Photo By Natalie Simmel | Garrison Wiesbaden is represented by ten volunteers who, alongside colleagues from the...... read more read more
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WIESBADEN, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden participates in the 2026 Hessentag in Fulda, joining the festivities with a recruiting container and information booth.
The Hessentag is Germany’s oldest and largest state festival, first established in 1961 to foster a sense of community in the newly formed state of Hesse.
Each year, a different Hessian city hosts this ten-day event, which features a vibrant mix of culture, business, entertainment, and politics. This year the 63rd Hessentag takes place June 12 to 21 in Fulda.
Visitors can enjoy concerts and shows by well-known national and international artists, exhibitions from ministries, the military, clubs, and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of regional foods and drinks.
Garrison Wiesbaden is represented by ten volunteers who, alongside colleagues from the 2nd Signal Brigade and United States Army Europe and Africa, bring a diverse range of backgrounds — from full-time employees and trainees to dual students — offering visitors a chance to learn more about the U.S. Army as an employer and partner.Together, these German civilian employees are showcasing their training and career paths.
Four of the young professionals attending the event are:
Anouk König– metal worker apprentice building ramps and handrails; plans to become a technician.
Laura Oesterheld– office management apprentice rotating through Human Resources, the Housing Office, and the Public Affairs Office; aims to earn aBusiness Administratorqualification.
Niko Perez– former metal worker now managing locking systems for up to 20,000 doors; values steady hours and training options.
Vanessa Scherf– dual civil engineering student gaining international experience and learning both German and U.S. construction law.
“The U.S. Army in Wiesbaden is also a part of Hesse and we want to show that on the yearly Hessentag,” said Thomas Schulze, Workforce Development Program Manager. “We are very thankful that the Bundeswehr provides that opportunity as it is a great partner.”
This presence highlights the strong connection between the U.S. Forces and the Hessen community. Through interactive displays and engagement,U. S. Army GarrisonWiesbaden aims to foster understanding, showcase opportunities, and demonstrate its role as an integral part of life in Hessen. "The Hessentag offers us exposure to a wide audience. Many visitors are unaware that Local Nationals work in the Garrison Wiesbaden,” said Schulze. Currently, the garrison workforce at USAG Wiesbaden is comprised of more than 79%local national hires.
"I decided to apply to the U.S. Army because it was important to me not just to sit in an office, but to interact with people—to provide employee support,” explained Oesterheld.“I also wanted to work for an organization that stood for certain values, and the U.S. Army truly is a very family-oriented employer. And I love the variety the Army offers.”
Working as a Local National at USAG Wiesbaden combines secure, collective-agreement-backed pay and regular bonuses with an exceptional work-life balance featuring 30 vacation days, regular hours, and extra time off on American holidays. Additionally, employees enjoy unique cultural perks like on-post gym access, American food, and a diverse, international environment that offers excellent career growth, apprenticeships, and dual-study programs.
“There's also a real sense of appreciation here,” Oesterheld added. ”Once you've done your job and built up trust, you're given the independence to work on your own. It's a goodatmosphere and simply a different kind of employer—an exceptional one. It bridges two worlds—and it's simply not a boring job."
Persons interested in working with the U.S. Army can stop by the recruitment both at during the Hessetage or visit: https://portal.chra.army.mil/mnrs
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2026 02:01 |
| Story ID: | 567986 |
| Location: | FULDA, DE |
| Web Views: | 9 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USAG Wiesbaden Local Nationals Spotlight Army Careers at Hessentag, by Natalie Simmel, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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