Hohenfels Germany-- It was an exciting day on the parade field at Schweppermann Kaserne as U.S. and German Soldiers displayed their friendship and camaraderie during a pre-deployment ceremony.
The German troops will soon be leaving for Afghanistan as part of the NATO mission taking place there.
The event was a celebration of the strong partnership that has existed between the Falcon Observer Coach Trainer (OCT) Team and the German Army's 472nd Logistics Battalion.
It also gave the Americans a chance to say "safe journey" to their German friends.
Based at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) at Hohenfels, Germany, the Falcon Team are resident experts for military aviation related capabilities, a skill set that has proved invaluable to their German partners as they prepared for deployment.
The German Soldiers gave the Senior Enlisted Aviation Trainer, Command Sgt. Maj. David Benning, a token of appreciation in thanks for the beneficial training provided by the Falcon Team.
"The logistics training with the Falcons was extremely helpful to us and our fantastic partnership allows us to share knowledge and ideas," said Maj. Klaus Dollack, Corps Commander of the 472nd Logistics Battalion.
Sharing training and tactics are beneficial for both partners.
"Its indispensible, you couldn't get this kind of trade-off anywhere else," said Staff Sgt. Wayne Sauza, the lead liaison for the Falcons' partnership program.
For the last four years, Falcon Team members have participated in German military functions with the 472nd ranging from the coveted German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency (Das Abzeichen für Leistungen im Truppendienst) to the German Armed Forces Badge for Weapons Proficiency (Schützenschnur).
"We wish our friends a safe return and we'll be here for them when they get back so we can continue to sustain our valuable friendship," said Sgt. 1st Class Adam Holland, a liaison to the 472nd, as he expressed his commitment to the Falcon's partnership.
The ISAF mission in Afghanistan has afforded many NATO nations opportunities to work together towards a common goal. Now with those soldiers coming home, it is these quiet and small displays of friendship and partnership that will sustain those bonds in the future.
The Joint Multination Readiness Center is the U.S. Army's only overseas Combat Training Center. It is part of the Joint Multinational Training Command and trains more than 60,000 soldiers (U.S. and allied) annually.
Social Sharing