Rheinmetall has invited 80 veterans to BVB
Approximately 80 veterans were warmly welcomed at Borussia Dortmund for a special day organized by Rheinmetall in recognition of their service. The program included a tour of the stadium and a visit to the BVB museum, known as the Borusseum, as well as a meet-and-greet with football legend Kevin Großkreutz.
The gathering consisted of Rheinmetall employees alongside other veterans from the Bundeswehr Veterans’ Office network. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Krause, the head of the office, represented the Bundeswehr during the event.
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, shared his thoughts, stating: “With this event, which is deliberately held separately from National Veterans’ Day, we want to show that we stand firmly by our soldiers’ side – 365 days a year. I am delighted that we are able to organise this for the second time in collaboration with our partner Borussia Dortmund.”
Rheinmetall employees traveled to Dortmund from seven sites and six group companies on Friday, marking the second iteration of this event, with around a dozen veterans who had participated previously in 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Krause commended Rheinmetall’s involvement, stating: ‘I think it’s fantastic that Rheinmetall, as one of the Bundeswehr’s most important equipment suppliers, is getting involved in this way with work for and with veterans. This is a strong sign of appreciation. Quite a few former conscripts find a new professional home within the company after their active service.”
The German Bundestag passed a resolution in 2024 to establish National Veterans’ Day, which was first observed on 15 June 2025. This annual event aims to honor the contributions of active and former servicemen and women while fostering dialogue between the Bundeswehr and society. At the inaugural event in Berlin, Rheinmetall was represented by a team that emphasized the relationship between the armed forces and the defense industry.
