Ansbach Weekly

U.S. ARMY GARRISON ANSBACH

NEWS & UPDATES

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
  • Government shutdown ends - . Normal operating hours for all Garrison services will return Monday, November 17.
  • Holiday Postal Deadlines: To ensure your articles sent to the U.S. are received before Dec. 25, 2025, please send by the following dates. More...
    - USPS Ground Advantage - Nov. 21, 2025
    - Priority Mail & First Class Letters - Dec. 9, 2025
    - Priority Express Mail - Dec. 16, 2025
  • Expanded Holiday Postal Hours - The Postal Service Center at Katterbach and Illesheim will be open two Saturdays in December to support the holiday rush of mail. More...
    - Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    - Dec. 13, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Weekly IMCOM Sampler - Here’s what’s happening at U.S. Army Garrisons around the world. More…
  • Eye on AMC - What’s happening within the U.S. Army Materiel Command—IMCOM’s senior command. More…

CALENDARS

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FACILITIES & GROUNDS

  • Major repairs are scheduled for the parking lot adjacent the Katterbach Express (i.e. Shoppette), Community Bank and Service Credit Union. Construction will begin in late September and is scheduled to end in December 2025. The Express and banks will continue operating normal business hours. Parking will be available adjacent the construction site. Look for parking signs and follow all traffic signs.

  • Removal and installation of the final denial barrier (FDB) at the Storck Exit Gate is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Nov. 4. Installation crews move equipment to the nearby parking lot Oct. 30-31.

    The entire removal and installation will take approximately six weeks. After completion of the FDB project, the Storck Exit Gate will open to all traffic.

    During construction, the gate will remain closed. However, a temporary pedestrian gate will be installed nearby. To enter and exit the temporary pedestrian gate, always carry two forms of photo ID.

  • WHAT: POND Security guards conduct security training at Katterbach South Gate (High School Gate). During training, the South Gate will be closed. This will not impact school bus drop-off and pick-up.

    WHEN: Katterbach South Gate will be closed from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on these dates:

    • November: 7, 13-14, 19-20, 25-26, 2025
    • December: 1, 2, 8, 19, 2025

  • Construction in the vicinity of Hangar 1 and the Outdoor Recreation Center at Katterbach is set to begin the first week of November and extend into the end of December, pending weather conditions.

    The intent is to repair and replace sewer lines running south along Von Steuben Strasse heading south toward the Thift Shop and Army Family Housing.

    IMPACT: Both lanes of Von Steuben Strasse between Service Credit Union and the Thrift Shop will be closed beginning Monday, Nov. 10 until work is complete. Soldiers and pedestrians can still walk/run or conduct PT along this stretch during the construction. Community Bank, Service Credit Union and AAFES Express remain open.

  • The Drivers Testing Office will be closed November 7-14 due to shortage of staff. Will open for regular business on November 17.

  • Maintenance crews conduct scheduled maintenance at Army Family Housing buildings November 12-26, 2025.

    Housing tenants are kindly asked to have someone at home during their respective scheduled maintenance to allow access for technicians.

    Complete list of building maintenance dates and times at www.army.mil/a/288922.

  • The Child Development and School Age Center, Bldg. 9028, will be closed November 24-28, 2025, to allow for repair and resurfacing of floors.

    Credit of childcare fees for this closure will be made for families with children enrolled in full-day care, part-day care and before/after school age care programs.

    A notice will be posted at the entrance of the affected facilities informing customers of the change 30 days prior to each closure.

    Renovation activities at building 9028 will temporarily reduce the availability of services. In accordance with the established priorities, placement from the waitlist for available care will be managed as follows:

    1. Children of CYS Employees
    2. Children of Single and Dual-military families
    3. Children of Service Members with a working spouse

    All remaining applicants will be accommodated as resources allow. Youth Center, Youth Sports and SKIES Unlimited sessions will not be impacted.

    The point of contact is Ms. Veronica Bischoff, at 587-2112 or veronica.bischoff.naf@army.mil.

  • Thursday, Nov. 27, is a federal holiday (Thanksgiving). All services will be closed. No Garrison shuttle service.

  • November 28 is a Local National (LN) employee Tarif Day. That means all LN employees have a negotiated day off. No garrison shuttle service. Expect limited to no service at on-post agencies staffed predominately by LN employees. Please call ahead if you have questions. Phonebook…

  • (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

    POSTAL FINANCE:

    • Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Saturday-Sunday: Closed

    MAIL ROOM DELIVERY

    • Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    • Friday: 1-6 p.m.
    • Saturday-Sunday: Closed

  • In recognition of the contributions made by the workforce of Child & Youth Services (CYS) to this community, the closure of all CYS programs is authorized on Friday, Dec. 12, for a deep clean.

    In accordance with the CYS Fee Policy, patron fees will be adjusted accordingly for the above-mentioned closure dates. The fee adjustments only pertain to patrons with children enrolled in full-day care and part-day care programs. Sessions for SKIES Unlimited will not be affected and fees will not be adjusted.

    A notice will be posted at the entrance of affected facilities to inform customers of the change 30 days prior to each closure.

    The POC is Ms. Veronica Bischoff, at DSN 587-2112 or veronica.bischoff.naf@army.mil.

GARRISON EVENTS

  • Nov. 14: Ansbach Clinic Flu Drive. Open to all DoW ID card holders. 2-6 p.m. More...
  • Nov. 14-16 & 21-23: The Wizard of Oz, Terrace Playhouse. More...
  • Nov. 20: Leadership & Lattes, 9-11 a.m., Von Steuben. More...
  • Nov. 20: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
  • Nov. 21-23: MWR Holiday Bazaar, Katterbach Fitness Center. More...
  • Nov. 22: Gobble Wobble Fun Run, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. More...
  • Nov. 22: Outdoor rec trip to Lucerne, Switzerland. More...
  • Nov. 26: Thanksgiving meal at Katterbach DFAC, 12-3 p.m. Open to ID cardholders.
  • Nov. 26: Thanksgiving meal at Storck DFAC, 12-2:30 p.m. Open to ID cardholders.
  • Nov. 26: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training, 12:30-1:30 p.m., ACS. More...
  • Nov. 27-30: Outdoor Rec Ski/Snowboard Trip to Kaprun/Zell am See, Austria. More...
  • Nov. 28: Nuremberg by Rail, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. More...
  • Dec. 3: Emergency Placement Care (EPC) Orientation, ACS, 3 p.m. More...
  • Dec. 5: USAG Ansbach Tree Lighting Ceremony, Katterbach Boardwalk, 5 p.m. More...
  • Dec. 6: Outdoor Rec trip to Dresden Christmas Market, 8 a.m. - 11:55 p.m. More...
  • Dec. 13: Outdoor Rec trip to Strasbourg, France Christmas Market, 8 a.m. - 11:55 p.m. More...
  • Dec. 20-21: Outdoor Rec Trip to Vienna Christmas Market. More...
  • Dec. 23-28: Outdoor Rec trip to Rome. More...
  • Dec. 31-Jan. 2: Outdoor Rec New Year's Eve in Prague. More...

MWR CALENDAR | ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CALENDAR (ACS)

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OFF-POST EVENTS

  • Nov. 15: Fall Concert at Hohenzollernhalle in Heilsbronn. More...
  • Nov. 21 - Dec. 23: Rothenburg Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 22: Illesheim Christmas Market. Starting from 3pm at the market place in Illesheim (next to the church).
  • Nov. 24 - Dec. 22: Dinkelsbühl Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 25 - Dec. 23: Bamberg Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 27 - Dec. 23: Ansbach Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 28 - Dec. 24: Nürnberg Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 28 - Dec 23: Würzburg Christmas Market. More...
  • Nov. 29 - Dec. 23: Dietenhofen Christmas Market. More...
  • Dec. 4: Christmas Songs with the Windsbacher Boys Choir at St. Gumbertus Church. Start: 7:30pm.
  • Dec. 6-7: Iphofen Christmas Market. More...
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GERMAN NEWS

Remembering "Our Country's Fateful Day"

Ansbach commemorated Kristallnacht with a powerful ceremony addressing the resurgence of antisemitism in Germany, featuring Dr. Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews, as the keynote speaker. Schuster emphasized the obligation to confront hatred and incitement today, drawing parallels to the silence and complicity of non-Jewish neighbors during the Nazi era. Mayor Thomas Deffner highlighted Ansbach's solidarity with the Jewish people, symbolized by the Israeli flag at the town hall, and called for decisive action against antisemitism. The event included wreath-laying at the synagogue and underscored the enduring responsibility to ensure "Never again" is more than a platitude. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, November 14, 2025)

Far-left group - USA adds German "Antifa-East" to terror list

The administration of US President Donald Trump has added the far-left German group "Antifa-East" to the terror list. Three other groups from Europe will also be added, the US State Department in Washington announced. The "Antifa-East" group carried out "numerous attacks against individuals it considers 'fascists' or part of the 'right-wing scene' in Germany" between 2018 and 2023, the statement said. The group is also accused of "carrying out a series of attacks in Budapest in mid-February 2023." (Tagesschau, November 13, 2025)

President of the Central Council of Jews commemorates Nazi victims in Ansbach

The President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Dr. Josef Schuster, laid wreaths in Ansbach on Wednesday together with representatives of the city and civil society in memory of November 9, 1938. On that day, under the banner of Nazi terror, synagogues were set on fire, Jewish shops were vandalized, and thousands of Jews were mistreated throughout the German Reich. In the presence of Mayor Thomas Deffner, representatives of the Protestant and Catholic parishes, and the Frankenbund, Schuster spoke at the Ansbach synagogue: “November 9, 1938, was a fateful day for our country. It was a day on which too many people became followers of the then very obvious Nazi terror against their Jewish neighbors.” After laying a wreath, Schuster signed the city's Golden Book at the Ansbach Town Hall. Schuster was also the keynote speaker at a memorial event on Wednesday evening in the Karlshalle. (flz.de, November 13, 2025)

New Military Service Law: Agreement between SPD and CDU/CSU

German politicians from the CDU/CSU and SPD have reached an agreement on the new military service law after weeks of debate. The law, set to take effect in 2026, includes conscription for all young men annually, with a lottery system determining service if volunteer numbers fall short. The plan aims to expand the Bundeswehr by 80,000 soldiers, bringing the total to 260,000, and increase reservists to 200,000 in response to heightened security concerns from Russia and NATO's evolving defense strategies. Details of the agreement will be shared with parliamentary groups and the public soon. (BR, November 13, 2025)

Hamas Member Arrested in Saxony

The Federal Prosecutor's Office has arrested another suspected member of the terrorist organization Hamas. The man is alleged to have procured weapons intended for attacks on Israeli or Jewish institutions in Germany and Europe, the Karlsruhe-based authority announced. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, November 13, 2025)

German Armed Forces: Founding 70 Years Ago Polarized the Country

On November 12, 1955, the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) were founded. Ten years after the end of World War II, this decision was controversial. Today, the Bundeswehr is expected to assume a leading role in Europe. The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, was established in 1955 amidst controversy over rearmament following World War II. Initially focused on national defense during the Cold War, the Bundeswehr reached its peak strength of 495,000 soldiers in the 1980s. After reunification and the dissolution of East Germany's National People's Army, the Bundeswehr shifted to international peacekeeping missions, but reductions in size and funding left it ill-equipped for national defense. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has invested heavily in modernizing the Bundeswehr, aiming to make it Europe's strongest conventional army. Today, the Bundeswehr enjoys strong public support, with over 80% of Germans viewing it positively. (Deutsche Welle, November 12, 2025)

Ryanair is changing its system: Only digital boarding passes

Starting November 12th, Ryanair will exclusively issue digital boarding passes to passengers, accessible via the airline's app or website, aiming to save 300 tons of paper annually and reduce costs. Over 80% of passengers already use digital passes, but those without smartphones can still receive a free boarding pass at the airport if they check in online beforehand. Passengers are advised to check in in advance to avoid a €55 fee for airport check-in. While digitalization is increasing, concerns remain for individuals without smartphones, highlighting the importance of reviewing airline terms before booking. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, November 7, 2025)

B13 near Marktbergel to Reopen (between Katterbach and Illesheim)

The Ansbach State Road Construction Office will complete the renovation work on Federal Highway 13 south of Federal Highway 470 between Ottenhofen and the Munasiedlung near Marktbergel this week. The road is scheduled to reopen to traffic on Friday, November 7. After four months of construction, the work on the important traffic artery between Ansbach and Würzburg has been completed, according to a statement from the construction office. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, November 6, 2025)

Road between Untereichenbach and B14 (Katterbach) closed for two years

The local road between Untereichenbach and Katterbach will be fully closed starting September 23 due to safety concerns, with renovations delayed until 2027 due to funding and land acquisition challenges. The 1.5-kilometer stretch, popular among commuters and U.S. Army personnel, has become unsafe due to heavy traffic and deteriorating conditions, prompting the city to enforce a long-term closure. Plans include widening the road to six meters and rebuilding its surface and shoulders, with estimated costs of €850,000. Only buses and agricultural vehicles will be allowed access during the closure, while residents face extended detours but acknowledge the necessity of the project. (FLZ, Sept. 14, 2025)

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

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