Geilenkirchen AB Military & Family Readiness Center

13/05/2026

This is one of the most beautiful parks in the area. Especially now as the rhododendron bushes bloom in so many wonderful colors.🥰

11/05/2026

Good morning and thank you to all our wonderful spouses joining us on Friday to celebrate Military Spouse Appreciation Day! I hope you had a great time and enjoyed the it as much as we did!

Thank you to everyone that donated a basket! 💚 NATEX

06/05/2026

Vogelschuss / Kirmes / Schützenfest

You may have noticed one or the other sign in the German towns of the area advertising “Vogelschuss” lately.
Here is what it’s all about:
Since the 15th century rifle associations have represented an important part of a community in many Germany areas. Originally, they were designed to protect their towns and inhabitants. As times became safer the marksmen lost part of their meaning, but still gathered for training and shooting competitions. One of it is called Vogelschuss (bird shooting). It is a traditional shooting competition in which it’s the goal to shoot down a wooden bird from a high pole, the bird pole, with a small caliber shotgun or air rifle, but also with a crossbow firearm or crossbow. The bird partly consists of artistically turned or sawn and painted wooden parts.
Depending on the region and custom, whoever either splits the bird's rump or shoots down the last part of the bird becomes the king/queen of marksmen of his/her village for that year.
The bird shooting usually takes place in June and is often accompanied by a village festival (Kirmes).
Mostly in September of the same year a Schützenfest (festival of marksmen) takes place. It is a folk festival that derives from the regular meeting of rifle fraternities or rifle clubs as a local tradition. It’s meant to celebrate the king or queen but also to keep up the tradition of “Glaube, Sitte und Heimat” (believe, custom and hometown) in the community.
The customs surrounding the Schützenfest are mainly maintained in Bavaria and Lower Saxony, but also on the Lower Rhine, Middle Rhine and in Westphalia.
Marksmen festivals can last from one to several days and be accompanied by different supporting programs. They begin with a festive parade, in which the reigning marksmen' king or queen and their court are picked up by his club members at home, marched through the town to the Schützenplatz or marquee accompanied by the town’s brass band. These festivals often go along with a fair and always include a ball.
One has to remark that it is an outstanding honor to reign as king/queen for one year – but that it’s also very expensive and intense, since the majesty has to purchase a fancy uniform (for men) or gowns (for ladies) as costume to wear at various parades and neighboring festivals. Additionally, he or she has to pay for a lot of drinks while his or her regency. So… better think first once you participate at the Vogelschuss 😉

04/05/2026

You might wonder why Germans mostly sell and cook white asparagus. Give this recipe a try and you will know….☺️

01/05/2026

29/04/2026

Mai 1st in Germany
What it's all about: On the night of April 30th, people gather to set up big, decorated tree trunks in the center of their villages. This is to welcome spring and the blooming nature. Later that evening is often celebrated excessively by "dancing into May" (Tanz in den Mai).
During the night, before sunrise, it's common for young men to gift their crush/girlfriend with a birch tree, decorated with long colorful crepe paper, by mounting it in front of their house.
If it's their crush, a normal May tree (Maibaum) is appropriate. If they are already in a relationship, they gift a May heart (Maiherz). Both show to everyone that someone who lives there is loved.
These trees and hearts stay for display for the entire month of May.
Traditionally, only boys are supposed to gift trees or hearts to their loved ones. In leap years it' s the girl's turn to so.
During the day of May 1st most towns have a brass band touring the neighborhood playing the well-known song "Der Mai ist gekommen" over and over. It's because they stop to play outside each home which offers them a free schnapps shot. So, why not try this custom...

28/04/2026

Do you know a student who is looking to gain valuable work experience and make some extra cash this summer? View the information and flyer below!

The Summer Hire Program for 2026 is accepting applications now through COB 08 May 2026 for the following jobs at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen:
1 Clerk and 1 Laborer.

How to Apply?
Students must complete the attached application package and attach their resume, a copy of their Sponsor’s PCS orders, a school enrollment verification letter, and parental consent form (if under the age of 16). Submit completed packages to Civilian Personnel Office at Spangdahlem AFB via email: [email protected]

Last day to submit the application is 08 May 2026.

28/04/2026

Good Morning all,

the M&FRC is looking for Spouses that are interested in becoming Spouse Sponsors 💙🎉

If you want to become a part of this awesome program and help support new Spouses in the area please reach out to us!

Thank you all!