GCMIC International Speaker Series

Tuesday, May 12, 5:00 p.m

The Marshall House, 217 Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA

“Point Alpha in the Fulda Gap: American Military Commitment at Freedom’s Frontier - A History of Cold War, the Iron Curtain and the End of the Communist Regime in 1989”

GCMIC welcomes Volker Bausch, Director at Point Alpha Foundation. Volker Bausch has been the director at Point Alpha Foundation and Point Alpha Academy since 2011. “Observation Post Alpha” was one of the American Border Observation posts along the inner-German border. OP Alpha, the only remaining one, was situated in the “Fulda Gap,” the strategic region in which a Soviet attack was expected at any time during the Cold War, because of its proximity to the Rhein-Main Region. At OP Alpha, troopers of the 14th and 11th ACR were on duty at “Freedom’s Frontier” for several decades. Bausch’s talk will take the audience through the history of this unique place and its development from a hot spot in the Cold War to a learning site of history. It highlights the strategic situation in the Fulda Gap, the character of the communist regime in the border district of a rural area, and describes the overthrow of the regime in 1989, as well as the German re-unification of 1990.

No charge for this event. Talk with reception to follow. Space is limited. RSVP to events@georgecmarshall.org or 703-777-1301.

This event is part of the GCMIC International Speaker Series, in partnership with American Council on Germany, Transatlantic Outreach Program, Northern Virginia Regional Commission, and George Mason University.

Parking is available at The Shops at Dodona Manor located at 312 E. Market Street, the Loudoun County Government parking garage located on Loudoun Street. There is no public access from Edwards Ferry Road. Only handicapped parking is permitted on the grounds.