Stuttgart Scout Restores Historic Memorial, Strengthening German-American Friendship

A piece of shared German-American history has been given new life, thanks to the leadership and dedication of 15-year-old Alana Kaley, a Life Scout from Troop 44 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Alana recently completed an ambitious Eagle Scout service project to restore the Panzer Regiment 8 Memorial at Panzer Kaserne, USAG Stuttgart. Her efforts culminated in a special memorial ceremony and wreath-laying event on November 8, 2026, hosted by U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart leadership and the German Bundeswehr.

The project brought together nearly 20 youth volunteers and five adult leaders, contributing more than 200 hours of volunteer service to restore a memorial that had deteriorated from years of exposure to the elements.

Bringing History Back to Life

When Alana began looking for an Eagle Scout project, she was introduced to the memorial restoration opportunity through the Stuttgart garrison’s list of community projects. She immediately recognized an opportunity to make a difference.

“The memorial has deteriorated over time, and its condition didn’t reflect the honor and respect that the Soldiers commemorated on the stone deserve,” Alana explained in her remarks at the dedication ceremony.

Working with USAG Stuttgart’s Directorate of Public Works (DPW), Alana developed a restoration plan, coordinated materials, secured financial support from the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10810, and organized volunteers.

The work was substantial. Scouts cleared weeds and overgrowth, moved several tons of soil to level the ground, and planted approximately 70 boxwood bushes around its perimeter, and added flowers to the surrounding area. Alana also carefully restored the memorial’s engraved lettering,

Alana thanked everyone who contributed, emphasizing that the project would not have been possible without the many Scouts and adult volunteers who gave their time and energy.

Honoring History and Celebrating Friendship

The ceremony brought together U.S. Army and German Bundeswehr representatives, Transatlantic Council leadership, Scouts, and community members.

The ceremony also included a special presentation of the Scouting America Military Service Knot to USAG Stuttgart Garrison Commander Colonel Edward Sanford and Deputy to the Garrison Commander Robert Gwinner. Both recipients are Eagle Scouts, reflecting the lasting connection between military service and the values of Scouting.

Alana addressed the distinguished guests, including U.S. and German military leadership, and spoke about the significance of her project and the importance of honoring those commemorated by the memorial.

The wreath-laying ceremony provided a particularly meaningful moment of remembrance and partnership. The German Bundeswehr laid a wreath in honor of the soldiers commemorated by the memorial, while USAG Stuttgart Garrison Commander Colonel Edward Sanford laid a wreath on behalf of the U.S. Army. Representing the Transatlantic Council, Vice President of Communications Katrin Galeano and Alana jointly laid a wreath, honoring the fallen and recognizing the Council’s commitment to service and international friendship.

The restored memorial now stands as both a tribute to the soldiers it commemorates and a visible symbol of the friendship between the German and American communities.

Leadership Through Service

Alana is a ninth-grade student at Stuttgart High School and an active member of Troop 44 at Panzer Kaserne. She has served as Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s highest elected youth leadership position, and is a Brotherhood member of the Black Eagle Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. She also volunteers at the USO Stuttgart.

Her Eagle Scout project reflects the leadership, planning, perseverance, and commitment to service that Scouting seeks to develop in its youth. As Alana noted in her remarks, service to the community is a fundamental part of Scouting. Her project provided a meaningful opportunity to put that principle into action while preserving an important piece of local history.