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Claudia Rehbein, director of the Department of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s equipment control center stands with one of the exhaust tanks available for rent, Aug. 31. The Equipment Control Center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment.
(US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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Claudia Rehbein, director of the Department of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s equipment billing center, shows the interior of one of the RVs available for rent at the ECC, Aug. 31. The Equipment Checkout Center is located on Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment.
(US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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Claudia Rehbein, director of the equipment control center for the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate stands next to one of the Jon boats available for rent at the ECC, Aug. 31. The Equipment Control Center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment.
(US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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Claudia Rehbein, Director of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Equipment Control Center shows the kayaks, canoes and trailers available for rent at the ECC, Aug. 31. The Equipment Control Center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment. (US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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Round and rectangular tables are ready at the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Equipment Collection Center for soldiers and their families to rent on August 31. The Equipment Check Center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment. (US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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The trackless train is another item available for rent from the Repair Center’s Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Equipment and is used each year in the annual Christmas tree lighting event . The equipment shopping center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment. (US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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Mountain bikes can be rented at the Department of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Equipment Checkout Center and can be used on the trails located across the street on August 31st. The Equipment Checkout Center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment. (US Army photo by Jacqueline Hill, Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs)
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FORT BRAGG, NC – Claudia Rehbein, supervisory recreation specialist for the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Equipment Control Center, rose through the ranks from a recreation aide to a manager at throughout his 28-year career.
Rehbein is originally from Bolivia where she met and married her husband, a soldier with the 7th Special Forces Group.
“My family owned a store, where I met my husband,” Rehbein explained. “With the family store, I grew up behind the counter helping to sell items and provide customer service.”
After marrying her husband, they were soon transferred to Fort Bragg, where Rehbein began her civilian career.
She explained that she began her career as a recreation aide in 1993 at ECC. She was promoted to Recreation Assistant, then Lead Recreation Assistant, followed by a promotion to Supervisor Recreation Assistant, and finally to Manager on January 2, 2020.
Rehbein had two brief breaks in the service due to the transfer to El Paso, Texas and Panama. However, after each break and subsequent return to Fort Bragg, he was able to resume his career at ECC.
As a military spouse, Rehbein has a keen understanding of the challenges military families face.
“Like any military family, as a soldier, my husband traveled a lot,” Rehbein said. “I understand what it’s like to get up early every day by myself, take care of the kids, take them to daycare and have to manage everything.”
Through his own personal experiences, Rehbein has a passion for caring for soldiers, their families, and understands the importance of spousal preference in the hiring process.
“It is a privilege that in my job I can care for and give back to our soldiers and their families, especially during times of war and deployments,” Rehbein said. “I love being able to provide services for them so they can have a chance to relax and de-stress.”
Their favorite equipment is bounce houses because of the joy they bring to families, especially on birthdays.
“I remember being a recess help and having to clean them (bounce houses) all the time,” Rehbein said. “Now, I just have to help clean them up when my staff needs help.”
In his journey to become ECC manager, Rehbein described his biggest challenge as working to overcome his perfectionism. Over the years, Rehbein has seen many managers come and go, many of whom encouraged her to apply for the position because she was ready.
“For many years I was told I was ready for the manager position,” Rehbein explained. “But I was too scared to apply because I was worried I wouldn’t do it perfectly.”
To the delight of James Day, DFMWR’s chief of outdoor recreation, she eventually applied for the position and was hired in 2020.
“Clàudia is an exceptional worker who we are fortunate to have on our team,” said Day. “Thanks to his years of experience, he knows this facility inside and out. She is a great manager who works hard to always thank her employees and lead by example.”
Rehbein has spent her 28 years of civil service working at the ECC and is a subject matter expert in her offerings. However, he is quick to point out that he wouldn’t be where he is without the support of his outdoor recreation family.
“I’ve been successful over the years because of the support of my managers and co-workers,” smiled Rehbein. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
Since originally arriving at Fort Bragg, Rehbein and her husband have welcomed two beautiful daughters, her husband has retired from the service, and over the years they have continually chosen to stay at Fort Bragg.
“Fort Bragg is a place that offers opportunity to anyone, no matter where they’re from,” Rehbein said. “I think Fort Bragg is one of the best military bases, especially for the services and amenities available to Soldiers and their families. It’s home to me. Fort Bragg is home.
The equipment shopping center is located off Smith Lake Road and offers an extensive list of equipment. For more information go to
