On September 30th, 2025, I packed my bags, grabbed my passport, and took off across the big pond—also known as the Atlantic Ocean, but “pond” sounds more adventurous.
Destination: Landstuhl, Germany. Mission: to conduct the annual ServicePlus assessment and lead a week of onsite CensiTrac training at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center.
Basically, I was bringing Southern charm and sterile processing expertise to the land of bratwurst and precision engineering.
The weather in Germany was a rude awakening for this South Georgia girl. I landed expecting crisp fall air and maybe a charming breeze… instead, I got slapped in the face by 40-degree gloom and skies so dreary they made my coffee cry. I spent most mornings staring out the window like a character in a dramatic indie film, wondering where the sun went and if it was ever coming back.
But then—enter my hero: ALDI. Not just one, but 15+ stores in Kaiserslautern, which felt like a fleece-filled oasis just 20 minutes from the base. I walked in for snacks and walked out with a survival kit. Fleece jackets for $5? I bought enough to outfit a small army—or at least ensure I could layer like a lasagna. By the end of the week, I was warm, cozy, and slightly resembling a walking pile of laundry. Fashion? No. Function? Absolutely.
#Camefortheschnitzel
#Stayedforthefleece
They recently had new leadership arrive in Landstuhl, Captain Arlene Valmoja (top photo, right). She is standing with Master Sergeant Andrew Greene who is completing his tour of duty in June of 2026 with the Army and will be retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. Capt Valmoja & MSgt Greene proudly pose with LRMC’s 2024 Ron Hesche award.
Bonus fun alert! I happened to be in Landstuhl during Sterile Processing Week and got to jump in on some of their awesome celebrations—think treats, laughs, and team spirit! 🎉 
To wrap up the week with a flavorful finale, Censis treated the crew to a delicious lunch from TGI Fridays. I even put in a special request for a video of the team belting out “I want my baby back, baby back, baby back ribs…” 🎶 but it looks like that masterpiece got lost in the spam filter. 😅 No worries though—thankfully, the pictures captured the good vibes and great memories. Sometimes a snapshot says it all!
Germany never disappoints! This visit was not only productive but also an absolute pleasure--great conversations and inspiring ideas. I’m grateful for the warm hospitality and the collaborative spirit that made this trip so memorable. Already counting down the days until I can return and keep the momentum going!
