A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command shows a German civilian how the M915A5 Line-Haul Tractor Truck operates during the Tag der Bundeswehr event on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany June 28, 2025. The event offered attendees a closer look at Bundeswehr and NATO equipment and capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

A member of the Swiss Armed Forces explains the use of weapons to German civilians during the Tag der Bundeswehr event on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, June 28, 2025. Swiss troops engaged with visitors to help them understand the German-Swiss alliance. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

Members of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic set up the Czech Republic flag during the Tag der Bundeswehr event on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, June 28, 2025. Participation in Tag der Bundeswehr reinforces the vital role of multinational partnerships in maintaining peace and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

Members of the British Armed Forces display their equipment to a German civilian during the Tag der Bundeswehr event at Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, on June 28, 2025. Through events like this, allied forces reaffirm their shared values and collective defense posture. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command pose for a photo during the Tag der Bundeswehr event on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, June 28, 2025. The event underscored the strength of the U.S.-German alliance and the 21st TSC's role in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

A member of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and German civilians interact with a Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) during the Tag der Bundeswehr event on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany, June 28, 2025. The Q-UGV was adopted to maintain high-tempo perimeter security operations for deterrence and real-time intelligence. (U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Kadence Connors)

GARLSTEDT, Germany – U.S. Army Soldiers from the 16th Sustainment Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command joined multinational allies and more than 16,000 visitors at the Bundeswehr Logistics School for Tag der Bundeswehr, Germany’s annual Armed Forces Day, June 28, 2025.

The event brought together forces from the United States, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France to showcase logistics capabilities and strengthen public trust in NATO cooperation. For the 16th Sustainment Brigade, the day was more than a demonstration; it was a message of unity, readiness, and shared purpose.

“Events like Tag der Bundeswehr are more than public showcases, they are powerful demonstrations of unity, readiness, and shared purpose,” said Col. Christopher Richardson, commander of the 16th Sustainment Brigade. “They remind our citizens and our allies that logistics is the backbone of deterrence and collective defense. Through events like this, we build trust with the public and strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly with NATO partners.”

U.S. Soldiers partnered with German hosts to provide hands-on exhibits of tactical vehicles, resupply systems, and command post equipment. Visitors explored the displays while engaging directly with troops to learn more about the mission behind sustainment operations.

“This kind of event is about opening our doors to the public,” said Lt. Col. Thies Neelsen, liaison chief for the Bundeswehr Logistics Command at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command. “We want to show German citizens what we’re doing, what we stand for, and of course, provide fun on a sunny day.”

For Pvt. Zchermaine Gamble, a motor transport operator with the 95th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, the day was a chance to represent her unit and inspire others.

“Being here and wearing this uniform means I get to show up, be professional, and also be myself,” Gamble said. “I’m proud to be part of the U.S. Army, not just for what I do, but for what I can teach the next person, whether they want to follow in my steps or just learn what I do.”

In addition to logistics demonstrations, the event featured live equipment displays, family-friendly activities, and information booths highlighting military careers and allied missions.

Neelsen underscored the importance of allied presence and partnership.

“It is very important that we have our allies here, in particular our American allies,” he said. “We stand here for our common defense. We always do it within the alliance, side by side with our allies.”

As Tag der Bundeswehr came to a close, both Soldiers and spectators left with a deeper appreciation for service, unity, and the sustainment mission that enables the fight.

“We are an alliance,” Neelsen said. “We stand here together, and we fight together.”