Hanau, Germany: U.S. Pioneer Kaserne, Sportsfield Housing Area, and More!

Overview: Hanau Pioneer Kaserne Street and Surrounding Area from Google Earth: www.google.com/maps/@50.12546...
Welcome to HANAU, GERMANY - land of the Grimm Brothers, linguists and masters of German Folklore!
The 104th Area Support Group (ASG), and the 414th Base Support Battalion (BSB), were located in Hanau. Germany. The peacetime mission of the 104th ASG, and the 414th BSB, was to provide quality of life support to the units within the ASG footprint.
While many US facilities continue to close in Germany, Hanau and its outlying communities (Buedingen, Gelnhausen, and Erlensee) have now closed also. The history of Hanau is both important and interesting. In the early hours of 19 March 1945, Hanau was violently woken by a massive allied air strike. Close to 85 percent of Hanau was destroyed, and it seemed the city, just 11 miles east of Frankfurt am Main, had suffered a mortal blow.
Today, Hanau is a small, bustling city of approximately 100,000 people. This figure includes the populations of the smaller communities of Wolfgang, Grossauheim, Steinheim, Klein Auheim, Hohe Tanne, and Mittlebuchen as a result of a merger in 1974. Some 13,000 workers commute daily to Hanau, causing the main traffic arteries leading out of town to swell each afternoon.
Although Hanau received status as a city from Albrecht I in 1093, it was not until religious refugees poured into the city in 1597 that it began to flourish. Given religious freedom by the ruling Count, these refugees, mostly Dutch and Belgian Wallons, constructed a new city and started new trades, including gold and silver-smiting. The refugees also built the Netherlands Wallon Double Church, which stands today on Franzoezische Allee, as a monument. Hanau's Academy of Art was established in 1772 for the training of young people to work in the city's gold and silver trade. It is the oldest existing school of its kind in Germany. The history of the city touched that of America during the Revolutionary War. A treaty was signed in Hanau in February 1776 - to hire mercenaries. This treaty provided England's King George III with the first contingent of Hessian soldiers for use against the American Colonies. During the early years of the 19th century, Hanau was occupied by Napoleon's troops and its fortifications were destroyed. In 1886, Hanau fell into Prussian hands. At the beginning of the 20th century, Hanau's Main River Port was built. This paved the way for trade of all kinds. Despite the world wars, Hanau continued to thrive. Its gold and silver industries attracted gem and other precious metal factories. Today, the products of Heraeus, Quarzlampen Company, Dunlop Rubber, Degussa and many others, are vital to the city's economic welfare.
On 16 October 1991, the US military community in Hanau was re-designated as the 414th BSB in accordance with the United States Army Europe Community Command Plan. Unlike most army posts in CONUS, the Hanau military community was comprised of seventeen smaller installations or "Kasernes." Each kaserne has an interesting history of its own. Pioneer Kaserne was built under Hilter's regime between 1938 and 1939. It was occupied by the German Railroad Recruiting and Training Battalions of the 3rd German Railroad Regiment. In 1944 and 1945, the kaserne was damaged by an allied aerial bombardment and was later attacked by artillery fire. It was reestablished by municipal construction agencies organized by the US Government. Pioneer Kaserne late housed the majority of the facilities for the support and welfare of military personnel and their family members.
The US military forces obtained Pioneer Kaserne in 1945, and 63 years later, turned the compound back over to the Germans in August/September 2008.
This video footage was captured in July 2014.

[@Mstinymac]

Lived in Sportsfield for about a year. I remember us buying THE BEST chicken off of food trucks and riding the bus to get it in their “downtown” area. Wish I remembered what they called that chicken just to find a recipe today

[@patriciagriffiths3144]

Lived in Sportsfield from 72-79 as a child. The car dealership and KFC were there back then. KFC was not a sit down-we ordered food thru the window. At the time, the schooling for Sportsfield grades 1-3 were in little tin huts, each hand painted for one of the fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm. Went back in 89 and they had built a whole new school. The principal in 1989, Mrs. Simmang, had been my 1st grade teacher. What a treat it was to call her up front the day I visited and show her that I’d been her student.

[@coolroy4300]

Yep I used to cross the street many a times to get the BBQ ribs at the KFC yummy 😋

[@kaboombox1581]

I was one of the students who painted the school huts with the murals.

[@coolroy4300]

Every Friday and Saturday night on our way mostly to Frankfurt or downtown Hanau we would stop at Tony's and drink Hefe Weiss beer and eat dinner. Jaeger Snitzel with fries was my favorite 😋

[@anglelv1966]

My dad was stationed there around 1971 I have so many great memories there. I remember the KFC when they put it there. Thank you for sharing

[@margaretramaker1822]

I lived in Pioneer housing in 78-81. KFC used to be painted brown. I live in the first u shaped group of housing you hit when you turn down the road for housing. Memories!

[@robertsnider9880]

Thank you. I was assigned to the 502nd EN Co. 99'-00'. Worked on Pioneer Kaserne and lived across the street in Sportsfield housing. Some of the best housing, I ever lived in while I was in the US Army. You brought back many wonderful memories of family and friends. Thank you!!!

[@frieda842]

I wish this entire Kaserne and former neighboring one's, the housing area, and schools were still in operation for visits and tours ☺☺ :( ♥♥♥♥ Four long years later after first viewing this... I freeze and pause the video frame just to go back down the ever so lovely Hanau's memory lane... Great video!

[@bufjayup7774]

In addition, It also housed the 85th Maintenance Bn / 699th Maintenance Co. I was there 87-90. Craziest time of my life. I remember it well. Tony's, the Boat. What a time......

[@user-jv8ez5lu9o]

Thank you so much you have brought back many memories of this place, I was stationed here in 1982 to 1984, and Tony's Pizza was there back then. I watched your video and I loved it. I wish I could go back just to visit. I can't believe the base closed up in 2008, I guess it was only right to do so, we had no need to be there anymore. But thank you again for the trip down memory lane. This was amazing. Looking at the barracks I can see all the soldiers walking or marching around. I was 19 at that time. I remember hearing The Scorpions sing in German, then I came back to the states, and they made it over here to along with Neena. WOW!!

[@randallpickens5690]

I met my wife while stationed in Hanau from 1988-1992. She taught at the school on Sportfield and I was with the 814th Engineer Company (Float Bridge) in Building 7 and later in Building 3 with the 516th Engineer Company (Medium Girder Bridge) on Pioneer Kaserne. My father was stationed at Pioneer Kaserne around 1956-1957 in Building 8. The gym used to be behind the club on Pioneer Kaserne. I returned to visit Pioneer Kaserne in 2005 with my children, so my family had three generations at Pioneer Kaserne over a 49 year period. I have many memories from Pioneer Kaserne. I have pictures of the chapel from when my father was there in the 50's and when I was there many years later. The chapel exterior hadn't changed much, but the trees in front of the chapel had grown from about 8 feet tall to a height taller than the building and whose branches nearly hid the face of the chapel. Yes, there was a housing area next to Pioneer Kaserne. I rode the military train from Helmstedt through East Germany to Berlin in May of 1988. It was a little unnerving having just arrived in West Germany a short time before and seeing the armed East German soldiers at the train stops towards the end of the Cold War. During the first Gulf War many of the units in Hanau deployed to Kuwait, but we were left to pull security on the housing areas. Some were threatened by those who opposed the war. Many fond memories of Pom Frittes, Bratwurst with curry ketchup, large bretzels with ham and cheese, and a lemon Coke to wash it down, Italian speghetti ice, beautiful swans on the Main River, ruck sack marches and long runs through the woods behind Pioneer Kaserne, rationed gas coupons, good friends, and many others.

[@jerrymclean7026]

I'm looking for any one who was with the 516th Engineers from October, 1972- may 1975

[@coach1jp]

Hi Randall,I just finished reading your story, I was at Pioneer Kaserne during 1956-1959 and enjoyed my tour with the 589th Engineers Supply Unit. I drove all the unit's trucks and drove our C.O. around. I was lucky to see Elvis while he served his time in Freiburg,Germany. I was on the post baseball team while there then and that Sunday we had finished our game and was waiting for our team bus to go back to Pioneer Kaserne, in Hanau I then see Elvis drive in with his C.O. and his was wearing his sargent strips with only 2 yrs of service . I see you and your family were lucky to go back there. I'm trying to get my wife to go back with me this summer,but because the way the world is now she does not feel safe,and I don't blame her. Hope I hear from you. Thanks John Perez.

[@wicked.belle907]

8:49 … I grew up in that apartment complex from 99-01… man the memories in this video

[@carlitu2834]

thanks for the memories…i was stationed in Hanau Milcom- 209th Gen. Disp. There was another housing area not in Sportfield or New/Old Argonner but i cannot remember the name. It wasn’t fenced in at all.

[@buddymondragon9223]

Thanks for the video brings backs memories, I was stationed there in 1971 prior to being in Vietnam. My wife and son joined me.. we loved the German people, they were so nice to us, when we live amonug them. On my bucket list to return.. thanks again..

[@coach1jp]

I served in the the Army 589th Engineers in the yr 1956- 59.I was proud to serve my tour in Hanau. I married a German girl named Ingrid Klockmann in august 1959. Now living in Michigan Center, Michigan. I loved being in your country. John Perez

[@paulroache239]

I remember the KFC also a German Tourist shop. I was at Pioneer from 1976 til 1978. I remember my first night at Pioneer Kasern. I went to Tony s pizza. I remember being homesick that first night listening to the song,, Im not in love by 10cc. I started out at 26S&S Building 2.I transfered over to run the playhouse. I acted and directed shows. Im still an actor today.

[@wades_world_lederman_style]

We were there at the same time, I was there fromm 77- 79. Did you make it to the Open Air Festival in Nuremberg?

[@KonaSitkaRose]

Our dad was stationed here mid to late 60s and we kids went to school. Saw Herman's Hermits :D when they came through. My older brother saw the Beatles close by. For whatever reason, I didn't go. Still regret it. That you for the memories. It's been a long, long time.

[@mauricewilsondaddybob1307]

KonaSitkaRose was that around 68 or 69 at the pioneer kaserne?

[@brettwoodward3521]

Stationed there 90-92. 814th Engineer Company, amazing two years!! A lot of late night walks coming home from the Cowboy

[@pigoff123]

I love your videos. I lived in Sportsfield housing from 72-80. I left hanau in 95. I last visited in 2010. Had some interesting visits with the guards of the locked sites last time I visited. I grew up partying at frenchies the vfw the american legion the beacon the pioneer club the modienaire the topper the rod n gun an the skylin clubs. Sad to see it all gone

[@davekoss3181]

Pioneer club rocked 516 had a cook who taught karate and did Elvis at the club. Sp/4 Charlton.

[@johnnylowery1166]

Wow I just found this site .Things sure have changed I was there 69-76. Graduated in 74 from FAHS my brother Rick graduated in 76 from Hanau high school the first year it was open

[@EGregKane]

That KFC was magical. Something about those pomfrets. Thanks for the memories (1980-1986). Oh, and that little shop on the corner that looks like it's selling cars - it use to be 'fortune' a clock and trinket shop.

[@tonytaylor4545]

Greg, You are so correct it was a Souvenir Shop and as of today here in 2019 I have several Clocks that I bought there hanging on my walls here at my home..I also have several other items from there...I can remember the old man who sold them to me and the young beautiful women that worked for him...

[@davekoss3181]

Bought one of those fancy German pillow covers from them.

[@shorafix972]

Thank you so much for your video! I still pass those streets at least once or twice a month. My own two teenager daughters attend a school which was originally founded as "Hanau Middle School" today named Paul Gerhard Highschool. Your video remembers me on some of the most happiest times of my life, when my grandpa took me to "Pioneer Kaserne": most famous Hamburgers and electronic shop.Here in Germany history ist still present. Had been to San Francisco Presidio this year, nothing left of the place where my father boldly entered that old M42 tank .... Please excuse my bad English

[@christineburrows5880]

My father was stationed here 69 - 72, I was 6 and remember living in temporary housing in Sportsfield housing. It was a very long shaped apartment/housing, we kids used to run down the hall in our socks and slide, sit on the roof (our parents would have "killed" us if they knew). How about walking down to the basement for the laundry room? We would wear our roller skates and skate down the hall in the basement and in the laundry room, where you could hang your clothes up to dry. I loved it, my grandparents lived in Heidelberg and would come visit us often.

[@micaelarochele5700]

I live in Pioneer Kaserne 3 years 77-80, Love Germany 🇩🇪

[@E57andrelb1]

I have play Soccer in the Pioneer Kaserne US ARMY 1976-1987:)

[@jamjam2ism]

77-81 HMC, CDAAC counselor lots of memories here! Thanks to who posted it.

[@KyNYC212]

HHD, 485th CSB on Hutier Kaserne 1993-96. Great video!!

[@frieda842]

Thank you for these wonderful memories Otis!! Without your video footage thousands of us would only have thoughts in our memories of what our past European era look like. I'm at a lost for words and feeling melancholic, thinking back to the wonderful 4 and a half years I lived on Sportsfield Kaserne, and was employed at ACS at Pioneer Kaserne and travelled to and fro from Auschaffenburg, Gelnhausen, the PX and downtown areas. I LOVED this city! God truly blessed me and my family in this place! It seems as though the most popular memory of all that we all seem to share is the (KFC building) as my housing neighbor. :-) Their French Fries and the chicken were addictive! I'll be tuned for your next video. Bless you and Thank You again OTIS!!

[@alwinetheridge9051]

Roberta I know exactly what ur talking about lived in Sportsfield to from 73 - 84 .

[@jeremiasdevin7295]

Instablaster.

[@dennisdemoor981]

I was stationed at pioneer kasern Jan 73- 27 June 74. OH what a time I had, high light of my life, awesome, awesome life it was!

[@davekoss3181]

Sounds like you are a 2 year VOLAR like me. 516th. July 74-Feb76

[@alengler954]

Thanks for posting this. I was stationed on Pioneer Kaserne from 1975-1979. I met my wife (who is German & from Hanau) and took the number 6 bus to see her more times than I can count. I also deployed to desert storm out of Pioneer in 1990. Your memories are spot on and were very interesting to my wife and me. Thanks for doing this.

[@alwinetheridge9051]

I Remember showing my Id card to United police ( up's) while going through the gates lol.

[@lawrencedarby3444]

This place was a huge part of my life as a Military Brat. Lived there from 1974 until 1978 still a lot of memories. We lived in Pioneer Kaserne the last building on the right before the foot path running along side of the autoban going up hill over the RR tracks into Wolfgang. We had to walk it everyday to get to school and along the way was a Candy shack all the kids would stop at and get candy after school on the way home. I can still remember sledding down the big hill into the field across from the housing buildings. Talk about being in shape we lived on the 4th floor no elevator so climbing those stairs several times everyday for 4 years the whole family was fit. Thank you for posting only wish you were able to go inside the housing complex to film. As a kid that's where our lives were lived until Saturdays when 20 plus kids walked to the theater on base for the Matinee for 50 cents. Watched the movie got a coke, candy bar and popcorn and out of your Mothers hair for 4 hour all for a $1.25

[@alwinetheridge9051]

Lawrence I know exactly what your talking about I remember Those long walks going to school in old argoner and the high school my those were the times lol.

[@brandycohen2454]

I was there from April 74 through October 77. I remember the KFC well. When i was there the whole kaserne had cobblestone streets not black top.

[@CarlWeakAss7]

I went to new argonner elementary in 95-97. My dads a retired two star and we moved all over the place but out of all the places I lived Hanau was my favorite.

[@brainstormmontes5564]

I was Stationed there in 1980 -81. with the 881 Maint company. I knew Tony and his wife, also his brother who had an eye problem. We drank and got wasted there all the time. Good memories.

[@marcschmidt3463]

Awesome. I was born and raised in Hanau and remember many a party at Pioneer Club, Tony’s Pizza and, of course, “The Boat”. Thank you for bringing back those memories

[@christineburrows5880]

My father was in the Engineering battalion, his company needed a flag because theirs was damaged and the new one had not arrived so they asked my mother to sew one. She made a beautiful Engineering flag for their parade or change of command. I wonder what happened to that?

[@angella8346]

Thanks for the video. My father /our family was stationed here late 80s early 90s. I went to sports field elementary best years of my life . That kfc had the best Palm fritz and sweet ketchup.(idk if that’s correct spelling) wish I could visit

[@deenalambert3278]

I lived on Sportsfields for four years 2002-2005 I loved Hanau. My twins where born in 2002 in the hospital downtown. It was nice to see what it looks like now.

[@nmbutterfly52]

Thank you so much for posting this!!! Stationed there in 1974-1978, 574th PSC (Personnel Service Company). How I loved that place and all of Germany!! Wonderful memories !!

[@bettycaudill3299]

I was at 574th from Aug '82 to Nov '83. Once you got past the gate turn right and it was the third building.

[@patriotpride16t]

Thank you for this!!

[@delisdee]

Thank you for the video, I was transformed back to the 90's. I cannot believe that Pioneer along with the other Kaserne's were closed down, how sad. I was stationed there from 1991-1994, 548th LEM Co, it deactivated in 94, what fond memories I had there, wow, thank you once again!!!

[@sj7386]

I was in the 548th 91-93!

[@djrafi212]

I loved my time here! I was stationed at Hutier Kaserne with the 149th Maint Company 3 Corps! 96-99 My housing was Pioneer Kaserne! Every friday we had a company run from Hutier to Fleigelhorst kaserne and back! 8 miles round trip!

[@tonytaylor4545]

Great Video....Great Memories.....Was stationed there from 1978-1987

[@kaboombox1581]

Tony’s pizza was there when I lived there 1971-75 though it looks like it was modernized in the ensuing decades.

[@shidoshi777]

I remember eating bbq ribs there. they were generic packaged ribs reheated but I loved them.

[@coolroy4300]

Yep that was a KFC and over 30 years later I can still taste their BBQ ribs 😋

[@suezqparker4575]

I was the motor pool dispatcher for the 507th HEM Co. back in the day, 65-67. I remember the late nite runs down to the motor pool office to get the vehicle log books out to our drivers, so they could get lined up for another alert! Yep (Sp-4 Irving Parker.

[@maxhoughsteen3416]

I was stationed here, from 1994 to 1998. I was deployed to hell from here, 2 times. Very interesting video. Thank you for sharing, and for making the video.

[@MarceloHofelmann]

I am Brazilian, i love Hanau, I love Germany

[@sargent255]

Thanks I was stationed there 1984-1992 ( Hanau ) - 1993-1998 ( Karlsruhle ) NATO Assigned great times and History occurred during this time in Europe

[@hmontalvo67]

My old stomping grounds from 1970 to 1973. I had such wonderful times . I was stationed at Hessen-Hombug Kaserne before moving to Grossauheim Kaserne.

[@gregggraley1190]

Thank you for the videos! They are great!!! But they do kind of sadden me a bit...I lived in Hanau for 10 years, and I remember it very well. To see that everything has been allowed to be consumed by nature, and not used to it's maximum potential is sad. I raised my wife and kids in Hanau. I miss Germany very much!

[@coach1jp]

The Jolly Bar 1957- 1959 JP

[@notme9884]

great video, great memories, i watched the building on the right of the entrance into pioneer burn heavily, roof caved in, and to the left was my pops office windows, he was the deputy community commander, 83-87. fond memories, although i didnt remember the kfc, i most certainly did have very too many drunken nights at tonys, and yeah at ages 13, 14 and 15...crazy. i try not to tel my kids too much about that but of course there are some photos documenting said experiences...lol really neat, fun memories kinda like a dream, seems like a lifetime ago. kirk wilson c/o 89

[@jayrob7457]

I was at Pioneer Kaserne Dec 1976-Apr 1979. 568th Eng Co (559th Eng Bn).Our battalion area was the first set of barracks (red brick then) to the right of the main gate.I well remember the KFC across the strasse (two lanes then, if I recall) & Tony's Pizza down the road (had my first Jager Schnitzel there).The place sure has changed. WOW!!!FAV, thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@douglasreitenga6655]

Jay, this is Doug Reitenga. I was in the 568th at the same time you were, Dec 1976 - May 1980. I was in 1st platoon and a grader operator. You might remember my 1977 yellow Volkswagen Camper. SSG Gibson was my platoon Sgt for most of my tour. Anyway, it’s cool to see someone on here from when I was there.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Thanks for the Memories... I was there at Pioneer in 1967 before "re-upping" for transfer to SE Asia (Nam). I was with the 97th Quartermasters.... hauling fuel to airfields, EES Stations, etc, then transferred the 513th trans. (near Mannheim ?) for a few months, again.. trucking all over Germany, hauling all kinds of goods. I wish that Pioneer was still open... would be nice to see the internal area again, as I don't really recognize it from what little bit there is to see from the outside. I remember that there was a large, paved parking area where we parked our semis/tankers... with our barracks (whenever I was there and not on the road) facing (on the back side) our (97th Qtr. Masters) motor pool shop, which was on the opposite end of the parking lot... and there were buildings, the length of the motor pool parking lot, on each side as well.... that's all I remember about it. There was a little "pub" somewhere within walking distance of Pioneer, I remember.... a really quaint little place, run by a sweet couple (in their mid - late 50's) who always wore Bavarian dresses... well, She did... he always wore a three piece wool suit (winter of 66-67).... and they made the Very Best Weinerschnitzel I have Ever had... before, or since then. They also had... a Gorgeous daughter (& Single !) who was probably in her early - mid 20's, at the time... blonde, with Beautiful deep Brown eyes.. and an "hour glass" figure... like I've only seen in paintings, ever since then... but she had "no use" for "GI's".... and I didn't "blame her"... the way many of the "yanks" acted so "better than you" and treated many of the regular German people there.. and many of the one's who did go to their "Gasthaus"... were always trying to "grab ass" her.. really rude. She was the bar tender and waitress for drinks, for her parents in the evenings and some nights. I got along great with her parents... but, she wouldn't have anything to do with me.. and her mother confided in me, that her daughters inner anger, was because her most favorite uncle had been shot down (Luftwaffe pilot) and killed, near the end of the war, by a US P-51..... war is hell. Seems to me there was a "LamboyStrausse" .... near the Pioneer Kaserne ??.... which was the road (I think) that the little Pub / Gasthaus that I went to, was on. I ate there, every chance I got... made a few good friends there, to... for the time I was there, anyway. Would love to go back there and visit Hanau.... Germany is a beautiful country.... or, at least it was... up until the last year or so.... as was much of Europe. Sorry for the rant..... old memories, even though... rather faded. Thanks again, for your video and sharing it..... Oh, just so you know... IF.. my memory serves me correctly at all.... "Pioneer Kaserne".... goes all the way back and prior to, WW-1.... possibly even to the late 1800's.... and was a major distribution center and "staging area" (with rail head loading facilities) for all kinds of supplies, including munitions, and military equipment, etc, etc.

[@hmontalvo67]

Lamboy Strasse was by Hessen- Homburg Kaserne.

[@roguescot13]

I was stationed at Pioneer Kaserne in 1981. Our jump team was at the Fliegerhorst Kaserne.... Yeah, Tony's was the place to go.

[@ronpass6115]

Thanks so much for the video. I was there 84-85 assigned to the 516th eng co. When you go thru the main gate, stayed in the building to the right until I got my wife and son over. Then we lived off post in Aschaffenburg? Best time of our lives.

[@shoeman3294]

i was stationed on Pioneer from 1990 to 1992. 71st Ord! First Sergeant Button was crazy as hell. Twain Roberts Elliot Porter Big Livingston R I P Larry Thomas Chuck Norris Biaez and his partner in crime

[@joeparisini7534]

Great video! Thank you much for posting. I was there 68-69. Hq and A Co. 85th Maint. Btn. Joe Parisini, company armorer.

[@gogetter8513]

Thank You. This brought back so many good memories!! I was there from 1980-1983 at Pioneer Kaserne

[@dariendeloatch4337]

I remember all these areas so well thanks for bringing back great memories for me. The Flood Zone was were i met my x-wife great times and the KFC spot i used too hit that up on a regular

[@barbara2646]

I was stationed in Hanau for two years at Pioneer Kaserne. 71st Ordinance Company. I remember to Kentucky Brathähnchen on Friday nights. When I was there you could go to the NCO club and order all kinds of good food after a night of partying in the club.

[@shoeman3294]

i was stationed on Pioneer from 1990 to 1992. 71st Ord! First Sergeant Button was crazy as hell. Twain Roberts Elliot Porter Big Livingston R I P Larry Thomas Chuck Norris Biaez and his partner in crime Wallace Sgt Richardson Reginald williams sgt carter tyrone tention. shout out to all the 26th supply company with all those fine sisters.

[@charlysstore]

Thank's for sharing, i am still searching this wonderfull times here in Hanau (Contact Club) and all of these fine times, full of Music.

[@micaelarochele5700]

I use to live here in Hanau Pioneer Kaserne.

[@artiewilliams8175]

Stationed there 1994-96, had a good time.

[@randallpickens5690]

I have a picture of my father sitting on the short wall at the end of Building 8 on September 3rd, 1956 while he was stationed here at Pioneer Kaserne. He also had a picture, which I found in my Grandmother's Bible, of the chapel from that time period. I spent nearly four years in Building 7 with the 814th Engineer Company (Assault Float Bridge) which fell under the command of the 130th Engineer Brigade which was in Building 6. I have a picture of myself sitting on the wall at the end of Building 7 from 1991 and pictures of the chapel from then. I returned to visit Pioneer Kaserne around Thanksgiving of 2005 with my family and took pictures of them by Building 7 and also took pictures of the chapel. I was fortunate to have three generations of my family visit Pioneer Kaserne over a 49 year period. I met and married my wife while stationed here.

[@ms004650]

Stationed in building 7, 814th Engineer Company, Feb 1972 till Sep 1973. Motor pool area had behind it, dozens of bomb craters from wwII. Company motto was "whatever the job". Bridged at leiheim, on the rhine and also main river in ashaffenburg. favorite guest house was owned by a man named emil, in neider rodenbach. seldom walked the kaserne alone after dark. EM club was just kiddy-corner to the barracks. Racial tensions really robbed a lot of the joy !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@2bnnme]

cool video. greetings from hanau to you all!

[@robertpastorelli9471]

Nice clip, thanks for sharing.... Was stationed in Hanau from 1997 to 2000 with the 485th CSB and then then 16th CSG. Many great memories from my time there! Was back to Germany this past Feb (2020) and what a difference now; new construction and renovations happening at Pioneer, New and Old Argonner, Hutier and others.... almost didn't recognize it. Was glad to see it again though! :-)

[@edwinjordan7698]

I was station there from 1976 to 1978 at 71st ordinance company many many moons ago. 👍🇺🇲😎

[@daimlerbenzstuttgart]

I was just a Kid living in Sportsfield across from Pioneer Kaserne from 1973-1983.I remember the Dunlap tire place,some sections caught fire at least twice while we were there...As for KFC,My brother worked there and may have helped some of you folks :) BUT My favorite place was TONYS PIZZA,we lived in building 337 which was at the end of Sportsfield so we just had to run across the road to get a Pepperoni pizza when we were in the mood :) It looks so different around the area since i lived there...Went back several times over the years and it was so sad to see it close down...Thanks for the videos because it brings back so many Wonderful and Happy Memories.

[@POEETIC5]

Otis, Great video! This was one of my many homes while in Germany, I have so many fond memories of this place and it is so nice to see it all the way it is now (sad that is no longer used by the Mil Com.) I wish I could go back to visit, but since I can't this was the next best thing. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these and do such a lovely job of it. =)

[@patgoff5301]

Thank you very much for sharing this. I grew up in Hanau (1975-1995) and it is my home away from home. My mother used to live there but she has moved to Stuttgart so I never get home anymore. My heart will always live in Hanau. I lived in Bldg 329. I used to skip school at the library, uso, and a pool room in Bldg 5.

[@patgoff5301]

Pat Goff The bldg next to the KFC was Fortune and I have many fond memories of shopping there. There was also a cleaners behind KFC that I used to take my dad's and then my husbands uniforms to!

[@patgoff5301]

Pat Goff When I was growing up there was a trailor selling snow cones and pommes and wurst at the end of the entrance of Sportsfield where you had the choice to turn left or right into the housing area.

[@patgoff5301]

Pat Goff I met Wolfman Jack at the Pioneer Club and after he kissed my hand I wouldn't wash it for a week my mother told me.

[@marcsterling139]

love these videos!

[@FrankfurtAlumniVideo]

Wow! Thanks for stoppin' by and for the kudos!

[@exoticatirasbeauty]

Pretty cool to see again ! I grew up here

[@markkeegan7535]

Stationed at Pioneer 83, 84 and half of 85. Spent a lot of time at Tonys. A jaegerschnitzel with a Kutscher Alt Bier. Remember Tonys first wife and then his second wife Gelinda. Pascal and an older blonde woman whose name escapes me (Inge?)A good friend was killed on Aschaffenburg Strasse walking to Tonys in 84. Was in 88th Maintenence

[@patriotpride16t]

Thank you so much for these videos! It's sad to see how things have changed. Some good some bad I guess. (93'-95' Patriot Unit - A 5/7 ADA). I lived off post in Pioneer (Bldg 301- If my memory is correct). Seeing the places you've filmed brings me back, and I think about everyone I've served with! The greatest of people, who I truly miss.

[@Owlbet]

HHB 3/59 ADA from 1979 - 1980. I was stationed at Fliegerhorst but I loved shopping at the Pioneer PX. Such wonderful memories of my time in Germany. It's on my bucket list to go back and see what it looks like and to see if I can find my first off-post housing after reenlisting for four more years.

[@stevenmartin4154]

I was stationed at Pioneer from 89 thru 91, delivered pizza for Tony's on occasion (I had a USAEUR drivers liscense). I used to frequent a nice bar/restaurant called Bavaria outside of the back gate. The bar maid was Inga, and they made great pizza served on a large plate with an egg on top. Good stuff!

[@momsrides8468]

Where’s the e club? Where dancing was??

[@christineburrows5880]

During the gas shortage in the 70's, the roads were closed to traffic and we would ride our bikes to the gas station and pretend to tank up our bikes and ride around the street since it was empty.

[@kevenbenfield7090]

71st ordnance Co. 83 to 84 spent alto of time at tonys

[@markkeegan7535]

Was at pioneer same time as you. Did you know Kevin Stoudt? He was in the 71st.

[@romo2517]

Thanks good memories, I was there 2003-2005

[@charger12100]

I was stationed there in 1977-1978. I was in the 3rd Armored Division as a driver for brigade commander Dan Williamson. That building on the left as you enter the main gate was where his office was along with the post commander and the community command sergeant major. Many found memories, had fun over there.

[@biggyjames6483]

Great video brings back old memories. I lived there in 1979 to 1981. I live in the New arggoner housing area. Sorry I can't spell it there was a new one and old one ,both hosing areas ,i remember that.

[@jusaiya]

I was there in 82-83 I loved Germany I was in the 45 Medical Batt .Had the best time there in my time in the Military .Also thinking about it

[@HanauPete]

Thanks for the memories! I lived on Pioneer Kaserne from October 1978 to May 1981 as a member of the 81st Maintenance Company. Then, about five months later, from 1981 to 1994, I worked as a civilian in several capacities for the HanauMilCom.

[@alengler954]

+HanauPete I was part of 19th Maintenance Company from 1975-1979

[@petewilliams2806]

Al Engler Small world! We probably saw each other several times. We had formation at 0700 hours at Pioneer, and then took deuce-and-a-halfs, or personal cars, to the shops at Gross AuHeim!

[@sweetrick21]

They should have keep Hanau open. Its bigger and cheaper then Wiesbaden...

[@davekoss3181]

Good pizza from Sportsfield and Tony’s!

[@paulroache239]

I also read the Poem Why I love America, on the Bicentenial celebration in front of the Flag.

[@larock0wns]

The fast food building was in fact a KFC. I use to eat there all the time, especially when my mom a dinner I didn't like. :)

[@FrankfurtAlumniVideo]

Haahaahaha! I knew someone would understand, and/or remember, just how important that KFC across the street from Pioneer Kaserne was back-n-tha-day. I would've loved to own that franchise when Hanau Milcom was thriving!

[@Eristhenes]

Oh, Lord! I remember the KFC. They had the best damn pommes frites, evuh!!!! I cannot recognize anything, though. My step-father was stationed there from 79-83. I absolutely loved Germany and recall fondly our years there: the sound of the 7:30 AM whistle that ushered throngs of kids from Sportsfield onto the sidewalks of Aschaffenburger Strasse marching towards Hanau American High School; the promenade of military vehicles on their way to military exercises next to the High School. Up the Aschaffenburger Strasse I believe was a light and there was little stand, the Totoloto stand, a little stand much like you see in the subways of New York. Kids poured there after school devouring sweets. I understand the comment about the bus cause Frankfurt lingers in one spot. But I took many a bus from those bus stops!

[@atomic3939]

I used to eat at that KFC, too. Back in the early 90's. We would sneak out of Francois Kaserne during "Seargants Time" and go get some chicken. LOL!

[@JustJerri218]

My sister and her husband were there then. I just ask my nephew what school he went to and he said Sports Field elementary. Did you go there too?

[@grovermarshall1530]

Great Video - was with 88th Maintenance Company from 1972-1979... Anyone remember the VW racing over at bernbach? I drove the #25 AMEND RACING VW... would love to see if anyone has any old movies of those races.

[@alkaselzer5488]

I was there 81-83, 127th MP Company, Bldg 1, right next to the rear gate. Tony's Pizza was a stones' throw from that gate, and he used to deliver pizzas to us through a hole in the perimeter fence.

[@alwinetheridge9051]

I was there from 73-84 , loved it , bldg 1 was Military police my father was an Mp back then also at the 67th Gelnhausen. I left Hanau When I Was 21.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

Life was good if you were an officer or a dependent! I was there when the dollar's value crashed in the '80s. DM 1.40 to $1.

[@canusavet]

Sad to see it gone to weeds but there is a plan to open up for business and housing - somewhere there is an aerial video on it - starts over the chapel ;looking toward what was 574TH PSC and then pans right to view the parade quad/gate and Pionier EM club. Back in the day was July '70 to 17 Feb '71. Danke Otis

[@stanleyhopper1620]

I was there from 74_75 bld10 296th service company

[@wec818]

I remember that one store being a Jaguar dealership/video store

[@jasonparkins2847]

Wow things have changed I lived right near that Dunlop smokestack... In 91 till 93

[@alwinetheridge9051]

Was the German high rise still there where the poor German people lived right behind bldg 337 in Sportsfield ?

[@Techlifechannelwelcome]

The harly Davidson used to be Mr.video

[@MarceloHofelmann]

There is a project to where is Pionner Kaserne?

[@bobbrown9699]

I worked in the 39th Finance Section from 1972-1975. I was single, but authorized to live off base which I did at Grosskrotzenburg. One of the best assignments I had. My friends and I often drove to the Chicken Farm on the border of East Germany for excellent food.

[@albertodillon]

I was there in 1989 to visit my American pen pal whose husband was a soldier in Hanau

[@chejlr]

Tonys pizza, the original owner used to always say when you asked how are you, mucho trabajo poco dinero in spanish.

[@chillbwill4149]

My old stomping ground. '77 - '83

[@davekoss3181]

I used to walk from 516th down town.