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Our History
Since our founding in the aftermath of WWII, AWAG has grown from a small volunteer group into a powerful leadership network spanning the military community in Europe. Explore our rich history and the milestones that shaped who we are today.
Our story began in the fall of 1946, when Mrs. Anthony Biddell, wife of the Commanding General of the US Army of Occupation, formed a committee of eight women to create one of the largest volunteer welfare organizations of its time.
Known as the American Occupation Women’s Voluntary Service (AOWVS), this group coordinated the distribution of relief aid sent by stateside clubs and church groups to post-war Germany.
By 1948, AOWVS expanded its mission to assist other welfare groups throughout Germany with ideas and support. That same year, the first organized welfare conference was held at Chiemsee Rest Center, gathering delegates from Germany and Austria to report on projects and share solutions for local needs.
​In October 1948, an advisory board formed to administer future welfare conferences, representing seven geographic areas: Bremerhaven (including Berlin), Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Munich, and Vienna. These biannual gatherings became known as the Women’s Zonal Welfare Conference.
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In May 1950, the organization shifted its focus from welfare and charity to fostering German-American relations and general club activities. Conferences evolved to include workshops and discussion groups addressing local challenges and opportunities. Between 1950 and 1954, clubs in France, the United Kingdom, and Italy joined these conferences, which soon expanded to include Spain, Portugal, the Azores, and countries in the Near and Middle East. However, the costs and distances eventually limited participation.
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In spring 1954, members in France organized their own conference, focusing on regional issues, and by 1955, a similar conference emerged in London for clubs in the United Kingdom.
In October 1956, a small group planned a German regional conference, forming
American Women’s Activities, Germany. The first Annual AWAG Conference of
was held in 1957. By 1965 it had replaced the International Conference as a forum
for volunteers with common goals and interests.
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​​​​​​​Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, AWAG grew to thirteen geographic areas
across Western Germany. The Annual Conference gathered hundreds of
delegates to learn new skills and bring fresh ideas back to their communities.
During this era, the AWAG logo was created, symbolizing its structure and
mission, and the organization published Never a Dull Moment, a travel and
shopping guide written by military spouses in Germany.​​
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Eifel (including Belgium, Netherlands, and England), Rhein-Neckar, Schwaben
(including Italy), and Franken. New Board positions such as Speaker Chairperson
and Corporate Liaison were introduced to harness talents and resources
more effectively.
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In 2005 the Auslander area was created to serve Belgium, Netherlands, and
England, and by 2007, Italy became an official area with its own
representative. In 2010, Italy was temporarily divided into North and South
to better serve its communities. The Rhein-Neckar area closed in 2013 when
the United States Army Europe headquarters moved to Wiesbaden.
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In 2000, a committee chaired by Brandie Sinkler developed a mission statement:
AWAG exists to train, strengthen, and connect volunteers, their organizations,
and their communities. In the summer of 2014, AWAG became a tax-exempt
nonprofit organization with the status 501(c)3 due to its activities with
educational purposes. As the U.S. military presence in Germany decreased,
AWAG reorganized into seven geographic areas by 2001: Hessen, Rheinland-Pfalz,
Oberpfalz (including Berlin), Eifel (including Belgium, Netherlands and England),
Rhein-Neckar, Schwaben (including Italy), and Franken.
To reflect its growing global vision, in 2011 AWAG officially changed its
name from American Women’s Activities, Germany to Americans Working Around the Globe, honoring its legacy while embracing future opportunities beyond Europe. The Board also updated the Annual Conference name to Leadership and Training Seminar, recognizing its continued commitment to volunteer leadership despite budget cuts and sequestration.​
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Throughout these changes, Area Representatives remained the local point of contact, organizing one-day conferences within their regions to train and connect community members. As social media transformed communication, AWAG launched its Facebook page in 2008, continuing to adapt and reach volunteers where they are.​
In summer 2014, AWAG achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in recognition of its educational mission.​
In 2023, AWAG expanded its reach by hosting its first Area Seminar in Spain at Naval Station Rota, extending leadership training and development opportunities to even more members of the military community.
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The following board year AWAG strengthened its organizational structure with the addition of an Outreach Director position, reflecting its commitment to strategic growth, funding, and impact documentation.
The organization continued expanding professional development opportunities
and digital training resources while refining its operations to better serve
volunteers across Europe and beyond.
In 2026, AWAG celebrated its 70th Annual Seminar, marking seven decades of
training, strengthening, and connecting volunteers who make a difference in
their communities.
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Looking ahead, AWAG remains committed to strengthening its organizational
foundation, expanding professional development opportunities, and fostering
meaningful connections among volunteers and leaders across Europe and
beyond. Through strategic growth, innovative resources, and continued
investment in its community, AWAG will build on its 70-year legacy while
preparing for the next chapter of its mission to train, strengthen, and connect.
