September/October 2012 Book of the Month: Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon

The BerlinBrigade.com September/October 2012 Book of the Month is the latest offering by JOSEPH KANON: Istanbul Passage.

Istanbul Passage begins just after World War II comes to an end and set as the title so aptly suggests in Istanbul, Turkey. As the crossroad from Europe to Asia, Istanbul continues to be a critical channel to those escaping war torn Europe and those wanting to get to Geo-political land rush that post war Europe has found itself in. At the center of the story is an Expatriate American, Leon Bauer, who was doing his part for the war effort but now that's over finds himself quickly back into the middle of a life he thought had come to an end. In Istanbul Passage, the realization that in some places of the world wars will continue to rage on becomes crystal clear very early on in the story. In this case, the Cold War is just starting to heat up. This book will leave you wanting more and when it ends you'll wish it didn't.

If you have never been to Istanbul then you are in for a treat because Kanon paints the city with such vivid detail you can almost taste the coffee and smell the cigarette smoke as you turn the pages. You might even be tempted to stop at one of the stalls of the bazaars to purchase a souvenir of your visit to Istanbul.

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, I invite you to enjoy the Fall evenings with this wonderfully entertaining book by the author who brought us The Good German, Joseph Kanon. You can order your copy of Istanbul Passage over at Amazon.com.


Enjoy!
Visit the Joseph Kanon website: http://josephkanon.com/

Enjoy all the other great novels by Joseph Kanon

About A Cold War Museum am Checkpoint Charlie

On the Deutsche Welle website an article titled “East-Westdivide remains at Checkpoint Charlie” (08.08.12) by Melanie Sevcenko. The article dealt with the attempt to create a new museum near the area that was Checkpoint Charlie at the intersection of Friedrichstrasse and Zimmerstrasse in Berlin. The new museum would be called the Cold War Museum.

The interesting thing about the museum is that it would reflect the Cold War from both sides of the Berlin Wall. It seems that there is not enough to address that the game that was played for over 40 years since the end of World War II by the two sides.  This is an interesting concept that I for one would like to see become a reality. As a US Soldier during the Cold War, I would like to know what my counterparts were doing because from what we were told they certainly knew what we were doing. However, very little info ever made it back to the line troops on the day-to-day life of a Soviet or East German or Warsaw Pact soldier. I am more than certain someone knew. So it would be interesting to see what they had to deal with and how they dealt with it.

 

So from a selfish point of view a Cold War Museum is a great idea. Then again, what about those that were oppressed by the Soviets and their puppet regimes? Do they want to be reminded of those dark days when neighbors spied on neighbors or worse still when family member spied on family member?  Is that a memory that anyone wants to relive? It remains a very harsh reality for many, I know of one individual, personally, that is still haunted by the actions of the former DDR.

I hope that this dilemma does not become the start of another Cold War. Then again, wars have started over lesser things than this. It will be interesting to see how it all plays itself out. 

A City of Broken Glass / BerlinBrigade.com Book of the Month

The BerlinBrigade.com Book of the Month for August/September 2012

A CITY OF BROKEN GLASS
                                             by Rebecca Cantrell

Rebecca Cantrell has done it again. This time she delivers her fourth book in the Hannah Vogel series: "A City Of Broken Glass"

In this book, we find ourselves traveling with Hannah Vogel to Poland just as things start getting very interesting, not just for Poland and Germany but for all of Europe, as rumblings of the start of the Second World War are starting to see the light of day. As a reporter, Hannah is traveling to Poland to cover a festival, the Feast of St. Martin, when she is made aware that thousands upon thousands of Polish Jews are being deported out of Germany. Now here is where things start to get interesting, because if you have read any of the Hannah Vogel books, you know that Hannah cannot help herself and has to dive into the deep end head first. If this is your first Rebecca Cantrell work, then let me the first to introduce you to Hannah Vogel. Hold on tightly because with "A City of Broken Glass" you are in for one heck of a ride.

"A City of Broken Glass" is loaded with action, intrigue, a very real dose of human characters and humanity, all of which is set in a world that is quickly spinning out of control and into the inevitable bloodshed that was World War II. Before I get any further, I will leave it here but I know Rebecca Cantrell won't leave it here, there is still plenty more to come from Cantrell and Hannah Vogel. So be on the look out for future adventures with Hannah. If this is your first venture into the Hannah Vogel series be sure to check out the previous books in the series: "A Trace of Smoke", "A Night of Long Knives" and "A Game of Lies"

If you are looking for a Late Summer or Early Fall read then Rebecca Cantrell's latest installment is for you. "A City of Broken Glass" will keep you turning page after page. If you are looking for a good mystery, high speed thriller, something that will not only keep you interested but have you rooting for Hannah Vogel, all the way to the end, then "A City of Broken Glass" is for you.

If you haven't already, you can own your copy of "A City of Broken Glass" by purchasing it online from Amazon.com (see below) or stop by your local bookstore.



Enjoy!

Visit the Rebecca Cantrell website: http://www.rebeccacantrell.com

The Hannah Vogel series by Rebecca Cantrell

 

August 13, 1961

August 13, 1961...
Almost overnight in Berlin, the city is cut-off as construction begins on what is to become known as the Berlin Wall.

Today, 51 years later, we do not celebrate the construction but remember that day and all the 10,315 days until the wall fell on November 9, 1989.

We remember those that lived with the wall as a sore that snaked through the wonderful city of Berlin, those that died trying to get to Freedom, those that were unable to even contemplate escape, and especially those that Defended the Freedom of the city of West Berlin.

(photo of Berlin Wall taken Fall 1986 between Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag)

Airplane or Thunder (or Military Training) In Berlin / Flugzeug oder Thunder (oder militärische Ausbildung) in Berlin

Last week, I read a blog post titled "Flugzeug oder Donner" (Airplane or Thunder) on the HIN UND WEG blog found on the Berliner Morgenpost, a FANTASTIC Berlin newspaper, website about how the citizens of Berlin, particularly those that live close to TEGEL AIRPORT and the noise aftermath of a recent rainstorm that grounded flights out of Tegel. It seems that the citizens were not taking to kindly to the fact that once the weather cleared the aircraft took for their respective final destinations after the 11:15 pm "quiet" time cut-off.

The "Quiet" time is something that I never really thought about until I read about it. I can remember training at Doughboy City (US MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain) Training Area) & Ruhleben in the British Sector. There was plenty of High Speed Training conducted in those mock villages with their buildings and S-Bahn stations, rail lines, sewer systems, warehouses, and the Rathaus (town hall), every assault and defense was different, no two were ever the same. REALLY!!!

However, there was one thing that was the same when it got dark and late at night, we shut down operations (OK, OK we scaled them "way" back). It seems that the our civilian neighbors wanted a good night's sleep and with our night attacks and artillery simulators and flash bangs and the ever present hooting and hollering of US Army Infantrymen, a good night's sleep was not a certainty. So we had to keep it down.

I had never experienced such a unique set-up when it came to training in the field. Of course, excusing the fact that the training was conducted in a city that housed a couple million people it was unique nonetheless. A couple of million people are more apt to make some kind of noise especially during the "quiet" time but that wasn't our concern, we were out there training and had to do it when we could.

Then again, no one could forget that just outside the city limits (aka the Berlin Wall) there were several Soviet military divisions that also had to conduct their training and sometimes they would back their howitzers right up against the wall and fire their rounds well into the night. I wonder how our Soviet counterparts put up with the complaints from the locals regarding the violation of the Ruhezeiten?

Don't get me wrong, we tried our best to follow the rules but the occasional Artillery Simulator would certainly do its best to rattle a few windows. Then again, there were those welcomed evenings around the fire barrel where the bond among the Infantrymen was solidified and made stronger. 


I would like to hear your take on "Quiet Time"

Thanks
Dave Guerra
A Co. 6th Bn 502nd Inf
US Army Berlin Brigade
1985 - 1987

Memorial Day 2012

In the United States the last Monday in the month of May has been set aside as Memorial Day. This year that honor falls on the 28th day of the month.

Memorial Day is the one day a year we take pause and remember those men and women that have died while serving their country in time of war. This tradition of honoring our war dead started just as the Civil War ended, then it was called "Decoration Day."  Originally, it was to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. However, over time it was extended to all war dead (to include the wars, conflicts, and campaigns prior to the Civil War).

This Monday, I ask that all my family and friends please take a moment (or two) and pause to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices made by those individuals when they died while serving our nation and defending our freedom during the time of war.

While you are at it, also keep in mind everyone that is currently in harm's way and remember the Veterans of all the Armed Forces.

Have a Safe, Happy, Fun-filled, Weekend and above all remember Memorial Day and be grateful to be part of a nation that can produce such men and women.

Peace,
Dave Guerra
A/6/502 - Berlin Brigade - '85 - '87




P.S. The following is a list of the Wars, Campaigns, Conflicts, Expeditions, Interdiction, and Operations that our nation's military has participated since the American Revolution up to the current Global War on Terror:

• American Revolutionary War or American War of Independence
• Northwest Indian War or Little Turtle's War or Miami Campaign
• Quasi-War or Franco-American War or Half War
• First Barbary War or Barbary Coast War or Tripolitan War
• Tecumseh's War or Tecumseh's Rebellion
• War of 1812 or Second War of Independence
• Second Barbary War or Algerian War
• First Seminole War
• West Indies Anti-Piracy Operations
• African Anti-Slavery Operations
• Callao Affair
• Arikara War
• Aegean Anti-Piracy Operations
• Winnebago War or Le Fèvre Indian War
• Black Hawk War or Black Hawk Campaign
• First Sumatran Expedition
• United States Exploring Expedition
• Second Seminole War or Florida War
• Second Sumatran Expedition
• Capture of Monterey
• Battle of Kororareka
• Mexican–American War or Mexican War
• Navajo Wars
• Cayuse War
• Pitt River Expedition
• Apache Wars
• Bombardment of San Juan del Norte or Bombardment of Greytown
• Battle of Ty-ho Bay
• First Fiji Expedition
• Yakima War
• Rogue River Wars
• Puget Sound War
• Third Seminole War or Billy Bowlegs War
• Second Opium War or Second Anglo-Chinese War or Second China War
• Second Fiji Expedition
• Paraguay Expedition
• Reform War
• Paiute War or Paiute Indian War or Pyramid Lake War
• American Civil War or War Between the States
• Dakota War of 1862 or Sioux Uprising or Sioux Outbreak of 1862
• Bombardment of Qui Nhơn or Colorado War
• Cochinchina Campaign
• Battles for Shimonoseki
• Powder River Expedition or Connor Expedition
• Snake War
• Red Cloud's War or Bozeman War or Powder River War
• Formosa Expedition or Taiwan Expedition of 1867
• Comanche Campaign or Comanche War
• Battle of Boca Teacapan
• Korean Expedition or Shinmiyangyo
• Modoc War or Modoc Campaign or Lava Beds War
• Oahu Expedition
• Red River War
• Black Hills War or Great Sioux War of 1876–77 or Little Big Horn Campaign
• Nez Perce War or Nez Perce Campaign
• Bannock War or Bannock Campaign
• Cheyenne War or Cheyenne Campaign
• Sheepeater Indian War
• White River War or Ute War or Ute Campaign
• Egyptian Expedition or Second Anglo-Egyptian War
• Colombian Civil War
• Samoan Crisis or First Samoan Civil War
• Pine Ridge Campaign or Ghost Dance War
• Bering Sea Anti-Poaching Operations
• Chilean Civil War
• Rio de Janeiro Affair
• Second Samoan Civil War
• Spanish-American War
• Philippine Insurrection or Philippine–American War or Philippine War of Independence
• Moro Rebellion
• Boxer Rebellion or The Boxer Uprising
• Occupation of Nicaragua or Nicaraguan Campaign
• Mexican Revolution or Mexican Expedition or Pancho Villa Expedition
• Occupation of Haiti or Haitian Campaign or Caco War
• Occupation of the Dominican Republic or Dominican Campaign
• World War I or First World War or Great War
• Russian Civil War
• World War II or Second World War
• Cold War
• First Indochina War or French Indochina War
• Korean War or Korean Conflict or The Forgotten War
• Second Indochina War or Vietnam War or Vietnam Conflict
• Laotian Civil War or Secret War (part of the Second Indochina War)
• 1958 Lebanon crisis or Operation Blue Bat
• Bay of Pigs Invasion
• Cambodian Civil War (part of the Second Indochina War)
• Invasion of the Dominican Republic or Operation Power Pack
• Invasion of Grenada or Operation Urgent Fury
• Lebanese Civil War or Multinational Force in Lebanon
• 1981 Gulf of Sidra incident or First Gulf of Sidra Incident
• Action in the Gulf of Sidra or Operation Prairie Fire
• Bombing of Libya or Operation El Dorado Canyon
• Iran-Iraq War or Operation Earnest Will or Tanker War
• 1989 Gulf of Sidra incident or Second Gulf of Sidra Incident
• Invasion of Panama or Operation Just Cause
• Gulf War or Persian Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm
• Somali Civil War or Operation Restore Hope
• Bosnian War or Operation Deliberate Force
• Operation Uphold Democracy
• Bombings of Afghanistan and Sudan or Operation Infinite Reach
• Kosovo War or Operation Allied Force or Operation Noble Anvil
• War on Terror
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan or War in Afghanistan
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Philippines or Operation Freedom Eagle
• Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa
• Operation Enduring Freedom – Trans Sahara
• Operation Iraqi Freedom or Iraq War
• War in North-West Pakistan or Operation Freedom Eagle
• Yemeni al-Qaeda crackdown
• Second Liberian Civil War
• 2004 Haitian coup d'état
• 2011 Libyan civil war or Operation Odyssey Dawn

WOW! Springtime already????

Hello, everyone! Can you believe it has been since December 18, 2011 that I last posted something here?

Yep, it has been that long (far way too long). Since then we started a new year, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 and have had five (5) new episodes of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast go online.

But that's not all, the Facebook group page crossed over the 1,500 member mark...who will be #2000???

I also started a Fan page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BerlinBrigade) check it out. While it is not as active as the Facebook group page the fan page I will use to communicate to the Facebook crowd as to the happenings here at BerlinBrigade.com.

The Twitter (@BerlinBrigade) is still up and running and we are twittering away. Mostly, on the weekends and evenings. Be sure to check us out.

Also, be on the lookout for random SPREECASTS (http://www.spreecast.com) I will announce the next one on Twitter & Facebook so be on the look out for that.

Let's see what else...over the coming days I am going to start incorporating video into the Website nothing fancy, but it is a start.

That's about it for now. Until next time, which I promise will NOT be five months from now.

Tschuß,
Dave

Vaclav Havel (1936 - 2011)

Just weeks after the Berlin Wall falls the Czechoslovakian Communist leadership steps down and Vaclav Havel becomes President without a shot ever being fired. That was, for the most part, the scene across Eastern Europe throughout the very, very late 1980s and very, very early 1990s.

Want to take a moment and say: Rest In Peace Vaclav Havel! Thank you for your commitment, dedication, and doing what had to be done. We thank you for being one of the countless many that helped take the world out of the darkness that was Communism and into a new change, a new age, a new light.

For good or bad today, we live in a world no longer darkened by a sinister shadow that hangs over Europe. It is because of men like those that served in Berlin throughout the Cold War as did those that saw that our commitment and dedication to that beacon of freedom was to emulated throughout Eastern Europe did events such as the Velvet Revolution bring about change.

Change is above all how we become better people.

We Change Thus We Change The World!

Thank You and Rest in Peace, Vaclav Havel


KEYWORDS: • Cold War • Berlin • Berlin Brigade • West Berlin • Berlin Wall • NATO • Warsaw Pact • Vaclav Havel • Communism • Czechoslovakia • Eastern Europe • Velvet Revolution

Episode 33 is now online

Folks, just to let you know that Episode 33 of the BerlinBrigade.com Podcast is now online.

I invite you to take about 42 minutes to listen to a speech given by the, then, Ambassador to the United States from the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Klaus Scharioth on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Day of German Unity on October 1, 2010. Then we are joined by Bundeswehr Lieutenant Colonel D. Eric Offermann, Deputy Army Attaché assigned to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. We have a great conversation running the gamut of topics from the growing pains of a unified Germany, US Forces in Germany, Operations in Afghanistan, and of course we talk about Berlin.

You can hear the entire conversation at http://www.berlinbrigade.com/podcast/33/index.html

50th Anniversary of the Construction of the Berlin Wall

This August 13th marks the 50th Anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. It marks that day in 1961 when the world was changed this time by putting a physical scar on what used to be, up to that point, purely a virtual mark on a map. On the morning of Sunday, August 13, 1961, the citizens of Berlin, Germany woke up to the sounds of construction crews quickly erecting a barrier that snaked through the middle of the city. Up to this day, the only formal notice of division within the city of Berlin were signs declaring the impending departure of the Soviet, US, British, and French Sectors into the other sectors, throughout the entire city. Now a formal demarcation line was being put in place. At first, it was just some barbed wire and some guards, then the construction of the concrete wall that the world came to know and despise was subsequently built.

Over the years, individuals successfully and in some cases, unsuccessfully, attempted to escape from the Communist nation of the Deutsches Demokratische Republik (DDR). Then 28 years later, on November 9, 1989 the gates were opened and the wall ceased being the notorious symbol of division of one German people. Then, just as quickly as the wall came down, on October 1, 1990 the two German nations were unified as one, again. Thus the Federal Republic of Germany was born. Now, 50 years after the construction of the most horrific man-made symbol of division of people, countries, and way of life, we take time to remember the boundaries that were imposed on that Sunday morning in 1961 and we rejoice in the the limitless boundaries that are left to be discovered since that November Thursday evening in 1989.

You can visit our commemorative page at http://www.BerlinBrigade.com/50

image of Berlin Wall is a copyrighted image of David G. Guerra, All Rights Reserved.

Memorial Day 2011

Want to take a moment of your time to ask you to take a moment tomorrow and remember what is the reason for Memorial Day.

From the US Memorial Day dot org website (http://www.usmemorialday.org)
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service...Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery."

Take a moment and remember all those that have paid the ultimate price as well as those that go in harm's way now. It is their sacrifice that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have now.

Don't forget to fly the US Flag & Enjoy Your Day!
-Dave

About the German Reunification Monument

I was reading an article on the REUTERS website regarding a planned German Reunification Monument. If you have not seen the concept drawings or the scale model, it is a very interesting and unique design. It looks like a cross between a long serving bowl and a seesaw. Apparently, the "bowl" is designed to "teeter-totter" just like an actual child's seesaw as people climb in. This design makes so much sense.

A new, young nation (it is only 21 years old, after all) and the struggles continue between the eastern and western parts of the country. Assimilation while on paper has taken place the reality is that there will be long difficulties for many years to come, more realistically like for generations to come. I firmly believe that the German nation will continue to grow, move past its former histories and continue to be a world leader. However, on the inside just like any and every nation on the planet, there will be troubles.

Then again, isn't that what freedom is all about? The ability to publicly disagree and show that one side is no better than the other and that ALL people are valued and respected. That they can protest and agree to disagree without fear of being sent to some far off forgotten gulag or being imprisoned because some friend or family member turned their name in to the Internal Security Police.

There it is a child's seesaw that teeters and totters, gives and takes, goes forward and backward. Thus the giving and the taking, the ups and downs of a re-unified nation, a new country is exactly represented in this monument to the new spirit of a 21st century Germany. It should also be noted that this is a great testament to the commitment and determination of the ALLIES that helped rebuild a post-war Germany, with plenty of difficulties, ups and downs, giving and a lot of taking. In the end, they all knew the day would come when both East and West Germany would be one nation again.

Of course, there are those that say, "we don't need another monument," "we must not spend the money it takes to build it," and so on. So not taking a political stand on whether it is politically right or wrong, I do say, if and when it comes into being the understanding and realization of what the monument is to the German Re-unification will be crystal clear.

-David


image of monument model used without permission from AP.

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here are some technorati tags:
Berlin German Reunification Germany East Germany West Germany Cold War USA Berlin Brigade American Sector British Sector French Sector Soviet Sector Reichstag German Reunification Monument The Berlin Wall Die Berlin Mauer

The April 15 2011 Update

Here we are again and I just wanted to post a quick update as to what's happening around here are the BerlinBrigade.com World Headquarters.

Registry: 100% up-to-date (as of 04/15/11)

Registry Development Projects: Be on the lookout for changes regarding how you can view the registry. First change is by YEAR (of arrival). Let's say you arrived in 1985, soon you will be able to click on the 1985 in the Registry and you will see all those that arrived in Berlin the same year you did. A BerlinBrigade.com Community Member first brought this idea to me. Thus, if you have an idea or suggestion please drop me a note and if it is feasible we'll get it done.

Website: No Issues
Website Development Project: We got VIDEO coming REAL SOON!!!

Podcast: Episode 30 (waiting for the Interviewee to clear the interview for publication)
Podcast Development Projects: No Plan to have a Video Blog go live anytime soon, but that may change (at any time).

Commerce: No Issues
Commerce Development Projects: Be on the lookout for a new Unit to come online with their own gear. I say within in the next week or so. Again, this unit is coming online because a BerlinBrigade.com Community Member sent in a suggestion.

BerlinBrigade.com RealTime Meetups: None Planned for APRIL 2011. However, if you find yourself in the South Texas area please drop me a note. Once plans are finalized for Summer 2011 and Fall 2011 I will pass along info.

That's about it in a Nutshell.

Thank you for ALL your support.
-Dave

Earthquake & Tsunami: The Aftermath

While the story continues to unfold in Japan there is something to remember: the humanitarian efforts underway. At last count, resources from all over the planet are on their way to help on all aspects of recovery in the wake of last Friday's Tsunami and Earthquake. Working together the world can help Japan get out from under the rubble and rebuild. That means all of us have to lend a hand or two. How does one do this and WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Right now you can:
• Donate Money to the RED CROSS at http://redcross.org and click on the DONATE FUNDS button.

• Donate your unique service or skill to the RED CROSS at http://redcross.org and click on the VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME link.

• Give Blood. Donate your blood and help save lives at http://redcross.org and click on the GIVE BLOOD link.

• Get TRAINED. Get training and become certified in CPR and/or FIRST AID http://redcross.org and click on the TAKE A CLASS link.

Do this, the sooner the better. Please don't wait until it is too late.

An Update

How is everyone doing? Every once in a while I will post on how things are going here are at the BerlinBrigade.com Command Headquarters and today is one of those times. This in no way replaces the podcast but is more of a behind the scene look at how things are here and now.

I do hope everyone has been in good health. Since my last update, things around here have been pretty steady. Seems like the weather all over has started to stabilize and that's a very good thing.

Here are the Command Headquarters I am working hard to bring you the constant variety of life at Berlin Brigade and with that comes interviews from all sides of the 4th of July Platz (from the parade field to the review stand to the bleachers). Thus, I am issuing another call for those interested to be interviewed on the podcast. By now, I am certain you know the interview format (if not, I invite you to check out the latest episode #29 at http://www.berlinbrigade.com/podcast/29/index.html)

Next, some changes on the horizon to the layout of the website. If you have been following BerlinBrigade.com over the past years, you know that I am always messing with the layout. Again, this is for the site visitors to say "Hey, this wasn't here the last time." Something to remember, the changes are minor and nothing that will impact the load time or functionality of the website will ever be implemented (maybe tested but not implemented). So be on the look out for that in the coming weeks/months.

This goes out to everyone that is having or planning a reunion please drop me a note so that we can have you or a representative join us on the podcast to help spread the word and help make your reunion more of a success.

Other than that, (knocking on wood) things are on the positive side. So that means you need to Stay Positive, Stay Safe and Stay Ünique.

Later.

Ronald Reagan Strasse or Ronald Reagan Platz?

This past February 6, 2011 the world celebrated what would have been former US President Ronald Reagan's 100th Birthday a debate was taking place in the German capital city of Berlin. The debate was that of whether or not to name a street or square in honor of US President Ronald Reagan for his role in the bringing the Cold War to the end.

Of course, President Reagan did not end the Cold War by himself but when a leader of a Nation takes the lead to make something happen certainly the commitment and determination of those that support and follow such leaders will do what they can to make it happen. Such leadership against the Cold War, the Soviet Union, and Communism lead to its inevitable conclusion: The Fall of the Berlin Wall, the eventual break up of the Warsaw Pact and finally, the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Thus the Cold War came to an end.

Now the question: Why not, at least, a street or square in honor of the man who went to the Berlin and stood near the Berlin Wall close to the base of the Brandenburg Gate and called out to General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on June 12, 1987 when he said, "..if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization, come here to this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate. Mr. Gorbachev, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"?

Since the end of World War II until the Fall of the Berlin Wall other men and women have gone to Berlin, some were Presidents, some were Diplomats, some were even Soldiers. All were there to ensure that Freedom was Defended and that the Right of Access to West Berlin was maintained. When all was said and done, the wall did fall and it was not until everyone was certain that the mission was accomplished that the Soldiers of the Berlin Brigade and other Allied Forces departed the city they came to Know, Live in, and Love.

So, to answer the question of whether or not to name a Berlin street or square after US President Ronald Reagan this US Army Veteran, who proudly served in Berlin, is a Most Definite: YES, Please and Thank You!!!

US President Ronald Reagan, Berlin Brigade, Cold War, West Berlin, Berlin Wall, Tear Down This Wall, Ronald Reagan Strasse or Ronald Reagan Platz

Egypt's "Fall of the Berlin Wall" moment?

Another (semi-) Peaceful Revolution has change the landscape of the world forever. Over the past few days the citizens of this planet were witnesses to another dramatic change in the history of Earth.

Much like the events of 1989 that lead to the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall, the events of the 2011 are based pretty much on the same needs of people to have their voices heard, to demand that their governments be transparent, to be a government of the people and above all a government FOR THE PEOPLE.

What happens in Egypt after all the dust settles is truly up to the people and those still in power as to how they want to shape the future of Egypt, the Middle East, and the World.

For so long there was an uneasy fight for leadership in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Both countries though very close geographically but are thousands of miles part when it came to politics. One was very much a close knit Royal Family that ran the show while the other well it we all saw what it was. These two countries became the de facto leaders of the region in that whenever a crisis arose one or the other was right in the middle of it or dragged into it. One thing was certain neither were satisfied being bystanders. At times many smaller Middle East nations took their cue from Egypt. They would wait and see how Egypt acted to an action or threat before reacting. I don't think that is going to change and in fact it may lead to more revolution.

Much like the very Late 80s and very Early 90s when revolution was sweeping across Eastern Europe, the "winds of change" taking place in numerous countries in the Middle East are moving so fast that I would not be surprised that once all is said and done this change becomes known as the "Sandstorm Revolution"

No matter what it is eventually called, one thing is certain: At this moment in time we are witnesses to Egypt's "Fall of the Berlin Wall" and that is a very good thing.

Happy New Year!!!

Greetings,

The first full week of 2011 has come to an end and now we have no choice but to go forward. I trust that everyone had a great first week. If not, then you have only one place to go and that is up from here. If you were fortunate enough to have a great week then keep it up. No matter what happens from here please pace yourself as there are still 51 weeks to go.

As for here at BerlinBrigade.com, there are many projects that are lined up through 2011 and well into the future. So be on the lookout for things to happen and happen fast. It will be nice working with others from the BerlinBrigade.com Community on the upcoming events and projects.

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Grüße,

Die erste volle Woche von 2011 ist zu einem Ende gekommen und jetzt haben wir keine Wahl aber, vorwärts zu gehen. Ich vertraue, dass jeder eine große erste Woche hatte. Wenn nicht, dann haben Sie nur einen Platz, zum zu gehen und der ist oben von hier. Wenn Sie genug glücklich waren, eine große Woche zu haben dann sie aufrechtzuerhalten. Egal was von hier gefallen geschieht, schreiten Sie sich, da es noch 51 Wochen gibt, zum zu gehen.

Was hier anbetrifft bei BerlinBrigade.com, gibt es viele Projekte, die durch 2011 und gut in die Zukunft ausgerichtet. Seien Sie so auf dem Ausblick, damit Sachen schnell geschehen und geschehen. Es ist nette Funktion mit anderen von der BerlinBrigade.com-Gemeinschaft auf den bevorstehenden Ereignissen und den Projekten.

Have a Prosperous, Healthy, and Wonderful 2011!!!
Haben Sie wohlhabendes, gesundes und wundervolles 2011!!!

All my best,
David Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

Using Creative Commons Credit: The image New Years Eve from 7th floor at Theodor-Heuss-Platz, Berlin, Germany courtesy of Benno Hansen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennohansen/5321698626/

Vielen Dank / Thank You Very Much!

Hello, How are you doing? It certainly has been a while since I last wrote something here and I have no excuse for the wide gap between postings. However, after the events of this past weekend I really need to do a posting before it gets too late.

If you have been following the BerlinBrigade.com fan page on Facebook or the Twitter page, you may have read on a posting that I was looking for people in the Washington, D.C. area that were up for an impromptu BerlinBrigade.com meet-up. The reason as to why I was going to be in Washington, D.C. was kept on the down low until everything was set.

I was invited to the Residence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the United States to celebrate the Day of German Unity on the evening of Friday, October 1st. The Ambassador, Dr. Klaus Scharioth, and his wife were most gracious hosts and it was most wonderful of them to open their home to all that were present on Friday evening to share in the celebration of 20th Anniversary of German Unity.

Of course, we all know that it takes more than one person to say "Hey, let's have a party" and make the party happen. It takes a support staff to pull it off. Therefore, aside from a great big BERLIN BRIGADE(dot)com THANKS to His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Klaus Scharioth, I want to extend that same Big Thanks to Tanya Jones, an Editor at the German Embassy's Press Department and the countless other Embassy staff members, Security Personnel, Contractors, Caterers, and the Bundeswehr Musikkorps Band and a couple of others that will be named later.

It certainly was a thrill and I am so glad to have been able to attend. Vielen Dank!

A Cold War of Spies and Swaps and Berlin...

Yesterday, a friend asked me what I thought about the recent spy swap that took place between the United States and Russia. I told him that it was no big deal as spy swaps have been occurring for as long as there have been spies that have been caught and it obviously continues after the fall of the Berlin wall. Swapping Spies will continue long into the future.

This time the question should be why did the exchange take place in Vienna and not in Berlin?

First a little history: since the end of World War II there have been numerous spy swaps that took place between in what was formerly known as East Germany and West Berlin. The swaps to place at a bridge connecting West Berlin to East Germany, the bridge was called (and still is) Glienicke Bridge otherwise known as the Freedom Bridge. The most famous of the Glienicke Bridge spy swaps was that of U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers and Rudolf Ivanovich Abel on February 10, 1962. Then over the years many other exchanges took place on that bridge. The last known official spy swap took place on February 11, 1986 when Soviet Jewish dissident Anatoly Shcharansky was exchanged for nine other alleged and convicted spies.

Now to answer the question of why not Berlin? The answer is quite simple. There is no more West Berlin; there is no more army of occupation. From 1945 to about 1991 the British, French, and U.S. Armed forces occupied the city of West Berlin and the Soviet Forces occupied East Berlin. That meant that the respective occupying governments governed both sides of the Berlin wall. It also meant they controlled how information processed and disseminated within the city of West Berlin. Therefore, when an exchange took place it took place out in the open but under tightly controlled conditions. That meant the media circus was kept to a few official military photographers and videographers that would release images to the top media exchanges of the day such as the Associated Press (AP), United Press International (UPI), and Reuters.

To even attempt the type of exchange that took place in Austria on the tarmac of the city's Vienna International Airport in the city Berlin would only be feasible if it took place on one of the city's currently operating two airports (Tegel Airport or the soon to be Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI)). In this the modern, 24/7 always on world there are very few locations that are still under government control where access control is highly maintained. This makes airports such suitable facilities, for several security reasons there are areas that will never be photographed up close and there are certainly several areas, on the airport grounds, where aircraft can sit uninterrupted for extended periods of time where such exchanges can take place. This is especially important when the anonymity of the participants is not only needed but also expected.

The answer to the question of when can the next Spy Swap take place in Berlin? So long as the next spy swap happens after Berlin Brandenburg International Airport officially opens in 2012, Berlin can be next. Currently, Berlin Schönefeld Airport (Flughafen Berlin Schönefeld) is undergoing an expansion that will accommodate the air traffic generated with the closure of Tempelhof Airport in 2008 and Tegel Airport in 2012 when Berlin Schönefeld, which will be renamed to Berlin-Brandenburg International, will be ready for operations. At this time, BBI is full of construction equipment and personnel throughout the airport and the city of Berlin’s growth around Tegel Airport makes both sites not conducive to executing such spy swaps. However, in 2012 Berlin can then reclaim it's standing as the premier "Spy Swap" location on the planet.

In the meantime, back in the Gulf of Mexico...

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• Cold War • Berlin • West Berlin • Berlin Brigade • US Army • British Forces • French Forces • Soviet Forces • Spies • Spy Swap • Glienicke Bridge • Freedom Bridge • Tegel Airport • Tempelhof Airport • Berlin Brandenburg International Airport • Flughafen Berlin Schönefeld