Anniversary Jump at Jagdbombergeschwader 34 in Memmingen

Anniversary Jump at Jagdbombergeschwader 34 in Memmingen

Four military jumpmasters and instructors from four nations, from left: Colonel Leszek Sypek/Poland, Kapitan Anton Volak/Slowakia, Captain Robert J. McKennay/USA and
Lt Commander Surasing Pongsopon/Royal Thai Navy.

The Marksmanship Section of the Association of Reservists of the German Armed Forces (VdRBw) - Upper Bavaria/Southeast Chapter has conducted a special event, an "International Military Parachute Meeting" at the NATO Airbase in Memmingen, Germany.

During the jump meet the leader and organizer Sergeant First Class Adelbert Schoemer greeted the 1000th jumper at this 37th military jump. Thus, WO Officer-Candidate Thorsten Hauer of the German Abn Med Co 260 in Lebach was clearly surprised, when SFC Schömer presented him with a certificate and a wooden plate with the coat of arms of the Marksmanship Section, and wished him "Good Luck".

As it was later revealed, WO Officer-CandidateThorsten Hauer is the son of Brigadier General Wolfgang Schneiderhan, Stabsabt-Leiter/Staff Officer/FueStab of the forces in FueS VI at the German Federal Ministry of Defence.

The participants had the possibility of getting the jump badges of the Royal Thai Navy, Poland, Slovakia, the USA, Canada and of the Republic of Chad.

SFC Schömer greeted Colonel Pulkownik Leszek Sypek of the 6th Air Assault Desantowo Szturmowa Brigade in Krakow, Poland, as the highest ranking guest.

To utilize the time between jumps, the participants also had the possibility of qualifying for the American Grenade Badge and the American Army Physical Fitness Badge under the leadership of SSG Christopher J. Scott, HOC 718th MI Group Station Bad Aibling. This was amply used.

The Polish trooper Leslaw Riemen and Captain Volker Sachsenroeder, Germany, experienced a particular "international" surprise, when all the participants during an evening get-together congratulated them on their common birthday with an "international birthday serenade", sung by all participants.

SFC (Airborne Adi) Schömer also made a personal summary of the "Jump Meets" organized by him so far. During the period of 1992 to 1997, 37 "International Military Parachute Meetings" were took place within the framework of the voluntary reservists' activities. 1089 participants (as of 1 November 1997) from 19 nations, USA, France, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Canada, Hungary, Chad and Germany, have participated in these international jumps. This way, a total of 363 officers, 468 NCOs and 258 other ranks were able to get a foreign parachute badge. 467 foreign and 622 German soldiers and reservists have participated in these jumps.

SFC Schömer also thanked the Sport Parachuting Section Fallschirmjägerkameradschaft Me of JaboG 34 for their good and friendly cooperation. Special thanks were given to the chief rigger, PHK Siggi Hoffman, whose packed chutes always opened without complications.

Common standards, the international evening get-togethers and socializing together are the right steps toward a military future together. This is practiced actively here since 5 years ago.

« zurück/return