Reunion of the Air Force: A Gathering of Spirits and Connections

Reunion of the Air Force: A Gathering of Spirits and Connections

Recently, I had the honor of joining the Re-Union of the Air Force of the Bundeswehr e.V. (Re-Union Lw), an organization dedicated to former participants of the Air Force's informational exercises designed for civilian leaders. This community not only fosters connections among its members but also serves to bridge the gap between military and civilian sectors.

The Re-Union Lw aims to create a network among former participants of the information exercises, offering support and maintaining connections with the Bundeswehr. It also seeks to keep its members informed about the latest developments within the Air Force. To achieve this, the organization organizes 1-2 military meetings at Air Force units and other branches, as well as cultural gatherings at significant sites across Germany and the EU. This year's planning faced challenges due to the ongoing pandemic, which has complicated logistics and scheduling.

Monday, September 14

Upon arriving in Nuremberg, I checked into my hotel, noting the quietness likely due to the pandemic's impact on travel. The hotel, well-equipped, offered a unique breakfast experience where guests had to specify their breakfast preferences in advance, receiving a packed meal the next morning.

At 4 PM, we embarked on a bus tour of Nuremberg, which included significant historical sites such as the Reichsparteitagsgelände and the Justice Palace, where the Nuremberg Trials were held. The evening culminated in our annual meeting at the Landbierparadies, where Brigade General Stefan Scheibl provided updates on the Air Force's current status. After a hearty dinner, we enjoyed a camaraderie evening before returning to our hotel.

Tuesday, September 15

The second day was dedicated to social interaction. We traveled through the picturesque Franconian Switzerland to Bayreuth, where we enjoyed lunch followed by a guided tour of the city. The highlight of the day was a visit to the Markgräfliches Opernhaus and the Eremitage, where we marveled at the beautiful park grounds.

Wednesday, September 16

After breakfast, we headed to Regensburg for another guided tour led by a fellow member. The day included a delightful boat trip on the Danube, featuring a visit to the Weltenburg Abbey and a stop at the Befreiungshalle.

Thursday, September 17

The final day was brief, focusing on farewells and departures as we wrapped up an enriching gathering.

Conclusion

Overall, the program was a resounding success, and I eagerly anticipate the next event. While the pandemic posed some challenges, the team, led by Christian, crafted an excellent agenda. I hope that a military gathering will still be possible later this year or early next year, allowing for further connections and shared experiences.

Side Note

Though not directly related to this post, I wish to mention that on Friday, September 4, 2020, I had an appointment at the clothing depot in Hammelburg, where I was issued a uniform as a reservist. It was an interesting experience, as I had previously known Hammelburg only as an Army location. The fitting for the green combat uniform went smoothly, but there were issues with the blue Air Force uniform due to stock shortages.