Can't activate iPhone 4S after restoring it while over seas

I am on a 2 month work trip overseas and recently had to "restore" my phone to clear up some software problems.  After restoring, the phone will not activate.  I am currently in Germany and I get a "No Service" message where I would normally get "bars" and the name of the service provider.
I am a Verizon customer and NOT trying to use another provider's sim or anything like that.  I am actually able to receive calls if someone calls my regular US number but I am unable to make calls at all.
When I reboot the phone i get the message "Waiting for activation - This may take some time." I can dismiss this message and use other functions of the phone (attach to wifi, etc) but if I leave it alone i never activates.
I have both Voice Roaming and Data Roaming turned on in Settings
Anyone know how to activate what is basically a "new" Verizon iPhone outside of the US?

Hi PatGaspode,
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities!
In this situation I would recommend a specific kind of restore called recovery mode. Please use the attached article for instructions on how to put your iPhone in recovery mode and restore it.
If you can't update or restore your iOS device
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808
Have a great day,
Joe

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