In recognition of their merits to the German Bundeswehr and contribution to the development of the Polish-German cooperation, three Polish servicemen, Captain Zbigniew Brzęczek, Lieutenant Colonel Maciej Gałązka and Warrant Officer Jacek Kuchlewski were awarded German decorations during a ceremony held on 21 January 2010.
In the presence of German and Polish media, Commander of the Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) Lieutenant General Rainer Korff, on behalf of the Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany, awarded the Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr in Bronze to Captain Zbigniew Brzęczek, the Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr in Silver to Lieutenant Colonel Maciej Gałązka and the Honorary Medal of Bundeswehr to Warrant Officer Jacek Kuchlewski. The decorations underlined their special merits to the German Bundeswehr and outstanding contribution to the development of Polish-German relations, both within the military sphere and beyond. The ceremony was held in the Allied Officers’ Club on 21 January 2010.
As a matter of fact, for all of them it was quite an unexpected event as they were intentionally invited only to meet some media representatives. "Today’s ceremony was a complete surprise for us" Lieutenant Colonel Maciej Gałązka admitted, "so it is still very difficult to cool off", he added with a smile. They all underlined the importance of the decoration: "This Cross of Honour means a lot to me. It is a very important reward and I am happy that someone has noticed my efforts as well as the effort of my whole team", Lieutenant Colonel Gałązka said. "I feel appreciated by the multinational environment, in which I have been working for 10 years already" Warrant Officer Jacek Kuchlewski added. "It is always a big thing in a soldier’s life to be awarded a medal. But receiving a medal from friends from abroad even doubles its importance", he explained. Captain Zbigniew Brzęczek underlined the fact that "this decoration confirms that it is worth doing well your job and it motivates for further efforts and conscientious work".
Due to the absence, two other Polish servicemen will receive their decorations in the next days. Colonel Jerzy Fela, Polish Senior Officer was awarded the Cross of Honour in Silver, whereas Warrant Officer Jarosław Byjoś – the Honorary Medal of Bundeswehr.
Not only Poles awarded
As a matter of fact, there was one more person, the efforts and hard work of whom were recognized. During a national meeting held also on 21 January 2010, German Master Sergeant Arnold Weber was awarded the Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr in Silver for his special merits to the Bundeswehr and exemplary performance as a soldier serving abroad.
Ceremony on 26 January
A few days later, during the ceremony held on 26 January 2010, in the presence of German personnel and Chiefs of Headquarters’ Divisions, MNC NE Commander Lieutenant General Rainer Korff awarded Colonel Jerzy Fela the Cross of Honour of the Bundeswehr in Silver. "Thank you very much for this honourable decoration, thank you my German friends. It is touching my heart" Colonel Fela said to all the gathered.
