Brussels, BELGIUM – Leadership from U.S. Army Garrison Benelux in Brussels hosted a community Town Hall on Apr. 29, 2026, at the Brussels Unit School on Sterrebeek Annex.
Information from the deputy garrison manager
Jeff Gliedman, USAG Benelux in Brussels deputy garrison manager, opened the Town Hall by introducing the panel members and topics for discussion.
In response to global security developments, garrison leadership has emphasized that vigilance and security remain elevated but there are no known direct threats to U.S. personnel or installations in Belgium or Europe. Increased random anti-terrorism measures and installation security procedures remain in effect in coordination with host nation partners. There have been updates to the off-post uniform wear policy in alignment with higher headquarter guidance. If there are any questions, personnel are encouraged to talk to their leadership.
Consolidations continue for Sterrebeek Annex and Brussels Main.
The Fitness Center has successfully been relocated and is open to the public. The saunas could not be moved initially but the garrison is working with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to find a solution and a new location for the saunas.
Construction will begin shortly on shower rooms at the Fitness Center. There are currently showers in building ten that are available for the community.
Climate Control HVAC is one of many projects planned for the Fitness Center as more funding becomes available.
Additionally, there were some water leaks so repairs to the roof are in progress.
Gliedman acknowledged the disappointment from some community members regarding the Fitness Center move and is working to resolve as many complaints as feasible. There are compliance deadlines that need to be followed that delay processes but ensure health and safety; engineers are continually working to ensure this.
While acknowledging community feedback regarding amenities, Gliedman cited space constraints and compliance requirements as key drivers of current design decisions .At this time there is no plan to open up the racquetball courts, however, if there is a desire from the community to use them, the decision can be reconsidered.
Multiple infrastructure projects are scheduled to support the transition.
- Improvements to Gate 7
- Construction of new sidewalks and crosswalks
- Parking lot renovation to better support the personnel working on the installation
- Road surfacing in key installation areas
This summer, the pedestrian gate will be reworked to allow bicycle traffic and pedestrian traffic to enter the installation from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. This will help keep the pedestrians and cyclists safely away from the gate as cars are coming through.
Gliedman noted that engineers have already prepared contract packages, with execution dependent on funding availability.
Plans are in place to relocate multiple community and support functions into Building 1, including Army Community Service, Installation Access Control (IACS) and ID Card Services, library operations and additional mission partner support offices.
Gliedman also highlighted plans to relocate postal services, financial services, the barber shop and laundry facilities as part of the transition, beginning with the library in the fall.
For families utilizing Child and Youth Services (CYS), the outdoor pavilion behind the facility will be off-limits for approximately ten days in May for repainting and repairs, ensuring the space remains safe and functional for children.
Garrison leadership is also actively working with mission partners, including the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to assess space requirements and allocate community spaces efficiently as consolidations continue.
Gliedman closed his update brief by reminding the community that ICE comments are welcomed and appreciated; these comments help ensure the community’s concerns are addressed or acknowledged quickly.
Brussels Unit School updates
Angelia Hadley, Brussels Unit School (BUS) highlighted that it is a busy season filled with AP testing and senior exams. Spring athletics, including track and field and soccer, will wrap up in mid-May.
Looking ahead to the end of the academic year, graduation is scheduled for June 5, followed by the school's award ceremony and field day on June 8 and 9.
Parents are highly encouraged to re-register their children for the upcoming school year as soon as possible, as this data directly impacts the school's course offerings, classroom allocations and staffing.
Additionally, the garrison is working to increase awareness of the School Liaison Officer, John Moore, to better support homeschooling families in the community.
Brussels Army Health Clinic updates
Lt. Col. Ebony Peterman, Brussels Army Health Clinic officer in charge, took a moment to recognize Denim Day; a global movement aimed at combating victim blaming and supporting survivors of sexual assault.
Several personnel transitions are on the horizon for the clinic. Therefore, the clinic is encouraging everyone to schedule school and sports physicals early to avoid delays.
An additional provider is expected to arrive by late summer. To ensure continuity of care, providers from the SHAPE Healthcare Facility will periodically assist in Brussels.
Additionally, a new civilian nurse will join the team in May, providing long-term stability after a period of utilizing temporary duty nurses.
A pharmacist transition is also planned for late summer, with a brief overlap in August to ensure a smooth handover.
Finally, the clinic reminded the community that a Tricare-approved Doula is available in the area for birthing classes and breastfeeding support.
Security updates
Major Chad Boyer, USAG Benelux in Brussels provost marshal, provided crucial updates from the Directorate of Emergency Services(DES),emphasizing that Force Protection Condition (FPCON)has not changed. The community will continue to see increased military police presence at the gates and Random Anti-terrorism Measures (RAMs), including vehicle and registration checks.
A newly published memorandum aligns with 21st Theater Sustainment Command policy ,strictly limiting the wear of military uniforms off-post. Exceptions must be approved by the garrison commander.
When off the installation, personnel are urged to exercise heightened situational awareness. With the warmer weather encouraging outdoor exercise, residents should avoid wearing overtly American apparel or displaying items that could make them a target for theft or petty crime in the local metropolitan areas.
On post, the military police are enforcing safety regulations, including the strict requirement that helmets must be worn when operating bicycles and electric scooters on the installation.
Lastly, DES urged personnel to ensure their personal vehicles are registered within the approved timelines to maintain compliance with host nation regulations.
Community Events and MWR Highlights
Shawn Ticho, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (FMWR) acting director, highlighted the vibrant schedule of events for the Brussels community.
The library’s summer reading program, themed "Seed and Read," will open registration soon, accompanied by a Star Wars-themed "Library Awakens" event on May 6 and a summer reading kickoff party on June 7.
Army Community Service (ACS) is emphasizing the importance of community sponsorship, hosting sponsorship training sessions in early May, followed by city, grocery, and hospital tours later in the month.
CYS is partnering with the Armed Forces to host a Color Run on May 16, complete with ice cream at the finish line. Summer camp registration is also open, including a special trip to Bavaria for community teens.
The Town Hall concluded with highlights from the Community Support Group, a volunteer organization that recently hosted a successful community dance for 400 attendees.
The group is actively coordinating with the garrison and the Gary Sinise Foundation to plan a community breakfast in observance of 9/11 later this year.
The town hall concluded with Gliedman reaffirming his and the garrison’s commitment to infrastructure modernization, service consolidation, and continued communication with the Brussels community.
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