AP Photo

Washington has sharply reduced the number of American combat forces in Europe since the end of the Cold War, but a large U.S. military footprint remains.  The Soviet “Evil Empire” has collapsed, Eastern Europe has switched sides, and America’s European allies now possess a collective GDP and population larger than the U.S.  Why are American military personnel still stationed on the continent?

Regensburg once was a Roman garrison town and is a celebrated tourist site.  More important for Americans, nearby sits the U.S. Army’s Hohenfels training facility.

Last week I participated in an Army-sponsored trip to Hohenfels.  As always, spending time with American military personnel enhances my great respect for the Armed Services.  From my...