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Staff Sgt. Trevor Brewer receives the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in a ceremony Jan. 16, 2012, in Berlin. The award was presented by German Interior Minister Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich in honor of Brewer's actions during the March 2, 2011, shootings at Frankfurt International Airport in which two Airmen were killed and two others wounded. The Order of Merit is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the nation. Brewer is the 48th Security Forces NCO in charge of vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney)
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Liberty Defender honored by German government
Posted 1/17/2012 Updated 1/18/2012
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by Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
1/17/2012 - BERLIN -- Staff Sgt. Trevor Brewer, 48th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of vehicles, received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in a ceremony Jan. 16, 2012.
The Order of Merit is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for services to the German nation.
The award was presented by German Interior Minister Dr. Hans-Peter Friedrich in honor of Brewer's actions during the March 2, 2011, shootings at Frankfurt International Airport in which two Airmen were killed and two others wounded.
Friedrich recounted the events of that day for the gathered members of the press, the German interior ministry, American diplomatic staff, and members of 48th Fighter Wing leadership who had accompanied Brewer to the ceremony.
"However, this terrible incident also provided the opportunity to bring out the best in man," Friedrich said, as he went on to talk about how Brewer had pursued the gunman into the airport and later in getting help for his comrades after the gunman was arrested by Frankfurt police.
"I deeply admire you, Sergeant Brewer, for your courage," he continued. "I can only say your behavior is exemplary for all of us."
Brewer's leadership was very impressed by the support shown from the German people and the staff of the U.S. Embassy who helped set up the ceremony.
"They've just done a beautiful job taking care of us and making very clear the impact, not only among Americans but among Germans, that [Brewer's] actions have had," said Lt. Col. Paul Cairney, 48th SFS commander.
"We'll take this back to the whole unit and make sure they know that the thoughts of the German people are with them," Cairney added.
Brewer, meanwhile, remained humble about both the award and the attention.
"It's a privilege just to be here," he said.
An Order of Merit was also awarded to Joseph Connor, an American ex-patriot who works at Frankfurt Airport and was instrumental in warning bystanders of the gunman and facilitating communication between Brewer and police by speaking fluent German. |
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