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Volunteers were on their feet for nearly nine hours Nov. 21, helping out at the U.S. Army Garrison Kaiserslautern’s second Winter Safety Day held at Pulaski Auto Skills.
It was the first time a German-licensed electrician and the garrison’s Better Opportunities for Servicemembers assisted with the Family Morale Welfare and Recreation’s free event, which checked winter-readiness and safety of vehicles.
Christian Palm, from the Bosch Service Palm in Landstuhl, was there to properly adjust headlights.
More than half of the 123 cars inspected needed headlights adjusted, Mr. Palm said.
Landstuhl Auto Skills Manager Mike Cutlip asked Mr. Palm to participate in the event, which is similar to the free headlight tests that are conducted throughout Germany in October.
“Germany has higher standards than we do and more obligations under law to have light tests done,” Mr. Cutlip said. “I was very lucky that (Mr. Palm) said ‘yes.’ Having him here is really a large gift for the community.”
Another first at the event was the six Soldiers from BOSS who helped inspect cars, checking everything from proper fluid levels to brakes.
Spc. Maurice Steele, a 147th Postal Company diesel mechanic, was one Soldier who was able to help a fellow Soldier’s family.
Sgt. Pedro Santos, also from the 147th Postal Company, is deployed to Iraq until July.
His wife, Hellen, brought her 2002 Honda Accord for the free inspection, and it was Specialist Steele who checked it to ensure it was safe and ready for the winter.
“I’ve got to change the windshield wipers and get an oil change; nothing really major,” Mrs. Santos said. “I think these free inspections are a really big help, especially for deployed spouses like me.”
The inspections took 20 to 30 minutes to conduct.
Inspection sheets were very detailed, ranging from windshield wipers to
lifting vehicles up to check underneath for any safety concerns. Inspections like these in the states could cost about $80 to $100, said Pulaski Auto Skills Manager Don Breton.
“We provide as much advice and assistance as possible, like where the best place is here to get it fixed or Web sites to order parts,” he said.
Planning ahead for this event, Mr. Breton and his staff made sure items such as windshield wipers, first-aid kits and warning triangles were stocked and ready for retail.
Mr. Breton anticipates this program taking place twice a year – in the
winter to winterize vehicles and in the spring to prepare for vacations and road trips.
“I think it’s a great service for the community,” he said.
