Welcome Letter

Dear Newcomer,

          Welcome to the U.S. Army Garrison Brussels! We support a small and diverse joint/inter-agency community that plays a key role in security operations throughout the world. The principle agencies we support are the U.S. contributions to the NATO Headquarters, the European Union, and the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium. All and all, this includes about 2,700 men, women and children who live, work, and serve throughout the Brussels area. All four of the U.S. armed services are represented here, as well as civilians who work for the Department of Defense and other agencies.

          You’ll find Brussels to be a dynamic and cosmopolitan city. In addition to being the capital of Belgium and the site of NATO’s HQ, it is also the seat of the European Commission and the European Parliament. It is no exaggeration to say that Brussels is “the Capital and Heartbeat of Europe”. There’s much to explore and visit in Belgium, but France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are each just a few hours away by car, train, ferry or the Chunnel, from Brussels. The international airport is a major international air hub. You’ll no doubt find many sights and places in and around Brussels to keep you busy for a long time.

          The high quality of life here in Brussels is what makes us unique. We are a very tight-knit community and the phrase “it’s just like Mayberry” is heard throughout, as community members continuously work together to help each other out. The Brussels American School (BAS) has approximately 300 students from K-12 grades. Expectations are high at BAS and students seem to rise to the challenge. Brussels American School completes the “Mayberry” atmosphere that resonates throughout the USAG Brussels community. For more information, please visit the Brussels American Community’s website at http://www.brussels.army.mil

          Again, welcome to your community!

DARIN S. CONKRIGHT
LTC, SF
Commanding