Approximately 250,000 visitors flocked to the city of Pirmasens, Germany, to enjoy the festivities surrounding this year's "Rhineland Pfalz Tag" June 21-23. Since 1983, a different city in the German state of Rhineland Pfalz has been hosting this annual event. This year's celebration also marked the 250th birthday of Pirmasens, the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe's host nation community.

In addition to regional specialties and wines, a variety of displays, dance performances and games, bands were playing well into the night on six different stages, transforming the small town into one big party. The highlight of the weekend was a two-hour parade in which 2500 people from all over the state participated.

Traditionally, the German and the American Military Forces also put on displays for the public, and each takes its turn hosting a Military reception. Maj. Gen. Aundre F. Piggee, commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, hosted this year's reception. When asked by Piggee to participate, USAMMCE was more than happy to oblige. After all, this was a chance to bring USAMMCE closer to the public by displaying some of the work that USAMMCE employees perform each day. It was also the first time that USAMMCE was given the opportunity to participate in such an event.

Sponsored by the Clinical Engineering Division, the USAMMCE display included an IV pump, a patient monitor, a portable defibrillator, and a ventilator along with its Test Measure and Diagnostics Equipment. Sgt. 1st Class Michael Leinweber, Sgt. Anthony Coleman, and Spc. Christopher Hill were on site to demonstrate the equipment and to answer questions.

After the event, Hill said, "I had a great time; it was a good way to show ourselves to the community."

The weekend was a huge success for the city of Pirmasens and USAMMCE.