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A unique event unfolded in the village of Hütschenhausen, near Ramstein Air Base in late February. The Bund Deutscher EinsatzVeteranen and Mirascon Insurance Agency hosted the event for German veterans and their American counterparts in the spirit of camaraderie and healing. This event, set against the backdrop of shared military experiences, aims to foster understanding, support and a sense of community. One of the remarkable features of this event is the emphasis on rehabilitation, with a particular focus on the therapeutic benefits of horse-assisted activities for wounded soldiers.
The Bund Deutscher Einsatz-Veteranen plays a crucial role in connecting German veterans who have served in various deployments around the world. Established as a support network, the association aims to address the unique challenges faced by these veterans upon their return. The German-American brunch was a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering international bonds and promoting healing among veterans.
U.S. veterans have found supporting agencies, such as The American Legion, with its European commander Robert Gray, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Being able to connect with others who faced similar challenges and trauma can be a crucial part of healing and moving forward. Especially for family members, who are often left alone, it would be great to meet others affected who understand and can fathom the situation, and then engage in exchange and mutual support.
Support for German soldiers and their families is rather young and the Bund Deutscher EinsatzVeteranen was founded in 2010 upon an initiative to accompany and assist veterans and their families in their struggle facing traumatic experiences during deployments and combat. The association offers family weekend events, such as wandering with alpacas, climbing or just barbequing in a casual setting. It is open for any veteran, regardless of nationality.
Bernhard Drescher, German veteran from Berlin and Chairman of the Association, was pleased about the overwhelming outcome of the meeting and said that it had hit just the right nerve, in implementing a German-American initiative to deepen connections of veterans of both nations. A large number of U.S. veterans attended the event and valued their opportunity to meet German comrades.
A further unique aspect of the German-American get-together was the incorporation of horse therapy as a rehabilitation tool for wounded soldiers. Equine-assisted therapy has proven to be effective in addressing physical and psychological trauma. The presence of horses provides a therapeutic environment where veterans can reconnect with themselves and others.
Horses are known for their intuitive ability to sense emotions, making them ideal companions for those dealing with the aftermath of trauma. The calming and grounding effect of interacting with these majestic animals can contribute significantly to the healing process. Activities such as grooming, riding, and simply being in the presence of horses offer wounded soldiers a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
Thais Krings and Ursula Weishaupt from Wermelskirchen traveled to Hütschenhausen with their two therapeutic horses Ari and Amira to demonstrate how riding therapy is designed and how contact with a horse as co-therapist can have a positive effect on the psyche of the person suffering from PTSD.
The two experienced therapists are convinced of the theory “two legs carry your body, four legs carry your soul” (author unknown).
The Bund Deutscher EinsatzVeteranen and Mirascon are planning further meetings in the future and a field service, organized by the Reservist Association Westpfalz, under the motto “We who served” is scheduled for April 27, starting at 10:30 a.m. There will be drinks, a barbecue and a church service with the blessing starting at 1:30 p.m. with the blessing of motorcycles and their riders at RK-Heim Hütschenhausen, Steinbruch. Event info: https://www.reservistenverband.de/, or for general information, visit: https://www.veteranenverband.de/ or contact: office@veteranenverband.de (English spoken).
