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REGENSBURG, Germany — The 702nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company and the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion were recently honored for their part in collecting donations for the maintenance of the national German war memorials throughout Europe.
For their efforts, the two U.S. units were recognized in Regensburg, Germany, at the annual reception of the National Association for German War Graves, with German Silver Medals.
“The Soldiers of the 18th CSSB responded with selflessness by freely donating to the German War Memorial Fund. Their actions demonstrate the deep respect that warriors share. The war memorial organization honors all Soldiers through their efforts, and each Soldier is grateful to those who never forget the sacrifices a Soldier makes for love of country. I am proud and honored to be in the company of the 18th CSSB warhammers,” said 18th CSSB Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan Witzel, a native of Hereford, Ariz.
Unlike American war memorials, which are maintained by the federal government, German war memorials are kept up mainly through private donations with the German federal government only paying for about one-third of the bill.
“As the mayor of the market town of Freihung, the 18th CSSB’s partner community, and an active Reservist with the Freihung German Military Reserves Association, I am very proud about the great support within the battalion,” said Freihung Mayor Norbert Buecherl. “Our U.S. friends already volunteered for the German War Graves Preservation Association initiative of ‘Reconciliation over the Graves-Working for Peace’ by collecting funds for the preservation of war graves for German Soldiers.
“I pay great respect to my American friends and appreciate this unusual gesture. Congratulations on the award for the Soldiers of our partner units,” Mayor Buecherl said.
“All warhammers believe in selfless service to the native land, and the assistance of Soldiers to remember fallen comrades is a noble cause. All warriors deserve to be honored and properly remembered,” said Master Sgt. Johnny Frank, a native of Baytown, Texas, who works as the battalion operations sergeant.
It was through the partnership between the 702nd EOD Co. and the Freihung German Military Reserves Association that the Soldiers of the battalion heard about the system of funding war memorial repairs. For the past two years, the Soldiers of the 702nd EOD Co. and 18th CSSB have collected donations.
“This worked out with our partner unit, the Freihung Reserves. They were heading to France to perform general maintenance on a German war memorial from the early 1900s. We donated to help them cover costs because we felt it was the right thing to do,” said 702nd EOD Co. 1st Sgt. Jeffery Bergweiler, a native of Holland, Mich.
This year’s contribution was more than €600, and the battalion’s goal for next year is to reach €900.
