KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany – The German American Community Office celebrated its 20th anniversary in Kaiserslautern, Germany, April 21, 2023. The GACO was established in February 2003 to promote the integration of American service members and their families into local German communities.
The celebration included the signing of a partnership certificate by Dr. Klaus Weichel, Lord Mayor of Kaiserslautern, Michael Ebling, Minister of the Interior, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Kaiserslautern military community commander – signifying the continued partnership between the American and German people.
“The German American Community Office is a place where German hosts and Americans living here can resolve a variety of issues; however, GACO does more than just solve problems,” said France. “The true value of the GACO is in welcoming Americans who have not been in Germany and getting them off to the right start. It is the bedrock of the partnership and trust we enjoy in this community.”
The GACO offers services such as a newcomer’s orientation, transitional tools for Americans living in Germany, and information on German culture and regulations.
“For 20 years, the GACO has helped improve the coexistence of different cultures in the Kaiserslautern military community,” said Weichel. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the bilingual team that has strengthened this community through their dedicated efforts…in the heart of the largest U.S. military community with more than 50,000 U.S. citizens.”
To find more information about GACO and its services, visit https://www.kaiserslautern.de/GACO or call at 0631-363-3010.