I was stationed in West Berlin from 1970 through 1972 in the US Army. I really enjoyed my time in Berlin, going out on the town whenever I wanted to in the evenings. I really mixed with the Berliners when I hung out in coffee houses, etc. I was able to go visit the East as a US Army soldier and the difference of the West vs the East were quite obvious. I got to travel on vacation in areas of West Germany and Bavaria. Twice a year our soldiers traveled through East Germany from Berlin and then down West Germany to Bavaria to the US Army Training Center in Hohenfels for training. We got to shoot our guns at the range there. Now, the 1970s was during the Cold War and there was always a threat and I think most Germans appreciated it. However the Vietnam war was also being fought at the time and I met several Berliners who disapproved of that war. To be honest, I did as well, but then I was in the army so I kept my feelings close to me.
@@heyboyer I was a liaison to the East Berlin Soviet Army twice as a US Army soldier in the 80s when we were on the brink of nuke war. I was stationed in Kitzingen, lived in a house in Willanzheim.
I was stationed in Germany from 1991-1995, I was treated so well by the Germans that I learned the language and stayed another 8 years as a civilian. I am happy i had the chance to serve in Germany, some of the best times in my life! To this day Germany is my 2nd home.
I was there the same time I even got married to a German, although I brought her to the states on a trial basis First time she went shopping she decided she was staying in the states
Germany (and all of the west really) have been annihilated by international jewry. The European peoples are being exterminated via mass migration and race mixing propaganda... from the moment they leave the womb they are conditioned and educated to act against their own interests, against their race, against their culture and civilization. Europe must awaken.
I‘m german and grew up near an american military base in the 80s. As kids we sneaked through the fence onto the training area and asked US-soldiers: „Can I have a MRE?“. These were the only english words we knew 😀 We always got one and loved the ones with peanut butter. 😅
When they had Reforgers in 1978 to 1983 training a simulated war driving our tanks through the towns I love to see the people, the towns and the sights. When the training ended / index I always collected the remaining leftover C-Rations and toss them to the kids in each town we happen to pass by. I trade with them for Spatci, brotchen, shinkin, kasa at times. ect. I still have some wonderful pictures to remember them.
Considering how many of them we have and troops' relative dislike of them, I'm surprised they didn't get a forklift and drop a whole pallet over the fence for you lol
Dear Feli I am a 64 years german (Bavarian) and I have been working for the US Army for 36 years as an civilian employee.I am working a under german working contract including german working rights. For 36 years I am learning every day about the USA, the people and their way of doing things.Now still today some things are strange to me, but I do love MY americans.
I am the child of a German exile who was forced to leave Europe after WWII. I served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany for over three years. It was the best time of my life. I learned German from my family and had little trouble blending in. The Germans noticed my German face and accent. They were very friendly and kind. I loved every minute of my time there. I discovered there are two types of American Service people: those who loved Germany and those who hated it. The difference was getting off base and meeting the Germans on their turf. If I meet anyone in the Military going overseas, I always tell them to get off base and meet the locals. They will love their tours if they do.
I'm an 80 year old retired U.S. Army officer who lived in Heidelberg from '78-'81 and remember my time in Germany with great fondness. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and have been a big fan ever since I discovered you on UA-cam. Keep up the great videos!
2:07 There 80-81, while there were still WW2 POW survivors around from the former Soviet Union. Most germans accepted the military presense as necessary, although it was often a burden. American military wives on the autobahn in the passing lane doing double nickels was the extreme example. The younger crowd was more indifferent. I guess my impression is it was mostly accepted as necessary for the times.
Heidelberg? Goodness me, you didn’t lose your heart there, did you? I understand it’s a thing in that town. 😉 welcome home and thank you for your service.
Army Brat here, born and raised in Heidelberg, now in my 40s work for Lufthansa in the US. I cannot tell you about the countless amazing memories that I got to experience in Germany, it will never be replaced with the friends that are now family to me. 90s fests on the base’s are still undefeated 🎉
I was a US soldier stationed just south of Munich from 98-01. I loved my time in Germany. I learned to speak German while I was there, and I met and married my wife of over 24 years now. Some of my fondest memories are of being a young American in Bayern, going to all the seasonal fests, clubbing, driving through the Alps, and visiting the many castles in the area. The local economy took a big hit when the base closed in 2004, and many of the locals were not happy about it. The Americans and the Germans in that area had formed deep friendships and everyone was sad when the end finally came. It was akin to losing a family member. We still try to visit my wife's family there once or twice a year. Great memories! 🍻
I was at Hahn AB in the Hunsruck region 1981-83. It was estimated that there were 250,000 US troops and the same number of dependents living there at that time, so a half-million Americans. We had enough school districts there that they held high school sports tournaments that you could get the scores in Stars and Stripes.
I was stationed in Germany in the early and late 80s. I was in tanks and they were kid magnets. When we were maneuvering around the countryside as soon as we stopped moving for any length of time the kids would come up to us. We would give them candy from the MREs and stuff like Chem lights, rank pins and other small things we had handy. If we knew we were staying for a long enough time we'd give them money to buy us stuff from the local stores. The kids were incredibly honest and always came back with the stuff and our change. One kid I remember came back with a sack full of sausage, cheese, bread and coffee that he had taken from his mom's kitchen. He insisted on giving us our 20 marks back and seemed really happy with the camouflage hat my tank commander gave him. We joked that we hoped it made up for the butt whooping his mother was going to give him when she found out what he'd done.
My father was based in Kaiserslautern, and I was born in the US Army hospital in Frankfurt. I have fond memories of Germany as a child, and was always glad to have been able to spend time there. I recall the German folks we met were very welcoming and very polite. My own family lineage is German, so it meant more to my dad. It was a great experience.
Why does the US need to have troops in Germany 80 years since the end of World War 2? Are we the Roman Empire? What is accomplished by having troops around the world? These countries should defend themselves.
I’m a physician married to a German wife. Over the years I’ve met dozens of American patients whose only European experience was through the their service in the military. These bases serve as an enormous cultural exchange opportunity that has had a positive impact on Americans who otherwise would not have the means to travel. It has expanded their views of the world, and given them insight other than Hollywood media portrayals.
@@pablofaigenbaum2705 Yeah, Hollywood is great the same way coke and Heroin are great. About a century ago, in Europe, sniffing coke was completely legal and socially acceptable. It took decades until society caught up to its damaging effect. In those times, if you argued against drugs, you'd been laughed at, at best. Or you could have been put in the same category as the Spanish inquisition and labeled a hater of humanity. Hollywood is just the same, only, its poison is quite subtle and insidious, and it will likely take longer for society to catch up. Correspondingly, its damaging effect will last longer, do more damage and take more effort to cure.
I am on your list of ppl whose eyes were opened and still reference Germany in comparisons to here and now. EVERYONE should get to live in a different country for a couple of years!
Thank you for this. As a former military member (USAF Ramstein 1990-1992, then again in 2002) I really enjoyed being in Germany and I am so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. These were one of the best years of my life. I return the favor to this day, if I meet someone from Germany in a restaurant or bar, they will not pay for their dinner or drinks. It is my pleasure to give back for the kindness I received.
It is GREAT that the Americans are still in Germany teaching them democracy, tolerance and multiculturalism. The American should stay there at least one more century. Without the Americans there, the nazis may control Duestchland again. You see how misguided were Germans by the nazis and some are misguided nowaydays by the neo-nazis. Having the American bases there is GREAT. The Americans, the Russians and the English made an enourmous sacrifice during Worl War 2 to destroy the nefaurious nazis. The Germans must be thankful for the sacrifice these countries did. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
We were USAF stationed in Bitburg, Germany from 1983-1987. It was stressed to us to be respectful to our host country, learn German, and enjoy the rich history. Though living in a foreign country was difficult at first, I love Germany and STILL am trying to learn the language. Nothing but love from me to the people of Deutschland!!
Germany (and all of the west really) have been annihilated by international jewry. The European peoples are being exterminated via mass migration and race mixing propaganda... from the moment they leave the womb they are conditioned and educated to act against their own interests, against their race, against their culture and civilization. Europe must awaken.
I spent a total of 7 years in Germany and seriously considered living there... permanently. Germany is an AWESOME place! It's kind of difficult to explain when something just 'talks' to you. While I was there, it felt comfortable and at peace. It was great.
I was an Army Brat in Frankfurt from 1974-1977. I loved your country, the people, the culture, the travel opportunities, the food, the forests and wrote a book about my time there, (coming out Dec. 2024) called, "Out of Place." I was a young teenager and my time in Germany changed my life forever and for better. Thank you, Feli for your excellent channel and continued understanding and bridging of people and understanding/appreciation of German culture.
My nephew currently serves in Germany. His family is there, and his son was even born in Germany. He hopes to get a UN posting after his service ends. He absolutely loves Germany, and is proud to call it home
I was a member of BAOR (British Army of the Rhine) for about 7 years on various tours between 1966 and 1982. My tours saw me serving in Krefeld, Bielefeld, Sennelager, Munster, Celle, Wildenrath and Berlin. Very happy tours and a great deal of job satisfaction. Served as part of an American unit at one point, 3 British amongst about 300 Americans. Also served alongside the Bundeswehr. When I first arrived there was well over a hundred thousand British forces in Germany. Spread mainly throughout Westphalen. There was some friction particularly between young German males and younger British troops but by and large very few of us felt significant antagonism from Germans. Naturally there was a number of British troops who found their wives in Germany and this resulted in a number of Anglo-German kids. I actually joined the Army in 1966 and amongst the hundred or so of us in my basic training there were a few half German lads who joined the Army. I know one of them served for years and then decided to join the Bundeswehr - he rose quickly through the ranks and ended up as a high ranking officer. A few years ago I took my American wife (ex USAF) on holiday and it dismayed me on arriving in Celle (a lovely, pretty, friendly, comfortably compact little town when the British garrison filled the town) to find the town centre dead/empty. On going into a gasthaus which I used to go to a couple of times a week back in the 70's and fell to taking with the owner. He informed us the town was dying as more and more British left. They felt quite protective of what he called, "Our British boys". He said financially they were missed but the most important thing was the town was full of laughter and fun when the British were there and now not so much. He would not accept payment for the drinks my wife and I had. He said his feelings were it's the least he could do to show his gratitude toward the many thousands who had moved into and out of Celle over the years he had owned the pub. Another who was still working in what was my barracks in Berlin only now for the German government, told me he always felt safer in Berlin knowing the British/French/Americans were there and as he'd spent most of his adult life working for the British and formed friendships with Brits even having visited some of them in the UK with his family whom he had worked alongside, he missed them. He said they were always up to some mischief and making fun of him and with him. He said his life was not so much fun since he started working for the German government. I still see Germany as my second home and my wife agrees that if we were not so content with our lives in the UK we would look to move to Germany. I owned a house just outside Dresden for years. I'm now retired and my wife will retire next year. There is no longer any thought of moving to Germany but we visit from time to time and each time I feel I am going home. I don't particularly like large cities but the only place I served where I felt Heimweh for after leaving was Berlin. I lived a couple of hundred metres from the Olympic Stadium and life was exciting, comfortable and fulfilling. We've been back a few times and I had to swallow back the tears when stood outside my old apartment. A large number of the people I have worked with in the years since leaving the forces have also been ex servicemen/women. In all those years I have only ever heard one ex soldier who said he did not enjoy his time in Germany. Fond memories.
I lived in Westphalia as a kid in the early to mid-80s and one of my earliest memories was that of British tanks rolling parallel to a highway we drove on. I can't really remember where it was, but probably Herford, where 4th AD sat at the time. I'm quite happy that the British are returning now to Gütersloh.
@@UrsusMaior I suspect those few who are fortunate to be able to go and sample life in Germany are going to be delighted with their fate sir, especially the married ones able to take their famiies with them. It was a cost cutting decision by a variety of British beancounters who refused to see how keeping an active, ready and prepared prescence in Germany would not only end up saving money but saving both Britain and Germany the time in deploying those assets in an emergency which of course would result in the saving of lives eventually. A really stupid decision by the British government. Gutersloh used to be an RAF base along with Bruggen, Wildenrath (army and RAF - I spent a couple of years at Wildenrath), Laarbruch, Gatow Glad we have helped to put a smile on your face, hope your fellow Germans are as happy as you clearly are. Take care - we may be small and poor here on Monkey Island but we are a ferocious offshoot of the Saxon clans and we will always stand alongside Germany in time of need and only a fool would underestimate us.
I have just stumbled onto your podcast and I am amazed at your content. Your piece on how the German people feel about the American bases on German soil was very informative to me. I had always wondered how the US was able to stay in Germany for so long. You have a wonderful and upbeat personality listening to you speak is captivating hearing you go from English to German with such ease, your English is impeccable. I was born in 1939 just before the second world war. So I have seen so many changes to my country and to yours and to the world in the past 85 years. Please continue doing your broadcast, they are wonderful.
I was stationed in Wiesbaden at the USAF hospital in the center of the city from 1972 - 1974. I found everyone very friendly and helpful. I bought a pretty expensive 10 speed bicycle and a friend and I took a 30 day bicycle trip before I left. I worked with Germans, Turks, Irish. It definitely expanded my view of the world and looking back on it view it as a 2 year paid vacation.
As a German, please excuse comments like the one above (if deleted: thanking you for "occupying Germany"). That person is an idiot. We have those in Germany as well, of course. From my point of view: Thank you for your service.
WAS STATIONED AT THE USAF HOSP TOO. 1986-89. Great times in Weisbaden and Linsey AIR Station.. great nco club and the LINDSEYFEST every year in JUNE? civilians were allowed on the base. big beer tent on the parade grounds, fun rides, cotton candy and food. loved my time in Deuth land
Awesome video, Feli! As a US servicemember recently assigned to Ramstein AB, I can tell you my family and I loved our time there! We didn't want to leave. We elected to live in a village that was more German than American to intentionally attempt to become valuable members of the community. If interested, I'd be more than happy to dispell or prove some of the comments you received when you asked this questions originally. Tschuss!
When I was in the Army, I was very fortunate to travel to Germany to train with the German Paratroops in Oldenburg. Many of us received the Schützenschnur award, German jump wings, and the GAFPB. Their troops were very welcoming and friendly to us. Top tier Airborne all the way.
We had a German sister unit we'd train with, and would exchange Schutenzschnur and U.S. training. I loved the German bluntness, and yet the warmth and sincerity behind their friendship once we'd formed genuine bonds. That was my first introduction to German culture and my family's heritage. I'll treasure that forever.
Enjoyed three tours in Germany and loved our time there. Our kids spent their teen years in Italy/Germany and they cherish those memories. We introduced fried turkey on Thanksgiving to our German friends in a small village, a tradition they keep every year.
My dad was stationed at Stuttgart in the 70s and I graduated from high school there. I went on to join the Air Force myself and was stationed at Spangdahlem AB near Trier. I absolutely loved the time I spent in Germany. I hope someday to go back for a visit. The German people were so friendly and kind. The memories will last forever.
I went to Stuttgart HS in Ludwigsburg .. 70-72 .. Class of 74 Lived in Nellingen (no longer there) and also in Ludwigsburg (I think its called Kornwestheim now .. Our High School was in Pattonville .. It's Erich Bracher Schule now ..
My Dad was in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the early 60s. He was an MP, and worked with German law enforcement at times. He loved the German citizens, he loved their culture, their beer, food, and the beautiful towns and villages. It was one of the best times of his life, and he had a lifelong love of Germany and its people. He also mentioned that the locals always took a liking to him because his last name was 1000% German (Weimer) lol, and they viewed him as a "long lost German" who ancestors left for America in the late 19th century lolololol .... they'd always point to his nametape on his uniforms and say "You are German!" ... thank you to your country for giving my Dad such a wonderful experience!
I have gotten this kind of thing in the U.S. ironically tho. from Muslims who had been to Germany. many of them the second they met me. would light up and glow with eyes so loving i was just like "whats with this woman/man?" but older i get the more i know they just spiritually knew. :) Also helps in Spirit I'm married to multiple Muslim women so. they love me very much, maybe it was their spirits letting them know. I'm Family. haha
Hey Feli, I am live in Cincinnati too. My brother is in the Air Force and has been stationed in Germany for a couple of years now. He met a German girl there and they both came here to Cincinnati to celebrate Christmas this past year (a month ago). I was very nervous to meet someone from a different country and culture as I don't really travel a lot. She turned out to be, well, just a normal person. She spoke great English and we all hung out a lot and had a lot of fun over the week or so they were in town. By the time they left, it felt like I had known her for a long time, much longer than just a week. Anyway, thought I'd share, it seemed relevant to this video's subject.
lol i did think it was funny one of my best friends a Koster. a German exchange student came over and was dating him in Iowa City. the one thing she did that WAS a tad bit.. diff to me was... she thought it was fun to drive the walmart handicap wheelchairs around... LOL.... otherwise nothin peculiar. lmao
@@SaddMoxxiee This is kind of a story which is quite often told by the post war German generation that American soldiers liked German Fräuleins :D. The Germans made quite a bit of money from it by opening bars and restaurants close to the main American army bases and travel hubs. :D
When I was 19, I lived in Berchtesgaden. I worked in Konigsee on the bobsled track. That was in 1973-74. I'm 69 now. I studied German for 2 years in high school and 1 year in college before loading up my backpack and heading to Germany. I also had a brief job on a farm near Hannover. I went to Germany to become fluent in German. I remember after getting off my flight, going to the big train station nearby. I was actually surprised that everyone was speaking German! And at that moment, I realized that I needed to use my German fast. I had to find my train to take me north to Munster, I think. Then I hitchhiked to my job near Bielefeld. I grew up near a small rural in northern California. I had never been on a train before, maybe once on a public bus. I hitchhiked all over Germany, and road an incredible number of trains after buying a student rail pass. While living and working in Berchtesgaden, I never did become fluent in German. The dialect there was hard for me to understand, but everyone could understand my German. It was so euphoric living in that mountain town. Sometimes I walked to work in Konigsee, took the bus occasionally and hitchhiked too. It was truly a glorious experience being there. I've been back a couple times, and visited the "little" friends I had there that I would go ice skating with at the outdoor rink in town. I rode the sleds, luge, down the bobsled track several times. It was too scary for me. When the US team was practicing there, they offered me a position on the 4-man bobsled - they needed one guy. I turned it down. Way too dangerous. People got killed doing that! John - California
@@rewschreijewschrei Odd - there sure are handicapped people in Germany, yet we don't have those scooters (that's why it's novel to a German). Maybe something else is going on.
I was a Canadian Special Operations Forces officer and attended a course at the NATO school in Oberammergau in 2008 (I rented an Audi A3 in Munich and got to drive on the Autobahn!). Although not my first time in Germany, it was a great trip and I really enjoyed exploring the countryside during my downtime. My hotel in town was within walking distance of the school, and I remember the odd feeling of walking through a small town in the heart of Bavaria (the home of the Third Reich) in my Canadian camouflage and tan beret some 70 years after the war. I think the war has become part of the fabric of Germany and it will never, and should never, be forgotten.
Awesome presentation, Feli. I owe my English skills to American families in our house as my parents let an apartment to American soldiers near Sembach/ Ramstein. We lived door to door and some of them taught me American starting at the age of 8. Later this turned out to be a major kick starter for my professional career. My parents and I are still in contact with a family of teachers that moved back to Texas 57 years ago.
@@Bigfish31 american english is a real thing. When someone learns english as a second language they have to choose whether to learn the american or british version, it's a large decision.
What a fascinating video Feli, danke! It was cool to hear what Germans really think about us, good, bad or indifferent. I was an Army brat and my dad was stationed in Germany twice, I went to Kindergarten in Neu Ulm and junior high in Nuernburg. I learned to ski in Berchtesgaden and went to the Christkindlmarkt in Rothenberg ob Der Tauber. I joined the Army and was stationed there myself twice. The first time in Baumholder where I met my Frau (aus Kassel) and Schweinfurt. I drove with my buddy from Baumholder to Garmisch to go snowboarding on the weekends. I traveled all through Europe from Germany. Both of my daughters were born in Deutschland, are dual citizens and speak German. Oma was just here visiting us for Christmas. Germany is a huge part of my life and I consider it a second home. Ich liebe Deutschland!
I'm absolutely envious of your childrens dual cit. I landed in k-town when I was 6 months old and there till 7 but instead get to tell everyone I was born in Alabama, a place I know literally nothing about. I'd go back to DE in a second if I had dual cit.
My dad served in the army for 22 years and we spent 3 years (1996-1998) in Würzburg when I was in 7th-9th grades. Nothing had a larger impact on my life than living over there, being immersed in the culture and learning the German language. We were grateful for the opportunity to live in someone else’s country and call it home for a few years. We very much respected seeing and hearing different viewpoints on issues, immersing ourselves in history and culture etc. it was the greatest experience one could have as a child/teen.
I was in Germany back in 1992 while i was in the US Army for a military exercise called reforger and it was like a war exercise along side all the nato troops and it was awesome. We were able to enjoy octoberfest and wow what a fun time. Also got to meet a lot of german people and they were all so very friendly, they treated you like family. I think germany and the people are just awesome.
I haven't been stationed in Germany (more army thing than Marine) but my father was treated in Germany in 2008 after being injured in Afghanistan and he has nothing but good things to say about Germany. He said the health care was far better than hes ever seen and credits German doctors for allowing him to use the left side of his body today. As his son who was 8 at the time and helped him recover until i joined myself i am so grateful for Germany. I still believe if my father was brought to any other country he would not be as well off as he is today.
@dogfaceponysoldier as a retired Soldier is is sometimes necessary to visit doctors' off- base due to shortages in specialty doctors, and since a lot of German doctors train in the U.S. they are able and willing to treat Americans stationed in Germany.
I was stationed in Germany twice as an Army musician. First time from 1985-1987 in Stuttgart and the second from 2012-2015 in Kaiserslautern. I can honestly say that Germany feels more like home to me and my wife(she is an American too). While stationed near Kaiserslautern, we both played in the local Musikverein and the friends we made are very special to us. We try and return every other year or so to visit.
I was stationed in Germany from 87 until 90. I made some good friends from Germany. I talk more about my time there than anywhere I was stationed. I was at McNair Kaserne as part of the Frankfurt Military Community.
My dad was in the Air Force and was stationed at Spangdahlem AB from 90-95 (I was 9-14). Was among the best years of my life. For about a year we lived off-base due to lack of on-base housing and our German landlords Maria and Helmut were so kind to us. I'm so grateful for all I got to see and experience there and I still miss it almost 30 years later. Such a beautiful country with great people. Wish I could go back.
@@kevinmcdonald8049 There’s a lot of people called Pohl around here. The chances of me knowing your family are slim when there’s 100,000 people just in Trier city with a ton of small towns and villages all around too. Why don’t you look them up in the online phone directory? You just need their name and address
I am an Army Brat. My father was in the US Army, and we were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for 2 different 'tours'. I was born in 1978, and our first tour was from 1979-1984 (5 years), then again from 1987-1991 (4 years), for a total of 9 years. My earliest memories are from Frankfurt (Platen Housing Area). On the second tour, we lived about a quarter mile (or less) from where we lived the first tour (also on Platen). I was 8-9 years old on the second tour. I remember the AFN special report on a Thursday evening in November stating the wall had fallen, and thought this was the end of an era. My brother and I would share stories and memories about our time there for MANY years after we left. I finally took the plunge and went to see Frankfurt in December 2019 (27-28 years after we left). Since leaving I had ALWAYS wanted to go back, but I was waiting for "someone special" to share it with. I finally decided I was that special person. Frankfurt..... IT FELT LIKE HOME. Some of the buildings were different colors, but almost everything looked exactly the same as when I lived there. The scenes, the smells, the damp rainy air, were all very familiar to me. The U-Bahn system had grown since I was last there in 1991. This opened my eyes to some many things. I took my now wife there in August 2022, to show her where I grew up and what I still consider my true home. Just amazing! I have a small dream of retiring in Frankfurt. I know first hand the issues and havoc that the American children (teenagers) played on some of the local Germany businesses, and I feel bad that Americans did those things. For the Germans that hated our presence, I understood on some level. For the older Germans that loved us, I understood that too, on some level. It is a complicated topic, one that has so many angles. I thought you video was AMAZING at how it handled and tackled the topic. I have been a fan of your videos ever since I found you! I wish you all the best!
My dad was in army and stationed in Frankfurt, and we lived at Platen Housing area as well, from 87-90. I was born in 77, and went to the elementary school (lived in one of the 5 apartment buildings straight across from the elementary school). I also remember the wall coming down. I went to Berlin twice, once with my 5th grade class, where we got to go into East Berlin before the wall came down, then I also went to an international jamboree with the boy scouts after the wall came down.
It seems like a lifetime ago. I was stationed at a base in Bavaria, I thought I'd found my groove. I loved my time and experiences. Married a local, became fluent, got out, moved to the states, had a kid, returned as a civilian and got divorced. Das ist das leben.
A lot of times the divorce happens when the wives come to the US and start comparing their lives with others and become "Americanized" they have a certain view on life before coming to this degenerate society
Dad was at a base in France close to Nancy. He met my mom at my grandfather’s ESSO gas station. Been hearing in the US since 2. They were together till he passed. My thoughts on bases in Germany in this time of turmoil may be a good thing. We Americans have to remember we are visiting.
As a Veteran who was stationed in Katterbach for 2 years and married a German woman, I can say it was some of the best times of my life. I absolutely adore Germany!
@johnbailey3351 the barracks definitely left a lot to be desired! I was stationed there November, 2001 - March, 2003. Went to Carol's night club, Gazebo bar and so much more. Absolutely great times!
I was stationed there in the eighties. Some Germans liked having us there, some didn't, some were ambivalent. But almost all locals loved the influx of money into their economies and the government loved the fact that they didn't need to spend so much to defend Germany from the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. It's always worth remembering that US troops weren't there as an occupying force, but to defend Europe. It was an expensive commitment.
Lived in Frankfurt and went to high school there in the 80’s as a military brat, we then moved to Stuttgart. Joined the Air Force, and was later stationed in Bitburg. Total 11 years in Germany and loved it, felt like a second home. ❤️
Same for me. FAHS ‘84, joined the army in Germany, and got sent right back…though up north in Münster working for the Brits. Almost 9 years there; some of the best days of my life…and I still miss it..
I was stationed in W.Germany from 81-83 as a Military Policeman. Giessen, Augsburg, Munich, Chiemsee and Berchtesgaden. It was amazing. I only got kicked out of one restaurant for being an American serviceman because they thought I might cause trouble. Our parking lot got blown up by the Bider Meinhoff gang. I listened to older German Veterans talk about how the "snow won't stop us next time." while practicing archery in the mess hall by candlelight on Christmas night in the old SS barracks in Berchtesgaden. When I joined, I thought I knew everything. My last assignment in Germany was working with the Munich Police at Oktoberfest where I realized I was clueless and I needed to shut up and enjoy the ride. Thank you Germany.
The Beider Meinhoff terriost group was either in prison or dead by 1977. You need to get your facts straight. I remember we they struck Lee Barracks in Mainz. I was on motorpool guard that night and was stationed at the post in Wackerheim just
One of the things I've noticed from U.s. Army Brats who grew up in Germany, is a respect for Germans, and an appreciation for German culture. This can only help to bring our countries closer together.
I grew up in Germany on Ramstein Air Force base in the 80s as my dad was stationed there. We left in 91' alittle before the Berlin wall went down. I absolutely loved my time there, and have alot of fond memories as a kid from Germany. I got to see alot of awesome things in Germany and Europe abroad. I hope to revisit Germany sometime in my adult life. It's such a beautiful country with rich history and awesome people.
USAF veteran who was stationed at Ramstein for 3 years in the 1970's. I very much enjoyed my time at Ramstein and in Germany in general. The vast majority of the Germans that I came in contact with, including on our travels, seemed appreciative that the American military was there.
I grew up in West Berlin and believe me, we loved the US Army there.Not just for safety but one thing that was not mentioned at all was the AFN (American Forces Network )The younger generation loved listening to the music. We grew up with Rock and Roll or Jazz with AFN.When i moved to Frankfurt to study here the first thing i did was tuning in on AFN . So this was a very important part of our lives growing up and getting fluent with the language. (It got me in trouble too because the teacher tought British Engliih and we read Steinbeck , Roth and even Bukowski and there were words spelled different)The teacher did not agree it to be English.
Oh yes my dad and his friends back in the 50ies when still in highschool in Munich built a radio and listened to the US army sender and discovered Rock'n'Roll. The parents weren't amused 😂 My father loved the Americans growing up. In 1945, when he was 5 years old he befriended a GI called Bob and he loved him more than his own father.
0:15 US Navy here. We don’t have troops stationed there because we’re afraid of a resurgent German authoritarian regime. It’s because we poured what probably equates to trillions of dollars today into military infrastructure to prepare for and deter a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. It was and still remains the centerpiece of all US logistical and strategic planning for the European continent and far beyond. From QRF to nuclear forces, Germany is the primary staging area for any operations west of Pakistan. The end of WW2 is irrelevant.
I'm sure you are factually correct about US intent and policy. I'm going to question if that idea is shared by the Germans themselves. Some seem to feel that preventing a resurgence is exactly why it's there, and some may feel it's necessary.
There is no reason to have bases in Germany. We are stimulating their economy. In Korea, we charge 1 Billion dollars for threat deterance. The Germans charge us at least 20 million per base for us to be there.
Feli, you have such a marvelous gift of not only presentation but storytelling as well. Excellent piece with a wealth of information, which is so important to so many countries, not just Germany & the US. (As for the air show crash at Ramstein…I was there as a young active-duty USAF flight crew member on a 4 month rotation to England. Flying intra-theater support & happened to be there. Just absolutely awful, such a tragedy.) Have built lovely relationships with so many great people from Germany. I love the country, the old world feel of the small towns, especially during Christmas time. A beautiful country)
I was born in Frankfurt Main in 1958. My father was in the US Army. As a result I attended high school in Heidelberg in the 1970s. I was then stationed in Wiesbaden in the 1980s with the USAF. My ancestry is heavily German. I really love Germany and had nothing but positive experiences there, especially with the people. As a service member in the 80s most of my off duty time was spent off base with the “locals”.
Thank you for this episode. Our family loved their time in Germany, and always felt welcome. My father was an Army physician, and we lived in Landstuhl 1963-1966 when I was in elementary school & middle school. Later my parents had two more tours, in Heidelberg, when I was in college and grad school, and I was able to visit them. We still incorporate German decorations and traditions in our Christmas celebrations, cook German dishes, etc. When I was a postdoctoral researcher in Berkeley, CA my closest friends were a group of German post-docs.
As a young man, I felt a heavy responsibility serving in West Germany in the mid-80’s. Ever since, my family and I love returning. I learned to converse while we lived there, and later because I fell in love with Germany, I filled my humanities requirements in college with everything Deutsch I could find! Later, as my kids and I worked on our family history, we were thrilled each time we found German ancestors! With retirement, we plan to spent a lot more time in the places our hearts are so attached to, especially Speicher, Bitburg, Trier, Hochspeyer, und Freiberg!!❤ Danke schön!!
I really appreciate how this video is structured and how you shared the facts first. I'm a "Military Brat" My family lived on the Rhein-Main Air Base for 3 years. That base soon closed after we moved. My experience interacting with Germans was only ever positive. We were required to take German classes in all grades and we took it through out the school year, so I was able to learn how to speak basic German to make it through a short conversation. Our school also made a point for all field trips to be in places where we could be part of the culture and language. Any German I ever interacted with was polite and excited to share their culture with my family. They recommended places for us to visit, explained how to navigate the roads (GPS was not used yet), and shared holiday traditions with us. There is nothing like Christmas in Germany. Magical. We lived there when 9-11 happened. It was a scary time and I remember the fear that more attacks were coming and that US bases might be targets. Once that concern subsided, every German friend we had gotten to know at that point reached out. They offered us food, comfort, and I remember our neighbor across the hall, she was German who married an American soldier, came over with toys on that day so my brothers and I had something new to keep our attention away from the news. I have always had this view of Germans being so incredibly friendly. Of course I was 9 years old, weeks from 10, when we left so it might just be my childhood innocence keeping hold of those memories, but I have a feeling my own experience isn't unique to other American kids who lived there.
60 year old US citizen here: I married into a family from Frankfurt area. My first Christmas with my new bride many years ago, in Germany, with all the traditions including real candles lighting the Christmas Tree was magical, as you said. I don’t get back there as often as I’d like because of work demands. I make sure to save for my wife to make her annual trip.
My mother was stationed in Frankfurt as a nurse from 64 to 68. We first lived on base, and then we moved out into one of the smaller villages near Frankfurt. We loved living among the local folks, and I went to the German school nearby for kindergarten to second grade. My parents really believed in mingling with the people and getting to know them and learning German. I loved living there! I have some very fond memories of that time, and have been back three times to visit, and see old German friends.
I wonder where you were. Kiel, maybe? I was in the Army and we worked with the Bundeswehr in Plön , also in Schleswig Holstein. Did you ever get to tour the U-boat there? I loved that part of Germany Plön, Kiel, Eutin, Lübeck, never got to visit Flensbürg.
Good day, young lady, I was stationed in Baumholder in 1988. As a bicyclist , I road all over Germany and France. As a veteran, I am not treated as well as I should. I am disabled to my service to my country. I loved your home country. One other thing, My grandmother was the first person of her family to be born in the us. Her Mom and dad came to the United States from Germany. Fantastic video
It may be interesting for your German viewers to hear what us Americans think about bases over seas, and in Germany. I think you’d find the answers as varied as from the Germans. I can say that many of us consider Germany to be our best friend in Europe, along with the UK. Sure, we don’t always agree, but that’s how friends and families are. Great video!
I was so impressed with how well the German people treated me when I was stationed there. I was there in the early 90’s and I preferred Germany to the states. The people are nicer. Public transportation was better than anywhere else I’ve been. I love the beauty of the countryside. The swimbad was the first place I ever had a mimosa and with all the different saunas, I never got sick. And the Food! Oh Lord, the food! Thank you to all the Germans who were such amazing hosts.
My brother was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base and he said similar things to what you say here. The German people were so friendly to him and his family.
I was stationed in Earlagen 1989-91. The university students did not like us there, but mostly, we were treated well. When we went out on menuvers near farms, older Germans would come out and bring us food and say they were glad we were there. I think it is because of the security we provided from the Soviet Union. I enjoyed my time there and met a lot of interesting people.
The soviets tried to groom and push the left against the US and our own governments. One of the KGB officers responsible is said to be a certain Vladimir P.. It seems he is still into it on a much bigger scale.
New here! I'm from Cincinnati also! Also a US Marine Vet. But the biggest reason I like these videos is I once spent a month in Germany after I made friends with a Exchange student from Germany. I spent a month in a small Town called "Schluctern" outside for Frankfurt. I got to travel to the countryside also. The Germans I met were very open an seemed to love me. I even got to spend time in the Gymnasium for a day. The locals were very open to speak about politics of the modern day and the past. It was one of the best experiences. I also took two years of German. But I'm rusty haha. Thanks for the videos!
I was stationed in Berlin in 68-70 and believe me the Berlin Wall was no joke. We often went to East Berlin and the stark difference between West and East was significant. The German people were welcoming and being introduced to German culture was a great experience as a young soldier. Very impactful experience which developed my awareness of the world.
I got there at 17 in 1977. The first time I went on wall patrol it was a sobering experience. I eventually got a position in the S2 and could write my own "East Pass" whenever I wanted to go to East Berlin. I took a course called "The Soviet Union at War" that was taught by a Colonel who wrote "Zhukov," which even many Russians consider the best book on the man. He managed to get our class into a restricted area of East Berlin so we could see the Soviet War Museum. Pretty amazing. I'm not going to lie, as a 17-year-old guy, I enjoyed the social life immensely.
I was in Berlin from 81-83. I enjoyed my time there, even though I only visited the eastern part once. I want to go back and walk underneath the Brandenburg Gate.
Story from my uncle who was Stationed at Ramstein. Being a rural Wisconsin boy he always gravitated to farm culture and would go to a local farm not far from the base. There was an old man who spoke impeccable English (my uncle adds here that this man spoke better than many of the Americans) When asked where the man had learned English. He replied 'Camp Aliceville Alabama'
I am a 78 year old veteran of the US Army. I served in Goppingen, 4th armored division headquarters for 2 years 66-68. Loved it my son was born in Stuttgart and we lived on a farm Near Hohenstaufen Mt. The people were wonderful to us and we enjoyed visiting all the places in Bavaria. Including your home town during October Fest. Almost forgot, we spent 5 days on the Czech border when Russia invaded Czech republic. Waiting for orders to go in and help.
Was stationed in Germany for 13 of my 20 years as a physician for the USMilitary. Had a great time! Married a German lady! Commanded first Rapid Deployment Hospital and the 32nd Combat Support Hospital. Germans, You cannot have the cake and eat it too!
I was born and raised in Germany. Both of my parents are Mexican American so I was forced to go to school off base. So it was very hard on me to understand the language at first for 17 years. I live in the US now. I miss Germany everyday. 🇩🇪 Home is were the heart ❤️ is. 🇩🇪
And then we basically have the opposite: me, someone's native language is German, forced to be in school on base with only speaking English, and then eventually end up moving to the US and no longer being able to speak German fluently anymore.
@@soIzec It's like riding a bike i recon. Give it a couple of beers and a week and you'll get there again. At least it went like that for the kid of a scottish friend who grew up in Germany for 6 years when he was little. Came back with his then gf and got a job. About a week later he was fluent-ish again. Heavy accent though ;)
My grandfather was a paratrooper in WWII. After the war ended, my grandmother moved to Germany to join my Grandfather as he was stationed in Germany as part of the occupation force. I know, at least part of the time, he was stationed at Grafenwöhr, and their were stories associated with that. My father was born in München and only moved to the states later when my Grandfather had his twenty years in the Army completed. My grandparents and my father mixed German words into everyday life in American English. There is a lot of nostalgia associated with your channel and my early childhood. I appreciate your channel and listening to you and reminiscing. I study German as well during my free time, so this is very special to me. Thank you.
Interesting to hear! I was living in Freiburg i. Brsg. at that time and in love with a soldier from Lahr. When he was off duty for more than a few hours we often made some sightseeing tours in the area and had lots of fun. Sadly he had to leave Lahr because of the Balkan Wars where he was sent to. We rarely had the possibility for a phone call and as time went by lost our connection. A few years later I received a letter in which he told me he was now back in Canada and doing well. I was glad to hear that he was safe and "in one piece" (edited because of a lost "e". 😇)
When I was stationed in Europe, it really depended on the generation you were talking with. Those who were around from Nazi Germany through the Cold War, appreciated our presence. The younger generations hated that Americans were in their country. The funny thing is, whenever we decide to shut the bases down, the local government and population became upset. They realized how much of a large impact we had on their economy.
Adapt and over come. The Germans learned to survive when the US Community left the Nuremberg AO during the height of the Cold War were over 40,000 of us stationed in/around the AO. Nuremberg did survive and so did the surrounding AO. Words from the Grateful Dead.... I will get by, I will survive with a little bit of Grey. Touch of Grey the song. We will survive
@@fluffyusa that may be true for a city like Nuremberg, but if you think about Ramstein, without the military base it's truly just a tiny rural village, its economy is all about the US base
@@silmuffin86 Like I mentioned I arrived back in 93' and I'm still here. I served from 92'-97', thru 93'-97' all over Bavaria pulling Law Enforcement duties, training, etc. (Fürth/Nürnberg, Erlangen, Herzogenaurach, Bad Kissingen, Kitzingen, Schwabach, Augsburg, Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweifurt, Giebelstadt, Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, Hohenlefs, Berchtesgaden, Würzburg, etc), almost all of these places, the US Military community has vanished except for Ansbach, Vilseck, Hohenfels, Grafenwöhr. The places that we left, the German community still thrives today. The transition wasn't easy but they overcame!
@@fluffyusaFürth is doing well, thank you :) And the Darby Barracks gave us a very nice park area in the southern part after they were gone. The chapel is still in use as such, by the way, even going by the name Chapel.
I cried after we came back to the US after living in Vilsek for three years, on our first tour. We also lived in Henrried when we were stationed in Hohenfels for two years on our second tour. I would have stayed in Germany forever! My youngest of five thought she was German because she had lived there most of her first seven years of life. She was very upset when I told her she was not German, but half Hispanic! We all LOVED our time in Deutchland. I hope to go back one day.
Can you go back after finishing service ? Why not ?! I am a German but j live in FL over 30 years . Don’t know if I can ever live over there again . the US has so many beautiful places too. Right now the situation is not good and I am worried for my Family over there . Love the bread and cakes so .j have Aldi here where I live thank god 😁a little Germany especially on the holidays Stay safe
@@margritpiepes8242 it's kind of hard to get a work visa as an American. I loved my time there when my dad was stationed in Würzburg and then when I was stationed in Mannheim. My family came here to the US from Germany in the late 1800s and I have always wanted to move there permanently. There are a couple things keeping me here in America though. Overall I like Germany better than America but the few things I prefer about America over Germany are 100% deal breakers.
@@CubeInspector I hear ya’ I like the long store hours . My Fam at least a part of them . came over in the mid1830 they located to Wisconsin . But I miss the bread a rolls a cake . Maybe you can live here a there . But with the recent condition ( Putin and Ukraine and western Alliance it’s not a very safe place but anyhoo stay safe
I'm a medically retired US Marine (97-09) and was wounded in Afghanistan. Ramstein AFB was where I spent nearly a week before being flown back to Walter Reed. But the German contractors there were awesome and helped be dodge the dietary restrictions doc tried to enforce! 😂
Hey,I was flown to Ramstein AFB in Sept-2006- ( spent 3 1/2 months there )from Iraq,we got hit by a-MEAN-ambush while on routine patrol ( we were from Camp Anaconda ) lost 8 of my friends from that ambush. After my recovery,I was sent back to Ft Hood,Tx to my rear-d unit.This was my 2nd straight deployment to Iraq,my first was in 2005 at Camp TQ ( it was a Marine FOB then ) I was with an infantry unit from the Texas Guard ( I volunteered for 4 deployments to go fight in Iraq ) my battalion was at TQ and our brigade went to Tileal,Iraq. There was also a PRC unit at TQ ( a marine reserve unit ) and we had to use some of their marines to complete our missions.We had 12 KIAs and 8 people severely wounded from our battalion and no replacements. I volunteered to go to Iraq because I was bored working my 2 full-time civilian and wanted a-REAL-challenge filled with-DANGER.So off I went to Iraq and don't regret it,at all. SEMPER-FI
Were you at Ramstein AB or Landstuhl Regional Medical Center? That’s the large US Army hospital just 2-3 minutes from Ramstein. As a contractor out of Hanscom AFB, MA, I spent a couple of nights in Landstuhl in 2011 while I was working on a project at Ramstein AB. They weren’t sure if they could take me being only a contractor but I was so backed up I ended up vomiting into the triage doctor’s trash bin. They found me a bed soon after that realizing I wasn’t joking about being in the middle of a major Crohn’s flare that closed off my intestines. That was the first time I had an NG tube placed up my nose and into my stomach to act as a vacuum cleaner and clear me out.
@@Nerple I'll have to check the paperwork to be sure. I was pretty doped up the whole time. I had a bullet hole in each leg so I didn't get around a whole lot. From what I remember the building I was in was pretty much right next to the runway just past the hangars. The personnel were a mix of Army docs and Navy corpsmen. What I remember most was doc had me on a damn liquid diet in case I had to be put under for surgery but one of the nurses, a contractor named Anja snuck me in a grilled cheese sandwich and a big ass pack of peanut M&Ms. 🤣😂
I am a German women. Born and raised there. Where I grew up, I had never met any Americans. After I left the place where I grew up, I met many Americans. I married a military guy and now live in Texas. I'm glad we have so many Americans being stationed or living in Germany. I feel that we are more protected since Americans live there. Americans have the greatest military power. Many Americans became very good friends with German people. Should we ever get attacked by any other country ( I mean Russia and North Korea ) the Americans are great warriors and I'm pretty sure they would protect us. Yes, I'm glad that we have Americans living in our country. I had 4 American husbands. They all died from cancer. I'm alone now, but I don't mind it much. I'm done getting married. Can't go through more grieve. 4 was enough. My oldest daughter lives with me, so I'm not really totally alone. She is a real blessing having her here with me. I love knowing that so many Americans live in Germany. They are our friends and won't nothing bad happen to us. Germans are not mean, they just sound like it when they speak in their own language. I admire Americans that learn our language. It is a hard language to learn.
I’m an Army brat, both mother and father worked in Heidelberg for years where I was born and I wouldn’t replace or ever give up our experiences with the amazing German folks! After my parents divorce 1993 they both remarried and got rare forms of cancer, while my mother had this she helped save other people with the same cancer over 15 years, at local medical center in Heidelberg, she was an angel. Both my parents passed away in 2020 & 2022 and when you said you lost 4 husbands to it I was compelled to comment, I too share your loss and you have my deepest sympathies 😢. I love Germany and wouldn’t change being a child of two countries for anything. I now live in Oklahoma not far from you and work for Lufthansa go figure, I just got married to an Italian girl and we are happy in our little town. GruB Gott!
As an American who speaks pretty good German (not perfect), I can tell you that the most difficult thing is the Der, Die, Das. Englishe Sprache hatte diese Dinge a thousand years ago but lost them. During the 10 weeks, I spent in Germany in 1985, there were certain German expressions, (Umgangsprache), that I never heard in the German class. These were everything with kreigen, hingekriegt, mitgekriegt USW. Es gab auch Ausdruecke wie es hat getklappt, mir ist es nicht gelungen, USW. Habe ich Diese nicht in der Klasse jemals gesehen. Diese Ausdruecke haetten wir in der Klasse lernen sollten. When I learned these things after a few weeks, ist es leichter geworden.
As an American veteran, thank you for your service as a wife for US military men. Wives are so important for men to think of and have during a deployment overseas,
@@petenick7829 kriegen = bekommen = to get. krieg = war. this should that war is literally about getting something. if you were to translate it very freely, you may might infer that people say "it's time for another get(ting)", when they're saying "es ist zeit für einen krieg". it's time to get something. anyway, mitkriegen = getting something with you. it usually refers to be on track with reality. if you are assessing reality correctly, you are getting / mitkriegen what is. hinkriegen = getting something "there"/getting something done. geklappt = it worked out, klappen = clapping. if something worked out as expected or hoped, then it clapped. it's like a good short moment, like a clap of hands. what's beautiful about German is that the language has a lot of inherent meaning in many ways. maybe there are language that have that even more, I dunno, but there are many things to marvel about and I find it interesting how it evolved from old german to low german and high german. it used to be a norse language I think, but now it's quite distinct.
I was a German who came to the USA when I was 5 years old. My mother had married my American Step Dad and I was an Army Brat. We got stationed in Bamberg when I was 12 so I had to learn German again to be able to talk with my Oma and other relatives. As a teen in Germany I lived as an American and German but was still a German citizen until I was 21. I found it ironic and derogatory to be called an Ami by a few Germans. After college in Kansas, I joined the Air Force and was stationed at a German Air Base in Nörvenich where I married my German Frau. Then I was stationed at Rhein Main and Ramstein. Both of our children were born in a German hospital in Kaiserslautern and spoke only German until about age 5 even though I spoke American to them. After 9 years in Germany I finally took my Frau and kids to the states for the first time. We enjoyed our time in Germany and made many German friends wherever we lived. We shopped at German stores as well as the Commissary and Base Exchange on the bases I was stationed at. I hated that the menus at German restaurants were in English near Ramstein because I grew up eating German food and had no idea what the American words were. Most Germans I encountered appreciated the importance of military bases in Germany with a few who had mixed feelings. Having personally served on these bases, I know the strategic importance of them to both Germany and the USA. Thanks for doing such a good job putting together this video on this particular topic. I also watched your video about Aldi and enjoyed it too. Not sure if you made one about Lidl or not but I like it better than Aldi because it has a bakery that makes German bread and Brötchen. Anyway, I am an American in my heart but really appreciate my German roots with the culture, good food and beer, festivals , people, etc. Jürgen
Importance for military bases in Germany? Not important to us Germans. We are forced to accept what are basically still occupying forces because Nazi-Germany (not the current BRD) lost the war *80* years ago.
Your childhood was similar to mine. My mother also divorced from my German father in 1956. I was 3 then and she married my stepdad in Mannheim. I lived with my Oma in West Berlin at that time and started school in a German school then we moved from Berlin to Mannheim. We lived in Ben Franklin Village from 59 to 1960 at which time we moved stateside. In 1961 we moved back to Mannheim until 1965. I was a green card holder until I was 18. I still watch German TV thanks to PIA which I have had for over 10 years.
I am a 74-year-old0 American and I found this UA-cam article fascinating. I live in Germany on American army bases fro 6 years. In the 50's (elementary school) and the 60's (high school). This video covers most aspects of the American military presence in Germany. My memory of the German people was they were polite, considerate, and very pleasant. I remember asking Dad did we really have a war with these people who looked like us, were easy to get along with, and had lovely clean cities. His reply? He held upon two fingers and said "Two Wars". I never really understood that until as an adult, I began to read about The Third Reich.
I was an US Army officer stationed in Bavaria (Vilseck) and Hesse (Fulda) when the wall came down. What a crazy time. BTW, my family really enjoyed our five years in Germany. I still drive BMWs and drink German coffee (Jacobs) to this day. Loved this very well done video.
I lived in northern (West) Germany from 1984-1987 and LOVED IT! We were station at a small air station and had very little base housing, so we lived in apartments owned by German landlords. It was exciting to be part of a new culture. We did have a small store and grocery store on the base, but we got very used to shopping and eating our in our German neighborhoods. We had a good relationship with most of the people in the towns, and often shared our celebrations and joined in the traditional German celebrations. I will always cherish those years. Thank you Germany.
Thank you for your service in Cold War times and protecting my country in not too easy times. It’s lovely to read that you were treated nicely by your German community and that you have mostly good memories. Greetings from the North of Germany!
Feli, I loved this video. I was in the US Air Force stationed in Wiesbaden from 75-83, then again at Ramstein from 88-94 (yes, I witnessed the Air Show disaster) and totally loved my time in country. It was a long time ago but most of the opinions that you mentioned actually existed back then as well, outside of the comments regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Similar conversations were made about the relationship between Germany and America, especially about the weapons at Ramstein Air Base. I made life long German friends, learned to speak Hessisch and ended up marrying a wonderful German woman and we're getting ready to celebrate our 44th year together. I was able to see most of Europe and will forever be grateful for my time in Europe and Germany especially. Germany is a wonderful country and I found the people of Germany to be very warm and wonderful toward Americans in general and myself personally.
I lived in Wiesbaden from '75-'83 with a one year in Munich at University of Maryland campus! Best childhood ever! Iranian Crises was a big memory for me.
@@JTRNPHD I was stationed at Lindsey Air Station in Wiesbaden. Best kept secret in the Air Force's inventory and yes, the Iranian Crises thing was huge. I remember it well.
My father was stationed in Wiesbaden 77-80. We lived in Aukamm and I went to HH Arnold high school. My father was actually serving as head of radar communications at the Mainz-Kastel military base. I came home from school one day and my mother told me that my father came home, grabbed his duffle bag and left, I knew that meant something serious. The next day at school, most of our military parents were gone and nobody knew where they were going. He was part of the failed Iranian hostage rescue attempt. Later, the released Iranian hostages were actually at the Wiesbaden hospital while we were staying at the American Arms getting ready to move back to the states. Ate many a bratwurst at Walters Futterkrippe across the street. Being a military brat really opened my eyes to other cultures and also the threats to freedom around the world.
I was there until the Apache helicopters moved in .They moved I 65TH MI BN TO DARMSTADT.to make room on the base. I will never forget the yellow cobblestone . From all the blooming sunflowers.
@@ManXBearXPigX I know the feeling. I was one of the telephone maintenance people who had the privilege of working with the State Department on setting up the telephone system for the hostages to call their relatives back in the states. It was an important time in history and I felt proud to be part of it. On the front page of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, they had thumbnail photos of all the returning hostages and I got a chance to have each of them sing their name on their respective photo. That paper hangs in my office today. God Bless
Thanks for your coverage of this topic. I had the privilege to train in Bad Tolz Germany in the 80's. I always tried to reciprocate the hospitality I received when German and other allied military personnel trained in America. Around 78,000 foreign military personnel train in the United States every year.
How timely to see this as a fan of your channel, retired USAF member, Air Force Brat, and now USAF civilian on my first work trip to Germany. Having grown up and been stationed overseas, I’m sensitive to the fact that we are guests wherever we serve and should be grateful to our hosts, and sensitive to the larger social or political questions.
@FelifromGermany, as an American soldier stationed in Germany, I’m impressed that you really did your homework for this video. I’ll say that I had a grand old time in Germany. I had a German woman cut my hair every week & speaking German with her really helped me improve my fluency in the language. On a side note-I visited Dresden on a long weekend, & a man there told me that he forgot there are still American soldiers stationed in Germany.
My ancestors are from Germany. Probably about 250 years ago. I grew up on a farm in central North Dakota USA. I had never been more than 200 miles from home when I joined the US Army in 1966. I got lucky and was sent to Germany instead of Vietnam. I spent 2.5 years in Stuttgart, Germany. While there I bought a VW bus and traveled and camped around Germany and several other European countries. I got to see the Alps in Europe before I saw any of the mountains in America. I really enjoyed the German and European culture and scenery. That experience has had a large influence on the following 55 years of my life. The Germans that I met were generally friendly and helpful but I often wondered how they felt about is American GIs there. Your video is enlightening.
My mother is German and she met my Dad when he and I were stationed in Germany the first time. They married a few months before we were due to return to the states. They’ve now been married for 44 years. I’ve been back to Germany 3 times since they married, twice as a kid and once as a Soldier myself. I love the German people, the culture, and the country itself. I consider myself fortunate having been exposed to, and adopted into (as a result of my parents’ marriage), the German culture and language. I’ve been fluent in German since I learned to speak. I miss Germany and hope to return for a visit.
Yankees go home, your time is over. Loud annoying and unprofessional young service soldiers, in airplanes, trains, etc. No class. Next 5-10 years the bases will be gone
I can understand the divergent feelings of having foreign troops in your country. I had the fantastic opportunity to live in Germany for four years as a US civilian supporting NATO. We loved our time in Germany and traveled all over Europe. We go back to visit as often as possible to visit friends and family. I hope these opportunities continue for others.
I come from BK (Bad Kreuznach), lived in K-Town (Kaiserslautern) and worked in Landstuhl. We‘d miss our US Military. Where else in the world are you asked at McDonald’s „welcome to McDonald’s. Your order please. Willkommen bei McDonald’s. Ihre Bestellung.“
I was an MP with the Army stationed in Vilseck near Grafenwoehr from 92-95. The local Germans couldn’t have been nicer and more welcoming. Love the channel BTW.
I was stationed in the Stuttgart area as part of the US Air Force, my family and I found Germany (Deutschland) to be a beautiful country. We really enjoyed our time there in 2003 to 2007, and my wife I would like to visit again. My wife made connections to German families off base and we enjoyed the activities we were able to participate in social activities. It was great, and the Germans were very welcoming. We did as much as we could off base. I recommend going to Germany, or other countries to anyone who talks about travel. I appreciate your videos and views. Keep up the good work.
As always your topic was well researched and presented. My husband was an American Army officer. We were stationed in Germany three times. I love your home country. I first went when I was only 21. Our last station was in Heidelberg (when US Army headquarters were there). Every station was delightful. I certainly well understood why we were there during the Cold War. And now with the situation in Ukraine, it seems to demonstrate why we are still there. I feel the relationship between America and Germany is strong and will continue to be. BTW, we still travel to Germany often, as a matter of fact we were there this past December, for Christmas Markets (Weihnachtmarkt).
Feli mentioned the Bundeswehr - I actually met members of the Bundeswehr stationed in the USA. A lot of Americans don't know that there are small contingents of foreign military stationed in the US. (German at Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Belvoir, VA and also British at Fort Eustis, VA that I'm aware of).
NATO regulations require comprehensive training in other countries to improve cooperation. This might be things like flight training, "combined arms training" for Army members, as well as very friendly sport competition events in various countries that are either NATO members or somehow NATO related.
Great video! (All your videos are great...) When I was a kid, my dad was in the US Air Force and we were stationed in Wiesbaden from 1967-71. We lived in the city, not on the base, because my parents felt it was important to live among the Germans, not on the base, to get a better feel for the culture. That meant most of our friends were Germans, and I went to a German Kindergarten, nothing but German kids and nuns as teachers. So my brother and I learned German on the fly, and became fluent at least as much as a 5-year old is fluent in anything. (Today, my German is rusty, but I can speak it with a pretty convincing Wiesbaden-Hessen accent.) I loved the whole experience. But I do remember my mom telling all of us kids (6 in all) very specifically telling us never to mention the words "Hitler" or "Nazis" to anybody. Of course, as a kid I had no idea what those were. Our best family friends there were the Springs, who lived nearby across from the Landeshaus, and they had quite a story, having lived there since the 1930s... They were very pro-American, and had very intersting stories both about WW2, but also Cold War stories from the 1940s-60s... I do remember in 1968 when the Russians invaded Czechoslovakia, and seeing it on TV, wondering what it was. I saw the tanks and it looked serious, and knew it was relatively close. So I asked my mom-- will the Russians be coming here next? And she said, "not as long as we're here.." That was enough of an explanation for me as a 5-year old. When we moved back to the USA in 1971, I did not remember having lived in the USA, even though I was an American. Kind of weird and backwards for me, to not know your own country as well as another one. A few things stood out right away: the cars were big, the roads were wide, the electrical outlets were different, and... everybody spoke English!! So now, over 50 years later, I still feel a strong affinity for Germany. I was lucky enough to get a chance to visit East Berlin in 1985 before the wall came down, so got a good feel for the differences between what the East was like in those days.... Thanks so much for all your really outstanding videos.... - regards, John Rickenbach from California...
My great grandmother came from Bavaria, I spent a few months on Rammstein TDY, when I was in the Air Force, and later lived almost 6 yrs in Grafenwoehr. In all my time in Germany, I never had any negative experiences with the locals. They were always warm and welcoming. I really miss it there, I moved to Italy about a year ago, and you hear about Italians, being warm and friendly, I have yet to really speak to any of my neighbors. In Germany, they always invited me over.
Hey Feli, I loved your video. I was stationed in Stuttgart from 1976 thru 1978. I almost learned German fluently and made many friends that I'm still in touch with today. Never in my live have I been treated so well by strangers that quickly became long time friends. I became best friends with the local Guest House owner and I was allowed to sit at the Stammtisch which was a huge honor. Supplying him with whisky and cigarettes probably had something to do with that. I even became part of their VFB Stuttgart football club and went to every home game at Neckar Stadion. I loved the country and the people and I consider Stuttgart my second home. I also have friends in Hamburg that I met here in America. I also married a woman from Stuttgart but that didn't go so well. We were too young and crazy but we continued to be friends to this day. I love Germany and I miss being there. Thank you.
I was in Germany off and on over 23 years in the Army. I was VERY lucky to be stationed in Zirndorf. It is a smaller town near Nurnburg. Beautiful place and wonderful people. Bavaria was great. Baumholder was one of my later assignments and I ended up in Idar Oberstein while living in Birkenfeld. Still great places and people. I was there during September 11th. The German people really pulled together to really show their support for the American people. The Polizei even escorted our school busses for many months after the attack.
My wife and I. lived in. an German. apartment building in Zirndorf but our rent was paid by the military. I was stationed at the William O'darby Concern. If I remember right, it was a 3 or 4 story building. shaped like an L With balconies on the back
Ich war ein amerikanischer „Kaugummisoldat“, der von Januar 1961 bis März 1963, von November 1978 bis Juni 1982 und von September 1986 bis Dezember 1987 in Deutschland stationiert war. In all diesen Jahren habe ich viele Veränderungen in Deutschland erlebt. Die meiste Zeit meines ersten Einsatzes verbrachte ich in Frankfurt am Main. Als ich Anfang der 1980er Jahre zurückkehrte, war fast das gesamte US-Militär aus Frankfurt am Main verschwunden. Ich ging dorthin, wo das Haupt-PX und die Commissary gewesen waren. Es war geschlossen, verlassen, umgezäunt. Es war so traurig, dass ich fast geweint hätte. Ich lernte meine Frau, mit der ich 62 Jahre verheiratet war, in Frankfurt am Main kennen und heiratete auf dem Römerplatz. Ich habe viele schöne Erinnerungen an deutsch-amerikanische Aktivitäten, Volksmarschen, verschiedene lokale Feste. Ich kehrte in den 1990er Jahren mehrmals zurück und sah, dass immer weniger Amerikaner in Deutschland stationiert waren. Ich war immer der Meinung, die Industrie- und Handelskammer sollte etwas gegen das Wetter in Deutschland unternehmen, aber das taten sie nie.
Dad was stationed in Spangdahlem AFB in 94-98 and we lived both on and off base housing in Bitburg, Germany. Beautiful country, good people, the most delicious bread and smoothest highways on the planet. Finally getting to go back in a few months and couldn't be more excited to see Germany again!
I was stationed in Pirmasens in 1982-1984 when there were around 250,00 US troops. On top of that, the Pershing II and Cruise Missile deployments were taking place. So, many of the issues were magnified. There were huge protests throughout Europe, Germany especially. There is a great German made TV series called “Deutchland ‘83” that is a good representation of that time on Amazon. I personally had a great experience though and had several German friends and acquaintances. I always kept in mind that I was a guest in another country. I learned enough German to impress older shop owners and the owners of a small schnell imbiss just off base gave me a bottle of wine at Christmas time.
Luckily most of these bases are stationed in south Germany. Not that the northern cities haven't much to offer too, but in general most Americans appreciate these little medieval towns, I think, with historical buildings, well maintained, narrow streets, with hundreds of flowers at each balcony, cobblestones etc. And the most beautiful thing would be a young teasing Fräulein with blonde pigtails and little red loops at the ending, certainly in Tracht with heaving bosoms, carrying a basket with fresh eggs from her farm or sth ! 😂 No, sorry, I got carried away a bit.
@Stoney_Snark I was there 1981-83 at Miesau Army Depot. Reagan was in charge and wasn't going to take any shit. Made it easier to deal with the thought of 25,000 East Bloc tanks less than 200 miles away. That may have been the reason everyone seemed to be easy to get along with. Allies. Had some great times and much respect for Deutchland!
Many more positive comments than I expectded. I spent 37 years in the Army and only visited Germany 3 or 4 times for very short periods, but I'm going back twice this year and I'm very much looking forward to it.
Very pretty young lady. Great videos. I was stationed in Mannheim 1990-94. I had nothing but good interactions with every German citizen that I met. Not one negative memory whatsoever. Loved it there.
My father was stationed at Ramstein from 1961-64. My mother was from Munich (Unterföhring) so I got to know my German relatives and the German/Bavarian culture. We returned to the US when I was 10. Those three years were, without question, the happiest days of all my 70 years. I return when possible and reminisce daily.
My dad was stationed in Germany twice during my childhood, in the 80s and 90s, and I loved growing up there. We lived off-base in a town near Landstuhl and I went to German school nearly all of my time there. I wouldn’t say my schoolmates were particularly welcoming toward an American at that time, but I cherish my memories and am thankful to have learned the language as a result. My kids now have a few German phrases, traditions and foods sprinkled into their everyday lives, even though they’ve never been to Germany themselves.
Not surprising the attitude changed after Russia invaded Ukraine. People think the military is a waste of money until something happens. Almost all of NATO wasn't contributing according to their agreements of 2% GDP. Now they are surpassing it seeing the threat from Russia. Its always reactionary. People never think of the future.
Everyone hates the us military until they need us. Then all of a sudden we are needed. The us needs to stop helping countries who refuse to help themselves. NATO is a joke. The US is the only country who does anything
![Das Boot, D*ck, Billion: 15 FALSE COGNATES in German and English! [Timekettle Translator Earbuds]](/img/n.gif)
What are your thoughts on this topic? 🤔
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I was stationed in West Berlin from 1970 through 1972 in the US Army. I really enjoyed my time in Berlin, going out on the town whenever I wanted to in the evenings. I really mixed with the Berliners when I hung out in coffee houses, etc. I was able to go visit the East as a US Army soldier and the difference of the West vs the East were quite obvious. I got to travel on vacation in areas of West Germany and Bavaria. Twice a year our soldiers traveled through East Germany from Berlin and then down West Germany to Bavaria to the US Army Training Center in Hohenfels for training. We got to shoot our guns at the range there. Now, the 1970s was during the Cold War and there was always a threat and I think most Germans appreciated it. However the Vietnam war was also being fought at the time and I met several Berliners who disapproved of that war. To be honest, I did as well, but then I was in the army so I kept my feelings close to me.
@@heyboyer I was a liaison to the East Berlin Soviet Army twice as a US Army soldier in the 80s when we were on the brink of nuke war. I was stationed in Kitzingen, lived in a house in Willanzheim.
I would really prefer that American forces move to bases in Eastern Europe.
@@chriscummings4206 move us home would be better. You all act like we need to stay in Europe, ,ews flash, we don't.
Are you ever going to make a video about, what it's like being married to an American?😂😂😂
I was stationed in Germany from 1991-1995, I was treated so well by the Germans that I learned the language and stayed another 8 years as a civilian. I am happy i had the chance to serve in Germany, some of the best times in my life! To this day Germany is my 2nd home.
I was there the same time I even got married to a German, although I brought her to the states on a trial basis First time she went shopping she decided she was staying in the states
That's then no now, get over it!Germans are anti American !
Germany (and all of the west really) have been annihilated by international jewry. The European peoples are being exterminated via mass migration and race mixing propaganda... from the moment they leave the womb they are conditioned and educated to act against their own interests, against their race, against their culture and civilization. Europe must awaken.
I want to have a conversation with you
Sie sind jederzeit Willkommen. Danke für Ihren Dienst, Sir.
I‘m german and grew up near an american military base in the 80s. As kids we sneaked through the fence onto the training area and asked US-soldiers: „Can I have a MRE?“. These were the only english words we knew 😀 We always got one and loved the ones with peanut butter. 😅
Awe that’s cute haha
today kids could ask Paul's caffeine bars :D
When they had Reforgers in 1978 to 1983 training a simulated war driving our tanks through the towns I love to see the people, the towns and the sights. When the training ended / index I always collected the remaining leftover C-Rations and toss them to the kids in each town we happen to pass by. I trade with them for Spatci, brotchen, shinkin, kasa at times. ect. I still have some wonderful pictures to remember them.
That's so cute, and in the same time child abuse 😄. What sane human being would torture child with MRE 😅
Considering how many of them we have and troops' relative dislike of them, I'm surprised they didn't get a forklift and drop a whole pallet over the fence for you lol
Dear Feli
I am a 64 years german (Bavarian) and I have been working for the US Army for 36 years as an civilian employee.I am working a under german working contract including german working rights. For 36 years I am learning every day about the USA, the people and their way of doing things.Now still today some things are strange to me, but I do love MY americans.
Great to hear this!! We love our German friends/ colleagues too 🇺🇸🇩🇪😄
Awesome.... I'm American and love Germany, it's people and my partly German heritage 🇩🇪🇺🇸👍
Dankeschön, David. 🇺🇸💛🇩🇪
Hohenfels?
@@miguelcomas3157tent city 🥶 1976😂 cav recon ❤
I am the child of a German exile who was forced to leave Europe after WWII. I served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Germany for over three years. It was the best time of my life. I learned German from my family and had little trouble blending in. The Germans noticed my German face and accent. They were very friendly and kind. I loved every minute of my time there. I discovered there are two types of American Service people: those who loved Germany and those who hated it. The difference was getting off base and meeting the Germans on their turf. If I meet anyone in the Military going overseas, I always tell them to get off base and meet the locals. They will love their tours if they do.
i kept extending my tour did 5 years, Love every minute.
I'm an 80 year old retired U.S. Army officer who lived in Heidelberg from '78-'81 and remember my time in Germany with great fondness. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and have been a big fan ever since I discovered you on UA-cam. Keep up the great videos!
2:07 There 80-81, while there were still WW2 POW survivors around from the former Soviet Union. Most germans accepted the military presense as necessary, although it was often a burden. American military wives on the autobahn in the passing lane doing double nickels was the extreme example. The younger crowd was more indifferent. I guess my impression is it was mostly accepted as necessary for the times.
Heidelberg? Goodness me, you didn’t lose your heart there, did you? I understand it’s a thing in that town. 😉 welcome home and thank you for your service.
Army Brat here, born and raised in Heidelberg, now in my 40s work for Lufthansa in the US. I cannot tell you about the countless amazing memories that I got to experience in Germany, it will never be replaced with the friends that are now family to me. 90s fests on the base’s are still undefeated 🎉
Man forget this girl. She laughed at not paying their way in nato. Deport her.
I was an Army Brat, went to Heidelberg American High school 77-78, My last of 8 years in Germany
I was a US soldier stationed just south of Munich from 98-01. I loved my time in Germany. I learned to speak German while I was there, and I met and married my wife of over 24 years now. Some of my fondest memories are of being a young American in Bayern, going to all the seasonal fests, clubbing, driving through the Alps, and visiting the many castles in the area. The local economy took a big hit when the base closed in 2004, and many of the locals were not happy about it. The Americans and the Germans in that area had formed deep friendships and everyone was sad when the end finally came. It was akin to losing a family member. We still try to visit my wife's family there once or twice a year. Great memories! 🍻
I was at Hahn AB in the Hunsruck region 1981-83. It was estimated that there were 250,000 US troops and the same number of dependents living there at that time, so a half-million Americans. We had enough school districts there that they held high school sports tournaments that you could get the scores in Stars and Stripes.
Germany needs to follow the French example.
@@Alboalt I was at Zweibrucken AB just south of you in the late '70's. Same there.
@@jcheck6 F-4s at that base, just like at Hahn (until 1982, when it got F-16s), right?
I was in Bayern south of Ulm in 68-70. My son was born in Ulm. Some of the best memories from that time.
I was stationed in Germany in the early and late 80s. I was in tanks and they were kid magnets. When we were maneuvering around the countryside as soon as we stopped moving for any length of time the kids would come up to us. We would give them candy from the MREs and stuff like Chem lights, rank pins and other small things we had handy. If we knew we were staying for a long enough time we'd give them money to buy us stuff from the local stores. The kids were incredibly honest and always came back with the stuff and our change. One kid I remember came back with a sack full of sausage, cheese, bread and coffee that he had taken from his mom's kitchen. He insisted on giving us our 20 marks back and seemed really happy with the camouflage hat my tank commander gave him. We joked that we hoped it made up for the butt whooping his mother was going to give him when she found out what he'd done.
Nice story.
I was a tanker in 3rd AD in 85-86, thanks for sharing.
Great story. Good times! I was a 19D Cav Scout in the 11th ACR in Fulda in the mid 80s -- thanks for sharing!
They love their panzers.
His mother probably gave him the food to give y'all and told him to give you back the marks.
My father was based in Kaiserslautern, and I was born in the US Army hospital in Frankfurt. I have fond memories of Germany as a child, and was always glad to have been able to spend time there. I recall the German folks we met were very welcoming and very polite. My own family lineage is German, so it meant more to my dad. It was a great experience.
Why does the US need to have troops in Germany 80 years since the end of World War 2? Are we the Roman Empire? What is accomplished by having troops around the world? These countries should defend themselves.
I’m a physician married to a German wife. Over the years I’ve met dozens of American patients whose only European experience was through the their service in the military. These bases serve as an enormous cultural exchange opportunity that has had a positive impact on Americans who otherwise would not have the means to travel. It has expanded their views of the world, and given them insight other than Hollywood media portrayals.
This absolutely correct.
100% sir..
Hollywood is great!
@@pablofaigenbaum2705 Yeah, Hollywood is great the same way coke and Heroin are great.
About a century ago, in Europe, sniffing coke was completely legal and socially acceptable. It took decades until society caught up to its damaging effect. In those times, if you argued against drugs, you'd been laughed at, at best. Or you could have been put in the same category as the Spanish inquisition and labeled a hater of humanity.
Hollywood is just the same, only, its poison is quite subtle and insidious, and it will likely take longer for society to catch up. Correspondingly, its damaging effect will last longer, do more damage and take more effort to cure.
I am on your list of ppl whose eyes were opened and still reference Germany in comparisons to here and now. EVERYONE should get to live in a different country for a couple of years!
Thank you for this. As a former military member (USAF Ramstein 1990-1992, then again in 2002) I really enjoyed being in Germany and I am so grateful for their kindness and hospitality. These were one of the best years of my life. I return the favor to this day, if I meet someone from Germany in a restaurant or bar, they will not pay for their dinner or drinks. It is my pleasure to give back for the kindness I received.
Does your screen name indicate that you are a fan of the Big Lebowski?
you only look like your in your 20's i call bs
Germany just a puppet state, and this one in the video isnt pure blood german but some arabic-turkish
It is GREAT that the Americans are still in Germany teaching them democracy, tolerance and multiculturalism. The American should stay there at least one more century. Without the Americans there, the nazis may control Duestchland again. You see how misguided were Germans by the nazis and some are misguided nowaydays by the neo-nazis. Having the American bases there is GREAT. The Americans, the Russians and the English made an enourmous sacrifice during Worl War 2 to destroy the nefaurious nazis. The Germans must be thankful for the sacrifice these countries did. GOD BLESS AMERICA.
@@emergencybroadcastsystem-c2z XD you have to be joking
We were USAF stationed in Bitburg, Germany from 1983-1987. It was stressed to us to be respectful to our host country, learn German, and enjoy the rich history. Though living in a foreign country was difficult at first, I love Germany and STILL am trying to learn the language. Nothing but love from me to the people of Deutschland!!
Germany (and all of the west really) have been annihilated by international jewry. The European peoples are being exterminated via mass migration and race mixing propaganda... from the moment they leave the womb they are conditioned and educated to act against their own interests, against their race, against their culture and civilization. Europe must awaken.
I was at Bitburg (Jet Engine Shop) 1983-1989, Howdy from Texas
Was stationed Bitburg 84-86 then Spangdahlem 89-92
@@apegues, @alanc9623 I probably served you both some time or other at the NCO Club
I was a dependent who graduated from bitburg in 2014! Hello from Georgia
I spent a total of 7 years in Germany and seriously considered living there... permanently. Germany is an AWESOME place! It's kind of difficult to explain when something just 'talks' to you. While I was there, it felt comfortable and at peace. It was great.
I was an Army Brat in Frankfurt from 1974-1977. I loved your country, the people, the culture, the travel opportunities, the food, the forests and wrote a book about my time there, (coming out Dec. 2024) called, "Out of Place." I was a young teenager and my time in Germany changed my life forever and for better. Thank you, Feli for your excellent channel and continued understanding and bridging of people and understanding/appreciation of German culture.
I was born in Frankfurt
My nephew currently serves in Germany. His family is there, and his son was even born in Germany. He hopes to get a UN posting after his service ends. He absolutely loves Germany, and is proud to call it home
I was a member of BAOR (British Army of the Rhine) for about 7 years on various tours between 1966 and 1982. My tours saw me serving in Krefeld, Bielefeld, Sennelager, Munster, Celle, Wildenrath and Berlin. Very happy tours and a great deal of job satisfaction. Served as part of an American unit at one point, 3 British amongst about 300 Americans. Also served alongside the Bundeswehr.
When I first arrived there was well over a hundred thousand British forces in Germany. Spread mainly throughout Westphalen.
There was some friction particularly between young German males and younger British troops but by and large very few of us felt significant antagonism from Germans. Naturally there was a number of British troops who found their wives in Germany and this resulted in a number of Anglo-German kids. I actually joined the Army in 1966 and amongst the hundred or so of us in my basic training there were a few half German lads who joined the Army. I know one of them served for years and then decided to join the Bundeswehr - he rose quickly through the ranks and ended up as a high ranking officer.
A few years ago I took my American wife (ex USAF) on holiday and it dismayed me on arriving in Celle (a lovely, pretty, friendly, comfortably compact little town when the British garrison filled the town) to find the town centre dead/empty. On going into a gasthaus which I used to go to a couple of times a week back in the 70's and fell to taking with the owner. He informed us the town was dying as more and more British left. They felt quite protective of what he called, "Our British boys". He said financially they were missed but the most important thing was the town was full of laughter and fun when the British were there and now not so much. He would not accept payment for the drinks my wife and I had. He said his feelings were it's the least he could do to show his gratitude toward the many thousands who had moved into and out of Celle over the years he had owned the pub.
Another who was still working in what was my barracks in Berlin only now for the German government, told me he always felt safer in Berlin knowing the British/French/Americans were there and as he'd spent most of his adult life working for the British and formed friendships with Brits even having visited some of them in the UK with his family whom he had worked alongside, he missed them. He said they were always up to some mischief and making fun of him and with him. He said his life was not so much fun since he started working for the German government.
I still see Germany as my second home and my wife agrees that if we were not so content with our lives in the UK we would look to move to Germany. I owned a house just outside Dresden for years. I'm now retired and my wife will retire next year. There is no longer any thought of moving to Germany but we visit from time to time and each time I feel I am going home.
I don't particularly like large cities but the only place I served where I felt Heimweh for after leaving was Berlin. I lived a couple of hundred metres from the Olympic Stadium and life was exciting, comfortable and fulfilling. We've been back a few times and I had to swallow back the tears when stood outside my old apartment.
A large number of the people I have worked with in the years since leaving the forces have also been ex servicemen/women. In all those years I have only ever heard one ex soldier who said he did not enjoy his time in Germany.
Fond memories.
P
I enjoyed reading that. Cheers
I lived in Westphalia as a kid in the early to mid-80s and one of my earliest memories was that of British tanks rolling parallel to a highway we drove on. I can't really remember where it was, but probably Herford, where 4th AD sat at the time. I'm quite happy that the British are returning now to Gütersloh.
@@UrsusMaior I suspect those few who are fortunate to be able to go and sample life in Germany are going to be delighted with their fate sir, especially the married ones able to take their famiies with them.
It was a cost cutting decision by a variety of British beancounters who refused to see how keeping an active, ready and prepared prescence in Germany would not only end up saving money but saving both Britain and Germany the time in deploying those assets in an emergency which of course would result in the saving of lives eventually.
A really stupid decision by the British government. Gutersloh used to be an RAF base along with Bruggen, Wildenrath (army and RAF - I spent a couple of years at Wildenrath), Laarbruch, Gatow
Glad we have helped to put a smile on your face, hope your fellow Germans are as happy as you clearly are. Take care - we may be small and poor here on Monkey Island but we are a ferocious offshoot of the Saxon clans and we will always stand alongside Germany in time of need and only a fool would underestimate us.
🎶"Ich habe Heimweh nach den Kurfürstendamm..." 🎶
I have just stumbled onto your podcast and I am amazed at your content. Your piece on how the German people feel about the American bases on German soil was very informative to me. I had always wondered how the US was able to stay in Germany for so long. You have a wonderful and upbeat personality listening to you speak is captivating hearing you go from English to German with such ease, your English is impeccable. I was born in 1939 just before the second world war. So I have seen so many changes to my country and to yours and to the world in the past 85 years. Please continue doing your broadcast, they are wonderful.
I was stationed in Wiesbaden at the USAF hospital in the center of the city from 1972 - 1974. I found everyone very friendly and helpful. I bought a pretty expensive 10 speed bicycle and a friend and I took a 30 day bicycle trip before I left. I worked with Germans, Turks, Irish. It definitely expanded my view of the world and looking back on it view it as a 2 year paid vacation.
Hello. My dad is retired USAF. Pop was stationed at Wiesbaden from 1973 to 1974, he worked in the hospital. We lived in Russelsheim
As a German, please excuse comments like the one above (if deleted: thanking you for "occupying Germany"). That person is an idiot. We have those in Germany as well, of course. From my point of view: Thank you for your service.
I had an enlisted friend at the Hospital Rod Rodman (yeah name sounded bogus) he had a British Girlfriend ....was there 75 to 77
WAS STATIONED AT THE USAF HOSP TOO. 1986-89. Great times in Weisbaden and Linsey AIR Station.. great nco club and the LINDSEYFEST every year in JUNE? civilians were allowed on the base. big beer tent on the parade grounds, fun rides, cotton candy and food. loved my time in Deuth land
Awesome video, Feli! As a US servicemember recently assigned to Ramstein AB, I can tell you my family and I loved our time there! We didn't want to leave. We elected to live in a village that was more German than American to intentionally attempt to become valuable members of the community. If interested, I'd be more than happy to dispell or prove some of the comments you received when you asked this questions originally. Tschuss!
Your last name indicates that you're originally from there?
When I was in the Army, I was very fortunate to travel to Germany to train with the German Paratroops in Oldenburg. Many of us received the Schützenschnur award, German jump wings, and the GAFPB. Their troops were very welcoming and friendly to us. Top tier Airborne all the way.
We had a German sister unit we'd train with, and would exchange Schutenzschnur and U.S. training. I loved the German bluntness, and yet the warmth and sincerity behind their friendship once we'd formed genuine bonds. That was my first introduction to German culture and my family's heritage. I'll treasure that forever.
Enjoyed three tours in Germany and loved our time there. Our kids spent their teen years in Italy/Germany and they cherish those memories. We introduced fried turkey on Thanksgiving to our German friends in a small village, a tradition they keep every year.
My dad was stationed at Stuttgart in the 70s and I graduated from high school there. I went on to join the Air Force myself and was stationed at Spangdahlem AB near Trier. I absolutely loved the time I spent in Germany. I hope someday to go back for a visit. The German people were so friendly and kind. The memories will last forever.
I went to Stuttgart HS in Ludwigsburg .. 70-72 .. Class of 74 Lived in Nellingen (no longer there) and also in Ludwigsburg (I think its called Kornwestheim now .. Our High School was in Pattonville .. It's Erich Bracher Schule now ..
@@acsxfan1 oddly enough, I was also class of 1974. We lived at patch barracks from 72 to 75. Small world!
I served in Germany in 1971 stationed in Dolen Barracks in Swabisch Hall Hessental. I hope to back with my wife in the summer of 2024.
My Dad was in the US Army and was stationed in Germany during the early 60s. He was an MP, and worked with German law enforcement at times. He loved the German citizens, he loved their culture, their beer, food, and the beautiful towns and villages. It was one of the best times of his life, and he had a lifelong love of Germany and its people. He also mentioned that the locals always took a liking to him because his last name was 1000% German (Weimer) lol, and they viewed him as a "long lost German" who ancestors left for America in the late 19th century lolololol .... they'd always point to his nametape on his uniforms and say "You are German!" ... thank you to your country for giving my Dad such a wonderful experience!
Germans are special.The U.S knew that.
I have gotten this kind of thing in the U.S. ironically tho. from Muslims who had been to Germany. many of them the second they met me. would light up and glow with eyes so loving i was just like "whats with this woman/man?" but older i get the more i know they just spiritually knew. :) Also helps in Spirit I'm married to multiple Muslim women so. they love me very much, maybe it was their spirits letting them know. I'm Family. haha
@@adspurThat's what the Austrian painter thought. Right up until near the end when he realized the Alman's had dropped the ball on him 😎
This story made me cry a little. It stirred me.😢
I mean, depending on what part of the US he was from, they may not have been that far off.
Hey Feli, I am live in Cincinnati too. My brother is in the Air Force and has been stationed in Germany for a couple of years now. He met a German girl there and they both came here to Cincinnati to celebrate Christmas this past year (a month ago). I was very nervous to meet someone from a different country and culture as I don't really travel a lot. She turned out to be, well, just a normal person. She spoke great English and we all hung out a lot and had a lot of fun over the week or so they were in town. By the time they left, it felt like I had known her for a long time, much longer than just a week. Anyway, thought I'd share, it seemed relevant to this video's subject.
lol i did think it was funny one of my best friends a Koster. a German exchange student came over and was dating him in Iowa City. the one thing she did that WAS a tad bit.. diff to me was... she thought it was fun to drive the walmart handicap wheelchairs around... LOL.... otherwise nothin peculiar. lmao
Miss the Army travel office in Berchtesgaden, great trips to Königsee and the Salt Mines that were conducted by extremely nice German girls.
@@SaddMoxxiee This is kind of a story which is quite often told by the post war German generation that American soldiers liked German Fräuleins :D. The Germans made quite a bit of money from it by opening bars and restaurants close to the main American army bases and travel hubs. :D
When I was 19, I lived in Berchtesgaden. I worked in Konigsee on the bobsled track. That was in 1973-74. I'm 69 now. I studied German for 2 years in high school and 1 year in college before loading up my backpack and heading to Germany. I also had a brief job on a farm near Hannover. I went to Germany to become fluent in German. I remember after getting off my flight, going to the big train station nearby. I was actually surprised that everyone was speaking German! And at that moment, I realized that I needed to use my German fast. I had to find my train to take me north to Munster, I think. Then I hitchhiked to my job near Bielefeld. I grew up near a small rural in northern California. I had never been on a train before, maybe once on a public bus. I hitchhiked all over Germany, and road an incredible number of trains after buying a student rail pass. While living and working in Berchtesgaden, I never did become fluent in German. The dialect there was hard for me to understand, but everyone could understand my German. It was so euphoric living in that mountain town. Sometimes I walked to work in Konigsee, took the bus occasionally and hitchhiked too. It was truly a glorious experience being there. I've been back a couple times, and visited the "little" friends I had there that I would go ice skating with at the outdoor rink in town. I rode the sleds, luge, down the bobsled track several times. It was too scary for me. When the US team was practicing there, they offered me a position on the 4-man bobsled - they needed one guy. I turned it down. Way too dangerous. People got killed doing that! John - California
@@rewschreijewschrei Odd - there sure are handicapped people in Germany, yet we don't have those scooters (that's why it's novel to a German). Maybe something else is going on.
I was a Canadian Special Operations Forces officer and attended a course at the NATO school in Oberammergau in 2008 (I rented an Audi A3 in Munich and got to drive on the Autobahn!). Although not my first time in Germany, it was a great trip and I really enjoyed exploring the countryside during my downtime. My hotel in town was within walking distance of the school, and I remember the odd feeling of walking through a small town in the heart of Bavaria (the home of the Third Reich) in my Canadian camouflage and tan beret some 70 years after the war. I think the war has become part of the fabric of Germany and it will never, and should never, be forgotten.
German camos better.q
German camos were always better.
Awesome presentation, Feli. I owe my English skills to American families in our house as my parents let an apartment to American soldiers near Sembach/ Ramstein. We lived door to door and some of them taught me American starting at the age of 8. Later this turned out to be a major kick starter for my professional career. My parents and I are still in contact with a family of teachers that moved back to Texas 57 years ago.
There no such langauge as ameecan lol lol
Plus many amercans speak spanish and french as first langauge
@@Bigfish31 american english is a real thing. When someone learns english as a second language they have to choose whether to learn the american or british version, it's a large decision.
@@moonasha no it not Lol i speak 9 langauges
@@moonasha there english and diffent accents like qubec french and Paris french
What a fascinating video Feli, danke! It was cool to hear what Germans really think about us, good, bad or indifferent.
I was an Army brat and my dad was stationed in Germany twice, I went to Kindergarten in Neu Ulm and junior high in Nuernburg. I learned to ski in Berchtesgaden and went to the Christkindlmarkt in Rothenberg ob Der Tauber.
I joined the Army and was stationed there myself twice. The first time in Baumholder where I met my Frau (aus Kassel) and Schweinfurt. I drove with my buddy from Baumholder to Garmisch to go snowboarding on the weekends. I traveled all through Europe from Germany. Both of my daughters were born in Deutschland, are dual citizens and speak German. Oma was just here visiting us for Christmas. Germany is a huge part of my life and I consider it a second home. Ich liebe Deutschland!
I want to have a conversation with you
My Mom taught for DoDDs and I was there ten years. Kid me loved going to Rothenberg.
I'm absolutely envious of your childrens dual cit. I landed in k-town when I was 6 months old and there till 7 but instead get to tell everyone I was born in Alabama, a place I know literally nothing about. I'd go back to DE in a second if I had dual cit.
@@mj-np9sy it's a wonderful country, I loved growing up there.
My dad served in the army for 22 years and we spent 3 years (1996-1998) in Würzburg when I was in 7th-9th grades. Nothing had a larger impact on my life than living over there, being immersed in the culture and learning the German language. We were grateful for the opportunity to live in someone else’s country and call it home for a few years. We very much respected seeing and hearing different viewpoints on issues, immersing ourselves in history and culture etc. it was the greatest experience one could have as a child/teen.
Sounds awesome. Glad you had a nice stay.
I lived there the same you did! And I agree with everything you said. I loved Marshall Heights
I was in Germany back in 1992 while i was in the US Army for a military exercise called reforger and it was like a war exercise along side all the nato troops and it was awesome. We were able to enjoy octoberfest and wow what a fun time. Also got to meet a lot of german people and they were all so very friendly, they treated you like family. I think germany and the people are just awesome.
I haven't been stationed in Germany (more army thing than Marine) but my father was treated in Germany in 2008 after being injured in Afghanistan and he has nothing but good things to say about Germany. He said the health care was far better than hes ever seen and credits German doctors for allowing him to use the left side of his body today.
As his son who was 8 at the time and helped him recover until i joined myself i am so grateful for Germany. I still believe if my father was brought to any other country he would not be as well off as he is today.
Uh. So why was he in a German hospital rather than Landstuhl? Sounds suspect.
@dogfaceponysoldier idk the name of the hospital i can ask him tho.
@dogfaceponysoldier as a retired Soldier is is sometimes necessary to visit doctors' off- base due to shortages in specialty doctors, and since a lot of German doctors train in the U.S. they are able and willing to treat Americans stationed in Germany.
@@daryldaniels4400you mean most US physicians are trained by German lecturers
She has no German accent sounds American.
Very good...
I was stationed in Germany twice as an Army musician. First time from 1985-1987 in Stuttgart and the second from 2012-2015 in Kaiserslautern. I can honestly say that Germany feels more like home to me and my wife(she is an American too). While stationed near Kaiserslautern, we both played in the local Musikverein and the friends we made are very special to us. We try and return every other year or so to visit.
Same here. When my son turns 18 I plan on moving to Germany. I lived on Clay Kaserne near Mainz-Kastel
I was stationed in Germany from 87 until 90. I made some good friends from Germany. I talk more about my time there than anywhere I was stationed. I was at McNair Kaserne as part of the Frankfurt Military Community.
My dad was in the Air Force and was stationed at Spangdahlem AB from 90-95 (I was 9-14). Was among the best years of my life. For about a year we lived off-base due to lack of on-base housing and our German landlords Maria and Helmut were so kind to us. I'm so grateful for all I got to see and experience there and I still miss it almost 30 years later. Such a beautiful country with great people. Wish I could go back.
I live between Trier and Spangdahlem
Are you familiar with the Puzicha's? My blood family lives there. How about the Pohl's?
@@kevinmcdonald8049 There’s a lot of people called Pohl around here. The chances of me knowing your family are slim when there’s 100,000 people just in Trier city with a ton of small towns and villages all around too. Why don’t you look them up in the online phone directory? You just need their name and address
I lived there from 9-14 too, but at Hahn AB from 86-91. I feel the same way.
I was stationed at spangdahlem AB back in 1975, loved it there.
Feli, you are so good at this. You are becoming adept at disseminating information and creating fertile ground for discussion and thought. Well done.
I am an Army Brat. My father was in the US Army, and we were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany for 2 different 'tours'. I was born in 1978, and our first tour was from 1979-1984 (5 years), then again from 1987-1991 (4 years), for a total of 9 years. My earliest memories are from Frankfurt (Platen Housing Area). On the second tour, we lived about a quarter mile (or less) from where we lived the first tour (also on Platen). I was 8-9 years old on the second tour. I remember the AFN special report on a Thursday evening in November stating the wall had fallen, and thought this was the end of an era. My brother and I would share stories and memories about our time there for MANY years after we left. I finally took the plunge and went to see Frankfurt in December 2019 (27-28 years after we left). Since leaving I had ALWAYS wanted to go back, but I was waiting for "someone special" to share it with. I finally decided I was that special person. Frankfurt..... IT FELT LIKE HOME. Some of the buildings were different colors, but almost everything looked exactly the same as when I lived there. The scenes, the smells, the damp rainy air, were all very familiar to me. The U-Bahn system had grown since I was last there in 1991. This opened my eyes to some many things. I took my now wife there in August 2022, to show her where I grew up and what I still consider my true home. Just amazing! I have a small dream of retiring in Frankfurt.
I know first hand the issues and havoc that the American children (teenagers) played on some of the local Germany businesses, and I feel bad that Americans did those things. For the Germans that hated our presence, I understood on some level. For the older Germans that loved us, I understood that too, on some level. It is a complicated topic, one that has so many angles. I thought you video was AMAZING at how it handled and tackled the topic. I have been a fan of your videos ever since I found you! I wish you all the best!
My dad was in army and stationed in Frankfurt, and we lived at Platen Housing area as well, from 87-90. I was born in 77, and went to the elementary school (lived in one of the 5 apartment buildings straight across from the elementary school). I also remember the wall coming down. I went to Berlin twice, once with my 5th grade class, where we got to go into East Berlin before the wall came down, then I also went to an international jamboree with the boy scouts after the wall came down.
It seems like a lifetime ago. I was stationed at a base in Bavaria, I thought I'd found my groove. I loved my time and experiences. Married a local, became fluent, got out, moved to the states, had a kid, returned as a civilian and got divorced.
Das ist das leben.
Schade
wait. divorced in the usa or here after moving back to germany?
A lot of times the divorce happens when the wives come to the US and start comparing their lives with others and become "Americanized" they have a certain view on life before coming to this degenerate society
Dad was at a base in France close to Nancy. He met my mom at my grandfather’s ESSO gas station. Been hearing in the US since 2. They were together till he passed.
My thoughts on bases in Germany in this time of turmoil may be a good thing. We Americans have to remember we are visiting.
you are a veteran in many ways
As a Veteran who was stationed in Katterbach for 2 years and married a German woman, I can say it was some of the best times of my life. I absolutely adore Germany!
I worked on Katterbach from July 94-Sept 97. Great times and my favorite dury station! How did you like your housing?
@johnbailey3351 the barracks definitely left a lot to be desired! I was stationed there November, 2001 - March, 2003. Went to Carol's night club, Gazebo bar and so much more. Absolutely great times!
thank god for backwater, huh?....(cool sarcasm).....lol@@user-qr6eb4jg9n
Katterbach ‘89-‘92.
Marrying someone after 2 years. Doesn’t seem wise
I was stationed there in the eighties. Some Germans liked having us there, some didn't, some were ambivalent. But almost all locals loved the influx of money into their economies and the government loved the fact that they didn't need to spend so much to defend Germany from the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. It's always worth remembering that US troops weren't there as an occupying force, but to defend Europe. It was an expensive commitment.
I bet they didn't like their energy bills after their pipeline was bl. own up..what an "ally"!
Lived in Frankfurt and went to high school there in the 80’s as a military brat, we then moved to Stuttgart. Joined the Air Force, and was later stationed in Bitburg. Total 11 years in Germany and loved it, felt like a second home. ❤️
Same for me. FAHS ‘84, joined the army in Germany, and got sent right back…though up north in Münster working for the Brits. Almost 9 years there; some of the best days of my life…and I still miss it..
@@scottb2926 That’s awesome, it was an amazing experience. I didn’t read realize how fortunate we were. FAHS Uber Alles ‘86 😁💕
I was stationed in W.Germany from 81-83 as a Military Policeman. Giessen, Augsburg, Munich, Chiemsee and Berchtesgaden. It was amazing. I only got kicked out of one restaurant for being an American serviceman because they thought I might cause trouble. Our parking lot got blown up by the Bider Meinhoff gang. I listened to older German Veterans talk about how the "snow won't stop us next time." while practicing archery in the mess hall by candlelight on Christmas night in the old SS barracks in Berchtesgaden. When I joined, I thought I knew everything. My last assignment in Germany was working with the Munich Police at Oktoberfest where I realized I was clueless and I needed to shut up and enjoy the ride. Thank you Germany.
The Beider Meinhoff terriost group was either in prison or dead by 1977. You need to get your facts straight. I remember we they struck Lee Barracks in Mainz. I was on motorpool guard that night and was stationed at the post in Wackerheim just
@@dagerryAs soon as the ussr gets beat they turn on each other again lol
@@dagerry The Brits had such plans: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Unthinkable
Patton had said something to that fact as well.
I wasn't familiar with Berchtesgaden, that must've been an incredible place to live.
One of the things I've noticed from U.s. Army Brats who grew up in Germany, is a respect for Germans, and an appreciation for German culture. This can only help to bring our countries closer together.
A lot of us Army Brats have german moms like myself 😁 so yeah I love my german culture. I'm fully german/american to my core.❤
Yeah, after you blew up our infrastructure.
@@jennywells416 thank you.
brats will not bring germany and the u.s. together
Now if only you wouldn't provoke wars in our neighbourhood and destroy pipelines.
I grew up in Germany on Ramstein Air Force base in the 80s as my dad was stationed there. We left in 91' alittle before the Berlin wall went down. I absolutely loved my time there, and have alot of fond memories as a kid from Germany. I got to see alot of awesome things in Germany and Europe abroad. I hope to revisit Germany sometime in my adult life. It's such a beautiful country with rich history and awesome people.
91 was after reunification
@mika52776 oh maybe it did come down before we left then
USAF veteran who was stationed at Ramstein for 3 years in the 1970's. I very much enjoyed my time at Ramstein and in Germany in general. The vast majority of the Germans that I came in contact with, including on our travels, seemed appreciative that the American military was there.
I grew up in West Berlin and believe me, we loved the US Army there.Not just for safety but one thing that was not mentioned at all was the AFN (American Forces Network )The younger generation loved listening to the music. We grew up with Rock and Roll or Jazz with AFN.When i moved to Frankfurt to study here the first thing i did was tuning in on AFN . So this was a very important part of our lives growing up and getting fluent with the language. (It got me in trouble too because the teacher tought British Engliih and we read Steinbeck , Roth and even Bukowski and there were words spelled different)The teacher did not agree it to be English.
Oh yeah! AFN!
Yeah we always waved to the tank crews when their convoys were passing by on the Clay Allee in the 80s
Oh yes my dad and his friends back in the 50ies when still in highschool in Munich built a radio and listened to the US army sender and discovered Rock'n'Roll. The parents weren't amused 😂
My father loved the Americans growing up. In 1945, when he was 5 years old he befriended a GI called Bob and he loved him more than his own father.
ua-cam.com/video/I0DY9B-Lnbk/v-deo.htmlsi=FZ9xuutqEetFw2yS
I was an AFN Berlin DJ. I learned German and enjoyed German culture and my interaction with local people.
0:15 US Navy here. We don’t have troops stationed there because we’re afraid of a resurgent German authoritarian regime. It’s because we poured what probably equates to trillions of dollars today into military infrastructure to prepare for and deter a Soviet invasion of Western Europe. It was and still remains the centerpiece of all US logistical and strategic planning for the European continent and far beyond. From QRF to nuclear forces, Germany is the primary staging area for any operations west of Pakistan. The end of WW2 is irrelevant.
Except that it stopped madmen from murdering all of the Jews , Gypsy's and " undesirable " .
I'm sure you are factually correct about US intent and policy. I'm going to question if that idea is shared by the Germans themselves. Some seem to feel that preventing a resurgence is exactly why it's there, and some may feel it's necessary.
😊
@friskeysunset it don't matter what they think. Silly krouts. What are they going to do about it. Nothing their military is weak af.
There is no reason to have bases in Germany. We are stimulating their economy. In Korea, we charge 1 Billion dollars for threat deterance. The Germans charge us at least 20 million per base for us to be there.
Feli, you have such a marvelous gift of not only presentation but storytelling as well. Excellent piece with a wealth of information, which is so important to so many countries, not just Germany & the US. (As for the air show crash at Ramstein…I was there as a young active-duty USAF flight crew member on a 4 month rotation to England. Flying intra-theater support & happened to be there. Just absolutely awful, such a tragedy.) Have built lovely relationships with so many great people from Germany. I love the country, the old world feel of the small towns, especially during Christmas time. A beautiful country)
I was born in Frankfurt Main in 1958. My father was in the US Army. As a result I attended high school in Heidelberg in the 1970s. I was then stationed in Wiesbaden in the 1980s with the USAF. My ancestry is heavily German. I really love Germany and had nothing but positive experiences there, especially with the people. As a service member in the 80s most of my off duty time was spent off base with the “locals”.
Thank you for this episode. Our family loved their time in Germany, and always felt welcome. My father was an Army physician, and we lived in Landstuhl 1963-1966 when I was in elementary school & middle school. Later my parents had two more tours, in Heidelberg, when I was in college and grad school, and I was able to visit them. We still incorporate German decorations and traditions in our Christmas celebrations, cook German dishes, etc. When I was a postdoctoral researcher in Berkeley, CA my closest friends were a group of German post-docs.
As a young man, I felt a heavy responsibility serving in West Germany in the mid-80’s. Ever since, my family and I love returning. I learned to converse while we lived there, and later because I fell in love with Germany, I filled my humanities requirements in college with everything Deutsch I could find! Later, as my kids and I worked on our family history, we were thrilled each time we found German ancestors! With retirement, we plan to spent a lot more time in the places our hearts are so attached to, especially Speicher, Bitburg, Trier, Hochspeyer, und Freiberg!!❤
Danke schön!!
GDR? as an American? maybe you're having a memory lapse because the GDR was part of the Warsaw Pact.
Young, smart and charismatic. A rare combination. Well done.
I really appreciate how this video is structured and how you shared the facts first. I'm a "Military Brat" My family lived on the Rhein-Main Air Base for 3 years. That base soon closed after we moved. My experience interacting with Germans was only ever positive. We were required to take German classes in all grades and we took it through out the school year, so I was able to learn how to speak basic German to make it through a short conversation. Our school also made a point for all field trips to be in places where we could be part of the culture and language.
Any German I ever interacted with was polite and excited to share their culture with my family. They recommended places for us to visit, explained how to navigate the roads (GPS was not used yet), and shared holiday traditions with us. There is nothing like Christmas in Germany. Magical.
We lived there when 9-11 happened. It was a scary time and I remember the fear that more attacks were coming and that US bases might be targets. Once that concern subsided, every German friend we had gotten to know at that point reached out. They offered us food, comfort, and I remember our neighbor across the hall, she was German who married an American soldier, came over with toys on that day so my brothers and I had something new to keep our attention away from the news.
I have always had this view of Germans being so incredibly friendly. Of course I was 9 years old, weeks from 10, when we left so it might just be my childhood innocence keeping hold of those memories, but I have a feeling my own experience isn't unique to other American kids who lived there.
60 year old US citizen here: I married into a family from Frankfurt area. My first Christmas with my new bride many years ago, in Germany, with all the traditions including real candles lighting the Christmas Tree was magical, as you said. I don’t get back there as often as I’d like because of work demands. I make sure to save for my wife to make her annual trip.
My mother was stationed in Frankfurt as a nurse from 64 to 68. We first lived on base, and then we moved out into one of the smaller villages near Frankfurt. We loved living among the local folks, and I went to the German school nearby for kindergarten to second grade. My parents really believed in mingling with the people and getting to know them and learning German. I loved living there! I have some very fond memories of that time, and have been back three times to visit, and see old German friends.
I was stationed at a small US Navy base in Schleswig-Holstein. It was the best posting of my career. Loved every moment! 😊
I wonder where you were. Kiel, maybe? I was in the Army and we worked with the Bundeswehr in Plön , also in Schleswig Holstein. Did you ever get to tour the U-boat there? I loved that part of Germany Plön, Kiel, Eutin, Lübeck, never got to visit Flensbürg.
Good day, young lady, I was stationed in Baumholder in 1988. As a bicyclist , I road all over Germany and France. As a veteran, I am not treated as well as I should. I am disabled to my service to my country. I loved your home country. One other thing, My grandmother was the first person of her family to be born in the us. Her Mom and dad came to the United States from Germany. Fantastic video
It may be interesting for your German viewers to hear what us Americans think about bases over seas, and in Germany. I think you’d find the answers as varied as from the Germans. I can say that many of us consider Germany to be our best friend in Europe, along with the UK. Sure, we don’t always agree, but that’s how friends and families are. Great video!
The three years I was stationed at Spangdahlem, I was treated like family by the German people.
It was a unforgettable experience.
I was so impressed with how well the German people treated me when I was stationed there. I was there in the early 90’s and I preferred Germany to the states. The people are nicer. Public transportation was better than anywhere else I’ve been. I love the beauty of the countryside. The swimbad was the first place I ever had a mimosa and with all the different saunas, I never got sick. And the Food! Oh Lord, the food!
Thank you to all the Germans who were such amazing hosts.
Mimosa? The flower???
My brother was stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base and he said similar things to what you say here. The German people were so friendly to him and his family.
The food would be my favorite. Love Schnitzel, Rouladen, Bratwurst
Lol no here in the states thats Champagne and orange juice a breakfast alcohol if thereis such a thing 😂 .@desperadox7565
@@carlcampbell4923 Ok thanks, never heard of.🍹
I was stationed in Earlagen 1989-91. The university students did not like us there, but mostly, we were treated well. When we went out on menuvers near farms, older Germans would come out and bring us food and say they were glad we were there. I think it is because of the security we provided from the Soviet Union. I enjoyed my time there and met a lot of interesting people.
The soviets tried to groom and push the left against the US and our own governments. One of the KGB officers responsible is said to be a certain Vladimir P.. It seems he is still into it on a much bigger scale.
Same in the US the college kids don’t appreciate the military either because they never saw the bad side of not having a strong ready military.
New here! I'm from Cincinnati also! Also a US Marine Vet. But the biggest reason I like these videos is I once spent a month in Germany after I made friends with a Exchange student from Germany. I spent a month in a small Town called "Schluctern" outside for Frankfurt. I got to travel to the countryside also. The Germans I met were very open an seemed to love me. I even got to spend time in the Gymnasium for a day. The locals were very open to speak about politics of the modern day and the past. It was one of the best experiences. I also took two years of German. But I'm rusty haha.
Thanks for the videos!
I was stationed in Berlin in 68-70 and believe me the Berlin Wall was no joke. We often went to East Berlin and the stark difference between West and East was significant. The German people were welcoming and being introduced to German culture was a great experience as a young soldier. Very impactful experience which developed my awareness of the world.
Believe me, you can still feel another vibe behind "the border"
There were 2 walls. Did you ever climb the observation platforms? The Killing Ground was in the middle.
I got there at 17 in 1977. The first time I went on wall patrol it was a sobering experience. I eventually got a position in the S2 and could write my own "East Pass" whenever I wanted to go to East Berlin.
I took a course called "The Soviet Union at War" that was taught by a Colonel who wrote "Zhukov," which even many Russians consider the best book on the man. He managed to get our class into a restricted area of East Berlin so we could see the Soviet War Museum. Pretty amazing.
I'm not going to lie, as a 17-year-old guy, I enjoyed the social life immensely.
@@2528drevas Did you visit the Soviet memorial in Treptow, quite an impressive spot.
I was in Berlin from 81-83. I enjoyed my time there, even though I only visited the eastern part once. I want to go back and walk underneath the Brandenburg Gate.
Story from my uncle who was Stationed at Ramstein.
Being a rural Wisconsin boy he always gravitated to farm culture and would go to a local farm not far from the base.
There was an old man who spoke impeccable English (my uncle adds here that this man spoke better than many of the Americans)
When asked where the man had learned English. He replied 'Camp Aliceville Alabama'
I am a 78 year old veteran of the US Army. I served in Goppingen, 4th armored division headquarters for 2 years 66-68. Loved it my son was born in Stuttgart and we lived on a farm Near Hohenstaufen Mt. The people were wonderful to us and we enjoyed visiting all the places in Bavaria. Including your home town during October Fest. Almost forgot, we spent 5 days on the Czech border when Russia invaded Czech republic. Waiting for orders to go in and help.
I was stationed in Göppingen in 1971 as a medic in the Dental Clinic! Loved the area!
А я думал, советская пропаганда врала про возможное вторжение США в Чехословакию.
Was stationed in Germany for 13 of my 20 years as a physician for the USMilitary. Had a great time! Married a German lady! Commanded first Rapid Deployment Hospital and the 32nd Combat Support Hospital. Germans, You cannot have the cake and eat it too!
I was born and raised in Germany. Both of my parents are Mexican American so I was forced to go to school off base. So it was very hard on me to understand the language at first for 17 years. I live in the US now. I miss Germany everyday. 🇩🇪
Home is were the heart ❤️ is. 🇩🇪
And then we basically have the opposite: me, someone's native language is German, forced to be in school on base with only speaking English, and then eventually end up moving to the US and no longer being able to speak German fluently anymore.
@@soIzec It's like riding a bike i recon. Give it a couple of beers and a week and you'll get there again. At least it went like that for the kid of a scottish friend who grew up in Germany for 6 years when he was little. Came back with his then gf and got a job. About a week later he was fluent-ish again. Heavy accent though ;)
Does United States is operate Farris barricks.
Does United States is operate Farris barricks.
My dad was stationed twice, 58-62 and 66-70. I adored growing up there. People were so friendly and the country so beautiful.
My grandfather was a paratrooper in WWII. After the war ended, my grandmother moved to Germany to join my Grandfather as he was stationed in Germany as part of the occupation force. I know, at least part of the time, he was stationed at Grafenwöhr, and their were stories associated with that. My father was born in München and only moved to the states later when my Grandfather had his twenty years in the Army completed. My grandparents and my father mixed German words into everyday life in American English. There is a lot of nostalgia associated with your channel and my early childhood. I appreciate your channel and listening to you and reminiscing. I study German as well during my free time, so this is very special to me. Thank you.
That was incredibly Interesting! Great Video Feli! 👍
As a Canadian soldier, I spent 11 years in Lahr Germany 76-81 and 86-92 our Canadian base closed completely by about 1994 I loved my time in Germany
Interesting to hear! I was living in Freiburg i. Brsg. at that time and in love with a soldier from Lahr. When he was off duty for more than a few hours we often made some sightseeing tours in the area and had lots of fun. Sadly he had to leave Lahr because of the Balkan Wars where he was sent to. We rarely had the possibility for a phone call and as time went by lost our connection. A few years later I received a letter in which he told me he was now back in Canada and doing well. I was glad to hear that he was safe and "in one piece" (edited because of a lost "e". 😇)
I spent a couple weeks in the field with the Canadian 444 tac helicopter squadron. ‘92 I think it was. Great bunch of folks.
When I was stationed in Europe, it really depended on the generation you were talking with. Those who were around from Nazi Germany through the Cold War, appreciated our presence. The younger generations hated that Americans were in their country. The funny thing is, whenever we decide to shut the bases down, the local government and population became upset. They realized how much of a large impact we had on their economy.
Adapt and over come. The Germans learned to survive when the US Community left the Nuremberg AO during the height of the Cold War were over 40,000 of us stationed in/around the AO. Nuremberg did survive and so did the surrounding AO. Words from the Grateful Dead.... I will get by, I will survive with a little bit of Grey. Touch of Grey the song.
We will survive
@@fluffyusa that may be true for a city like Nuremberg, but if you think about Ramstein, without the military base it's truly just a tiny rural village, its economy is all about the US base
@@silmuffin86 Like I mentioned I arrived back in 93' and I'm still here. I served from 92'-97', thru 93'-97' all over Bavaria pulling Law Enforcement duties, training, etc. (Fürth/Nürnberg, Erlangen, Herzogenaurach, Bad Kissingen, Kitzingen, Schwabach, Augsburg, Ansbach, Bamberg, Schweifurt, Giebelstadt, Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, Hohenlefs, Berchtesgaden, Würzburg, etc), almost all of these places, the US Military community has vanished except for Ansbach, Vilseck, Hohenfels, Grafenwöhr. The places that we left, the German community still thrives today. The transition wasn't easy but they overcame!
I life in Heidelberg and the US-Army left a few years ago. I don't know one person who miss them.
@@fluffyusaFürth is doing well, thank you :) And the Darby Barracks gave us a very nice park area in the southern part after they were gone. The chapel is still in use as such, by the way, even going by the name Chapel.
I cried after we came back to the US after living in Vilsek for three years, on our first tour. We also lived in Henrried when we were stationed in Hohenfels for two years on our second tour. I would have stayed in Germany forever! My youngest of five thought she was German because she had lived there most of her first seven years of life. She was very upset when I told her she was not German, but half Hispanic! We all LOVED our time in Deutchland. I hope to go back one day.
Can you go back after finishing service ? Why not ?! I am a German but j live in FL over 30 years . Don’t know if I can ever live over there again . the US has so many beautiful places too. Right now the situation is not good and I am worried for my Family over there . Love the bread and cakes so .j have Aldi here where I live thank god 😁a little Germany especially on the holidays Stay safe
Come back whenever you want - but without US-Army.
@@margritpiepes8242 it's kind of hard to get a work visa as an American. I loved my time there when my dad was stationed in Würzburg and then when I was stationed in Mannheim. My family came here to the US from Germany in the late 1800s and I have always wanted to move there permanently. There are a couple things keeping me here in America though. Overall I like Germany better than America but the few things I prefer about America over Germany are 100% deal breakers.
@@CubeInspector I hear ya’ I like the long store hours . My Fam at least a part of them . came over in the mid1830 they located to Wisconsin . But I miss the bread a rolls a cake . Maybe you can live here a there . But with the recent condition ( Putin and Ukraine and western Alliance it’s not a very safe place but anyhoo stay safe
Great piece. I was born in Wiesbaden,father was in the AF. I then spent 19 years there as an AF member and DoD civilian.
I'm a medically retired US Marine (97-09) and was wounded in Afghanistan. Ramstein AFB was where I spent nearly a week before being flown back to Walter Reed. But the German contractors there were awesome and helped be dodge the dietary restrictions doc tried to enforce! 😂
Good for them! what does your doctor know anyway.
I was working in the OR at Landstuhl in 2007-09.
Hey,I was flown to Ramstein AFB in Sept-2006- ( spent 3 1/2 months there )from Iraq,we got hit by a-MEAN-ambush while on routine patrol ( we were from Camp Anaconda ) lost 8 of my friends from that ambush. After my recovery,I was sent back to Ft Hood,Tx to my rear-d unit.This was my 2nd straight deployment to Iraq,my first was in 2005 at Camp TQ ( it was a Marine FOB then ) I was with an infantry unit from the Texas Guard ( I volunteered for 4 deployments to go fight in Iraq ) my battalion was at TQ and our brigade went to Tileal,Iraq. There was also a PRC unit at TQ ( a marine reserve unit ) and we had to use some of their marines to complete our missions.We had 12 KIAs and 8 people severely wounded from our battalion and no replacements. I volunteered to go to Iraq because I was bored working my 2 full-time civilian and wanted a-REAL-challenge filled with-DANGER.So off I went to Iraq and don't regret it,at all. SEMPER-FI
Were you at Ramstein AB or Landstuhl Regional Medical Center? That’s the large US Army hospital just 2-3 minutes from Ramstein. As a contractor out of Hanscom AFB, MA, I spent a couple of nights in Landstuhl in 2011 while I was working on a project at Ramstein AB. They weren’t sure if they could take me being only a contractor but I was so backed up I ended up vomiting into the triage doctor’s trash bin. They found me a bed soon after that realizing I wasn’t joking about being in the middle of a major Crohn’s flare that closed off my intestines. That was the first time I had an NG tube placed up my nose and into my stomach to act as a vacuum cleaner and clear me out.
@@Nerple I'll have to check the paperwork to be sure. I was pretty doped up the whole time. I had a bullet hole in each leg so I didn't get around a whole lot. From what I remember the building I was in was pretty much right next to the runway just past the hangars. The personnel were a mix of Army docs and Navy corpsmen. What I remember most was doc had me on a damn liquid diet in case I had to be put under for surgery but one of the nurses, a contractor named Anja snuck me in a grilled cheese sandwich and a big ass pack of peanut M&Ms. 🤣😂
I am a German women. Born and raised there. Where I grew up, I had never met any Americans. After I left the place where I grew up, I met many Americans. I married a military guy and now live in Texas. I'm glad we have so many Americans being stationed or living in Germany. I feel that we are more protected since Americans live there. Americans have the greatest military power. Many Americans became very good friends with German people. Should we ever get attacked by any other country ( I mean Russia and North Korea ) the Americans are great warriors and I'm pretty sure they would protect us. Yes, I'm glad that we have Americans living in our country. I had 4 American husbands. They all died from cancer. I'm alone now, but I don't mind it much. I'm done getting married. Can't go through more grieve. 4 was enough. My oldest daughter lives with me, so I'm not really totally alone. She is a real blessing having her here with me. I love knowing that so many Americans live in Germany. They are our friends and won't nothing bad happen to us. Germans are not mean, they just sound like it when they speak in their own language. I admire Americans that learn our language. It is a hard language to learn.
I’m an Army brat, both mother and father worked in Heidelberg for years where I was born and I wouldn’t replace or ever give up our experiences with the amazing German folks! After my parents divorce 1993 they both remarried and got rare forms of cancer, while my mother had this she helped save other people with the same cancer over 15 years, at local medical center in Heidelberg, she was an angel. Both my parents passed away in 2020 & 2022 and when you said you lost 4 husbands to it I was compelled to comment, I too share your loss and you have my deepest sympathies 😢. I love Germany and wouldn’t change being a child of two countries for anything. I now live in Oklahoma not far from you and work for Lufthansa go figure, I just got married to an Italian girl and we are happy in our little town. GruB Gott!
As an American who speaks pretty good German (not perfect), I can tell you that the most difficult thing is the Der, Die, Das. Englishe Sprache hatte diese Dinge a thousand years ago but lost them. During the 10 weeks, I spent in Germany in 1985, there were certain German expressions, (Umgangsprache), that I never heard in the German class. These were everything with kreigen, hingekriegt, mitgekriegt USW. Es gab auch Ausdruecke wie es hat getklappt, mir ist es nicht gelungen, USW. Habe ich Diese nicht in der Klasse jemals gesehen. Diese Ausdruecke haetten wir in der Klasse lernen sollten. When I learned these things after a few weeks, ist es leichter geworden.
As an American veteran, thank you for your service as a wife for US military men. Wives are so important for men to think of and have during a deployment overseas,
@@petenick7829 kriegen = bekommen = to get. krieg = war. this should that war is literally about getting something. if you were to translate it very freely, you may might infer that people say "it's time for another get(ting)", when they're saying "es ist zeit für einen krieg". it's time to get something. anyway, mitkriegen = getting something with you. it usually refers to be on track with reality. if you are assessing reality correctly, you are getting / mitkriegen what is. hinkriegen = getting something "there"/getting something done. geklappt = it worked out, klappen = clapping. if something worked out as expected or hoped, then it clapped. it's like a good short moment, like a clap of hands. what's beautiful about German is that the language has a lot of inherent meaning in many ways. maybe there are language that have that even more, I dunno, but there are many things to marvel about and I find it interesting how it evolved from old german to low german and high german. it used to be a norse language I think, but now it's quite distinct.
I was a German who came to the USA when I was 5 years old. My mother had married my American Step Dad and I was an Army Brat. We got stationed in Bamberg when I was 12 so I had to learn German again to be able to talk with my Oma and other relatives. As a teen in Germany I lived as an American and German but was still a German citizen until I was 21. I found it ironic and derogatory to be called an Ami by a few Germans. After college in Kansas, I joined the Air Force and was stationed at a German Air Base in Nörvenich where I married my German Frau. Then I was stationed at Rhein Main and Ramstein. Both of our children were born in a German hospital in Kaiserslautern and spoke only German until about age 5 even though I spoke American to them. After 9 years in Germany I finally took my Frau and kids to the states for the first time. We enjoyed our time in Germany and made many German friends wherever we lived. We shopped at German stores as well as the Commissary and Base Exchange on the bases I was stationed at. I hated that the menus at German restaurants were in English near Ramstein because I grew up eating German food and had no idea what the American words were. Most Germans I encountered appreciated the importance of military bases in Germany with a few who had mixed feelings. Having personally served on these bases, I know the strategic importance of them to both Germany and the USA. Thanks for doing such a good job putting together this video on this particular topic. I also watched your video about Aldi and enjoyed it too. Not sure if you made one about Lidl or not but I like it better than Aldi because it has a bakery that makes German bread and Brötchen. Anyway, I am an American in my heart but really appreciate my German roots with the culture, good food and beer, festivals , people, etc. Jürgen
Thanks for sharing. That’s a fantastic story!
I grew up as a German in Germany and live now over 30 years in the states. Love the Germany I left. K-town Ramstein, Landau, Zweibruecken, Pirmasens.❤
Station in Bamberg, Muna Kaserne, in 82-85. lots of fond memories ❤️🙏💪🏻
Importance for military bases in Germany? Not important to us Germans. We are forced to accept what are basically still occupying forces because Nazi-Germany (not the current BRD) lost the war *80* years ago.
Your childhood was similar to mine. My mother also divorced from my German father in 1956. I was 3 then and she married my stepdad in Mannheim. I lived with my Oma in West Berlin at that time and started school in a German school then we moved from Berlin to Mannheim. We lived in Ben Franklin Village from 59 to 1960 at which time we moved stateside. In 1961 we moved back to Mannheim until 1965. I was a green card holder until I was 18. I still watch German TV thanks to PIA which I have had for over 10 years.
I am a 74-year-old0 American and I found this UA-cam article fascinating. I live in Germany on American army bases fro 6 years. In the 50's (elementary school) and the 60's (high school). This video covers most aspects of the American military presence in Germany.
My memory of the German people was they were polite, considerate, and very pleasant.
I remember asking Dad did we really have a war with these people who looked like us, were easy to get along with,
and had lovely clean cities. His reply? He held upon two fingers and said "Two Wars". I never really understood that
until as an adult, I began to read about The Third Reich.
I was an US Army officer stationed in Bavaria (Vilseck) and Hesse (Fulda) when the wall came down. What a crazy time. BTW, my family really enjoyed our five years in Germany. I still drive BMWs and drink German coffee (Jacobs) to this day. Loved this very well done video.
I was in Fulda from 90-92 11th ACR
How many German Women did you guys F**ked??
I was there 92-94 when the 11th ACR was deactivated. @@dragonweyr44
I was 564th M.P. in Fulda, '79-'81.
@@jeffbrowning4684 I was literally next door to you at S&T troop, CSS, 11th ACR
But I was there from 90-92
I lived in northern (West) Germany from 1984-1987 and LOVED IT! We were station at a small air station and had very little base housing, so we lived in apartments owned by German landlords. It was exciting to be part of a new culture. We did have a small store and grocery store on the base, but we got very used to shopping and eating our in our German neighborhoods. We had a good relationship with most of the people in the towns, and often shared our celebrations and joined in the traditional German celebrations. I will always cherish those years. Thank you Germany.
Thank you for your service in Cold War times and protecting my country in not too easy times. It’s lovely to read that you were treated nicely by your German community and that you have mostly good memories. Greetings from the North of Germany!
Hessich-Oldendorf?
@@brianfritts4305 Yes! 😄
@@sherylkellett6508 I was there from 90-91 and went to Bitburg a few months before it closed.
Feli, I loved this video. I was in the US Air Force stationed in Wiesbaden from 75-83, then again at Ramstein from 88-94 (yes, I witnessed the Air Show disaster) and totally loved my time in country. It was a long time ago but most of the opinions that you mentioned actually existed back then as well, outside of the comments regarding the war between Russia and Ukraine. Similar conversations were made about the relationship between Germany and America, especially about the weapons at Ramstein Air Base. I made life long German friends, learned to speak Hessisch and ended up marrying a wonderful German woman and we're getting ready to celebrate our 44th year together. I was able to see most of Europe and will forever be grateful for my time in Europe and Germany especially. Germany is a wonderful country and I found the people of Germany to be very warm and wonderful toward Americans in general and myself personally.
I lived in Wiesbaden from '75-'83 with a one year in Munich at University of Maryland campus! Best childhood ever! Iranian Crises was a big memory for me.
@@JTRNPHD I was stationed at Lindsey Air Station in Wiesbaden. Best kept secret in the Air Force's inventory and yes, the Iranian Crises thing was huge. I remember it well.
My father was stationed in Wiesbaden 77-80. We lived in Aukamm and I went to HH Arnold high school. My father was actually serving as head of radar communications at the Mainz-Kastel military base. I came home from school one day and my mother told me that my father came home, grabbed his duffle bag and left, I knew that meant something serious. The next day at school, most of our military parents were gone and nobody knew where they were going. He was part of the failed Iranian hostage rescue attempt. Later, the released Iranian hostages were actually at the Wiesbaden hospital while we were staying at the American Arms getting ready to move back to the states. Ate many a bratwurst at Walters Futterkrippe across the street. Being a military brat really opened my eyes to other cultures and also the threats to freedom around the world.
I was there until the Apache helicopters moved in .They moved I 65TH MI BN TO DARMSTADT.to make room on the base. I will never forget the yellow cobblestone . From all the blooming sunflowers.
@@ManXBearXPigX I know the feeling. I was one of the telephone maintenance people who had the privilege of working with the State Department on setting up the telephone system for the hostages to call their relatives back in the states. It was an important time in history and I felt proud to be part of it. On the front page of the Stars and Stripes newspaper, they had thumbnail photos of all the returning hostages and I got a chance to have each of them sing their name on their respective photo. That paper hangs in my office today. God Bless
Thanks for your coverage of this topic. I had the privilege to train in Bad Tolz Germany in the 80's. I always tried to reciprocate the hospitality I received when German and other allied military personnel trained in America. Around 78,000 foreign military personnel train in the United States every year.
How timely to see this as a fan of your channel, retired USAF member, Air Force Brat, and now USAF civilian on my first work trip to Germany. Having grown up and been stationed overseas, I’m sensitive to the fact that we are guests wherever we serve and should be grateful to our hosts, and sensitive to the larger social or political questions.
@FelifromGermany, as an American soldier stationed in Germany, I’m impressed that you really did your homework for this video. I’ll say that I had a grand old time in Germany. I had a German woman cut my hair every week & speaking German with her really helped me improve my fluency in the language. On a side note-I visited Dresden on a long weekend, & a man there told me that he forgot there are still American soldiers stationed in Germany.
My ancestors are from Germany. Probably about 250 years ago. I grew up on a farm in central North Dakota USA. I had never been more than 200 miles from home when I joined the US Army in 1966. I got lucky and was sent to Germany instead of Vietnam. I spent 2.5 years in Stuttgart, Germany. While there I bought a VW bus and traveled and camped around Germany and several other European countries. I got to see the Alps in Europe before I saw any of the mountains in America. I really enjoyed the German and European culture and scenery. That experience has had a large influence on the following 55 years of my life. The Germans that I met were generally friendly and helpful but I often wondered how they felt about is American GIs there. Your video is enlightening.
buckboard
😂
good joke
That one guy said the base is a negative because it takes up too much space. Its never good when Germans start talking about living space lol
My mother is German and she met my Dad when he and I were stationed in Germany the first time. They married a few months before we were due to return to the states. They’ve now been married for 44 years.
I’ve been back to Germany 3 times since they married, twice as a kid and once as a Soldier myself. I love the German people, the culture, and the country itself. I consider myself fortunate having been exposed to, and adopted into (as a result of my parents’ marriage), the German culture and language. I’ve been fluent in German since I learned to speak. I miss Germany and hope to return for a visit.
Yankees go home, your time is over. Loud annoying and unprofessional young service soldiers, in airplanes, trains, etc. No class. Next 5-10 years the bases will be gone
@@IEATU95america isn't home neither to its natural born citizens or foreigners.
@@IEATU95 clearly your gov wants us there you'll have to get them to agree
I can understand the divergent feelings of having foreign troops in your country. I had the fantastic opportunity to live in Germany for four years as a US civilian supporting NATO. We loved our time in Germany and traveled all over Europe. We go back to visit as often as possible to visit friends and family. I hope these opportunities continue for others.
Why do you have a Norwegian name?
I come from BK (Bad Kreuznach), lived in K-Town (Kaiserslautern) and worked in Landstuhl. We‘d miss our US Military. Where else in the world are you asked at McDonald’s „welcome to McDonald’s. Your order please. Willkommen bei McDonald’s. Ihre Bestellung.“
@@Onnarashi Why do you have a Japanese name? Why do I have a German name?
I imagine the fact that the US was stationed there to stand off the Soviet Union for all but thirty-odd of those years has somewhat softened the blow.
I was an MP with the Army stationed in Vilseck near Grafenwoehr from 92-95. The local Germans couldn’t have been nicer and more welcoming. Love the channel BTW.
I was stationed in the Stuttgart area as part of the US Air Force, my family and I found Germany (Deutschland) to be a beautiful country. We really enjoyed our time there in 2003 to 2007, and my wife I would like to visit again. My wife made connections to German families off base and we enjoyed the activities we were able to participate in social activities. It was great, and the Germans were very welcoming. We did as much as we could off base. I recommend going to Germany, or other countries to anyone who talks about travel. I appreciate your videos and views. Keep up the good work.
I was stationed in Bitburg (bitte ein Bit!) with the Air Force from '86-'90. I loved my time in Germany. Beautiful country, wonderful people.
As always your topic was well researched and presented. My husband was an American Army officer. We were stationed in Germany three times. I love your home country. I first went when I was only 21. Our last station was in Heidelberg (when US Army headquarters were there). Every station was delightful. I certainly well understood why we were there during the Cold War. And now with the situation in Ukraine, it seems to demonstrate why we are still there. I feel the relationship between America and Germany is strong and will continue to be. BTW, we still travel to Germany often, as a matter of fact we were there this past December, for Christmas Markets (Weihnachtmarkt).
Feli mentioned the Bundeswehr - I actually met members of the Bundeswehr stationed in the USA. A lot of Americans don't know that there are small contingents of foreign military stationed in the US. (German at Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Belvoir, VA and also British at Fort Eustis, VA that I'm aware of).
Doubt it
@@Brekstahkid What is there to doubt?
NATO regulations require comprehensive training in other countries to improve cooperation. This might be things like flight training, "combined arms training" for Army members, as well as very friendly sport competition events in various countries that are either NATO members or somehow NATO related.
That's facts, when going through ait at fort Eustis in 2006, there where students from saudi Arabia, Greece, Philippines there.
Germany Has a base in the US
Great video! (All your videos are great...) When I was a kid, my dad was in the US Air Force and we were stationed in Wiesbaden from 1967-71. We lived in the city, not on the base, because my parents felt it was important to live among the Germans, not on the base, to get a better feel for the culture. That meant most of our friends were Germans, and I went to a German Kindergarten, nothing but German kids and nuns as teachers. So my brother and I learned German on the fly, and became fluent at least as much as a 5-year old is fluent in anything. (Today, my German is rusty, but I can speak it with a pretty convincing Wiesbaden-Hessen accent.) I loved the whole experience. But I do remember my mom telling all of us kids (6 in all) very specifically telling us never to mention the words "Hitler" or "Nazis" to anybody. Of course, as a kid I had no idea what those were. Our best family friends there were the Springs, who lived nearby across from the Landeshaus, and they had quite a story, having lived there since the 1930s... They were very pro-American, and had very intersting stories both about WW2, but also Cold War stories from the 1940s-60s... I do remember in 1968 when the Russians invaded Czechoslovakia, and seeing it on TV, wondering what it was. I saw the tanks and it looked serious, and knew it was relatively close. So I asked my mom-- will the Russians be coming here next? And she said, "not as long as we're here.." That was enough of an explanation for me as a 5-year old. When we moved back to the USA in 1971, I did not remember having lived in the USA, even though I was an American. Kind of weird and backwards for me, to not know your own country as well as another one. A few things stood out right away: the cars were big, the roads were wide, the electrical outlets were different, and... everybody spoke English!! So now, over 50 years later, I still feel a strong affinity for Germany. I was lucky enough to get a chance to visit East Berlin in 1985 before the wall came down, so got a good feel for the differences between what the East was like in those days.... Thanks so much for all your really outstanding videos.... - regards, John Rickenbach from California...
My great grandmother came from Bavaria, I spent a few months on Rammstein TDY, when I was in the Air Force, and later lived almost 6 yrs in Grafenwoehr. In all my time in Germany, I never had any negative experiences with the locals. They were always warm and welcoming. I really miss it there, I moved to Italy about a year ago, and you hear about Italians, being warm and friendly, I have yet to really speak to any of my neighbors. In Germany, they always invited me over.
Hey Feli, I loved your video. I was stationed in Stuttgart from 1976 thru 1978. I almost learned German fluently and made many friends that I'm still in touch with today. Never in my live have I been treated so well by strangers that quickly became long time friends. I became best friends with the local Guest House owner and I was allowed to sit at the Stammtisch which was a huge honor. Supplying him with whisky and cigarettes probably had something to do with that. I even became part of their VFB Stuttgart football club and went to every home game at Neckar Stadion. I loved the country and the people and I consider Stuttgart my second home. I also have friends in Hamburg that I met here in America. I also married a woman from Stuttgart but that didn't go so well. We were too young and crazy but we continued to be friends to this day. I love Germany and I miss being there. Thank you.
I was in Germany off and on over 23 years in the Army. I was VERY lucky to be stationed in Zirndorf. It is a smaller town near Nurnburg. Beautiful place and wonderful people. Bavaria was great. Baumholder was one of my later assignments and I ended up in Idar Oberstein while living in Birkenfeld. Still great places and people. I was there during September 11th. The German people really pulled together to really show their support for the American people. The Polizei even escorted our school busses for many months after the attack.
My wife and I. lived in. an German. apartment building in Zirndorf but our rent was paid by the military. I was stationed at the William O'darby Concern. If I remember right, it was a 3 or 4 story building. shaped like an L With balconies on the back
@GregWesley-v3z I hope that is a time full of good memories for you
Ich war ein amerikanischer „Kaugummisoldat“, der von Januar 1961 bis März 1963, von November 1978 bis Juni 1982 und von September 1986 bis Dezember 1987 in Deutschland stationiert war. In all diesen Jahren habe ich viele Veränderungen in Deutschland erlebt. Die meiste Zeit meines ersten Einsatzes verbrachte ich in Frankfurt am Main. Als ich Anfang der 1980er Jahre zurückkehrte, war fast das gesamte US-Militär aus Frankfurt am Main verschwunden. Ich ging dorthin, wo das Haupt-PX und die Commissary gewesen waren. Es war geschlossen, verlassen, umgezäunt. Es war so traurig, dass ich fast geweint hätte. Ich lernte meine Frau, mit der ich 62 Jahre verheiratet war, in Frankfurt am Main kennen und heiratete auf dem Römerplatz. Ich habe viele schöne Erinnerungen an deutsch-amerikanische Aktivitäten, Volksmarschen, verschiedene lokale Feste. Ich kehrte in den 1990er Jahren mehrmals zurück und sah, dass immer weniger Amerikaner in Deutschland stationiert waren. Ich war immer der Meinung, die Industrie- und Handelskammer sollte etwas gegen das Wetter in Deutschland unternehmen, aber das taten sie nie.
Dad was stationed in Spangdahlem AFB in 94-98 and we lived both on and off base housing in Bitburg, Germany. Beautiful country, good people, the most delicious bread and smoothest highways on the planet. Finally getting to go back in a few months and couldn't be more excited to see Germany again!
I lived on bitburg air base too. It was back in the mid 90's. Moved back to the US in 2000
I was stationed in Pirmasens in 1982-1984 when there were around 250,00 US troops. On top of that, the Pershing II and Cruise Missile deployments were taking place. So, many of the issues were magnified. There were huge protests throughout Europe, Germany especially. There is a great German made TV series called “Deutchland ‘83” that is a good representation of that time on Amazon. I personally had a great experience though and had several German friends and acquaintances. I always kept in mind that I was a guest in another country. I learned enough German to impress older shop owners and the owners of a small schnell imbiss just off base gave me a bottle of wine at Christmas time.
Same time for me. I was at Heidelberg.
Yes, that series is very well done, it perfectly describes the period and all that was going on in Germany back then.
Luckily most of these bases are stationed in south Germany. Not that the northern cities haven't much to offer too, but in general most Americans appreciate these little medieval towns, I think, with historical buildings, well maintained, narrow streets, with hundreds of flowers at each balcony, cobblestones etc. And the most beautiful thing would be a young teasing Fräulein with blonde pigtails and little red loops at the ending, certainly in Tracht with heaving bosoms, carrying a basket with fresh eggs from her farm or sth ! 😂 No, sorry, I got carried away a bit.
Thats so cool that you know the series Deutschland 83/86/89!!
@Stoney_Snark
I was there 1981-83 at Miesau Army Depot. Reagan was in charge and wasn't going to take any shit. Made it easier to deal with the thought of 25,000 East Bloc tanks less than 200 miles away. That may have been the reason everyone seemed to be easy to get along with. Allies. Had some great times and much respect for Deutchland!
Many more positive comments than I expectded. I spent 37 years in the Army and only visited Germany 3 or 4 times for very short periods, but I'm going back twice this year and I'm very much looking forward to it.
Very pretty young lady. Great videos. I was stationed in Mannheim 1990-94. I had nothing but good interactions with every German citizen that I met. Not one negative memory whatsoever. Loved it there.
My father was stationed at Ramstein from 1961-64. My mother was from Munich (Unterföhring) so I got to know my German relatives and the German/Bavarian culture. We returned to the US when I was 10. Those three years were, without question, the happiest days of all my 70 years. I return when possible and reminisce daily.
My dad was stationed in Germany twice during my childhood, in the 80s and 90s, and I loved growing up there. We lived off-base in a town near Landstuhl and I went to German school nearly all of my time there. I wouldn’t say my schoolmates were particularly welcoming toward an American at that time, but I cherish my memories and am thankful to have learned the language as a result. My kids now have a few German phrases, traditions and foods sprinkled into their everyday lives, even though they’ve never been to Germany themselves.
Not surprising the attitude changed after Russia invaded Ukraine. People think the military is a waste of money until something happens. Almost all of NATO wasn't contributing according to their agreements of 2% GDP. Now they are surpassing it seeing the threat from Russia. Its always reactionary. People never think of the future.
NATO has put Germany in Russia's Crosshairs.
Germany was warned in 2018, they thought it was funny.
Everyone hates the us military until they need us. Then all of a sudden we are needed. The us needs to stop helping countries who refuse to help themselves. NATO is a joke. The US is the only country who does anything
"threat from Rus" Lol! How exactly is Rus a threat to Germany and not the country that bl. ew up their pipeline plunging them into an energy crisis?
-"I want to hire your services, but don't want to foot the bill."
(Russia/Ukraine happens.)
-"NVM, how much did we agree upon?"