Category Archives: Legal Issues
Exchange partners with H&R Block offering tax preparation service
AAFES news release GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — According to a Government Accountability Office study, more than 60 percent of taxpayers are likely to file their taxes incorrectly this year. To help service members and their families avoid what could be a costly tax mistake, the Army & Air…
How to ship alcohol in your government personal property move
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Over the course of two or three years in Europe, many Soldiers and military families find that building a modest alcohol collection — from regions famous for wine, for example — becomes a part of their experience abroad. But what happens when it’s time…
Claims examiner Edward Pontoon retires after 50 years of service
By 1st Lt. Zechariah Broring, Rose Barracks Law Center GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — The 7th Army Training Command legal community celebrated Edward Pontoon’s 50 years of service to the military March 30. Pontoon, after working as a claims examiner in Germany, officially retires March 31. His 50 years…
Cuban cigar ban relaxed for US citizens overseas
By Robert Szostek, U.S. European Command Customs Public Affairs WIESBADEN, Germany – Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction may now buy Cuban-origin merchandise, including alcohol and tobacco products, while in a third country for personal consumption. These products may be consumed while in a third country or imported…
6 ways to avoid problems with your German phone contract
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — In her twenty years with U.S. Army legal teams, German attorney Mechthild Benkert says the most frequent issue troubling her DoD clients has not changed. It’s German phone contracts, she says without hesitation. “I think people automatically assume things are the same in Germany as in…
You’re the subject of a FLIPL…Now what?
By Jestyne Martin, Legal Intern at Seventh Army JMTC Office of the Staff Judge Advocate A FLIPL is a Financial Liability Investigation of Property Loss, as outlined in Army Regulation 735–5 on Property Accountability Policies. If government property is lost, damaged or destroyed (LDD), a FLIPL will…
Carry a passport when traveling outside the country
U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs news release U.S. Army Europe Office of the Provost Marshal officials want to remind members of the American forces community in Europe to carry their passports when traveling to countries to which they are not assigned. A common misconception is that European…
Claims tip: File your notice of loss or damage within 75 days
7th Army JMTC Legal Office news release GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Now that you’ve PCS-ed here and your household goods have likely arrived, you must provide notice of loss or damage to the moving company, also known as the Transportation Service Provider, or TSP, within 75 days of delivery. …
Top 10 things to know about German cell phone contracts
7th Army JMTC Legal Office news release 1. A German cell phone contract is a legal contract. 2. How long does my contract last? Most German cell phone contracts are for a period of 24 months. Then, most of them automatically renew themselves for 12 months or…
‘Not Guilty’ at Grafenwoehr Elementary School
By Destini Haith and Gabby Wilson, Grafenwoehr Elementary School fifth-grade students (with assistance from Dr. Hunter) GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — On Monday, May 2, fifth-grade students from Grafenwoehr Elementary School traveled to Vilseck Rose Barracks to conduct a mock trial, called People v. Woody. The Mock Trial was…