Happy New Year to all people of 1(German/Netherlands) Corps and their loved ones as well as to our loyal FaceBook friends. May 2018 be a healthy and peaceful year!

And the winner is... The promotion of Sergeant Bram Eekma to Sgt. 1 earlier this year. How he got his new stripes? By diving to the bottom of a water filled dumpster, where his colleagues had placed them... Oh, and he was blindfolded.

In second place of our 2017 favorite photo countdown: some soldier's humor. When retiring, Jürgen Falkenroth was dressed up in a bomb suit and tasked to search for #bombs in the water, in the air and on the ground. That last category had to be found while riding a bike. It brought us some awesome pictures!

We're in our top 3. And today, we take a closer look at an honor that has befallen many of our colleagues this past year: the Commander's Coin. This token of appreciation is handed out by our commander for exceptional work. But if you should receive it, be careful not to drop it. Because that means ten push-ups have to be done.

The number 4 in our countdown: an asymmetric weapon of Prince Carnival known as Lore attacked our HQ during Carnaval. And, to our shame, 1 GNC was temporarily conquered. But when looking at this picture, remember: this was in February.

Good food, nice atmosphere and most importantly: our #colleagues, some close #friends and loved ones. Our annual Corps Bivouac comes in at number 5 in our countdown. Because four Generals and the Mayor of Münster making fire to comfort their guests: that's a special image indeed.

The number 6 in our best photo countdown: They look mighty similar don't they? This year Derek Baird was promoted from Major to Lieutenant Colonel by his twin brother. And well... in the days leading up to the ceremony, the two had their fun in confusing their colleagues. We just couldn't tell them apart.

Merry Christmas! Today is the day for gifts, family and eating way too much. And so number 7 in our countdown of favorite photos of 2017 reminds us of our colleagues. While most of us went home for Christmas, our thoughts are those on duty anywhere in the world.

Today, we share one of our fondest #memories of 2017. A high level visit during our #exercise Vital Sword in Wildflecken, in which we trained the headquarters of two German divisions. Who came? the Supreme Allied Commander Europe - SACEUR, the Commander United States Army Europe (USAREUR), the British, Czech, Dutch, German, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian and Swedish Chiefs of the Army and the German Commander of Operations.

While our leadership just returned from Haus Rissen -- while Padre Erik Huiting returned from Afghanistan -- while the 'Vital Sword - Vital Lessons' brochure was being written, edited, printed and distributed -- while the HQ shop ran out of stocks 'cause you all bought so many presents for your loved ones -- while many international colleagues spend Christmas away from home to serve peace.... ..... we wish you all a merry Christmas!

The end of any year is a time for reflection. And from today until 31 December, we will do so by sharing our 9 favorite photos of 2017. To start off with, this picture taken during our Green Days, where we train our military skills and drills.

After having been working in a Lieutenant Colonel's position for a long time already, now Jorn Segers rightfully received the credits for his work, and the rank. This morning, Commander 1GNC Michiel van der Laan promoted his Military Assistant from Major to Lieutenant Colonel with assistance of Chief of Staff Brigadier General Dieter Meyerhoff. Jorn addressed the audience afterwards stating that he really enjoys working in 1GNC and with his international colleagues. Well Sir, that's mutual, and best wishes on your promotion!