The Bavarian Soldier Reception

Photo By Gen. Rajagau Tuan Lante | Leaders from the U.S. Army, and German political figures meet at the Bavarian Soldier Reception, Munich, Germany, Nov. 18, 2019. The Bavarian Soldier Reception is held every two years to show support for the Armed Forces stationed in Bavaria. photo shared by the Bavarian State Chancellery.  

GERMANY

11.18.2019

Story by Pfc. Zachary Stahlberg 

7th Army Training Command

MUNICH, Germany- More than 200 U.S. Soldiers joined the Bavarian Minister President and Bundeswehr soldiers for the Bavarian Soldier Reception, Munich, Germany, Nov. 18. 2019.
The reception is held every two years and serves as an opportunity for the Bavarian leadership to demonstrate solidarity with and support for the Armed Forces stationed within the state.
“The Bavarian Soldiers' Reception is important because it is the Bavarian state government's way of recognizing the value and importance of the German Bundeswehr, U.S. Army, and friendly forces stationed in Bavaria,” said Peter Mock, 7th Army Training Command, government relations officer.
The Bavarian Soldiers Reception gave U.S. troops and German Bundeswehr the chance to interact with each other in a formal atmosphere.
“This event provides a sense of familiarity with our German Allies,” said Capt. Jamie Rodriguez, the 7th Army Training Command Headquarters, Headquarters Company commander. “Whether we join the same German Soldiers that we meet tonight on the battlefield or not, we now have a better sense of comradery with all German Soldiers that will allow us to be more interoperable when it matters most.”
The Bavarian Soldiers Reception began in 1950 and to this day is still used to show gratitude to U.S. and German troops for their service in defending Germany with a strong united front.
“Our German allies invited us to the Bavarian Soldier Reception and the response by our senior leaders was to send Soldiers to show our support,” said Rodriguez. “That is an enormous commitment to our host nation and ally; one which is proof of the strong relationship between Germans and Americans.”
The night was filled with laughter and excitement as U.S. and German Soldiers interacted and raised glasses to each other’s health.
“Being able to watch the ceremony and then join the newly enlisted Soldiers at the Reception was great,” said Rodriguez. “I was impressed by the hospitality and happy to see the strength of the partnership between our two Armies.”

• Date Taken: 11.18.2019
• Date Posted: 11.20.2019 09:00
• Story ID: 352499
• Location: DE