Franconia News

The
Vol. No. IX, Issue 6

Serving the Franconia Military CommunityAnsbach, Bamberg and Schweinfurt

Feb. 17, 2012

USAG Ansbach breaks ground on new barracks

From left to right: Michael Hartmann (construction manager) Pvt. Rashaun Matthews (HHC, 12 th CAB), Solathian Nuniss ( First Sergeants Barracks Program Manager , Col. Kelly J. Lawler (commander USAG Ansbach), Sgt Jeremiah Rich, HHC, 12 th CAB, Walter Bogdonow (a civil engineer with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District), Klaus Gerstendorff (director, Nuremberg Department of Construction). Photo by Jennifer Aldridge U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District

By Connie Summers KATTERBACH-- After seven turns of the spade, the Enlisted Barracks 1+1 project was off to a frosty start at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbachs Bismarck Kaserne, here Feb. 10. The construction project is scheduled to be finished by winter of 2013. Initial construction works however, will have to wait until there are slightly warmer temperatures in Ansbach, chief of construction for the Nuremberg regional directorate for the State of Bavaria, Manfred Sendlbeck explained. With a current price-tag of some $15.3 million, the brand-new building will boost 108 rooms for junior enlisted Soldiers and 10 rooms for non-commissioned officers. Our new enlisted barracks will tremendously improve the off-duty quality of life for our single Soldiers, said Col. Kelly J. Lawler, commander of USAG Ansbach. Continued on page 3 This week in Schweinfurt: Super Bowl brings Soldiers together, pg. 5. More at: http://www.schweinfurt.army.mil/ Bamberg: Volunteers preserve community theater, pg. 4. More at: http://www.bamberg.army.mil/index.asp

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Presidents Day is an opportunity for us to remember and honor our past Commanders-in-Chiefs. Each of them have led our nation during challenging times, and their composite leadership has contributed to our nation being what it is today. As I reflect on the many stories and achievements of our Presidents, there is one that clearly stands out. Its the story of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, and one of several who served as President and as a member of the military. Ike served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces for the invasion of Europe during World War II (wearing the patch we proudly wear today which designates USAREUR), and he served as President from 1953 to 1961, a time when the Cold War was just beginning. He understood challenging, complex and difficult situations. President Eisenhower once said: Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow.

Feb. 17, 2012

LTG Hertlings Presidents Day Message

He had a way of seeing the big picture and he understood that the actions we take today, as leaders, will help prepare us for the uncertainties of tomorrow. He was a true example of what leaders should strive to be he was a professional, rooted his actions in values, and he had concern and care for people that was exemplary. Leaders at all levels, from squad leader to platoon sergeant, from platoon leader to battalion commander, from Command Sergeants Major to Lieutenant General, must always know their actions today will contribute to shaping our Army and our nations future for tomorrow. As you celebrate Presidents Day, take time to reflect on what type of leader you are today and how you are using your unique skills to shape the Army and the Nation that we all want tomorrow. Have a safe and enjoyable Presidents Day weekend. Strong Soldiers, Strong Teams!

THE REAL WARRIORS CAMPAIGN combats the stigma associated with seeking psychological health care and treatment and encourages service members to increase their awareness and use of these resources. www.realwarriors.net 866-966-1020 oe.realwarriors@tma.osd.

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The Franconian News is an authorized electronic newsletter for members of the Department of Defense. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, or the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the USAG Ansbach PAO. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the U.S. Army. Everything advertised in this publication will be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.

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Col. Kelly J. Lawler, USAG Ansbach commander Gary Sowders, Acting Public Affairs Officer Ronald H. Toland Jr., Editor and C.I. Content Manager Bianca Sowders, Public Affairs Specialist Public Affairs Office 468-1600 or 0981-183-1600

Feb. 17, 2012

Groundbreaking...
Continued from page 1 He emphasized that the 1+1 Barracks will also help boost the resilience of Soldiers as they return from their tough deployments. Col. Jay Voorhees, commander of the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, pointed out that "once construction of the new enlisted Barracks is completed, single Soldiers will have greatly improved living conditions for retreat after a busy workday. Basically two soldiers will share a suite of two separate, private living and sleeping rooms connected by a bathroom and service area, which has a sink, counter, refrigerator, and space for a microwave, said Walter Bogdanow, a civil engineer with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District. Voorhees added, These billets will allow for quite a bit more privacy as well as a fantastic new home away from home. This is a terrific day for our entire community and also for the partnership between the 12th CAB, USAG Ansbach and our great host nation of Germany." The Barracks construction is uniting expert skills from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the USAG Ansbach Department of Public Works with the German Regional Department of Construction in Nuremberg, as well as partners from the German private sector, according to Lawler. It is great to see that we are continuing to grow as partners, with partners. Klaus Gerstendorff, director of the Nuremberg Department of Construction compared the teamwork of all involved to that of a soccer team, where all players work towards the common objective of scoring a goal; in this case, the successful construction process of the 1+1 Enlisted Barracks.

Pre-deployment Showcases
USAG Ansbach is conducting a series of pre-deployment tion available for the taking; they will also answer any showcases to assist providing Soldiers and families with questions you may have. information that will support them during their deployAt the end of the day, knowledge is power," she said. ment. The next showcase will be March 1 and 2 at the KatterHeather Leiby, garrison showcase coordinator, explains bach gym. what the showcases are, their purpose and why they are valuable to attend for Soldiers and family. The showcases are for both the Solider and family member. This is an opportunity to come out and meet with the garrison agencies that provide support throughout the deployment. If someone has questions regarding deployment related support, this is the place to go to get the right answers from the people who know, she said. Leiby explained that while this is important information for the Soldier, it is just as important for the family member, as they will be the one staying here through the deployment. Knowing who is out there and what exists in terms of support is a key aspect of a successful deployment, she said. Family members will have the knowledge of where to go to get help and get questions answered. If soldiers and family members are armed with the correct information they are able to make informed decisions, reach out and get situations solved before they turn into crises. This is also an opportunity to update information with agencies, such as housing. Information on financial entitlements, space A travel, ACS support and other key programs are available, and family members and soldiers can get personal questions answered, she added. Many of the agencies have handouts and basic informa-