June 2023
Bundeswehr Day
In June 2023, we participated with a stand at the Bundeswehr Day in Oldenburg. At that time, it was still a project,
Project #wifeofadeployedveteran
August 2023
Support our Troops
-Rheine Raptors-
American football, barbecue, live music with Jesse Cole and many exhibitors, e.g. Bundeswehr career truck, US candy shop, us and many more.
May 2024
8th BDV veterans meeting
in Berlin,Villa Schützenhof
A public event initiated by the Association of German Operational Veterans with a reading by Hagen Vockerodt from his book "1638 Days in War: The Other Side of the Operational Medal."
Against a beautiful backdrop and with interesting conversations, we were able to present our work, get to know other organizations and associations, and network.
Association of Ukrainian Veterans and War Wounded in Germany
Sponsorship Network Local Staff e,V.PAO
German Hardship Foundation, Philip Kraft RecondoVets
Thanks for the invitation.
#letstalk
August 2024
Bundeswehr Day in Augustdorf
On Bundeswehr Day 2024, ATEK eV was represented with its own information booth in Augustdorf. Numerous visitors took the opportunity to learn about our work, our projects, and our commitment to combat veterans and their families.
We would like to thank you for the many interesting conversations, the great interest, and the appreciation you have shown us. The exchange with soldiers, their families, and guests has shown us how important our commitment to camaraderie, education, and support continues to be.
Special thanks go to all members and supporters who made this successful day possible through their commitment.
#letstalk
June 15, 2024
Veteran's Day
June 15 of each year is now Veterans Day.
A sign of recognition, appreciation and respect for veterans and their families.
ATEKeV commemorated this day with a small ritual.
We released balloons containing written cards into the air, raising awareness of this vitally important topic. This campaign was combined with a competition.
The K3 Marches
Every year, people in various regions of Germany take to the streets to commemorate the Good Friday battle. This initiative was launched by Pierre Lindholm. On April 2, 2010, the Taliban attacked a German Bundeswehr patrol in Isa Khel, northern Afghanistan. Three soldiers were killed.
Sergeant Major Nils Bruns, Staff Sergeant Robert Hartert, and Corporal Martin Augustyniak. Several soldiers were seriously injured in the nearly nine-hour battle. CWO (Chief Warrant Officer) Jason Lacrosse, a US Army pilot, came to the Germans' aid in his Black Hawk rescue helicopter, recovering dead and wounded. The Bundeswehr's most serious battle to date left its mark on many soldiers and combat veterans.
Since 2023, ATEK eV has formed a marching group for interested individuals every year, based on individual requirements regarding marching gear and duration. The march always takes place at Lake Aasee in Ibbenbüren, North Rhine-Westphalia. The terrain is barrier-free, flat, and easily accessible, allowing participation by people with disabilities and assistance dogs.
ATEKeV beim 1.Veteranentag Berlin
On June 15, 2025, we had our own information booth at the 1st Veterans Day in Berlin. Together with our friends from the Green Devils Military Brotherhood, we had many interesting conversations and presented our club's work.
A special highlight was the open and appreciative conversation with the Deputy Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Surgeon General Dr. Schilling, who took a lot of time to discuss our concerns and the situation of the families of traumatized veterans.
We thank all visitors for their interest and support. This day was a strong sign of recognition and community for us.
July 2025
Invitation to the panel discussion of the VHS Münster on the topic
"Serve Germany?" - 70 Years of the Bundeswehr: Profession or Vocation
The perception of the profession of "soldier in the Bundeswehr" has changed significantly over the past 70 years. This change is closely linked to the political, social, and security policy developments in Germany. Currently, public attitudes toward the military profession seem to fluctuate between marked skepticism and pragmatic acceptance. While the Bundeswehr is now recognized as a necessary security policy requirement, public identification with the military profession remains limited—especially compared to other countries with a strong military culture, such as the United States or France. In this panel discussion, we aim to highlight various perspectives from within and outside the Bundeswehr.
Participants in the discussion will be:
General André Bodemann, Deputy Commander of the Operational Command and Commander of Territorial Tasks
Winfried Nachtwei, German politician and expert on peace and security policy
Captain Maximilian Menke, Bundeswehr soldier since 2013
Sandra Thamm, founder of a self-help group for relatives of traumatized veterans and emergency personnel, certified
MHFA (Mental Health First Aider)
Source: VHS program booklet
