The Veterans Airmobile Brigade carried out has received the white carnation. That is a price of the National Committee Veterans for people who are committed to veterans. The airmobile brigade is stationed on the barracks in Assen and Schaarsbergen.
The bearing team brings deceased veterans from the Airmobile Brigade to their final resting place. “We always do our work in silence, but that we are so heard and seen by the veteran community by winning this prize, I am really quiet. It feels like enormous recognition,” says Commandant Patrick de Groot.
According to the jury, the bearing team makes a lot of impact. “That deserves to be heard. They give meaning to the motto of the airmobile brigade, Nobody is forgottenand form a living example of how care and tribute within and outside the armed forces can continue. “
The Veterans Airmobiele Brigade bearing plow finds its origin in 2021. Sergeant Major De Groot heard that his old comrade Fred Simmelink had died. Both were sent to Srebrenica with Dutchbat I (part of the airmobile brigade). De Groot wanted to honor his deceased friend.
That tribute eventually grew into the bearing team. There are veterans in that team, but also soldiers who are still active. Died (former) members of Airmobiele Brigade are accompanied by them during the funeral. “They take care of the ceremonial parts such as wearing the coffin, folding the flag and keeping an honorary guard. Their commitment is not only a final tribute to the deceased, but also offers comfort and recognition to the relatives and emphasizes the lasting comrade within the unit,” the jury said.