volume 25, no. 7 nato air base geilenkirchen 9...

Next NATO Skywatch:Wednesday 29 AprilSubmissions due by:

16 April

Retiring civilian staff

See page 4

NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen 9 April 2009Volume 25, No. 7

By Heidi Soerensen

“Call Center, can I help you?” Their friendly voices are often an outsider’s first impression of our base. They are known by almost everyone on the base, but many people do not know their faces. They make world wide communication a matter of course. Distances of 10,000 km or more is no obstacle for the service-minded Call Center operators as they help us connect with people on the other side of the globe within seconds. Who are those people with the friendly voices?

The Call Center, also often referred to as ‘the switchboard’, is as part of the Communications Center in Information Technology Wing. The 23 hard-working people operating the switch board handle more than 800 calls on an average work day. Their main task is to process incoming and outgoing telephone calls. That includes on-base internal communications, NATO Core Network (NCN, formerly known as IVSN) and the transferring of calls to and from external networks.

“The Call Center is essential to the Component, because it is our connection to the outside world. The operators are the first point of contact and help for somebody who wants to talk to a Component member. Infor- mation requests and complaints have to be handled here in the right way too. Communication is vital always and everywhere,” says Capt. Dirk Schmid, Chief Communications Branch.

The Call Center is continuously manned 24-hours a day throughout the year. During normal working hours between four and six operators are on duty and in the night hours two to four people man the Call Center. The phone system is busy and up to 75% of an operator’s time is spent the phone. “Handling the phone calls is much more than just connecting people. Since we are the first point of contact at the base we also answer all kinds of questions about the base

in general, upcoming events, base access and much more. Our team is multinational and a majority of the operators are able to perform their duties in three languages (English, German and Dutch). As an extra service to the Component members we offer the possibility to purchase private calls to anywhere in the world via Telnat. Those calls are registered and the requester defrays the expenses,” says Chief Communications Center, MSgt Dieter Schmitz.

“I have been working at the switchboard for more than 27 years. The technological developments have been impressive. In the beginning we had a manual switchboard, but now everything is fully digitalized and we work with a normal PC. Throughout the years the number of phone calls handled has constantly increased, and we are getting busier every year. The peak hours are in the morning and the afternoon. Overall it is a very nice job, we have outstanding teamwork and very nice surroundings, says Ms Rina Frickx, after being interrupted a few times by telephone calls.

The personnel in the Call Center

have several other tasks. They are responsible for operating the Message Distribution Center. All formal military messages to and from the Component are passed to the Message Distribution Center and then distributed to the correct recipients. But the task does not stop there. Several NATO headquarters and military installations in Central Europe pass their messages through our Message Distribution Center, too. Last year the Message Distribution Center personnel handled more than 100,000 incoming messages and around 46,000 outgoing messages. Even though 90 % of those messages are distributed automatically, an operator still has to check and manually distribute around 10,000 non-automated messages per year. The Communications Center is also responsible for file transfers between networks and handling incoming and outgoing fax messages. If you need to use secure voice or secure fax facilities the Communications Center operators are the right people to contact.

Behind every great operational set-up there are the technicians and

that also applies to the Call Center. A total of three technicians support the Call Center in order to keep the switchboard operating. “The Alcatel switchboard is very reliable and we hve never had an outage.

The switchboard provides of a total of 90 telephone lines connected to the commercial network. Maintaining and connecting the correct cables and wires may look like an enormous puzzle,” says MSgt Schmitz, pointing to an impressive number of wires and distribution boxes filling up most of the 20 m2 room in the basement. “That is why the documentation is essential to us. With the correct documentation the technicians know where every single wire goes to,” he says. The technicians also maintain the Component’s voice mailboxes and the PA system.

“Needless to say, the Component is a good customer for the telecom service providers as our phone bill reaches more than 10,000 € per month,” says MSgt Schmitz with a smile at the sound of ringing phones in the background.

More than just voices….Component Call Center handles more than 800 calls per day

Mr. Jos Willems (left) and Mr. Rudi Schwidder, two of the busy Call Center operators whose friendly voices you hear when you dial 88. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

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NS270309

9 April 2009 NATO Skywatch 3

NATO Skywatch is an authorized, unofficial commercial enterprise newspaper published under exclusive written agreement with the NAEW&CF E-3A Component by HOUX DIGIPRINT, Arendstraat 3, 6135 KT Sittard, +31 (0)46 4582111. Opinions expressed by contributors are their

Volume 25, No. 7 9 April 2009

own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of, or endorsement by, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute an endorsement by NATO of the products or services advertised. Submissions are due seven days before publication and may be edited for style and space.Send articles and classified advertisements to the NAEW&F E-3A Component Public Affairs (PA), Postfach 433007, D-52511 Geilenkirchen, or base distribution Mail Stop 33. Call PA at (02451) 632480 or fax (02451) 7936 or e-mail [email protected]. For paid advertisements call Hub Durlinger media at +31 (46) 452 9292, fax +31 (46) 452 9285 or [email protected] may be reproduced after permission has been obtained from the editor, provided mention is made of NATO Skywatch.

CommanderMaj. Gen. Stephen D. Schmidt

Chief, Public AffairsCapt. Richard Komurek

EditorMaureen Geraets-Head

By Werner Schumm

The idea was born during the Component’s 25th Anniversary when a visiting member of the North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) Landtag, Mr. Bernd Krückel from Heinsberg, offered to bring the NRW Parliament soccer team to the E-3A Component. An official E-3A Component invitation was later sent and on 24 March 2009 the idea became reality: the NRW “F.C. Landtag” team showed up at the E-3A Component to play against the AWACS team.

To the joy of the AWACS players, NATEX Manager Mrs. Diana Sousa handed over a new set of NATEX sponsored outfits to the E-3A Component Commander Maj. Gen. Stephen Schmidt before the game began. Shortly thereafter, the match got underway with a VIP kick-off that involved Maj. Gen. Schmidt, Bürgermeister Andreas Borghorst from Geilenkirchen and Mrs. Sousa.

The AWACS team scored the

first goal after 15 minutes with an exceptional performance of the oldest player Mr. Erwin Hermanns

by heading the ball in the opposite goal. The real attraction was Maj. Gen. Axel Tüttelmann performance as goalkeeper for the AWACS team. With 62 years of age, he dived down and kept his team in the game by only letting 2 unavoidable goals in the net. As the coach of the AWACS soccer team, I’d also like to recognize the efforts of Capt. Dirk Wenzel, who replaced Maj. Gen. Tüttelmann towards the end of the first half.

In the second half, Col. Mack functioned as goalkeeper but was not very busy – as the AWACS team controlled not only the game, but also scored 2 more goals by Mr. Jupp Mertens and leading with 3:2.

Towards the end of the game, the F.C. Landtag team used one perfect opportunity to make a tie - the game ended in friendship with 3:3.

After the game, the NRW Parliament Team received an orientation tour of an E-3A followed by a get-together at the Bavarian Beer Cellar. During the “third half” the E-3A Component team received an invitation back for a match in Düsseldorf.

VIP visitOn 1 April the Chief of Staff of the German Air Force, Lt. Gen. Klaus Peter Stieglitz (left), flew on board the E-3A. Stieglitz was the E-3A Component Commander from 1998 to 2000. During that timeframe several important steps in the NMT upgrade process were taken, including the set-up of the test crew and numerous negotiations with Boeing. Therefore it was a special occasion for Component Commander Maj. Gen. Stephen Schmidt and the crew to have Stieglitz onboard with NMT in full operation.

Photo Andrea Hohenforst

AWACS versus Landtag soccer game

The E-3A Component spends a small fortune of its yearly budget on heating, cooling, lighting and other energy uses.

Your utility bill at home may be an inconvenient truth as well. You and your co-workers can help reduce operating costs in the office and also in your own home.

You have countless possibilities to save energy without putting convenience at risk and protect the environment by cutting back greenhouse gas or carbon dioxide emissions.

CookingMatch the size of the kettle

or pan to the heating element. Use a lid to cover the kettle; it’s faster and it uses less energy. Use pressure cookers and microwave ovens whenever it is convenient to do so. They will save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.

AWACS and Landtag teams posing before the match.

Goalkeeper Maj. Gen. Axel Tüttelmann concentrates on the ball.

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4 NATO Skywatch 9 April 2009

By Mark Beauchamp

The Component Civilian Staff Association held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) for serving NATO International Civilians on 26 March at the Frisbee Club. Maj. Gen. Stephen Schmidt was on hand to congratulate members of the Component Staff on the occasion of their retirement and outgoing members of the Civilian Staff Association Committee for their service.

The first retiree recognized was Mr. Manfred Gutow. Manfred joined the E-3A Component Base Support Wing on 1 November 1981 as a Cook in the IDH where a year later in 1982 he was promoted to Supervisor Cook. In October 2003 he was selected for the post of Senior Cook from which retired – Component members will miss his delicious recipes.

Mr. Fergus McLean joined the E-3A Component Logistics Wing (LW) 1 April 1982 as a Fuel Systems Specialist. After a number of duty title changes he was selected for the post of Principal Technician. In his final years he has been training personnel to enter and repair all those complex systems inside and connected to the E-3A fuel tanks.

Mrs. Ingrid Woppowa joined the E-3A Component Operations Wing on 1 January 1983 as a Typist. In 1995 she was transferred to the Training Wing and in 2003 she was selected for the post of Senior Clerk in the Training Wing Admin Support Group where she works today pending her retirement in July.

Mr. Wolfgang Schliessner joined the E-3A Component LW on 1 July 1983 as an E-3A Radar Maintenance Specialist and later this changed to Senior Radar Technician. Since January 2004 he was involved in the creation of the tool and equipment control area in the Electronics Maintenance Squadron, from which he recently retired.

Mr. Jan de Waard joined the E-3A Component LW on 1 May 1984 as a Pneudraulic Systems Specialist. After a number of duty title changes he was selected for the post of Senior Technician (Fuselage) where he works today pending his retirement in July.

Mr. Gregory Mintman joined the E-3A Component Information

Technology Wing on 17 December 1990 as a Senior Programmer. In 2003 he was selected for the post of Assistant Analyst/Programmer in the Operational Programming Division where he works today pending his retirement effective in June.

Mrs. Mary Williamson joined the E-3A Component Personnel Division in November 1995 as a Senior Administrator. As the Chief of the NATO Civilian Personnel Section for over 13 years we have all come to know Mary as a dedicated professional serving the mission and the interests of colleagues.

The years of dedication of these men and women have directly contributed to the success of the

E-3A Component - their colleagues will miss them. The Component is extremely grateful for their life’s work and wishes them and their families well as they move into retirement.

Also recognized were the outgoing members of the Civilian Staff Association Committee whose term ended in March.

They were presented with a certificate of recognition for their outstanding dedication serving the professional interests of NATO International Civilians. Mr. Burkhard Nuernberg from LW Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMS) served since January 1988, over 20 years in a variety of roles including Committee Vice Chairman. Mr. Werner Schumm from Finance Division served from January 1986 in a variety of roles including Social Committee and Events Manager. Mr. Andreas Bischoff from IT Wing had served from January 2000 in a variety of roles including Committee Secretary. Mr. Yvon Gielkens from LW AMS served on the Committee from January 2001 in different capacities including Committee CSA MWA Representative and as the Component MWA Committee Chairman. Mr. Eric Stukken from Support Wing IDH served from January 1989 in a variety of roles including Committee Social Committee, and Ms. Sandra Nikken from LW AMS served from January 2007 in many ways including CSA Representative to Civilian Personnel Hiring Boards.

All of their efforts were in addition to their primary responsibilities, and staff are extremely grateful for their efforts on their behalf.

Civilian Staff Association recognizes retirees, CSA boardmembers

(Left to right) Mr. Gregory Mintman, Mr. Fergus McLean, Mr. Jan de Waard, Mr. Wolfgang Schliessner, Maj. Gen. Stephen Schmidt, Mrs. Mary Williamson, Mrs. Ingrid Woppowa, Mr. Manfred Gutow and CSA Chairman Mr. Mark Beauchamp. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

By Josef Hess

Mr. Kris Hiemeleers from Equipment Management Section, LWSGE is responsible for performing supply activities relating to Equipment Life Cycle Management. After joining the Equipment Management Section in 2006, he promptly started generating and subsequently managing the Component’s equipment safety inspection schedule within the PILS database. With little guidance available, he was able to implement on his own initiative a stable process for equipment safety checks as part of Equipment Life Cycle Management. The prior lack of such a process had been a long-standing area of concern in the Component’s

Ground Safety Management System. Today, he is managing more than 600 assets through PILS, thus ensuring that initial and recurring safety checks of equipment are initiated in a timely and cost-effective manner.

His competence and technical expertise in the complex field of Equipment Life Cycle Management quickly earned him the respect of other colleagues and organizations. Not only the Supply organization, but also the supply clients benefit from his professionalism in his day-to-day work performance. Today, he continues to maintain and further improve the process entrusted to him, thus ensuring that workers will work with safe equipment.

With his dedication, attention

to detail and initiative, he is making a difference in the field of ground safety.

Personal recognition for outstanding performanceDeputy Component Commander Col. Ton van Happen granted to Mr. Kris Hiemeleers a formal “Safety Well Done Award” signed by CGC coupled with one extra day off. Photo Andrea Hohenforst

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JFC HQ Alliance Theatre presents

The theatre is located in Building #406, JFC HQ Brunssum, the Netherlands. Doors open 30 minutes prior to film

start. Admission for adults is €4,

and for children (11 and under)

is €2.

Notorious (R)Friday, 10 April, 1930Antonique Smith, Naturi Naughton

New in Town (PG)Saturday, 11 April, 1600Renee Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr.

Bride Wars (PG)Saturday, 11 April, 1900Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson

He’s just not that into You (PG-13)Friday, 17 April, 1930Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston

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By Capt. Murat Yilmaz

The International Children’s Festival (ICF) will be celebrated at the Component Mass Briefing Facility and its surrounding area on Saturday 25 April, between 1300 and 1800.

Outdoor activities such as a bouncing castle, face painting, NATO train ride, clowns and magicians, E-3A static display, F-16 simulator and dog show are sure to make the event enjoyable and fun. Free cotton sugar and popcorn, and a limited number of ICF t-shirts will also be available. The spectators will have the privilege of witnessing the exquisite performance of Turkish folk dances.

International Youth Activities will enrich the celebrations with their dance shows. Since the first celebration was held in 1989, the ICF has turned into a long-standing and respected tradition. ICF welcomes children from all nations with their families, in the preceding years, attracting more than 1,000 visitors taking part in the celebrations.

There are a number of countries

which dedicate a day to celebrate for and with children. On 23 April 1929, Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, officially dedicated a day for the children. Atatürk’s Children’s Day is unique in regard to UNESCO’s official pronouncement of this particular day as World Children’s Day in 1979. Bringing children together helps recognize diversity of talents and identities, kindle a spirit of friendship, promote peace and solidarity, and develop mutual respect and tolerance.

AccessThe event is open to everybody

with a valid form of identification (any form of picture ID, passport, national or NATO ID card will be accepted). Component members can park on base and all other visitors will have to park outside the Component and walk into the base due to limited parking space.

If you have further questions to the event please contact ICF Deputy Chief Capt. Sinan Erol, ext. 4271/2196.

International Children’s Festival 2009

Drawing competitionAs done in the past, a drawing contest will be held. This year’s theme

is ‘My Dreams’. The top three performers of each age group (4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) will receive various gift certificates. All drawing material is welcome. Drawings should be made on up to A3 size paper. Drawings can be handed to National Support Unit Turkey in Building 83, or sent via mail to NAEW&CF E-3A Component, NSTU, Stop 8, 52511 Geilenkirchen, with the artist’s address, phone number and birth date written on the back of the drawing. Please provide us with the drawings no later than 16 April. Awards will be presented during the festival opening ceremony. Further information can be found on the event posters.

For people of all ages the ICF is sure to become a day packed with fun. We are looking forward to seeing you come and be a part of this memorable occasion.

Come and have fun on ICF 09 Saturday, 25 April from 1300 to 1800.

Photo PAO archive

Vacancy announcement

Applications are invited for the following post:

Senior Technician (Communications), Advertisement Numbers 09014+09015, NATO Grade B-4, assigned to the Communications Section, Communications/ESM Maintenance Branch, Electronics Maintenance Squadron, Logistics Wing. These posts are due to be filled as soon as possible.

Closing date: 30 April 2009.

For further details, please visit the Component Information Portal (WISE) under Headquarters, PEC, Recruitment/Services Section or review the advertisement posted in Building 8.

NOTE: Only applications of qualified personnel will be considered.

A journey to the past

By A1C Nick Baderschneider

Every year a part of Germany’s history is resurrected when the Selfkant-Railway starts its service over the summer. Then, everybody can enter the coaches and plunge into times when only few owned cars and many were dependent of public transit – those were the heydays of steam locomotives. Now again one can attend those nostalgic rides on a 6 km long road between Geilenkirchen-Gillrath and Gangelt-Schierwaldenrath and enjoy the beautiful countryside of Selfkant.

To give everyone the possibility to gain insight into this kind of former travelling a support community started the Selfkant-Railway program. Every Sunday and Holiday starting on 12/13 April 2009 at 1025 (in Schierwaldenrath) and at 1103 (in Gillrath) the little steam locomotives are ready to depart.

Furthermore railway fans can visit a museum located in the big hall next to the Schierwaldenrath station where historical steam and diesel locomotives, goods and consolidated wagons and even a little railway peddlers market can be found.

For detailed information and the railway schedule check out www.selfkantbahn.de or call Bahnhof Schierwaldenrath on 02454-6699 (Tel.)/ 02454-7245 (Fax.)

Photo PAO archive

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By Team GK goes Africa

27 June “GK Goes Africa” benefit event

“GK Goes Africa” is an unequalled mega benefit happening covered by the Component’s Belgian Detachment. This event will take place at Hangar IV, Cargo Movement Area and will be set-up in an African style atmosphere. From 1500 until 0200, this event will be open to all NATO ID-card holders, their family, friends and neighbours. Starting in the afternoon this event will offer Djembe workshops, exhibitions, live performances and an African market. A traditional delicacy

Not just an event, it’s an experience!

“Moambe” and “Banana Pie” will be served from 1500 until 2000. From 2000 on “GK Goes Africa” will offer spectacular unequalled entertainment with several live African bands and their dancers, like Jalila Waraba, Troupe Gakondo and Pas Mal, Africa pure!

Official representatives will be in attendance, including Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium and various other international VIPs. The profits of this benefit happening will be donated to the organization “APOPO”. Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid represents this organization whose main objective is the detection of landmines and UXO in cultivated areas.

Ticket saleTickets will be on sale, starting

4 May 2009, for €5 only, at the Sentry Club, Frisbee Club and Belgian National Support Unit. The final performance program will be shown on the advertisement posters. All profits gained through this event will be donated to APOPO.

Donations at: Dresdner Bank Account: 82 875 603 01, BLZ 390 80005, mentioning “GK Goes Africa”.

VolunteersOf course an event of this size

requires a lot of voluntary work. The organizing committee is therefore still looking for some helping hands to serve a good cause. If you’re interested in helping, please contact Guy Nelissen or Stephan Grobben at ext.3622 or per BASS e-mail.

Landmine detection APOPO using sniffer rats

Africa..…the vast continent of endless plains, mighty rivers and fierce mountains. Blessed with unspoiled nature, unique wildlife and a rich variety of astonishing cultures…As a former C-130 flight engineer for the Belgian Air Force with a lot of Africa experience and knowledge, convinced about it’s amazing beauty, SMSgt. Patrick De Rooze is the driving force behind this event. He soon mobilized a group of enthusiasts who are willing to serve a good cause in Africa and “GK Goes Africa” is born. As it’s charitable organization the “GK Goes Africa” committee chose APOPO. This organization is specialized in land-mine detection, which of course, being military

personnel has caught our attention and interest.

APOPO, founded in 1998, was initiated by a group of Belgian scientists in response to the global landmine problem. It is a known problem that mine clearance techniques in use are slow, unreliable, expensive and dangerous. In this mind-set the idea of using rodents for mine-detection grew as an outcome of thorough exploration and analysis of this mine-detection issue. Today APOPO successfully and effectively trains these African giant “sniffer” rats to detect explosives and diagnose disease through vapour detection. It has been proven that these rats can cover more ground, detecting TNT, in only a couple of hours than any man or machine in a day.

APOPO’s main objective is to further develop this efficient detection method in order to facilitate the repatriation of refugees, distribution of emergency aid, general development and a mine-free environment in affecting countries…doing so, contributing to peace!

With their Headquarters connected to the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania and collaboration with the University of Antwerp, Belgium, APOPO can consider itself to be fully operational on African soil since 2003.

(Source: apopo.org)

Landscape at Kilimanjaro.Photo Michel Bourgeaux

Band Jalila WarabaPhoto courtesy GK goes Africa

Visit our website www.gkgoesafrica.be

Workshop & spare parts: Bernd Schü[email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 9510 16

Sell: Waldemar Bader – [email protected] – Phone +49 (0)2452 9510 13Fax +49 (0)2452 9510 20 – www.autohaus-conen.de – English spoken

Authorized Honda partner, Acura and Citroën workshopLarge selection of new and used cars

Spare parts (Honda, Acura and Citroën)Maintenance and services (for US-spec. also)

Body repair and spray paint jobs

Conen GmbH

Erkelenzer Straße 76 - Heinsberg-DremmenTAXFREE

TAXFREE

Starting price € 21.419 Starting price € 20.449

Rumpenerstraat 49 6443 CC Brunssum Phone +31 (0)45 564 01 58 www.elcomal.nl

Only 9 miles from base and only 1 mile to the centre of Heinsberg.

Indoor pool, playgrounds and jogging path within walking distance.

Equipped with:Modern complete kitchen, washer, dryer, SAT-TV, DVD- and CD Player, W-LAN, babybed, highchair, toys, backyard, basket-ball.

Gästehaus CosimaKuhlertstraße 71

D-52525 Heinsberg-Schafhausen Tel.: +49 (0) 2452-930600 • Fax: +49 (0) 2452-930700

www.gaestehauscosima.de • [email protected]

Enjoy your transition in this new independent guesthouse.

Cosima’s Lodge

For further information or reservations please contact Mrs. Cosima Gödde at:

SteeghInsurance

For all your insurance needsConcessionaire of JFC HQ Brunssum for the past twentyfive years!

Location: Building H-603, JFC HQ Brunssum, ext. 2492T +31 (0)45 5262492 E [email protected] W www.steegh.nl (JFC HQ)

GRECO PALACERESTAURANT

THE REAL GREEK CUISINE

Bundesstraße 163, 52538 Gangelt (Stahe)Phone +49 (0)2454 969569 www.greco-palace.de

Open: Monday-Saturday 1630 - 2400 hrsSunday & Holidays 1200 - 2400 hrs

Kitchen open until 2200 hrsLUNCH: MONDAY-SATURDAY 1200 - 1430 hrs

We hope you will feel at home with us

LunchMonday-Saturday from € 4,301200-1430 hrs to € 6,20

10% discount for NATO ID card holders valid from Monday to Sunday (excluding lunch)

Also monthly lunch id-card (with name and id no.) for ¤ 160,–valid for the whole month, Monday-Saturday,

lunch including one beverage (0.4 ltr)

(also take-aways)


By Heidi Soerensen

On 18 May the Officers’ Club will close down due to renovation for a period of four to six weeks.

“We continuously do our utmost to improve the service for our customers and to attract even more customers. Several renovation projects will be completed during the closing period. The Conference Room will have air-conditioning installed, which will improve the indoor climate. Our Conference Room is very popular and in use almost every day. It has modern Audio Visual (AV) equipment, Bass Lan connection and 20 people can be seated. We also have the opportunity to hold bigger conferences in other rooms that also have AV equipment and Bass Lan connection. The Conference Room can be booked for official meetings, but also for various Sports Clubs events or more unofficial purposes,” says O’Club Manager Mr. René Peeters.

The O’Club has been in operation since May 1983 and is a popular place for many Component members to gather for social events, lunch or just a cappuccino in the bar. The O’Club also host all official lunches, dinners and national receptions. The O’Club

offers a quiet atmosphere, cozy surroundings, superb catering and professional service.

“The restaurant area is the heart of the O’Club. It is multifunctional and can be one large room or it can be turned into smaller rooms depending on the customer’s request. The complete ceiling in the Restaurant area will also be renewed, adding extra insulation and new lighting. More than 600m2 of parquet floor will be refinished. Overall this will boost the look of the restaurant and the feeling that our guests get when they are in the room,” Peeters says.

The O’Club currently has a staff of nine employees and 16 on-call employees. The renovation will also offer them a better working environment as the kitchen will have a completely new exhaust system. A ‘Walk-in’ refrigerator and freezer will be installed too. Last but not least the men’s restroom will be completely renovated and the entire outside of the building will be painted. The whole renovation project will be handled by the Base Infrastructure Office and the work will be carried out by local contractors.

“The main reason for the coming renovation project is to improve our service and create an even better atmosphere for our guests. It is my personal goal to convince Component

members that the O’Club is the place to go to, when you need delicious food in a relaxed ambience. Some people may think that we are expensive, but you can actually have a delicious lunch with use of salad bar and bread for only €4.80 and I would like to highlight that this is with full service! You can remain seated and have a private conversation while you are waiting for your food and beverage to be served,” Peeters says enthusiastically.

The O’Club has around 600 club members. Personnel eligible to membership are all officers, NATO civilians with the rank of B-5 and higher, retired officers and for example business partners from the local community.

“That does not mean that we do not welcome other ranks, they are always welcome as long as they are together with a person that is member of the O’Club. In the past the distinction between the ranks was sharper than today. We are aware that many of our member nations, regardless of ranks, prefer to be together for social events and lunch. We are open for that and again we do our utmost to meet our customers’ needs. We also arrange private parties in the evening or at weekends like weddings, confirmation or birthday parties,” he says.

After the renovation Component members can expect a grand opening of the O’ Club. “We would like to have a full house here when we re-open and the first three days we will offer you great food and drinks to prices as they were 25 years ago!” Peeters says. More information on the re-opening of the O’Club will follow in the Skywatch and the Component Bulletin.skywatchcLassIFIED

Skywatch Classifieds are free to all NATO personnel. Advertisements must be printed or typed, and include your name, office symbol and duty extension. The editor will not accept advertisements for services that generate a regular income, or for housing other than vacation rentals. Submissions for the next NATO Skywatch are due to PAO, mail Stop 33, e-mail: [email protected], before noon Thursday, 16 April.

CarsSebring Convertible (Nov 2003),

dark blue with electric black soft top, pale cream interior, 70,000 km, good condition. Genuine 4 seater convertible with cruise control, CD/radio, non-smokers car, dealer serviced from new, LHD, US spec. Careful lady owner. €6,000. Call Mrs. Graham (JFC HQ Brunssum) ext 2341 or evenings +31 45 5243787.

AUDI A4 Cabriolet 3.0 V6 4x4 Quattro Tiptronic, automatic - Sep 2004 (2005 model) 98.000 km (Mar 09) 18” Wheels and 16” alu winter tyres included. ABS, ESP and special steering wheel with manual click

gear shift. Full leather cabin, Audi MMI DVD navigation system, board computer, Bose Sound system, 6xCD changer, MP3 SD-card player, alarm, parking sensor, cruise control, fridge and much more! Dealer maintained. Very good condition. No VAT paid. Price: €21.500. Contact: Peter Boersting ext. 4221.

Bikes2006 Harley-Davidson Wide

Glide FXDWGI model; USA specifications with only 3000km; $2500 in custom accessories. Priced at €10500 Euro or $14,000 USD; call 0173-2388625 or email [email protected] for questions and photos.

Officers’ Club closes for renovation, reopens in summer with improvements

Membership card

Remember that your Officers’ Club membership card can be used in the Frisbee Club if the O’Club is closed or not able to accommodate you.

If you are interested in an O’Club membership please contact Mr. René Peeters at ext. 4990.

Im Kreuzgarten 1 A54529 SpangdahlemTel: 06565 93 699 269

Special direct-factory prices start at $44,550*

Drop by and test-drive the stunning BMW 328i Convertible. But be careful - you’ll probably want to join over 35,000 US military members who have ordered a new BMW through PCS since 1984.

*Price subject to change by BMW.

MINI COOPER CABRIO starts at $22,350 The new 2009 MINI Cooper Cabrio is here. You can touch it, feel it and kiss it at a PCS showroom near you. Take it for a spin andyou’ll fall in love.

Im Kreuzgarten 1 A54529 SpangdahlemTel: 06565 93 699 269

THE NEW MINI CABRIO.ALWAYS OPEN.

www.PentagonCarSales.com

www.PentagonCarSales.com

It won’t be the wind taking your breath away.The BMW 328i Convertible.

volume 25, no. 7 nato air base geilenkirchen 9...

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