General Vollmer honoured by the Norwegian Armed Forces
On Tuesday 22 March, General Jörg Vollmer was awarded the Norwegian Defence Service Medal for his long-standing efforts for strengthening NATO cooperation with Norway and Norwegian civil authorities.
General Vollmer is the Commander of NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum, and has played a vital role in developing cooperation between NATO, the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian civil society. This week, the General is in Norway in connection with the ongoing allied winter exercise Cold Response 2022. Last weekend, Vollmer visited the Norwegian Border Guard in Finnmark.
Of great significance
On Tuesday 22 March, Lieutenant General Yngve Odlo, Commander of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, invited officials and chiefs from NATO, the Norwegian Armed Forces and Norwegian civil authorities to a gathering in Narvik.
The huddle was followed by a dinner in a lavvo – a local, Sami-type large tent. During this dinner, Odlo awarded Vollmer with the Norwegian Defence Service Medal on behalf of the Chief of Defence.
"Your efforts for putting Norway and the High North on the NATO agenda has been of great significance to the Norwegian Armed Forces", said Lieutenant General Odlo.
The medal is awarded to Norwegian and foreign military and civilian personnel who have demonstrated personal excellence, skills and efforts for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Success is trust
The JFC Brunssum Commander himself was honoured and humbled by the Norwegian appreciation.
"What we do is team work, everything we do is always teamwork", General Jörg Vollmer said.
Vollmer emphasised that Norway plays an important role in NATO as the Alliance's northern flank, and said trust is vital.
"Our success is that we know each other. Building trust and learn to know each other", Vollmer said adding that this trust and knowledge is achieved through good planning and exercises over time.
