ANSBACH, Germany (December 28, 2023) — 2023 brought great success to the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) sports branch. The program, which offers a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and flag football, aims to promote esprit de corps among the unit patrons, including family members and civilians.
These local sports programs are not only a pathway to the Installation Management Command-Europe Unit Championships but also to the highly competitive All-Army Sports Program. This program provides a platform for these soldier athletes to exemplify the highest standards of athleticism and sportsmanship, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of the U.S. Army personnel.
The All-Army and Armed Forces Sports programs offer the highest level of competition for Soldier-Athletes and it’s a privilege to be selected to participate in the trial camp and try out for an All-Army team. In a display of immense skill and dedication, five Soldier-Athletes from units stationed at USAG Ansbach were selected to display their diverse spectrum of athletic talent at the Army level.
“For a small community like Ansbach, it’s a significant accomplishment to have five Soldiers selected to participate in the various trial camps”, said Chris Cornelison, Ansbach FMWR Sports & Fitness Director.
SGT Megan Weir of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12CAB) and SGT Katherine Little from the 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Regiment (5-4 ADAR) were selected to showcase their prowess at the Women's Soccer Trial camp, which was held from April 30 to May 6 at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Adding depth to the roster, 1LT Hannah Vet, also from the 5-4 ADAR, was selected to attend the Women's Softball trial camp alongside CPT Summer Lancette of 12CAB. The camp was held in Fort Carson, Colorado, from July 13 to August 4. Although she made the trial camp selection, CPT Lancette was unable to attend due to a last-minute travel conflict. 1LT Vet attended the camp and was later selected to compete in the U.S. Armed Forces Championship in Oklahoma City in August; however, due to an injury, 1LT Vet was unfortunately unable to finish the competition.
CPT Jacob Sullivan, another 12CAB member, represents the Ansbach area at the Men's Rugby trial camp, rounding out the impressive lineup of Soldier-Athletes. The camp took place at Fort Carson, Colorado, from August 14 to 24.
These Soldier-Athletes showcase the Army's values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork while highlighting the multifaceted capabilities of our military personnel. Their journey from local sports participation to national representation is a testament to their dedication, skill, and commitment both on and off the field.
The selection of our Soldier-Athletes also speaks highly of the sports programs offered and the coaching staff from Ansbach's Family, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation directorate.
“We will continue to advocate for our local athletes to submit their applications. I’ve had many Soldiers pass up the opportunity to submit their application because they were afraid their unit leadership would not support them participating”, said Cornelison. “My response every time has been to just submit your application and make your Unit leadership be the one to say no. You’ll never get the opportunity if you don’t even apply.”
Sports programs are offered year-round, and Soldiers interested in competing can stop by the Katterbach Fitness Center or visit https://www.armymwr.com/allarmysports to learn more about the All-Army Sports program.
xxx
The U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach military community is located in the Franconian region of Bavaria and is spread across six sites and nine kasernes dispersed around the city of Ansbach and the village of Illesheim. Today, Ansbach is home to the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, the community's largest tenant unit, as well as the 7th Engineer Brigade, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. The garrison takes pride in supporting more than 10,000 Soldiers, civilians, family members, and retirees working and living in the Ansbach area.
For more news from U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, visit: https://www.army.mil/FranconianNews or https://www.facebook.com/usagansbachcommunity/
Social Sharing