Press Release
☷German Woodcarver engraved into SOF hearts and history
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Jan 19,2024
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Sebastian Demmel , a German woodworker , is working on a Trojan horse sculpture in his workshop in Bad Tölz , Germany . These sculptures are often given as gifts among U . S . Special Forces units for special occasions . Demmel , an Honorary Green Beret and Honorary Original of the 10th Special Forces Group ( Airborne ) , has been creating sculptures for special operations soldiers for over 50 years . He has a collection of photos of his close friends and customers , who are known as the "Snow Bros" , at his workshop . Demmel is currently working on a Trojan horse carving for a customer and is recognized as an Honorary Green Beret by the United States Special Operations Command . He has been creating sculptures and plaques for U . S . special operations soldiers for over five decades . Demmel proudly displays a shadow box containing his Green Beret and certificate , which he received as an Honorary Original from the 10th Special Forces Group ( Airborne ) at Fort Carson , Colorado . His workshop is filled with tools , photos , and figurines , all reflecting his dedication to his craft . The famous craftsman who lives in this German cottage has always been sought after to create personalized pieces for customers from all over . His shop is filled with international awards that showcase his talent . He happily shares stories of his travels to Portugal and the United States , but what truly makes him proud is his close relationship with the "Quiet Professionals" - the U . S . Special Forces Soldiers . Sebastian Demmel has spent his life building a bond with them , which is why receiving two special awards from them means so much to him . Being named an Honorary Green Beret by the U . S . Special Operations Command in 2020 and being embraced as an Honorary Original during the 10th Special Forces Group ( Airborne ) 70th Anniversary Ball in 2022 are like a dream come true for him . Demmel has been creating hand - carved pieces for U . S . Special Forces for over 50 years , and he estimates that more than 5 , 000 soldiers have his work in their homes or offices . His creations , known as "Demmels , " are highly respected and cherished in the special operations community . Command Sgt . Maj . Kevin Dorsh , a senior leader with the 10th Special Forces Group , emphasizes the importance of Demmel ' s carvings to their history and lineage . While there are "Demmels" all around the world , only a select few are honored with the prestigious Honorary Green Beret , which proudly hangs in Demmel ' s home . Dorsh , who owns several "Demmels" himself , explains that only a handful of people have been welcomed as Honorary Originals of the 10th Group . Bringing Demmel and his wife to Colorado for the 10th Group ' s 70th Anniversary was a great honor because of the significant role they play in the unit ' s history . Demmel ' s connection with American Soldiers goes all the way back to when he was a child and saw them dining in his village . At the age of 15 , he began apprenticing with a master carver and soon opened his own shop at 18 . It was then that a passing Green Beret noticed his talent and requested a plaque and a Special Forces Soldier carving . Orders for Demmel ' s hand - carved creations started pouring in , and they haven ' t stopped , even after the 1st Battalion , 10th Special Forces Group ( Airborne ) moved from Bad Tölz to Stuttgart many years ago . As time has passed , the demand for his work has only grown , as have the size of the projects he takes on . Demmel now mostly works for the Special Forces and other soldiers who keep him busy all year long . With over five decades of experience , people often ask him when he plans to slow down . Demmel laughs and says , "I originally said I ' d stop at 70 , then at 80 . " As he gets older , it takes more effort for Demmel to carve , as he has to put more weight on the chisel . But age doesn ' t stop him - he keeps making shavings in the workshop and shows no sign of slowing down . His wife , Christiane , helps set the pace . They have been working together in the shop since they got married over 50 years ago . Christiane does the painting and staining , as well as handling customer orders . Sebastian says working with his wife is easy , and he couldn ' t have done it without her . "She ' s more in touch with the American women than I am with their husbands , " Demmel jokes . Creating masterpieces is just a part of Demmel ' s purpose . His shop is filled with pictures of him with friends who commission his art . He also loves welcoming American Soldiers into his home . Demmel has earned an Honorary Green Beret for his continued service and partnership with the Special Forces . Lt . Gen . Francis Beaudette , the commander of the United States Army Special Operations Command , presented him with the award . Beaudette first met the Demmels when he was stationed in Stuttgart . When Sebastian was sick , Beaudette sent soldiers to visit him and bring a gift . Demmel cherishes the friendships he has made along his journey . Every year , a group of Special Forces veterans travels to meet up and spend time with him . The "Snow Bros" , as they ' re affectionately known , have been keeping this tradition alive for over 20 years , forging a connection that goes beyond their time in the military , woodworking , and even across different countries . The close relationships and admiration they ' ve earned are a testament to the effort and dedication the Demmels have put into their bond with the Special Forces community . And it ' s clear to see Sebastian ' s pride as he looks around his workshop , filled with countless pictures and mementos that capture years of cherished friendships .
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