Neues Dundorf:Eike Schäfer meets with military representatives, achieves support within the general staffJuly, 4322WolfsdorfEike Schäfer, the Generalsekretär der VKPD, immediately upon closing of the early elections of 4322, went campaigning for the 4325 elections, this time appealing to the military. At a military compound in Wolfsdorf, in the northwestern state of Gayern, Schäfer shook hands with top brass of the Dundorfian Armed Forces and held a conference in a makeshift press room, previously the compound's mess hall. He spoke about their key party policy of strengthening the armed forces, evoking waves of DDR-era nostalgia among the older generations of servicemen present. A surprise appearance was made by Anton Keßler, the party's nominee for Minister of Defense, who had controversially accepted re-enlistment in the DAF last year. Regarded as a skilled tactician by all men in the armed forces, regardless of party loyalty. He had even been given his DDR-era rank of Armeegeneral back, citing his "skilled military planning" as probable cause. Having also achieved notoriety in the VKPD itself, he joined the Zentralkomitee in 4316. Summarily, upon the close of Schäfer's opening statement, he walked up to the podium, and formally endorsed Eike Schäfer's nomination for Bundespräsident in 4325. According to our field reporter, Claus Bernhardt, the delegation of military men present met both men with resounding applause. Neues Dundorf has captured numerous photos of the event, and included transcripts of each man's speech to the armed forces below.
Schäfer meets with members of a Fallschirmjäger division of the Air Forces of the DAF.Schäfer shakes the hand of a member of the Grenztruppen der BRD, with a photographer onlooking the event.Herr Schäfer watches military maneuvers with top DAF personnel.Commending military officers, inside the compound.Campaigning to Air Force and Grenztruppen personnel, in an impromptu conference room.Armed Forces portrait of Anton Keßler, the VKPD's Minister of Defense candidate, in uniform.Herr Schäfer's speech to the armed forces:
"Genossen, I have come to you today to tell you that there has been a great injustice done to you. You are not as strong as you once were. Weakened by more peaceful politics over the years, and disarmament campaigns. In order to be the safeguard of the working class, you must be strong! In both forms of combat, offensive and defensive. What's a nation to do if their defensive techniques have been sullied by shortening of divisions and reallocation of military funds? Nothing! The attacking forces will walk over us like dirt! Subsequently, the offensive doctrines of the army must be up to par. The DAF must be well-trained, and well disciplined. The army has produced some of the best tacticians in history. It would be a great injustice to their history if we are to adapt poor techniques for offensive combat. That is why, if I am elected as Bundespräsident, our party will funnel considerable more funds into the armed forces, while still allocating funds to other fields, to contribute to the re-establishment of an Arbeiter und Bauernstaat. I am glad you have welcomed Herr Keßler back into the armed forces. He has served as a wonderful member of the Zentralkomitee, and his trust in the party has earned him the continued appointment as the candidate for Minister of Defense. With him in the national cabinet, more strength will be ensured to the military, and his expert tactical strategies will be integrated into our armed forces once more.
Thank you for welcoming me into your compound, Genossen. Long live Metz, and long live the Dundorfische Demokratische Republik!"
Schäfer did his customary left fist salute, being met with warm applause by the military. He then left his seat, and Keßler then conducted his speech, described by the men around him as "brief, yet empowering". In his closing statement, he boldly proclaimed, "...the army's party, is the VKPD!"
Herr Keßler's speech to the armed forces:
"You men know me very well. I look upon these youthful faces, and see in the back, some old comrades of mine. I welcome you all. Herr Schäfer promises sweeping changes for our army. Too long have we been subject to disarmament this, division shortening that, and I say, enough! As skilled a tactician as I am, it is common knowledge that the army should be large enough to cover all fronts, and meet the demands for all branches of service. Like Schäfer said, the enemy will surely trample over us like dirt if we are short on staff, and in the worst case, unprepared. So that is why, as a respected member of the general staff, looked up to by many of you young soldiers closely listening to me, I wholly support genosse Schäfer's candidacy for Bundespräsident. With him in power, we will be able to stand prepared, ready for any enemy threat that may champion our isolation. Bluntly, we'll push the invading bastards back where they came from! And so, I say to you, a vote for Schäfer is a vote for us! Forget those conservatives who'd rather twirl a pencil in their corporate offices and count their Marks, the army's party, is the VKPD!"
Upon closing of his statement, Keßler was met with a standing ovation by servicemen present. Some reports say it lasted an incredible five minutes. Keßler stayed behind, shaking hands and speaking with the troops, before heading back to Zerlin, still in uniform. In a press release to Neues Dundorf, the General Staff of the DAF have reached an agreement that will balance Keßler's service in the army and his service in the VKPD, as he is a vital asset to both. With large support from military forces in Gayern, increased support among military men is likely to follow in other states across Dundorf.