In the festive setting of the Salzburg Residence, twelve members of the Austrian Armed Forces were honored for their special achievements. In the course of welcoming new officers and non-commissioned officers, Governor Karoline Edtstadler awarded the Grand Decoration of Merit of the Province of Salzburg five times and the Decoration of Merit of the Province of Salzburg seven times.
“Especially at a time when the geopolitical situation is tense, it is important not only to talk about the importance of our armed forces, but also to show this appreciation openly. One of the ways we do this is by bringing special and exemplary services before the curtain,” emphasized Governor Edtstadler.
Grand Decoration of Merit of the Province of Salzburg
- Brigadier Markus Hatheier (Thalgau) is a long-standing head of staff and service departments who is involved in training and human resources.
- Colonel of the Intendant Service Stefan Adlassnig (Hof near Salzburg) works as an economic officer, crisis planner and head of Staff Division 8.
- Colonel Stefan Haselwanter (Siezenheim) for foreign missions, the command of Jäger Battalion 8 and drone defense initiatives.
- Colonel Johannes Nussbaumer (St. Johann im Pongau) as battalion commander, strong partner of civilian organizations and long-standing army sports chairman.
- Colonel Klaus Rosenkranz (Gampern, Upper Austria) is commander of Pioneer Battalion 2 and has mastered numerous disaster and foreign missions.
Badge of Merit of the Province of Salzburg
- Lieutenant Colonel Stephan Sommer (Salzburg) is a militia officer, dentist and Vice President of the Austrian Dental Association.
- Captain Grubner (St. Georgen an der Leys, Lower Austria) is commander of the Salzburg Pioneer Company and an active firefighter.
- Markus Fauland (Siezenheim) was honored for his public relations work with the Air Force and his commitment to the Covid Board.
- Vice-Lieutenant Franz Wirth (Salzburg) for orienteering and youth work at the Wals Army Sports Club.
- Vice-Lieutenant Gerhard Plattner (Salzburg) for his public relations work at the provincial military command and his work as a curator at the Black Cross.
- Vice-Lieutenant Josef Wieland (St. Margarethen im Lungau) is an economics sergeant and has been involved with the music association and the Red Cross for many years.
The awards are a visible sign of appreciation for decades of service in civil protection, foreign missions and voluntary work. They underline the close ties between the armed forces and the population and pay tribute to the responsibility that the soldiers assume every day for the safety and well-being of the people of Salzburg.
Click here for more army news.
