Enlarge image Consul General Wolfgang Drautz presents Honorary Consul Bernard Otremba-Blanc with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit. (© Michelle Borie) Consul General Wolfgang Drautz presented Honorary German Consul for Arizona, Bernard Otremba-Blanc, with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at a reception in Phoenix on May 22.

Mr. Otremba-Blanc received the high honor, bestowed on him by the German Federal President, in recognition of his outstanding service helping countless German and US citizens in his position as Honorary German Consul since 2002, and for his tireless efforts in fostering German-American relations.

Actually, Consul General Drautz stated, Otremba-Blanc had already been honored with the German Cross of the Order of Merit prior to being appointed Honorary Consul ten years ago for his enthusiastic work in deepening and strengthening German-American ties through business, cultural and political undertakings since coming to the United States in 1986.

Enlarge image Arizona Secretary of State, Ken Bennett congratulates Bernard Otremba-Blanc for his 10 years of service as Arizona Honorary German Consul. (© Michelle Borie) “He has a special talent in networking and organizing events and visits. His talent became so famous that more and more German delegations wanted to visit Arizona —like the German Bundestag delegation which was so impressed by the meetings he arranged for them in Phoenix, Tucson and on both sides of the US-Mexican border," said Drautz. He also commended Otremba-Blanc on his close relationship with local Native Americans, especially the Hopi Indians.

“It is my honor and pleasure to present this award to you, Bernard Otremba-Blanc. Thank you and congratulations!," said Consul General Drautz.

The happy occasion was tinged with some sadness as Otremba-Blanc will be leaving his post as Honorary Consul due to age limits set by German law. His successor, Dr. Helge Jordan, was officially installed by Consul General Drautz after the awards ceremony.

Enlarge image From left to right: Roswitha and Bernard Otremba-Blanc, new Honorary Consul Dr. Helge Jordan, his wife Joan, Consul General Wolfgang Drautz (© Michelle Borie) Mr. Otremba-Blanc will not be resting on his laurels. He has already started a new business, an air ambulance enterprise, which will complement his love of travel and organizational skills. “ I wish you all the best, but I hope I will never need your new services,” quipped Consul General Drautz.