Ansbach Weekly

U.S. ARMY GARRISON ANSBACH

NEWS & UPDATES

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

USPS Price Increase: Effective July 12, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will have a price increase on First-Class Mail/Forever stamps. Stamps for letters cost 78 cents but now cost 82 cents. More...

U.S. Army Health Clinic Ansbach Update: Dr. Jerardi and Dr. Klin are no longer with U.S. Army Health Clinic Ansbach. Due to these unforeseen departures, all patients and family members previously assigned to them have now been reassigned to LTC Lee as their Primary Care Manager (PCM). To help maintain access to care during this transition, the clinic will have visiting providers supporting the clinic until we are fully staffed again. More...

France imposes nicotine ban - France has criminalized the possession, importation, and use of non-medically approved nicotine pouches (such as Zyn and Velo). Personnel traveling through or operating in France must ensure they do not carry or use these products to avoid severe legal consequences. 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

Ansbach July 2026 Food Truck Schedule
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ansbach July 2026 Food Truck Schedule (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
USO Ansbach July 2026 calendar
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – USO Ansbach July 2026 calendar (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

Calendar and menu updates from around the garrison.

FACILITIES & GROUNDS

  • The Storck Main Gate will be closed beginning April 21, with the expected completion in late July. The gate will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

    Crews are replacing the final denial barrier at Storck Main Gate, upgrading the security and protection of the installation.

    Enter only with your vehicle using the Apache Gate, which is on the eastern portion of the installation. Exit only in your vehicle using the Storck Exit Gate. Pedestrians and bicyclers can enter and exit through the Storck Exit Gate.

    Always carry two forms of photo ID.

    This repair will improve access, contributing to a more secure Garrison for all residents. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

    The USAG Ansbach mobile app provides real-time updates and locations of gates (www.army.mil/a/282396).

  • Starting June 15, USAG Ansbach DPW crews will begin sewer line repairs at Katterbach Kaserne, closing Von Steuben Strasse southbound toward the Thrift Shop and Army Family Housing. The closure will last up to six weeks.

    Both lanes between Service Credit Union and the Thrift Shop will be closed, but pedestrian access and PT activities are permitted.

    Community Bank, Service Credit Union, and AAFES Express will remain open, and shuttle and school bus routes will not be affected.

  • The Katterbach South Gate (High School Gate) will be closed due to construction beginning June 8. The gate will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Crews install a final denial barrier. Construction may last up to six weeks.

  • Dear Ansbach Army Health Clinic Community,

    We would like to inform you that Dr. Jerardi and Dr. Klin are no longer with our clinic. Due to these unforeseen departures, all patients and family members previously assigned to them have now been reassigned to LTC Lee as their Primary Care Manager (PCM).

    We understand that this change may be unexpected, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience it may cause. Please know that our team is working diligently to minimize disruptions to your care.

    To help maintain access to care during this transition, we will have visiting providers supporting the clinic until we are fully staffed again. While we remain committed to providing high-quality care, appointment availability may be more limited than usual.

    We kindly ask that you:

    • Schedule routine appointments as early as possible rather than waiting until the last minute.
    • Request medication refills several days before you run out.
    • Continue to use the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal or contact the appointment line for scheduling and non-urgent needs.
    • If you have an urgent medical concern, please contact the clinic so we can ensure you receive the appropriate level of care.

    We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued trust as we work through this transition. Our entire team remains committed to serving you and your family, and we look forward to welcoming additional permanent providers as soon as possible.

    Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your healthcare team.

  • Emergency repair work is scheduled for July 1-20, 2026, between buildings 5080 and 5081 on Bleidorn Kaserne.

    The repairs will require excavation work and the partial closure of the area in front of the buildings.

    Depending on the exact location of the work, some parking spaces may be temporarily unavailable.

    No access to the residences will be required to perform this work.

  • The road along the Sadowski Theater on Bismarck Kaserne will be closed July 7-22 while DPW conducts road repairs.

  • Effective July 12, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will have a price increase on First-Class Mail/Forever stamps.

    Mailing Services price changes include:

    Current Prices -> New Prices

    • Letters (1 oz.) 78 cents to 82 cents
    • Domestic Postcards 61 cents to 65 cents
    • International Postcards $1.70 to $1.75
    • International Letter (1 oz.) $1.70 to $1.75

    Additional Postal questions can be answered through our Postal webpage https://home.army.mil/ansbach/postal

  • From July 13-14, City of Ansbach maintenance crews conduct essential repairs to the district hot water systems at Bleidorn Kaserne feeding Buildings 5099, 5080, and 5081.

    Repairs take place between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

    During this work, hot water service may be interrupted. No residential access is required for the repairs.

  • The Transportation Motor Pool (TMP) office will be closed July 13-17, 2026, in order to move to its new location on Katterbach Kaserne.

    The new location will be in building 5837 on Katterbach Kaserne, next to the Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) Inspection Office.

    The TMP office is scheduled to reopen in its new location on Monday, July 20.

    You can also find directions, hours, and contact information for the new TMP office location, along with other garrison services in the USAG Ansbach app (www.army.mil/a/282396)

  • USAG Ansbach Military Police, German Police, and Fire & Emergency Services will conduct a joint training exercise at the Ansbach Elementary School July 16-17. This is only an exercise.

    • Dates: Thursday, July 16 & Friday, July 17
    • Location: Ansbach Elementary School Bldg. 5507, Katterbach Kaserne
    What to Expect:
    • Presence of emergency vehicles, law enforcement personnel, and associated equipment.
    • Sounds of simulated distress, sirens, and response activities.
    • The Ansbach Elementary School parking lot will be closed.

    These drills are not a response to any specific threat. No action is required from the community. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as our multinational first responders conduct this training to ensure the safety of our garrison.

    In the event of a real-world emergency or threat, community members will be notified through our emergency messaging system, ALERT. Register in Ansbach ALERT: https://go.mil/AnsbachAlert.

  • The garrison's local national workforce will be observing their annual work outing day Friday, July 17. Many garrison services will be operating with reduced staff or possibly even closed that day.

    Known closures at this time:

    • Garrison Shuttle

    We recommend calling ahead to a service if you need assistance on Friday, July 17.

    You can find contact information for our garrison services in the USAG Ansbach app (www.army.mil/a/282396)

  • There will be temporary power outage 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Katterbach Kaserne for transformer maintenance on July 18, 2026.

    The following buildings will be affected:

    - Housing:

    • B5944 GG

    • B5945 FF

    • B5946 EE

    • B5948 HH

    • B5949 II

    • B5950 JJ

    • B5952

    • B5953

    • B5954

    • B5955

    - Ansbach Elementary School

    - B9035 RTF

    - B9022

    - Street lights in the area may also be affected

    If your power has not come back on by 8 p.m., call the emergency work order line at 09641-70-587-115.

    For more Details...

  • There will be temporary power outage 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Katterbach Kaserne for transformer maintenance on Aug. 8, 2026.

    The following buildings will be affected:

    - Housing:

    • B5944 GG

    • B5945 FF

    • B5946 EE

    • B5948 HH

    • B5949 II

    • B5950 JJ

    • B5952

    • B5953

    • B5954

    • B5955

    - Ansbach Elementary School

    - B9035 RTF

    - B9022

    - Street lights in the area may also be affected

    If your power has not come back on by 8 p.m., call the emergency work order line at 09641-70-587-115.

    For more Details...

GARRISON EVENTS

  • July 9-12: Fishing Course at Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • July 10: USAG Ansbach Change of Command, Von Steuben, 10 a.m.
  • July 11: Skydiving with Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • July 12: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. Call 0611-143-587-2165, 587-2165. More...
  • July 14: Creating your Own Financial Plan, ACS Conference Room, 10 - 11:30 a.m. More...
  • July 15: AFN radio airs live from USAG Ansbach. 2-6 p.m. More...
  • July 16: Leadership & Lattes, Von Steuben, 9 - 11 a.m. More...
  • July 16: Biergarten at the Von Steuben. More...
  • July 18: Prague Day Trip with Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • July 19: BOSS Commissary Day, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Call 0611-143-587-2165, 587-2165. More...
  • July 19: BOSS Barracks Breakout, 5 - 6 p.m. Call 0611-143-587-2165, 587-2165. More...
  • July 21: Financial Planning for Unexpected Events, ACS Conference Room, 10 a.m. More...
  • July 22: Volunteer Orientation & VMIS Training. More...
  • July 22: Unaccompanied Housing (UPH) Town Hall, Sadowski Theater, 1:30 p.m.
  • July 23: Biergarten at the Von Steuben. More...
  • July 28: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
  • July 30: Biergarten at the Von Steuben. More...
  • Aug. 1: Berlin Trip with Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • Aug. 3-7: Ansbach Clinic's School/CYS Physical Rodeo. Get your child's school/sports physicals. More...
  • Aug. 11: Back to School Block Party, 4-7 p.m. Katterbach Youth Center
  • Aug. 15: Skydiving with Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • Aug. 25: Ansbach Hospital Maternity Tour with ACS. More...
  • Aug. 29: Paddle the Main River with Outdoor Recreation. More...
  • Sept. 3-6: Paris & Normandy trip with Outdoor rec. More...

MWR CALENDAR | ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CALENDAR (ACS) | DoWEA CALENDAR

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

GERMAN EVENTS

  • Jul. 9 - 12: Auf der Ziegenwiese " On the goat meadow" Music and Cultural Event in Ansbach. More...
  • Jul. 10 & 18: Music Concerts: American Music Abroad. More...
  • Jul 17: The Ambassadors of Music. Bands and Choirs in Rothenburg. More...
  • Jul. 17-18: Heilsbronn City Fest. More...
  • Jul 20: The Ambassadors of Music. Bands and Choirs in Rothenburg. More...
  • Jul 23: The Ambassadors of Music. Bands and Choirs in Rothenburg. More...
  • Jul. 25-26: Wine Fest Rothenburg. More...
  • Aug. 8-17: Der Drachenstich Medieval Fest, Furth im Wald. More...
  • Aug. 12-16: Wine Village Rothenburg. More...
  • Aug. 13-16: Wine Fest Ansbach. More...
  • Sept. 4-6: Imperial City Festival Rothenburg. More...
  • Sept. 26: Green Night Ansbach. Ansbach's landmarks shine in green light, and numerous buildings open their doors to culture enthusiasts. The special ambiance is further enhanced by "green" activities and performances by "green" characters, transforming the balmy late summer evening into a spectacular event. Live music of various genres on different stages throughout the old town + a late-night shopping event also takes place concurrently. More...
  • Oct. 31 - Nov. 8: Autumn Fair with trade show in Rothenburg. More...
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GERMAN NEWS

How Germans and Americans got to know each other in 1945

In the aftermath of World War II, the 1.6 million American soldiers occupying Germany were initially subject to a strict fraternization ban that forbade even kindness toward German children, but this policy proved unenforceable and was progressively relaxed—Eisenhower lifting the child-contact ban in June 1945, permitting public conversation with adults a month later, and dropping the fraternization ban entirely by October, though marriage to German women remained forbidden until December 1946 except in cases of pregnancy. Despite resentment from both Germans (who disparaged the women as "Ami-Liebchen") and Americans (who saw the soldiers as "victims of German Fräuleins"), some 20,000 German-American marriages occurred by 1949, aided by the near-absence of German men.

To war-weary Germans, the glamorous, casual GIs seemed like beings from another world, and American "soft power"—jazz, Coca-Cola, blue jeans, films, and youth programs like the GYA—along with shame over Nazi crimes helped foster rapprochement, even as surveys showed lingering Nazi sympathies. This groundwork, reinforced by the Marshall Plan, the Berlin Airlift, and Byrnes's 1946 Stuttgart speech welcoming Germany back among free nations, transformed occupier and defeated into allies, culminating emotionally in Kennedy's iconic 1963 "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech—a friendship that began, symbolically, with the first occupation-era German-American marriage of Charlotte Werr and Sergeant David Charles Petty in December 1945. (Nuernberger Nachrichten, July 8, 2026)

Poland says US revives previously canceled troop deployment

A U.S. troop deployment to Poland that was recently canceled will resume in the coming weeks, a senior Polish official said this week. Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said he received confirmation of the decision from U.S. Deputy Ambassador to Poland Stephanie Holmes and a U.S. military attache in the country. “The rotation that was suspended a few weeks ago is returning, it will continue and in the coming weeks the rotation of American troops in Poland will be filled,” Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters Monday during a defense industry event in northern Poland. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the situation.(Stars and Stripes, July 7, 2026)

U.S. Army is celebrating 250 year anniversary

VIDEO: For the USA's 250th Independence Day, the "Freedom Fest" in Katterbach (Ansbach district) remained largely reserved for the military community. Security is a huge issue, including here in Katterbach in Middle Franconia. Only those who work here at the US Army base are allowed in – and of course their family members. The big Freedom Fest, at which the USA celebrates its independence 250 years ago, had been planned for 10,000 people.(BR TV, July 7, 2026)

Europe has replaced most US cuts within NATO, top commander says

European NATO allies have mostly replaced the assets that the U.S. has cut from its rescue plans in case of a war in Europe, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe Sir John Stringer said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Stringer made the assurance to ahead of the alliance’s summit in Ankara next week, at which allies will try to smooth over recent announcements by the U.S. signaling that it is pivoting away from the continent. (Stars and Stripes, July 4, 2026)

Fireworks for the 250th US Birthday at USAG Ansbach

On Saturday, the US garrison celebrated the 250th birthday of the United States of America with a public festival at the Katterbach barracks. Around 3,000 people attended "Freedom Fest." The highlight was a fireworks display around 10 p.m. (Fraenkische Landeszeitung, July 6, 2026)

Controversial plan halted shortly before NATO meeting

Pete Hegseth apparently planned to announce further reductions in US troops in Europe during a visit to Brussels in June. This was reported by the *Wall Street Journal*. According to the report, Hegseth intended to withdraw significantly more US troops than previously disclosed. However, this did not happen. According to the report, the plan was halted after Hegseth presented it to Marco Rubio and other high-ranking government officials. Ultimately, the US Secretary of Defense announced only a review of the American troop presence in Europe, lasting up to six months. (Focus, July 6, 2026)

US General Donahue Steps Down: NATO "Stronger Than Ever"

General Christopher Donahue, Commander of US Army Europe and Africa, is stepping down after just 18 months. US forces announced prior to the ceremony—scheduled for Thursday—that he would hand over command in Wiesbaden to his deputy, Christopher R. Norrie. Donahue (56)—highly respected and the last US soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021—is seen as the latest example of a high-ranking military official ousted by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, sometimes without explanation. (Main Echo, July 2, 2026)

Germany wants to make US weapons on home turf

Germany wants to expand defense-industrial cooperation with the United States, including by building U.S. weapons systems or components under license in Germany, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Wednesday. Asked whether producing American weapons in Germany would undermine Europe’s goal to become less dependent on Washington, Pistorius pushed back. (politico.eu, July 1, 2026)

Army investigates source of toxic chemicals found in fish at major training hub in southern Germany

U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria suspended fishing in five lakes and streams in the Grafenwoehr Training Area earlier this month after elevated levels of PFAS were discovered in the samples. Anglers were advised not to consume any fish caught in the affected bodies of water: Little Mike Lake, Rod and Gun Lakes 1 and 2, Thumbach Stream and Schaumbach Stream. (Stars and Stripes, June 25, 2026)

Army honors soldiers lost in Morocco, reveals officer died trying to save teammate

An Army officer who died during training in Morocco was posthumously awarded the service’s highest decoration for noncombat heroism in recognition of his efforts to save a fellow soldier who had fallen into the ocean. First Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr. received the Soldier’s Medal during a memorial ceremony in Bavaria on Monday, after which new details about the circumstances surrounding his death were made public. Also honored was Spc. Mariyah Symone Collington, the soldier Key attempted to save, who was posthumously awarded an Army Commendation Medal. (Stars and Stripes, June 30, 2026)

Train service between Ansbach-Nuremberg returns to normal July 8

Regular train service on the S4 line between Ansbach and Nuremberg returns to normal July 8. Service on the line between Ansbach and Nuremberg has been severely restricted April 2026. Specifically, the railway is stabilizing a slope on the Nuremberg-Ansbach line in the section between Roßtal and Raitersaich. Since the work began, one track has been closed to train traffic on an alternating basis. Consequently, DB has significantly reduced the frequency of S-Bahn line 4 services for the duration of the construction. Trains are now mostly running once an hour instead of every 20 minutes. Furthermore, a number of S-Bahn trains are not stopping at Roßtal, Raitersaich, or Heilsbronn. The current train status is available at https://int.bahn.de/en or in the DB Navigator app.

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

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