Warrior battalion color guard posting colors. (Photo by Kylyn Drake)

Written by Cadet Kylyn Drake

On Nov. 15, 2025, at Clay Kaserne in the U.S. Army Europe & Africa HQ Staff Building, the Wiesbaden Warrior Battalion honored the many valiant veterans and retirees in our community during the annual Retiree Appreciation event. Every retiree and veteran in the community deserves recognition for their sacrifice, and the Warrior Battalion was once again proud to assist at the event, as they have for many years. The numerous cadets present at the event greeted all attendees and provided extra assistance or information to those who needed it.

When asked about the Warrior battalion’s support during the event, Cadet Logan Lenhart said, “It is very important to the JROTC to support the community and show that we care for our veterans. The cadets involved loved to volunteer and speak with the retirees.”

When asked the same question, Cadet Primrose Pingrey stated, “Our support shows veterans that we are here to support them – just like they supported us.”

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the Wiesbaden Warrior color guard, including the German and American flags. The Wiesbaden High School Choir then proudly sang both the American and German national anthems. During this ceremony, the Warrior Battalion ensured that all retirees and veterans were properly honored and acknowledged. Information concerning veterans and retirees was also updated during the ceremony. This event also serves as a means for retirees and veterans to gain and share information and communication.

When asked about the importance of the event, Glenn Renaa said, “A lot of veterans don’t have the opportunity to come to base often. So this allows them, once a year, to come on base and get what they need.”

The event was also provided with a spectacular cake to be shared among all attendees. This provided an opportunity for everyone to socialize and connect. There were also representatives from several organizations that offered services like healthcare, financial planning, and education benefits for all veterans and retirees.

When asked about the importance of this event to veterans, commissary representative David Puzicha-Dunn said, “This is important because veterans can get information about our services here all in one place. It provides an opportunity to help each other.”

This year’s retiree appreciation event was a great success and a positive experience for everyone involved. It wasn’t just an opportunity to express the community’s appreciation of our veterans and retirees, but also to learn from them and to see how much they have influenced and supported our country.

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