Ansbach Weekly

U.S. ARMY GARRISON ANSBACH

NEWS & UPDATES

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
  • Government shutdown - A lapse in appropriations before the Sept. 30, 2025, deadline has forced portions of the government to close. USAG Ansbach services may be limited, reduced or closed. Expect longer wait times at front-door services. More...
  • 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.
  • New 'Sandwich of the Day' menu - The Dining Facility (DFAC) at Katterbach now offers a "Sandwich of the Day" menu. Efforts to improve service with innovative offers are ongoing.
  • Winter Driving - In Germany during winter road conditions, you are ONLY allowed to drive with winter tires. Many German drivers, abide by the general rule of “von O bis O” (from O to O), which means snow tires should be put on in October and remain on until Ostern (Easter). Only models with the Alpine symbol (snowflake in a mountain) are permitted. Tires marked with "M+S" (designed to work in mud and snow) are no longer permitted. If you drive with all-weather tires, make sure they are marked with the snowflake symbol. More...
  • 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. 12-14: Ansbach Clinic Flu Drive. Open to all DoW ID card holders.
  • Nov. 13: Veterans Day event by Ansbach Middle High School JROTC at Ansbach MHS, 2 p.m.
  • 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)

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

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

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)

Food for needy US military personnel?

Normally, it's US soldiers who help others with food during crises. But because of the US government shutdown, some service members are themselves in need. The U.S. government shutdown has impacted soldiers stationed in Bavaria, including Grafenwöhr, Vilseck, and Hohenfels, prompting the U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria to publish a guide listing German welfare organizations and food-sharing initiatives, such as food banks, for assistance. Although initially intended for German civilian employees, the list caused confusion and was temporarily removed after reports of soldiers seeking help from local food banks, which are already facing increased demand. The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, has left government employees without pay, but relief is expected as the Senate has voted to end the impasse, with the House and President anticipated to follow suit. Meanwhile, the German government has provided temporary financial support for 12,000 U.S. civilian employees in Germany, with repayment expected once the budget freeze ends. (Nuernberger Zeitung, November 12, 2025)

Suspected right-wing extremist remanded in custody for calls to assassinate politicians and solicit donations for bounties

The Federal Court of Justice has issued an arrest warrant for a suspected right-wing extremist who allegedly called for attacks on politicians, public officials, and other public figures on the darknet. According to media reports, the attacks targeted, among others, former Chancellor Scholz and his predecessor Merkel, as well as former Federal Ministers Lauterbach and Baerbock. The 49-year-old German-Pole, Martin S., is alleged to have published lists of names and death sentences he himself had issued on his platform. The man, who is believed to belong to the Reichsbürger movement, had been known to security authorities since 2020. He came to their attention through acts of resistance during coronavirus protests. (Deutschlandfunk, November 12, 2025)

Payroll system sends mistaken debt letters to DODEA teachers despite lack of pay in shutdown

Teachers at Defense Department schools had reason to check their leave and earnings statement this week, even though they still were not getting paid amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Many Defense Department teachers were notified by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service on Nov. 5, 2025, that they owed hundreds or even thousands of dollars. (Stars and Stripes, November 7, 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)

28 Euros for a poisoned well?

Businessman Jürgen Wolf is suing for damages after his drinking water well in Obereichenbach was allegedly contaminated with PFCs from the U.S. barracks in Katterbach. Despite initially being offered a €25,000 settlement, the Nuremberg Higher Regional Court has reassessed the case, reducing potential compensation to just €28 due to disputed water usage rights. Wolf continues the lawsuit to obtain a verdict and expert report, which could set a precedent for other affected parties to pursue claims. The case has faced significant challenges, including high expert fees and resistance from the Federal Agency for Real Estate (BImA). (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, 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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