A Few Notes From  The Rocking Chair Dr. Barbara Elter, Retired (Rockin') Chair (person)

     Is it only we old folks who can’t believe how swiftly the days the weeks, the months, the summers go by? Whatever, I hope your vacation was a good one and that your batteries were recharged for the new season! Teaching music requires so much energy enthusiasm, ability, and support in the school, the community and DoDDS. More people need to know the "secret" of how music impacts on learning, is essential in an education, and adds to the quality of life.
     In the spring issue, it was great to read thoughts and suggestions from members of the former DoDDS music family. While several have continued to teach music, the tips they gave concerning CONUS recruitment and applications were perceptive and helpful. The good news this year seems to be that it is a “teachers’ market!"
     Recently, I was assisting a retired DoDDSee who decided to stay in Germany for a while, and in the thought that some of you might be considering such a move after retirement, I suggested that I might offer a few guidelines. They will have to be very general, because individual situations have their unique aspects. Also, my experience is with settling in Germany, so if anyone elects another country they will have to do their own research!
     If you are an American couple, each working for a government agency, hired with benefits from CONUS, you may have a great option. One can retire first, and you both will continue to have ID cards with all the privileges. If a spouse is German, you will have to get yourself “into their computer” or continue to work part or full time for another government agency or NAF organization. This usually gives ID card privileges and car plates, but not housing. 

    If you are single, you also have two options. If you continue to work part time or more for any other government agency or NAF organization, you may be issued an ID card, and keep your car plates, but not necessarily get housing benefits. Otherwise, you will have to get yourself into the computer...then you exist in Germany! What you will need includes the following: 

 a) Aufenthaltserlaubnis - (permission to    reside in Germany)
   It may be a “Green card” or stamp in your  passport, usually for 1 year, to be    renewed, in increments of 2 years, 5    years,  unlimited, etc. To obtain this, you  need proof of continuing income (pay   statements, bank account, pension info),   evidence of a health insurance which can   be American but must be valid for care   and hospitalization in Germany (Blue    Cross, Mail Handlers, etc.), and an    official statement (or orders), that you are  moving out of the US-NATO command.   For a card, you need two pass photos.

 b) German Driver's License ­ and it is    MUCH EASIER to obtain if you apply   before your USAREUR license expires!   To obtain this you need your valid    USAREUR license, a translation of that   license, ($15,00), from USAREUR    headquarters in Mannheim, a pass photo,  your permit to reside in Germany , and   DMs for the fee. 

c) German Car Registration - and license plates. To obtain these you need: 

   1. A customs clearance for your car. If you bought it from a German dealer, he should be able   to help with that, or direct you to the Germany customs office in your vicinity. If you purchased  your car without added value tax, there may be a charge, but it decreases dramatically with the   age of the car; 

   2. Valid (in Germany) car insurance­not all US insurances will pass, so it's important to check; 

   3. Registration, with verification, in the German Automobile Headquarters in Flensburg, where   all German cars must be registered. I just remember that It Is VERY IMPORTANT and that it   takes a L-O-N-G time to get their response.) Your local USAREUR car registration office can   give you the address and details; 

   4. Car inspection at a German TUV or one of their inspection stations; 

   5. DM fee; 

   6. Proof (statement) that you are out of the NATO or US military system (from your    USAREUR registry). 

   This may sound very complicated, and it does take time to wade through any bureaucracy, but it isn't so drastic when you plan ahead. When you plan to retire, or even a year or two before, and whether you opt for CONUS or Germany, I highly recommend attending a meeting of the Retirees Association, usually at Hainerberg ES Media Center in Wiesbaden, a Saturday in October, and also in the Spring. I found this DoDDS organization VERY helpful and the meetings informative. There are also good tips about retirement funds (Roth, etc.), different state taxes, best dates to retire, and lots more. It is always a pleasant social occasion, too. If you need more information, maybe after mid September, both Carol Haines, Librarian at Hainerberg, or Myrna Berg, are on ccMail. 

If you're over 45, see you there!