Thorns and Roses – June 13, 2013

Roses to the two military policemen who helped me change the flat tire on my SUV while on Patch Barracks on a cold, rainy and windy evening last month. They displayed a model of teamwork, efficiency and courteous behavior; and are a credit to our community. Thank you.

Roses to Matt and Kelly Wright and their boys for their thoughtfulness. As the grass was getting out of control in our housing area, the Wright family purchased a lawn mower and then worked through the “forest” outside our base apartment. Many, many thanks to our wonderful neighbors!

Roses to Chuck, Rebecca, the Panzer Fitness Center staff and an unnamed Soldier from 1/10th for their quick response when someone in the sauna showed signs of a heart attack. Consider yourselves true heroes. I hope you’re around if I ever need someone to count on. Well done!

Roses to Steve DiMundo and other members of the School Bus Office, the bus drivers and monitors. As the school year comes to a close, the parents of the Piranhas swim team wish to send out a heartfelt thank you. In addition to having an encyclopedic knowledge of Stuttgart streets and bus stops, Steve has gone out of his way to help members of the swim team use available excess bus space to get from swim practice to school on time in the mornings. He is easy to work with and goes the extra mile for these kids. The bus drivers and monitors have gotten to know these swimmers, and they really look out for them. The whole bus office team makes a huge difference to us, and we appreciate their dedication to the students.

Thorns to pedestrians on Panzer Kaserne who fail to look both ways before crossing the street. How do you know a driver sees you or is going to stop for you? And amazingly, many of you dare to do this with your children in tow.

Thorns and Roses is about recognizing those who do a good job or make life a little easier. It’s also about people who need to be a little more considerate of others.

This column is not about institutions, units or agencies. It’s not about situations that could result in legal action under military or German law. Nor is it a place to air management-employee problems or slander anyone. While we are happy to identify stellar service providers, we can’t and won’t identify under-performers by name.

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