In 2004, Spangdahlem Air Base launched a creative solution for integrating with its host nation of Germany through a partnership program called "Explore the Eifel." The Eifel is the region surrounding the airbase, and the event has become a significant relations enhancement program between Germany and America. It is hosted at the air base, where U.S. Air Force personnel and their families are introduced to the local Eifel region and culture.
The annual, multi-day event continues to strengthen the alliance between the base and host nation and generates positive media attention. The event begins with a daylong information fair, typically held at the base's club, followed by excursions that allow base members to explore the Eifel region. At the fair, attendees can visit information booths, watch cultural performances, play games for local prizes and sign up for excursions.
Today, the fair includes more than 100 exhibitor booths that offer information on nearby cities and communities, history, tourism opportunities, sightseeing activities, festivals, clubs and organizations in the Eifel/Mosel area and Luxembourg. Fair participants can also sign up for several excursion options, such as hikes or tours. Every event allows Americans and Germans to interact and learn about each other's cultures.
Developing relationships with community members and elected officials is necessary to strengthen alliances and stability. These relationships can prevent future conflicts and boost defenses and operational effectiveness across communities and cultures. It is worth noting that some communities don't see the military as a positive addition, so it will take hard work to be good neighbors. Being a good neighbor means learning about the local culture, which increases understanding and improves relations.
ETE goals:
- To foster positive relations between base members and the local German community.
- To increase cultural awareness and understanding.
- To help Airmen, civil service members and their families integrate into the German lifestyle.
To create excitement for the event, the host nation and military leaders collaborate with locals on engaging excursions that appeal to a wide variety of audiences, which they promote prior to Explore the Eifel. The public affairs office posts information on its social media accounts and shares stories and photos on the base website and DVIDS. The local American Forces Network detachment does radio spots, and the wing commander discusses the event during their weekly radio show (leading up to the event).
When ETE launched, there were only 25 exhibitors. By 2017, the event boasted 200 exhibitors, 30 dignitaries and 25 tours. Mayors, local officials, county representatives, host nation council representatives, honorary commanders, community volunteers, private establishments and tourist office agents all volunteer. Their guidance and support help to enrich the event.
What Makes It a Success Story?
Before the event began, base commanders and local and regional representatives united to set program goals, form committees, outline costs, identify resources and garner involvement.
Apply these successful principles from the ETE to help create a community-building event, no matter your location.
1. Keep it free (or cheap).
Some people may have to plan carefully around tight budgets. Keeping events and activities free (or low-cost) will attract more people and increase participation.
How Explore the Eifel does it
- Invites local experts to volunteer (e.g., veterans and history buffs could write trivia questions) instead of outsourcing paid staff.
- Collects donations such as free tickets for local attractions to offer as game prizes.
- Partners with local tour groups/guides to obtain free admission wherever possible, or negotiate a reduced fee.
ETE long-term outcome:
Keeping the event affordable makes it accessible for more people. Drawing more people, at a low cost, extends the understanding of the local community, which helps ensure that service members are respectful neighbors.
2. Break language barriers.
In cases where your event is hosted in a foreign country or consists of people who speak multiple languages, partner with dual-language speakers to broaden your reach and overcome language barriers.
How Explore the Eifel does it
- Invites translators to be part of every event.
- Offers guided city tours in English.
- Translates and shares shopping guides.
ETE long-term outcome:
Attendees who don't speak German can have their questions answered in their native language to help them feel more comfortable and foster community.
3. Encourage involvement.
A party is only as good as the guests who show up, so make every effort to get people to attend. In the event's first year, the base commander granted Airmen a four-day pass to attend.
How Explore the Eifel does it
- Encourages commanders to offer liberal leave.
- Invites units/squadrons/organizations/families to sign up together.
ETE long-term outcome:
ETE creates opportunities for senior leaders to engage with Airmen within their command outside of work or to strengthen bonds within a unit by learning together. In addition, it provides an opportunity for units to enhance relationships with their host nation counterparts by showing a willingness to support their community, just as they do for Spangdahlem's.
4. Play to a variety of interests.
Because people have varying interests and tastes, offering a variety of options at varying times increases the likelihood of participation and positive engagement.
How Explore the Eifel does it
- Brings Luxembourg WWII experts on site for tours.
- Offers guided tours, hikes, castle visits, etc., in English.
- Organizes fun runs with beer stops from local breweries.
- Tailors excursions and event packages based on interests, such as history, culture, shopping, food and nature.
- Offers a variety of food tents.
- Provides entertainment throughout the day and night.
ETE long-term outcome:
Appealing to a variety of interests helps build community because it fosters inclusivity, stronger social connections and makes people feel welcome. Supporting the local economy and building friendships in the community is likely to result in a higher acceptance of the base and its mission.
5. Expand your reach.
Look beyond your immediate community to involve nearby towns, regions, states, or even neighboring countries with borders within a short distance. Also, consider virtual communities that may extend across the globe.
How Explore the Eifel does it
- Includes neighboring countries of France, Belgium and Luxembourg in tour opportunities.
- Creates social media campaigns to generate excitement even beyond the local community.
- Provides story leads to the broader armed forces media as well as the local press.
- Uses captured event videos in future campaigns and community relations to promote reach and visibility.
ETE long-term outcome:
ETE reinforces the importance of the base and the host nation partnership. The more local politicians say they value Spangdahlem, the more the community considers the base part of the larger community.
Lessons Learned
Large, well-planned community events can bring years of positive media attention to your base and the surrounding community and establish an extraordinary and lasting bond between military and local leaders. ETE creates an environment that allows for meaningful exchanges between commanders, community leaders, service members and the off-base community.
For many, a post outside of the United States is a dream, but for others, it can be tough to leave the base and engage in the local culture. Even within the U.S., many struggle to acclimate to their new locality. Programs like Explore the Eifel help service members and the local community feel more comfortable and connected to their neighbors inside and outside the gates.