Mr. Wayne Fulton, 421-5361, Mr. Keith Newcomer, 421-2567 or Ms. Melissa Dimock at 421-3598.

12. EEO TRAINING: The next EEO Training is scheduled for Wednesday, 8 May 12, 0830-1000Managers/Supervisors; 1030-1200 Employees. Training will be held in building 3306, room 119, Kelley Barracks. Please register by email - yasmin.rosa@usafricom.mil <mailto:yasmin.rosa@usafricom.mil> . EEO training is for all federal government (GS, GG or NAF) employees, managers/supervisors and military managers of civilian personnel (GS, GG or NAF). - ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER (AAPI) OBSERVANCE: May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Observance month. AFRICOMs Special Emphasis Program (SEP) Committee together with USAG Stuttgart Equal Opportunity Advisor are hosting an event on Thursday, 24 May (tentative), at Kelley Barracks. A coordinating meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 10 May, 1430, in building 3306, Room 119. We are looking for dancers, performers and volunteers interested in taking part in the event. If you are interested in participating in this event or have any questions, please contact Yasmin Rosa at 421-4587 or via email at yasmin.rosa@usafricom.mil. 13. US MEMBERS WITH GERMAN SPOUSES! Effective 26 June 12, entry for children on the parent's German "Reisepass" (passport) will no longer be authorized. Each individual travelling will be required to have their own passport. Reasoning?...Security--"one person-one pass". This rule will be in effect at all EU borders. 14. ARMY CAREER TRACKER (ACT) FOR DA CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AND SUPERVISORS OF DA CIVILIAN PERSONNEL: This is a reminder the ACT has now been deployed for Civilian Employees in Career Programs (CP) 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 22, 24, 27, 31, 32 and 34. Civilian employees should have received an email directly from ACT with instructions on how to access this valuable online leader development tool. Every Army civilian employee and supervisors of DA civilians are encouraged to take advantage of this useful tool to help employees achieve career development goals. The link to ACT is: https://actnow.army.mil <https://actnow.army.mil> <https://actnow.army.mil <https://actnow.army.mil> > . ACT user and supervisor training, simulations, FAQs, and a functionality tutorial are available on the ACT Training Page on AKO at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/601000 <https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/601000> <https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/601000 <https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/601000> > . Questions regarding Civilian Training should be referred to Mr. Oscar Bocanegra at DSN 421-4463. 15. STUTTGART CIVILIAN PERSONNEL ADVISORY CENTER (CPAC) IS REQUESTING FEEDBACK FROM SUPERVISORS: As part of their 2012 Customer Feedback Initiative (CFI), the Civilian Human Resources Agency (CHRA) is requesting feedback from supervisors of DA civil service personnel regarding the quality of CPAC services. All supervisors are highly encouraged to provide feedback to the CHRA Director, Ms. Barbara Panther, SES, on the customer service being provided by the Stuttgart CPAC. The feedback provided by supervisors will be considered directly by CHRA leadership to make process improvements. The feedback results and any planned process improvements will be shared with everyone within four weeks of the end of the survey period. Completing the 11 question survey is easy and takes approximately 5 minutes. A one minute video of Ms. Panther explaining the feedback initiative is found at: http://www.chra.army.mil/video/CFI_Survey_Video.wmv <http://www.chra.army.mil/video/CFI_Survey_Video.wmv. Survey Link is found at https://www.atrrs.army.mil/ATRRSSurvey/Survey.aspx?s=efdbcd68c9c6409589c3413dfaf54b0a 16. Scheduled to visit the continent soon? Have a new area analysis assignment? The AFRICOM RESEARCH LIBRARY has multiple copies of urrent commercially produced tourist maps for many countries on the continent. Frequently updated, these maps can provide a head start in providing situational understanding of an unfamiliar area. Extra copies for personal retention by you or your team can be ordered by calling 421-3970. Please leave a two week lead time for special orders. The AFRICOM Research Library is located in B3312, Rm. 045. POC is Karen Filkil, 421-4211. 17. AFRICOM INTRAMURAL SOFTBALL TEAM. Season expected to begin in June, anyone interested in playing please contact Gary Kaczmarek at gary.kaczmarek@usafricom.mil <mailto:gary.kaczmarek@usafricom.mil>

18. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY (FPU) Where: Kelley Barracks (Kelley Club) When: Beginning on 10 Jul (13 weeks) every Tuesday evening from 1830-2030 Who: "Stuttgart FPU" on facebook & FPUStuttgart@yahoo.com <mailto:FPUStuttgart@yahoo.com> <mailto:FPUStuttgart@yahoo.com <mailto:FPUStuttgart@yahoo.com> to register (seating is limited) Why: Obtain Financial Peace & It's FREE (sponsored by Stuttgart Chaplaincy)!!! 19. AFRICA AREA STUDIES SEMINAR, Panzer Barracks, Bldg 2915 (Ed Center), Rm 402; 7 - 11 May 2012. The Africa Area Studies course is a five-day basic course, designed as an introductory-level orientation to Africa. Specific areas of discussion include the complex/problematic geography of Africa, exploring the continent from North to South; a historical survey of the most critical events and periods in the development of the continent, with a strong focus on the colonial era, the Cold War, and Post-Cold War issues. Students will also learn about the economic systems and structures of the continent including current trends; security structures; regional economic and political organizations; and international relations. The course concludes with a discussion of the history and current situation in four pivotal countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, and the Sudan. Students must be prepared to engage in open discussion in a seminar format. This seminar is open to USAFRICOM staff members; POC: Mr. Michael Esters, 421-4183; Michael.esters@usafricom.mil for more information. 20. The TransAtlantic Council will honor General Ham and LGen Hertling at an EAGLE SCOUT ceremony on 12 May on Patch Barracks. I'm looking for 3 or 4 adult military Eagle Scouts to present the colors at the start of the ceremony (Class A's; honor guard experience not necessary). Ceremony will begin at 1700; practice immediately beforehand. If you would like to serve as part of this ceremony, please email Maj Gen Schissler mark.schissler@eucom.mil or RADM Messerschmidt John.messerschmidt@eucom.mil 21. AFRICA STUDIES EXECUTIVE COURSE, Kelley Barracks, Bldg 3308, Rm 101; 14 May 2012. This one day course is designed to familiarize senior personnel (O-6/GS-15) with varies issues that influence Africa's political and economic systems. However, all USAFRICOM personnel can attend, if they are not able to attend the five-day seminar. Topics include the political, economy, societies, religion, geography, climate, conflicts, and pan-African organizations. The instructor will also discuss early civilizations and kingdoms, as well as Arab and European exploration and trade within the continent, and the spread of Christianity and Islam. Several surveys of critical events in the development of the continent will also be examined such as Africa's struggle for independence. The Cold War and post-Cold war eras, as well as current issues and events that are, or have affected the continent of Africa will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on how these issues and events have affected Africa's political, economic, and social development, as well as local and regional stability and security, and how these issues challenge the U.S. This seminar is open to USAFRICOM staff members. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mr. Michael Esters, 421-4183, Michael.esters@usafricom.mil for more information. *Central Africa Studies Seminar, Kelley Barracks, Bldg 3308, Rm 101; 15 - 16 May 2012. The Central Africa Seminar is a two-day advanced course, which is part of the Africa Area Studies Series. The course will focus on Central Africa. The instructor, as well as subject matter expert guest speakers, will help the course attendees to better understand this region of the African continent. Course attendees must be prepared to engage in open discussion in a seminar format. The course will cover all of Central Africa to include: Chad, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Angola, Equatorial-Guinea, and Sao Tome & Principe. This seminar is open to USAFRICOM staff members. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mr. Michael Esters, 421-4183, Michael.esters@usafricom.mil for more information.

______________________GARRISON/COMMUNITY NEWS__________________________
1. The Kelley sorting room for the PFENNIG BAZAAR. The Kelley sorting room is located behind the base theater, bldg 3320, drop off boxes are located outside. The sorting room volunteers will be sorting items starting May 9, 0930- until the work is done. The intention is to sort the second Wednesday of every

month at the same time, unless the donations are too great and more days will need to be added. Anyone interested in being a volunteer can just show up on the schedule days. 2. The Semper Fi Club would like to announce a FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for the Marine Corps Ball. Alcohol-Free Cocktail Hour & Hors D'oeuvres, Dancing, Games, Activities. Who: Open to all US Govt ID card holders What: Father Daughter Dance When: Sunday, June 2, 2012 (1700-2030) Where: Old Firehouse (Behind Panzer Kaserne) Waldburgstrasse 104, 71032 Boeblingen Contact LtCol Randy Velasquez for a Flyer/Information/Tickets. DSN: 314-421-4482 randy.velasquez@africom.mil

NIPR:

3. The STUTTGART COMMUNITY SOCCER TEAM is looking for new players. If you are interested in playing on the team or just want to get together to kick the ball around. Please contact SSG Jacob Sutherland at email sutherlj@eucom.mil or by DSN: 430-7356 for more information. If you would like to play in games for the team you must be 18+ and an ID card holder(Mil, CTR, CIV, Dependent, etc..). If you or someone you know is just interested in kicking the ball around then I would like you to be high school age and up. 4. KELLEY CLUB: Sunday, 13 May/1130-1430, Mother`s Day Lunch - all you can eat $ 20.00 adults $ 7.80 for children ages 5-10, children 4 and under eat free. Some of our Highlights: - Salad Bar, Antipasti boiled Lobster - Pork filet in puff pastry - Beef Roast with pepper sauce - Sptzle, Vegetables and potato gratin - Fresh Strawberry Cake - Tirami Su XL - Ice cream surprise - Crme Caramel. *Wednesday, 16 May/1100-1400, MEXICAN Lunch Buffet - all you can eat 5. ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF CAMPAIGN now-May 15. The AER fund raising campaign is conducted annually by the U.S. Army from 1 March through 15 May. Contributions may be given to any AER section. All contributions are fully tax deductible. Donors may make their contributions to the general assistance fund or they may target their contributions to specific programs such as education scholarships or widow assistance. DSN 431-3362/Civ. 07031 15 3362 6. Courtesy of the Stuttgart Civilian Personnel Action Center the SUMMER HIRE PROGRAM FOR 2012 is here! The announcement period is March 26 through May 20. Applicants are required to submit their online applications during this period and submit their in-processing packages to the CPAC office within 5 days after the submittal of their online application. Eligible candidates must be family members between the ages of 14 to 22 years old with a valid Family Member ID card. This includes spouses under 18 years of age who are still in high school. The employment period will be June 18 to July 27. POC: Arlynda Y. Almond, Human Resources Specialist, arlynda.y.almond.civ@mail.mil/DSN: 314-4313124/COMM: (49+) 070-3115-3124 7. All COMMUNITY BANKS in the USAG Stuttgart will be closed on the following Germany Holidays in May: Labor Day, May 17, Ascension Day and May 28, Whit Monday.

______________________________USO/Education NEWS____________________________
1. On Friday, 11 May USO Stuttgart will take a bus load of community members to the STUTTGART PLANETARIUM AUDITORIUM for a night of laughs and fun with Comedians Bengt Washburn and David Deeble. Stop by the Center to put down a $20/20 refundable deposit per person, children welcome (please comply with our Child Safety Policy). First-Come, First-Serve for the bus - or meet us there! Depart USO: 1900; Return: 2130 -12 May, FREE WILLY PETE BAND CONCERT. Patch Community Club, 1900. The Willy Pete Band is back!!! If you missed them in January, the group will be back for one more night this summer. This group is dedicated to entertaining service members and their families, which is why they are excited to

play, once again, for our Stuttgart community! Everyone is welcome; come enjoy their rock-pop-country mix of well-known classics and original tunes. This will be a great show! -Join us on Sunday, 13 May (MOTHERS DAY) for a free trip to the fest for the whole family! Stop by the Center to put down a $20/20 refundable deposit per seat (children are welcome) - first-come, first serve for bus seats or meet us downtown! Everyone will receive one free beverage and one chicken courtesy of the USO. Depart USO: 1030; Return: 1700. 2. EARN YOUR MASTER'S DEGREE IN 18 MONTHS! University of Phoenix offers a face-to-face Master's of Business Administration program in Stuttgart. New face-to-face groups start up every 6 weeks (with the next one starting June 6, 2012!) beginning with Management 521, the introduction MBA course, and a prerequisite for all other classes. There are 12 total courses, and each course lasts just six weeks. Classes meet one night a week from 5:30 - 9:30 p.m. The application process takes about one week, so interested students should apply early. Online courses are also available. Consider enrolling while stationed here in Germany, as these degrees are available at a contracted overseas military rate which is 60% off the same degree in the States! Take advantage while you are here and go back to the States with a Masters degree! PROGRAMS OFFERED: Master of Business Administration Master of Arts in Education- Elementary Ed. (observation hours/student teaching takes place in local DODDS schools!) Master of Arts in Education- Secondary Ed. (observation hours/student teaching takes place in local DODDS schools!) Master of Arts in Education- Teacher Leadership (no observation/student teaching required- PERFECT FOR CURRENT TEACHERS!) Master of Arts in Education- Adult Education and Training (no observation/student teaching requiredPERFECT FOR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS!) Please contact Enrollment Advisor, Emma Crews, at CIV:07031-72-40701 or email Emma.Crews@phoenix.edu <mailto:Emma.Crews@phoenix.edu> . 3. For Admissions and Alumni Staff, COLLEGE FAIR Coordinators, Alumni Reps: The annual Kaiserslautern (Germany) College and University Information Night will be held this year on Thursday, October 4. More than 1500 high school students, plus parents and other community members attend the program each year, making this one of the largest such events in Europe. Annually, we typically have more than 100 colleges and universities plus scholarship programs and other similar representatives on-site to provide information and materials and answer pertinent questions about their schools and programs. POC: Larry_Zani@compuserve.com 4. 24/7 ONLINE TUTORING. www.tutor.com/military is a 24/7 one-to-one homework help and online tutoring site for K-12 students, as well as college students. This service is totally free for military families, and also for DOD civilians living overseas. Get help from a professional tutor anytime you need it. FREE for Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve members in the Army, Marines, Navy or Air Force and their dependents. Tutors are online 24/7 and available to help in more than 16 subjects.

In keeping with the Spring theme and Sitting Bullisms, I close with: The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love.

Your Commandant