MANNHEIM, Germany - Twenty-two people from the German Prison Mannheim and the German Police Mannheim visited the U.S. Army Regional Correctional Facility June 3 to say farewell to a long-lasting relationship as the facility is scheduled to be closed by the end of the year.
The United States Army Correctional Activity-Europe (USACA-E) is closing the facility in Mannheim and opening a brand new facility in Sembach, Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s ongoing transformation efforts.
For almost 40 years, the German and American organizations have had a close friendship where they organized tours of their respective facilities, sport events, and barbecues in support of their relationship.
According to Gerd Angermann, chief of pre-trial custody at Prison Mannheim, he has been part of joint events since the late 1970s, when he started working at the prison.
"We have always appreciated the invitations from the Americans," said Angermann. "Especially the military world is interesting to us, and people always enjoyed the visits."
This partnership has also been appreciated by the USACA-E staff.
"USACA-E has enjoyed an excellent partnership with the Polizei, and the Feldjagers (field huntsmen) for several years now," said Maj. Rahsaan Jackson, USACA-E commander and a native of Lansing, Michigan, "and I am very excited to be on the team as we continue to find new and innovative ways to engage with our multinational partners."
“This is a very important activity for us," added Jackson.
"Strategically, it builds friendship and a bond that supports the common goals of our organizations."