Article by Capt. Peter Mientus and Capt. Tamara Gonzales Photo by Staff Sgt. Guus Ruijsbroek

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NATO Spouses Club President Hedwig Huybrechts, along with other NSC members, donates a 1,000 euro check to Wohnoase of Wiesloch, an institution to help physical or mental disabled and their families, Jan. 31. This is an annual event, one of many in which NSC members donate time and money to charities.

Wiesloch - The NATO Spouses Club (NSC) donated 1,000 euros to the "Wohnoase" (living oasis), an institution of Wiesloch providing life support for people with physical or mental disabilities.
"We are so happy and glad to have you here and to receive this huge support," said Andrea Arnold, leader of Wohnoase at the annual donation ceremony held Jan. 31. "It is wonderful that there are people like you."
This year, representatives from five different NSC nations came to symbolize their support for Wohnoase with NSC President Hedwig Huybrechts, from Belgium, presenting the check. Other attendees included Debbie Morgan, wife of American Lt. Gen. John Morgan III, Julie Ryan and Allison Grover also from America, Martine De Vos, wife of Belgium's Maj. Gen. Hubert De Vos, Ewa Robak from Poland and Silvia Redeker from Germany. John Morgan III serves as commander Allied Force Command Heidelberg (FC HD) while Hubert De Vos serves as the unit's chief of staff.
These women represented NSC as a multinational community as partners of soldiers serving with FC HD. NSC members, coming from 13 different nations, organize meetings to help those new to the German environment. The members participate in many activities including charities such as financial contributions to Wohnoase. This has resulted in a close collaboration and long-standing tradition of donations.
The Wohnoase of Wiesloch offers short-term living for parents to spend quality time with their children of intellectual or multiple disabilities. It provides a space to relax and regain strength for the children and their family members and is largely dependent upon volunteers and donations.