Benjamin Franklin Village Commisary side, Mannheim, Germany 

Greetings from Mannheim, we miss you guys! You brought so many good things to our city, without the american influence, Mannheim wouldn't be what it is today.

:) I thought I would never see this place again! I grew up in BFV my dad was stationed there I think we lived in Mannheim from 84-90. Loved going to the fest in the big parking lot by the movie theater, bowling alley and nco club!!! Wow seems like a lifetime ago I definitely miss it I attended Mannheim Elementary, Middle and my sister attended MHS I also attended private school Trinity Christian Academy :) And I will always hold Mannheim as home in my heart. Great Memories :)

Totally breaks my heart to see BFV this way. I went to Mannheim Elem & Middle school there. I'm grateful to have experienced living there. =(

This breaks my heart... I am literally in tears seeing this. I was there from 1989-1993.

Love these kind of videos. For us Army brats it brings up something that just can’t be explained. I was there from 1983-1986. 3rd grade to 6th grade. Loved the field trips to such cool places. I was there when that Burger King opened. I was one of the first people to eat there. Group of us kids all got to order whatever we wanted for free. School field trip for grades or something. I remember ordering the Bacon Double Cheeseburger meal. Still order it just to remember that day. Loved all of the playgrounds. Someone mentioned the wooden one. That was the main one. We would walk the “wall”. We were some wild kids. We had that entire footprint to just roam. Our parents could yell and kids would come running to find you and let you know. Man oh man! I could go on forever. Dad got stationed at Fort Lewis and bought a house off post when we PCs’d. Life changed drastically!!! Thanks for taking the time to put a smile and warm and fuzzy feeling in my soul. God bless!

As a young soldier from Hawaii, being stationed so far away from home back in 82 thru 85. I did a lot of growing in Mannheim. Taylor barracks is where I called home back then, and as a young man I made the best of what I had in front of me. BFV offered much for us servicemen and our families, but the real life was outside the gate. I have had the warmest memories of my career there in Mannheim. The "Sit In" "Grand ole opry" is just to name a few. I understand that our time has passed but I'm sure Mannheim will continue to glow! Aloha BFV, I'll miss the Fest and the great food that I have learned to love!

I miss this place. I love Mannheim, the Wingers and The Top Hat

I lived in BFV for probably a total of 10 years of my life there. I went to all 3 schools (elementary, middle, and very little high school). My friends and I would always play at the "wooden park". One half of the park was metal, the other was of wood. I miss that place. So sad to hear it closed...but I had good ol times there. Thanks for posting my childhood hometown for me.

Thanks for posting this video! Mannheim from 2000 to 2007.. then back to Mannheim 2010 until closing😭.. then moved to Heidelberg until IT closed.😢 I LOVE GERMANY!!!!!😆

WOW! Never thought I'd see this again. Bld 310 - 95E Columbus Strasse. I'll never for it. My dad was stationed there from 81-85, it was magic. My middle brother graduated high school there in 84, joined the army himself and was shipped off to Hawaii. My oldest brother stayed in the states when we moved there from Fr. Polk, La as he was in college already, U of Arkansas. I was the youngest. We would ask my older brother to send us fat laces for our shoes from the States. lol. My mom caught my middle brother and his friends downtown Mannheim breakdancing on the corners for money. She beat his ASS! lol " you ain't no science project" she yelled" The Germans LOVED it! Thanks for the video. I asked my parents last week actually if they would like to go back for a visit next Spring. We all said yes so...forget Paris, Spain..Germany here we come.

I just saw my old barracks & where I’d go grab lunch daily. Awesome memory lane. Stationed in Mannheim 2000-2003. 💙💙💙

This was my home, I lived on Jefferson Strasse. :.( I want to cry. Thanks for posting.

I remember walking to the commissary...waiting for my car to arrive 3 months later. I remember the fests! I miss that place

5:29 those fests were awesome! Theyd open up the base to local nationals and it was always fun. Got tagged for security detail on several occasions.

I was there from Nov 2006 to Nov 2009. Looks eerie now that there aren't any units there. But, I couldn't have asked for a better place to be stationed because of how close it was to downtown Mannheim.

Thanks for sharing I was stationed there 96 to 98 with the 272nd MP co. This brought back some great memories. Kind made me sad a bit. Thanks again for posting.

i lived there by the elementary school, i think it was on jefferson st, i was there from 1975 to 1978, i really loved it there, can't believe they would shut it down, i went to mannheim middle school the very first year it opened.

I was born in Germany. And my family and I lived there in BFV from 88 to 94. I lived in the very first building on the street that was a straight line to Mannheim Elementary. Can't remember the # though. I wanted to go back and visit someday and show my wife and daughter where I was when I was a kid. Now it just looks strange. The theater was awesome so many movies. Ninja turtles. Terminator 2. Jurassic Park. Man those were the days. I use to play Street Fighter in that Bowling Alley. At least the Burger kings still stands.

So sad to see this, I left Mannheim in 2005. I have no been back home since. Hard to imagine when I get there all this is gone. Sigh, such good memories of my hometown. Although I am German, I worked at the Commissary at night.

thank you so much for this video! I miss mannheim so much it makes my heart hurt. I lived in the BFV from about 86-91. luckily I still have native german family in mannheim so I got to visit as a teen but sadly, I haven't been back for 15 yrs. Your vid inspires me to plan another trip! :)

Was stationed there 2000-2002, Bravo 44th Sig. Loved that place, it gave me some of the best memories of my life, Mannheim will always my second home!

My dad was stationed at Spinelli. We lived on Lincoln street. 2nd building from Burger King. Best BK till this day and it's been over 20 years. Rest in Peace BFV. Your 2nd to NONE!!

I was there 1971-74 , I spent hours watching your video and every time I remember something new .the baby stroller cracked me up and that fenced in area was stratcomm . when you got to end of thefence and turned left you were driving down the back of the fence line for Sullivan barracks it was all woods . I remember that because there was a hole in the fence and I would go thorough it ,to get to the ww2 hardened aircraft shelter and bunker. I saw Catch 22 when it came out ,at the theater . that's it for now .Thanks for posting

I was stationed at spinelli in 598th trans and then heildelberg, from 91 to 96 i had the best times over there, anyone remember the skyline dance club near spinnelli, it is sad to see all go away, wish i could visit there again.

Lived there twice. 77-80 and Mar 84-Dec 86. Tragic what has happened there. Michael Strahan used to live there. I worked with one of his brothers at the commissary when I was in high school. I think his name was Vince. I never met Michael though. I remember seeing him. He was just a little kid. A lot of great memories. Go Bisons!

Thanks for sharing this video was stationed there Feb 85-feb87 didn't spend much time on base back then stayed at my German girlfriends house with her family so many great memories and have always wanted to go back to visit this place and many German friends

Thanks for posting this video. I lived on this base back in 1955 thru 1959 when I was a kid and my father was stationed here. I remember a lot of what was shown and much of it looks like it was added after we left ~ the movie theater looks just like I remember it. By the way, my mother was a war bride and was born in nearby Heidelberg.

I got choked up when it got around the movie theater and club area. I've seen so many movies there and loved it when the carnival would come around. That place looks so small, but it was huge when I was little. Wow...I have so many memories flooding back now.

I posted on your other video. Thank you for bringing back so many memories! Especially with Jefferson street! Miss Mannheim so much! Beautiful place and had both my children there. 2005-2009

P.S. Thank you for posting this video of an amazing area in Germany that sometimes gets overlooked.

Thanks for posting this. I was stationed at Taylor Barracks from '83-85. I recognize all those places. I loved living there. So sad to see it all abandoned.

Thank you! I had the best times of my life in that base. Left in February of 91. Ohh if those streets and barracks could talk!!

I was stationed there from 1990 - 1993 an 11C (Mortarman) at HHC 3/77 AR first under 8th ID then under 1st AD when the colors were closed. I had a unique experience of also going there (Mannheim) as a Dependent playing sports, my dad was stationed in Erlangen, Germany and I played different sports for Nurnberg American High School Eagles, went to Mannheim to play the Bison on numerous trips also partied there for a couple of all USAREUR dances back when the DYA was still going strong (wow I'm old, lol). Truly do miss Mannheim and Sullivan Barracks.

My husband was at 377 trans.co. On spinelli barracks until aug.91 .it's strange to see it again.had a great time living there had so many amazing experiences..my daughter's were born there wow!!!!

I was in A co 3/68 as a tanker from 78 to 80 miss it still

Awesome Awesome AWESOME video. My very 1st job ever was working those summer time festivals. I played ball in Germany and loved every bit of it. I attended BFV Elementary and Middle School. The bowling alley was the place to be some nights. You actually passed the building I lived in 2nd to the right after that left from "The Greatest BK In the world" lol. Ugh so manny memories. If I could live in Germany I would, unfortunately I have no connections there 😕 😢

OMG, thank you for posting this! I was so sad to hear that BFV was closing. Grew up here from 89-95!

What a ghost town. I was stationed at Spinelli from 87-90 and remember BFV well.

Thank you for sharing. 86-89. Lived on Frankenthal housing. We worked at Taylor and Funari. 187th PSC and 2nd Sig Bde.

I loved there from 2003-until they closed I was 11 when we left this just made me remember my whole child hood!

I loved Mannheim. I graduated from M.A.H.S. in 1975. Hi to K.T., Cecelia Maria King, Tom, Marty and Michael.

That's awesome seriously dude. I was stationed there in a tank battalion (5/77 Armor). That was my first assignment ever as a LT in the Army. Totally awesome thanks so much for posting that I was there 1984-1987

OMG !! That's so cool!! I feel like it s been 100 years ! My Dad was stationed 1980-84 Miss those times ,lived right across the street BFV, and still managed to be late to school, thanks for video man

Wowww bring back a lot of memories I used to live there in bfv from 1996-2000

i lived there as a child 1983-1986. omg the memories i have

WOW...great video....I was stationed with 3/8 Cavalry, Coleman Barracks, Feb 81 to May 84. I lived on BFV at 14G Columbus. It was a great time to be in Germany. I took my wife back May of 2011 and it was so sad to see that all of the places I had been stationed at in Germany during my 28 yrs were either closed down or in the process of closing. Again thanks for the blast to the past.

I know how you feel. I graduated M.A.H.S. in 1975. I was there junior and senior year of high school. I loved it. Could walk to the PX, the commissary, the teen club, the movies. I wish I could relive it again. I would appreciate it so much more. My father was a lifer in the Army. My mom his bride from France. I made great friends and had great times. Other people say how much they hated high school. It was wonderful for me.

I was stationed at Spinelli Barracks, I drove a tractor trailer most of the time. Then I was put in the S-3 section. As a labor reporting clerk. I spent a lot of time driving to K-Town, Heildleberg, to get the laundry,

I enjoyed the video, brought back memories. I lived in the bvf from 81-84,

I lived there when I was in kinder through the second grade. I miss it so much. :,)

Thanks for the video. Wife and family can see where this young MP with the 272nd, Coleman, spent many days. Especially dancing to “Jungle Love” in the NCO club. 😂 Great memories!

I lived here from 1992 to 1995... My dad was in the Army. We lived on Kanalweg (it may have been Massachusetts Strasse, but I can't remember too clearly)... it was just across the street from the shopping center; the PX, Commissary, and Shoppette.. I was just a kid, but I still have fond memories of this place.

You drove past my old barracks. Thanks for the memories!

I lived in Mannheim, Germany from 1995 - 1997 when my father was stationed there and my family lived two blocks away from the huge, playground that look like a fort. I attended Mannheim Elementary during my stay there and went to the fairgrounds whenever it came to town. The last movie I saw at theater before leaving Mannheim was Men in Black and I do remember that during the movie, a fight broke out in the aisle and they had to stop the movie. I will forever miss Mannheim.

So sad..grew up in bfv lived in Vierheim but went to the elementary school Mrs. Jones and krazy ass Miss Ackerman, worked at the food mall and burger King, good times sad its all gone

Thank you for the trip down Memory lane. Was stationed at Turley Barracks from 92-94. I've always wanted to take a trip back there. Saw many movies in the old theater. Kind of sad to see if fenced in

I was stationed there from 2005 to 2008 Charlie Company Barracks was building 243 which you passed by at about 37 seconds into the video. My favorite place to eat there was the Wingers and the jumbo buffalo wings with their hottest sauce was awesome never had chicken wings that huge before or since.

BFV was not so big when I lived there from 1956 to 1959. The gas station and commissary were on the right before the OEG tracks and Sullivan Barracks as you entered. There was no roundabout. The was not a separate middle school. I went to elementary school in the 6th grade and high school in 7th and 8th. There was no Burger King or other fast food franchises. I lived at 61-E Washington Strasse across from the dispensary where my father worked in the dental clinic. When was BFV build-up? From aerial views, it seems like a lot more housing. There was no tower. Also, I think I remember the MHS colors were purple and gold. Good memories!

Brings back memories. My Dad and family was stationed in Mannheim 1965-1968. The housing that has 3 stories looks like where we lived. I was hoping to see the little white Catholic Church because our building was to the right of it. I need to go though my Dad’s papers and get the address if it’s even still there. Thanks for the memories.

I was stationed there from 1999 to 2001. I lived on Columbus Street and my wife at the time worked at the Shoppete down the road. Here boss was Mr Hand. I remember Beanie Babies, the gym, the bowling alley, the Fests and The Top Hat Club. I remember seeing Gladiator, Star Wars episode I and Hidalgo there. Sometimes it was HOT as heck in the movie theater. I worked at Coleman Barracks and was with 414th Signal Battalion. Great memories... Wish I could go back to those times! I MISS IT!

95-98 was when I was there as a young teen. We used to play basketball on laundry poles, lol weirdest thing ever but fun. God bless Germany and the experience,

Lived right next to the high school first building by the playground from 86 to 90. Lots of memories watching this.

I appreciate you posting this...I was on Turley and didn't head down to BFV all the time, but it's extremely sad to see it abandoned now.

Thanks so much for posting this. I left BFV November of '91. My how it changed. I barely recognize anything but it's also been over 20 years and i was 11 when we left. I spent the best part of my youth there and i've been wanting to visit for a long time. Now that it's closing i'm probably not going to get the opportunity because it's never g.oing to be the same if i do get a chance to go there one day. Your video is the best chance for me to see it before it changes. Thanks buddy.

3:34 on the video is where I lived when we first moved to BFV. I didn't recognize it the first time I watched this video, because the Commissary wasn't there when I lived there. That was where the ball fields were. I thought Lincoln dead-ended in front of our apartment, but there may have been a road back to the ball fields.

I lived there for a few months when I was a baby. I have a very, very faint memory of that scenery.

Wierd, spooky and sad. I lived in the area until I was 18! Lorsch from 65 to 74, BFV-Grant Circle 43 from 74 to 80, Heddesheim until I Graduated in 83 (went stateside for college). I visited Germany many times and always went back to BFV for a peek. It changed through the years, but I never thought it would include the place being 'shut down'. Thanks for posting, it's interesting to see what it looks like now. I think I won't watch it again though. I'll keep my memories whole and original.

I was stationed there from 2006-2008 with the 272nd MP company, I was wondering if you’d drive by our old barracks, building 205 and you did not disappoint, thanks for posting this!

Wow glad u made this video! Beings back lots of memories I left bfv in 90 still looks the same

The first left turn @the start of the vid, puts my old barracks right in my face. I was there from '73-'75, hhc 3/68 8th ID. The place has really changed over nearly 40years, but I can still recognize the main features. It looks like there has been much expansion back by the v-area, plus a rear exit directly into BFV. Sad to see the place so unused.

I use to live in Mannheim from 2005-2009 and I remember going 2 that base alot

I lived there from 2001- 2005 i miss it! this is so sad, but so many awesome memories!

Thanks for posting. I was there a year 1967 and part of 1968. My barracks was on the main road going it the gate down on the right. I had a great time going downtown. I remember dancing to the juke boxes with the Boxtops, Jerry butler, Al Green, Mamas and Papas, Beatles, Stones, etc. I also remember guard duty at 30 below 0...just standing there with my M 14 thinking I wasnt going to make it 'til sunup.

I was stationed there 1990-1993...3-77 AR HHC...Greatest place ever..downtown was the darkest and Uncle Sam's, Skyline dance club, and the Pub down the Strasse was where everyone went. Plus, the Zoo Dance Club..

Bittersweet vid...thanks for sharing as it brings back lots of memories. I went to H.S. there a thousand years ago.

I went to High School there 65-68. My Dad worked an extra job at the bowling alley.

Thanks for sharing. I lived there in 1962-1964. 1st and 2nd grade, I believe you drove past my elementary school. My Father was stationed there. There is where I was when John F Kennedy was assassinated. I later enlisted but never returned to Mannheim. I was stationed at Ft Bragg. .

The Ben Franklin Village Vampires - still very funny!

we lived there in the 60's .1961 -1963 I think . I was 13 when we left . it was a huge housing complex . some good some bad memories like every where with every thing

Thx, Got to see my old barracks and work area. 512 Maint Co. 92-95....

I lived in BFV from 1957 to 1960 while in elementary school. There were no big trees as in the video. We lived near the elementary school so I walked to school.

85-90 at Coleman. Spent many weekend over at BFV of course, remember Mox Nix corner ha. Did a very fast team 10k race through there too!

5/68 Armor 82/85 at Sullivan. Had housing in Oggersheim.

Former Resident. Lincoln Avenue, third floor. January 1988 to January 1992. I was only 5.5 years old when we came back to that states and went to San Antonio where I did most of my growing up.

i was here from 85 to 87. the post was much smaller then. I was the one who caught the terrorist leaving a backpack full of bomb by the fence next to 5/77 HHC barracks.

Well this sucks. I looked this up because I'm taking the kids to Europe in 2016 and wanted to show them around the old stomping ground. Went to school in BFV from 86-90. In high school I worked at Burger King and the Sight and Sound Center. We lived off base, in Viernheim though. Sad to see this place is mostly gone. I lived on chili cheese fries from the bowling alley;)

It was a jamming place from 1976-1979.

was station their 79to85 retired left 87 was some of the best time of my life in Manheim 5/68 armor. hopefully they put a Armor unit back in Coleman

wow I miss this place so much I lived there since I was 4 so sad to see the place I grew up gone I live at 77D Columbus street straight down from the px I left there in 2009 to come to the states I miss it there I would be able to ride my bike everywhere

So many memories.

Got to see my old barracks & motor pool, 512 Maint Co...Tha 5-1 Duce Mob....92-95...Thx for the clip...

I had mrs southard for my 4th grade teacher back in 83

was stationed at Sullivan with 3/77 armor '89-'90. it is depressing to see the place deserted.

Love this vid, but a couple things are wrong. I arrived to these barracks in early 2010. They were Sullivan Barracks. Also, the movie theater has not been closed since 2009. After my arrival in early 2010, I saw several movies in that theater. Otherwise, I miss this place. Thank you for this video.

Schade das es nicht mehr existiert 😢 bin hier Aufgewachsen

WOW!!!!!! I lived in the barracks at 1:08- 1:10. HHB 3-77th AR.

Was stationed there 1983 to 1986 with HHC 5/77 th Armor went back in August of 2019 with my 17 year old son and my wife .walked the path from the barracks to Kafertal at the Bavarian beer stabul and zur rose beer stabul is gone zur rose still there had a couple of each baum beers with my wife and son just wish I could of had a cordonblue schnitzel at the beer stabul Klaus sure could cook

@Dobermommy07 i lived on turley but worked on spinelli. was there from january to june. we called it the dungeon, but it had its own unique charm. that and there was one soldier in every room, and those rooms were huge

I couldn't recognize much until you passed the Burger King and movie theater. Wow. That is depressing to see. Thanks for the post.

The 6/shopette... I made trips there EVERY OTHER DAY back when I was the Barracks Wino of B/72 ...those WERE THE DAYS...