Brunssum, the Netherlands - A military parade and musical serenade was held at the Hendriks Barracks in Brunssum to bid farewell to Major General Walter Ohm (Deu Army), who was not only departing from his position as Deputy Chief of Staff Support (in JFCBS), but also being retired after his last assignment to NATO. Many distinguished guests, both active service and retired, honoured the event with their presence. 

 

"This is a special day to me,” stated a visibly moved Major General Ohm, "the last day of active duty of my entire career and my last day as DCOS Support of that wonderful Headquarters here in Brunssum.”

 

The General also reflected on the duties of his position, the geographical challenge that this particular Headquarters has, and how it has adapted after the Decisions of the Summits of Wales and Warsaw - setting up NATO Force Integration Units in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the 3 Baltic states prior to the implementation of NATOs enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) at the Alliance’s eastern flanks.

 

General Riccardo Marchiò, giving the official farewell to General Ohm, underlined: "Despite the sadness to say goodbye after 42 years of active service I’m honoured to be the one allowed to do that!”

 

After the parade some more personal speeches were delivered during a small reception and the event was closed by a musical serenade conducted by the German Army Music Corps from Koblenz, the city in which General Ohm began his career 42 years ago. 

 

Story by JFC Brunssum Public Affairs Office