Numbering approx. 10 thousand. inhabitants, the city in the southwestern part of Germany, near the American Ramstein military base, is known primarily for its large American military hospital. Americans have grown into the local community after many years of presence, creating a network of mutual dependencies in various areas of life. Nadine Firmont, who works at a local high school, told The Guardian that the US president's decision to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany hit her city like a bomb.
“Not everyone likes the noise of their military planes overhead, but it would be a great pity if the Americans left. It would hurt,” she emphasized.
See also: The US wants to punish its allies. This is what Europe has to lose [MAPY]
German on the departure of US soldiers: we would fall into difficult times
Landstuhl houses the largest American foreign hospital, which is an integral part of the military community of the entire Kaiserslautern commune, numbering approximately 50,000. soldiers from Ramstein Army Base, support staff and family members. Over the years, generations of Germans have formed friendships and even created families with American soldiers stationed in the commune.
“The huge network of German suppliers and employees working for Americans in this area has created a network of economic dependence and cultural reciprocity,” emphasizes “The Guardian”, adding that Landstuhl managed to create an “American atmosphere”.
The possible departure of US soldiers from the city would mean big changes. “It is obvious that if they withdrew, they would take with them many jobs and companies within a radius of 30 to 40 km. We would fall into difficult times,” Karl Mazur-Rekowski, a Polish national and the head of the restaurant, told The Guardian.
See also: “Foreseeable”. Germany comments on Trump's decision
Americans from Landstuhl speak warmly about the city's German inhabitants and how they were welcomed here. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the benefits that Germany derives from their presence. “It's not fair that we keep supporting your economy so you can make money from us,” US soldier Leon Wilson told The Guardian. Others, in turn, draw attention to the fact that – regardless of their emotions – they will have to follow Trump's order. “I wouldn't want to pack up, move out and leave all my friends, I would be very depressed,” emphasizes another soldier from Landstuhl.
