Cheers - to the next 55 years: German American and International Women's Club is celebrating its 55th anniversary

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  "Tradition is important, but we also look to the future." This is the motto of Bruni Pütz, the German president of the German-American and International Women's Club.

On Jan. 18, 1956, 55 years ago, the first official meeting of the GAIWC took place. Since then it has maintained a "sisterhood system," which means that all the positions in the club are shared by an American and a German.

At a recent dinner celebration, the American president of the GAIWC, Wanda Wirthlin, talked about the history of the club, while Brig. Gen. Marc Dillon, 86th Airlift Wing commander, emphasized the importance of the club to the American community here.

Kaiserslautern Mayor Dr. Susannne Wimmer-Leonhardt mentioned how the club not only introduces the Palatine culture to Americans living in the Kaiserslautern area, but also mentioned how well-known it is for its annual Pfennigbasar, a fundraiser that raises money for American and German causes.

Mrs. Pütz revealed her vision for the future work of the club by presenting the youngest club members German Paula Erb, 13, and American Nora Klemm, 14, who are very active in the Parents & Children Group of the GAIWC.

Co-chairs of this group are Rachel Riegel (American) and Marlein Auge (German). Everyone is welcome to join the group Feb. 26 when they visit the "Dynamikum" in Pirmasens.

For more information or to sign up contact Mrs. Riegel at rgriegel@aol.com or Mrs. Auge at kontakt@marlein-auge.de.

For general club information, visit www.GAIWC.com. (Courtesy of GAIWC)