Writer – Cadet 2LT Elizabeth Berg
Photographer – C/SSG Preston Blake
On November 2, 2024 at Clay Kaserne in the U.S. Army Europe & Africa HQ Staff Building, the Wiesbaden Warrior Battalion honored the many valiant veterans and retirees in our community during the annual Retiree Appreciation event. Every retiree and veteran in the community deserves to be recognized for their sacrifice, and the Warrior Battalion was once again proud to assist in the event as they have for many years.
The numerous cadets present at the event greeted all attendees and helped those who needed extra assistance or information. When asked about the Warrior battalion’s support during the event, Cadet 2LT Amelia Craven said, “It is very important to the JROTC to support the community and show that we care for our veterans. The cadets involved loved to volunteer and speak with the retirees.” When asked the same question, Cadet Corporal Rowan Confer stated, “Our support shows veterans that we are here to support them – just like they supported us.”
The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the Wiesbaden Warrior color guard including the German and American flags. The Wiesbaden High School Choir then proudly sang both the American and German national anthems.
During this ceremony, the Warrior Battalion ensured that all retirees and veterans were properly honored and acknowledged. Information concerning veterans and retirees was also updated during the ceremony. This event also serves as a means for retirees and veterans to gain and share information and communication. When asked about the importance of the event, Glenn Renaa said, “A lot of veterans don’t have the opportunity to come base often. So this gives them the opportunity, once a year, to come on base and get what they need.” When asked the same question, retired sergeant first class Bob Davis replied, “I think it’s really great with all of the representatives that brought everyone together and that they acknowledged and settled issues.”
The event was also provided with a spectacular cake to be shared among all attendees. This provided an opportunity for everyone to socialize and connect. There were also representatives from several organizations which offered services like healthcare, financial planning, and education benefits for all veterans and retirees. When asked about the importance of this event to veterans, commissary representative David Puzicha-Dunn said, “This is important because veterans can get information of our services here all in one place. It provides an opportunity to help each other.”
This year’s retiree appreciation event was a great success and a positive experience for everyone involved. It wasn’t just an opportunity to express the community’s appreciation of our veterans and retirees, but also to learn from them and to see how much they have influenced and supported our country.