AUSA First In Battle Chapter

28/05/2026

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY & AAFES STORE OF THE YEAR PRESENTATION

Today, our community gathered in solemn remembrance to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States of America. As we marked the Semi‑quincentennial—250 Years of the United States of America**, we reflected on the legacy of courage and sacrifice that has safeguarded our Nation since its founding.

The ceremony featured the National Anthem, benedictions, Memorial Day remarks, the POW/MIA Missing Man Table, and a moving Wreath‑Laying Ceremony with Taps**, honoring all branches, including the United States Space Force.

A patriotic Memorial Day cake, symbolizing remembrance and unity, was shared with the community following the ceremony — a simple but meaningful gesture to honor those who served and never returned.

AAFES Exchange Store of the Year – 2026
During the ceremony, the First in Battle Chapter formally recognized the Ansbach Urlas Exchange as the **Army & Air Force Exchange Service Store of the Year – 2026**.

From the official citation:
The Urlas Exchange team has demonstrated steadfast professionalism, operational excellence, and a deep sense of duty to those who serve.
Its daily efforts uplift morale, strengthen readiness, and embody the enduring spirit of service that has defined our Nation for 250 years.

To honor this achievement, each of the 35 team members received:
-AUSA Coin of Excellence
- USA 250th Anniversary Coin of Excellence for Outstanding Service

Community Strength & Partnership
This Memorial Day observance reaffirmed the enduring partnership between AUSA, AAFES, and the USAG Ansbach military community. It highlighted our shared mission: to support Soldiers, Families, Veterans, and Civilians with dignity, respect, and unwavering commitment.

22/04/2026

20/04/2026

USAG Ansbach Easter Celebration – First in Battle Chapter Support
Our First in Battle Chapter volunteers were proud to support the USAG Ansbach Easter event, helping bring joy, energy, and connection to Families across the “Best Hometown in Europe.”
A special shout‑out to Gizem, whose enthusiastic support and positive spirit made the children’s activity station a highlight of the day. Her commitment reflects the heart of our chapter—service, teamwork, and strengthening our community through simple moments of fun and togetherness.
Thank you to all who stopped by, participated, and helped make this event memorable for our youngest community members.
(AUSA First in Battle is a private, nonprofit organization and is not part of the Department of Defense.)

20/04/2026

USAG Ansbach – “Best Hometown in Europe” 2026 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
Today, our community came together to honor the extraordinary volunteers whose dedication strengthens the spirit of the “Best Hometown in Europe.” The USAG Ansbach 2026 Volunteer Recognition Ceremony highlighted the service, leadership, and generosity of Soldiers, Families, Civilians, and community partners who give their time to make this garrison a place of connection and resilience.
The AUSA First in Battle Chapter was proud to stand alongside our volunteers and recognize their impact. Their commitment reflects the very best of our community—service without expectation, teamwork across formations, and a shared belief in supporting those who serve.
To all honorees and supporters: thank you for uplifting our hometown and for demonstrating what it means to serve with purpose. Your contributions continue to inspire and strengthen the entire USAG Ansbach community.
(AUSA First in Battle is a private, nonprofit organization and is not part of the Department of Defense.)

04/03/2026

Proud moment for the First in Battle Chapter as our Chapter President and members came together for a meaningful wreath‑laying ceremony. Our team continues to stand united in honoring those who served and strengthening our Army family.

15/01/2026

The First in Battle Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) continues to lead from the front—rallying support, strengthening bonds, and uplifting our Soldiers and Families.
As they reach out to members across the force, their message is clear: unity, readiness, and community matter. Whether through advocacy, events, or direct engagement, their commitment to those who serve remains unwavering.
Let’s stand with them. Let’s support the mission. Let’s honor the legacy.

03/01/2026

FIRST IN BATTLE CHAPTER – 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
From formations to family days, from outreach to remembrance, our chapter stood united in purpose and service. These 25 moments reflect the heartbeat of our mission: Soldiers, Families, and Community — always first, always forward.
📍USAG Ansbach • USAG Bavaria • Garmisch • Region 8

01/01/2026

New Year’s Message from the First in Battle Chapter, AUSA

As the sun rises on 2026, we extend fraternal greetings and heartfelt gratitude to all who stand in service, unity, and legacy.

To our fellow Soldiers, Families, and Community Partners across USAG Ansbach, Bavaria, Garmisch, and beyond—thank you for making this chapter the largest concentration of Soldier support and family engagement in AUSA Region 8.

To our Sojourning Freemasons stationed abroad—from Katterbach to Kuwait, from Vicenza to Bahrain—may this year bring renewed fellowship, deeper inquiry, and the enduring light of brotherhood.

We remain committed to ceremonial clarity, constitutional fidelity, and the sacred duty of building a legacy that transcends borders.

Here’s to 2026: a year of impact, unity, and perpetual service.

31/12/2025

January 2026 Newsletter

A New Year of Purpose, Readiness, and Renewed Commitment
Dear Members, Families, and Friends,

As we step boldly into 2026, our chapter welcomes a season of renewed purpose, strengthened unity, and forward looking momentum. The new year invites us to reflect on the resilience we demonstrated throughout 2025 and to recommit ourselves to the mission that binds us.

Serving Across the USAG Ansbach and USAG Bavaria Footprint
The First in Battle Chapter proudly serves Soldiers, families, and civilian teammates across both USAG Ansbach and USAG Bavaria, reinforcing our commitment to readiness, unity, and community support throughout the region. Our mission extends across key installations, ensuring that our programs, observances, and outreach efforts remain accessible and impactful for all who call this footprint home.

Across USAG Ansbach, we continue supporting the communities of Katterbach, Bismarck, Shipton, and Storck Barracks—strengthening ties with tenant units, family programs, and community partners.
Within USAG Bavaria, our presence reaches Tower Barracks, Rose Barracks, Hohenfels, and Garmisch, allowing us to engage a broader population of Soldiers, families, retirees, and civilian teammates stationed throughout southern Germany.

As the largest concentration of Soldier support and family engagement within AUSA Region 8, our chapter plays a vital role in sustaining readiness, fostering community resilience, and ensuring that every member of our Army family feels seen, supported, and connected.

This dual garrison reach enhances our chapter’s visibility, expands our ceremonial presence, and reinforces our ability to deliver meaningful support across the Army community. Together, we remain steadfast in our mission to uplift, empower, and serve all who stand within the Ansbach and Bavaria military footprint with dignity, clarity, and unwavering readiness.

This year will be one of transition, opportunity, and revitalized engagement. Together, we will continue building a legacy worthy of the First in Battle name.

11/11/2025

Heartfelt Veterans Day Tribute at Urlas Kaserne Exchange! 🇺🇸
November 11, 2025 – 1100 Hours

On this sacred Veterans Day, we gathered at the Urlas AAFES Exchange in Ansbach, Germany, to honor all who have served with unwavering gratitude and pride. Leading the way was CW3 (Retired) Eddie Guevara, Chapter President of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), who proudly wears many hats as the current Grand Master of the Armed Forces Europe and Middle East Grand Lodge. Representing AUSA, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), Eddie hosted a moving ceremony that brought our military family together.

We welcomed veterans, active-duty Soldiers, families, and DoD civilians to a powerful opening salute to the U.S. Flag. Eddie delivered an inspiring speech reflecting on sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of service. The event touched hearts with a poignant Missing Man Table lecture, symbolizing those who never returned, and a solemn tribute at the Memorial Wall, where we remembered our fallen war veterans from the military community. A wreath was laid in their honor, followed by the haunting notes of Taps that echoed through the hall.

The ceremony closed on a note of unity and renewal with a cake-cutting tradition, shared among representatives from all branches and eras of service. Over 50 community members attended, forging new connections and renewing old ones in the spirit of "Honoring All Who Served."

Special shout-out to Mr. Cary Zottolo, AAFES Urlas Exchange Manager, whose resilient support made this event extraordinary! He proudly presented 30 veterans with commemorative remembrance coins, certificates of appreciation, and raffle prizes — including gift cards, AAFES swag, and morale-boosting items — honoring our warriors in a truly meaningful way. Thank you, Cary, for standing with us and lifting our heroes! 🙌

Eddie, your leadership and passion embody the true meaning of Veterans Day. To every hero in uniform—past, present, and future—thank you. Your service lights the way for us all.