Strong together for our armed forces – A look back at 2025 with pride and gratitude

Dear members, friends and supporters of ‘Angriff auf die Seele e.V.’ (Attack on the soul),

When I look back on this year, 2025, I feel two things above all else: deep gratitude and great pride. At a time when the world around us has become more turbulent, we have proven together that we can make a difference.

The security policy situation demands a lot from all of us. We know that psychosocial support for our soldiers and their families is not a ‘nice-to-have’. It is a crucial component of the Bundeswehr's operational readiness. Only those who take good care of their soldiers and their families and know that their spirits are strong can guarantee our protection and that of our partners in the alliance.

A year of energy: What we have achieved together

Thanks to a budget of almost €180,000, we were able to implement a wide range of measures that have a direct impact on those affected. In order to be able to maintain the same quality of our services next year despite increased costs, we are dependent on reliable partners and donors.

I would therefore like to take this opportunity to express my special thanks to all donors, the German Bundestag and the members of parliament from all parties who have once again supported our projects. I would also like to extend my thanks to our cooperation partners – the Soldaten- und Veteranenstiftung des Deutschen BundeswehrVerbandes (Soldiers and Veterans Foundation of the German Bundeswehr Association), the Military Chaplaincy, the German Armed Forces (e.g. social services, pilots and medical services) and the Federal Ministry of Defence. We greatly appreciate this trusting cooperation within the support network.However, I would particularly like to thank you, dear members.

Without your loyalty and support, none of this would be possible. My personal thanks also go to my colleagues on the board: your passion, your time and your expertise have made this association so successful. Thank you for helping us get through this year together.

First Veterans' Day on 15 June 2025

An absolute highlight – and a moment that was very personal to me – was our participation in the first Veterans' Day in Germany. With our stand right next to the Reichstag building, we were right at the heart of the action. I am particularly proud of the premiere of our fourth short film, #InvisibleSuffering - Perspective: From the point of view of children (Episode 4), which was shown for the first time on this historic day.

Link: https://angriff-auf-die-seele.de/hilfe/unsichtbaresleid

We have also achieved a great deal in terms of direct support:

• We have reissued our book project to give hope to children in troubled families.
• We have held seminars for partners and their children in Potsdam and Bad Saarow.
• With a special week for helpers in Dresden, we gave those who are always there for others a chance to take a break.
• Our website is currently being expanded to include multiple languages in order to cater to families in an international context.

Outlook for 2026

The board is already in the midst of planning for 2026. One major goal is the completion of our new internet portal, which will bundle support services and make them even more accessible to those affected. We will continue our work, because the tasks will not diminish.

These days, my thoughts are especially with our comrades who are on duty over the holidays – all over the world, on land and at sea. They cannot be with their families because they are far from home, standing up for our security and freedom. We owe them our deepest gratitude, our respect and our full solidarity. Come home safe and sound!

I wish you and your families a merry and blessed Christmas. Have a good start to the new year – I wish you all a happy New Year and a healthy, peaceful 2026.

With comradely regards

Yours

Frank Eggen
Chairman

Angriff auf die Seele (Attack on the soul) – Association for psychosocial support for members of the German Armed Forces