Photo By Ella Haendel | After more than 41 years of service, Franz Zeilmann, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria media...... read more read more
TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – After more than 41 years of service, Franz Zeilmann, U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria media relations officer, was honored during his retirement ceremony March 21, 2025 at the Reed Museum at Rose Barracks at Vilseck, Germany.
As part of the ceremony, Zeilmann was granted the privilege of signing the Book of Dragoons.
The Book of Dragoons, described as the oldest and most treasured artifact of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, dates back to 1836, with the first signature belonging to Maj. Gen. David E. Twiggs, the regiment’s first colonel. Signing the book is a part of the Dragooning ceremony, a tradition in which individuals place both hands on a cavalry saber held by the regiment’s colonel, swear an oath, and then write their name into the book.
Typically, only those who have served in the unit are allowed to sign. Regimental commander Col. Donald R. Neal Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Dennis Doyle, however, made an exception for recognizing Zeilmann’s efforts in creating strong relationships between the U.S. military and the local German community.
“When we found out that Franz was going to retire and that we would get a chance to honor him over here, sergeant major and I were talking about what we could do for Franz,” said Neal. “Normally, only folks who have served in the unit sign this book. But we talked internally, and there was no doubt – we were doing it. He has done more for this regiment than many of us have done or will do, and he’s been doing it for about 40 years.”
Zeilmann’s work, often described as “beer garden diplomacy,” has been instrumental in creating lasting connections between Soldiers and the local community.
“Many of the senior leaders come back not just for 2CR, but to visit the folks in the community,” said Neal. “And right at the center of that has been Franz, enabling those relationships that allow us to be successful.”
During the ceremony, Zeilmann followed the tradition by swearing his oath and signing the historic book.
“For as long as this regiment exists, you will be a part of our unit, part of our memory, and we can’t thank you enough for all the service you have done – not just for 2CR but also for the USAG Bavaria community,” said Neal.
Zeilmann started his career as a mechanic before working in recreation services and later public affairs in 1991.
“You have seen this place completely transform,” said Dwayne Key, deputy to the garrison commander for USAG Bavaria. “You have been a part of building partnerships that help sustain the mission and the operations of every single tenant and mission partner.”
The garrison commander Col. Stephen C. Flanagan also presented the national flag to Zeilmann which was flown at the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck headquarters as a sign of recognition for his many years of support and dedication.
In addition to his public affairs work, Zeilmann dedicated over a thousand hours to giving tours of the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Tower and Rose Barracks, and the historic water tower.
“These tours are not just a great tourist attraction, but, more importantly, they keep families connected to their history,” said Key. “There are still families who visit this place because their ancestors lived here. Thank you for keeping people connected to this place.”
Zeilmann expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on his career, which was shaped by his passion for promoting mutual understanding between Germans and Americans. One of his earliest responsibilities was reestablishing the German-American KONTAKT Club.
“It’s time to say goodbye after over 41 years with the U.S. Army,” said Zeilmann. “The great German-American friendship in Bavaria was the driving force for me going to work every day. It made my job easier and so much more fun.”
As he closed his remarks, Zeilmann thanked those in attendance for their support and friendship over the years.
“I will always cherish the memories we have made and the bond we have,” he said. “Thank you again for coming today. It means a lot to me. I will miss you all! It’s better in Bavaria, because of all of you!”
You can find more pictures of the event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagbavaria/albums/72177720324640055/
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.23.2025 06:26 |
| Story ID: | 495950 |
| Location: | VILSECK, BAYERN, DE |
| Web Views: | 26 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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