Post 1982 at center of the 'best hometown in Europe'

His 79th birthday was coming up, and Kenneth Aungst didn’t want presents or cake. Instead, he asked friends and family to donate funds to the American Legion post he commands, David Chavez Post 1982, at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach in Germany. That suggestion produced over $800, which he put to use to promote the post’s youth programs. The next year, he declined gifts again, and more than $1,200 came into the post for his 80th birthday.

Now, the post has a collection of vinyl banners that colorfully display all that the Legion does for military families stationed and working at the garrison, home to the U.S. Army’s 12th Combat Aviation Brigade and more.

Col. Benjamin C. Jones, commander of the garrison and a member of the Post 1982, dropped by the Department of France Executive Committee meeting in Ansbach earlier this month to express his appreciation. “I am thankful for the strength of our local Legion and what it means to our workforce and families,” Col. Jones said. “The American Legion is extremely important here. Anytime we need help with community events, legwork, fundraising, providing food… there is never a shortage of volunteers to help. We are really proud of The American Legion.”

The post, he explained, is a centerpiece of the garrison he describes as “the best hometown in Europe.”

Occupying eight different installations in two areas and about 25 square miles of Bavaria, USAG Ansbach includes the Katterbach Kasene, which has an elementary, middle and high school. It also houses Post 1982, which takes pride in the youth programs it offers to families. “The youth programs,” Col. Jones said, “are outstanding.”

The colonel’s sons took part in the post-sponsored fishing trip last spring, which was followed by a free barbecue. The post also produced the 2017 Department of France Oratorical Contest winner, Alyssa Saunders, who received a $1,000 scholarship and an opportunity to compete for much more at the April national competition in Indianapolis. The post has sponsored and coached a Junior Shooting Sports program for the last two years, raised money to buy competition air rifles for the students, and supports the Junior ROTC program there.

Last September, the garrison made available a bright new meeting hall for Post 1982. “Before that, we were in a cellar,” quipped Commander Aungst, who says membership of about 150 is improving because of the higher visibility and commitment to help military families of the garrison. The colorful vinyl banners – Commander Aungst’s birthday gifts for the past two years – help ensure that those stationed in that part of Germany understand there’s a taste of home nearby.

“We are thankful to help the Legion in any way we can,” Col. Jones said. “It’s a great relationship.”