1. February 2025
We kicked off this year's first VETEKTOR Buddy meeting at Gersdorffslund on February 1st. Once again, we thank Morten Degn Gregersen and Henrik Kokborg for inviting us. It was a great pleasure to see so many mentors and veterans gathered again and to experience our shared enthusiasm for metal detector archaeology.
The heavy, sticky clay soil yielded many exciting finds. From the Viking Age, we found rock silver, two fibulae and a key that tells us about the deep history of the soil. In addition, a medieval belt buckle and a piece of bridal silver from a fine piece of jewelry were found. After these successes despite the poor conditions for digging and finding signals, we lit the barbecue and rounded off the day.
A big thank you to everyone who participated for showing your support for the program, for your great mood and for a great day - we look forward to seeing many of you again at our next meeting already on April 5th.
1. February 2025
We kicked off this year's first VETEKTOR Buddy meeting at Gersdorffslund on February 1st. Once again, we thank Morten Degn Gregersen and Henrik Kokborg for inviting us. It was a great pleasure to see so many mentors and veterans gathered again and to experience our shared enthusiasm for metal detector archaeology.
The heavy, sticky clay soil yielded many exciting finds. From the Viking Age, we found rock silver, two fibulae and a key that tells us about the deep history of the soil. In addition, a medieval belt buckle and a piece of bridal silver from a fine piece of jewelry were found. After these successes despite the poor conditions for digging and finding signals, we lit the barbecue and rounded off the day.
A big thank you to everyone who participated for showing your support for the program, for your great mood and for a great day - we look forward to seeing many of you again at our next meeting already on April 5th.
4. December 2024
In a feature on P4 Mid West, Vetektor Buddy veteran Bo Gudmundsen and area coordinator for Vetektor Buddy Midtjylland, Tony Bülow, talked about how a trip outside with the metal detector can give veterans peace of mind.
In the feature, Aja introduces the research purpose of the project. We then head to the fields in Skive, where Tony Bülow has taken Bo Gudmundsen, his mentor, and journalist Nanna Lindbæk Qvesel on a detector search. In conversation with Nanna, Bo explains how he can immerse himself in the work with a detector without feeling disturbed by things that usually make his everyday, as a person suffering from PTSD, challenging. Tony says that the veterans who take the plunge and agree to be part of the program have great experiences with the hobby and the community around it.
Many thanks to Bo Gudmundsen and Tony Bülow for sharing their experiences, and to Nanna and P4 for telling us about the project. Click to the right to listen to the feature.
4. December 2024
In a feature on P4 Mid West, Vetektor Buddy veteran Bo Gudmundsen and area coordinator for Vetektor Buddy Midtjylland, Tony Bülow, talked about how a trip outside with the metal detector can give veterans peace of mind.
In the feature, Aja introduces the research purpose of the project. We then head to the fields in Skive, where Tony Bülow has taken Bo Gudmundsen, his mentor, and journalist Nanna Lindbæk Qvesel on a detector search. In conversation with Nanna, Bo explains how he can immerse himself in the work with a detector without feeling disturbed by things that usually make his everyday, as a person suffering from PTSD, challenging. Tony says that the veterans who take the plunge and agree to be part of the program have great experiences with the hobby and the community around it.
Many thanks to Bo Gudmundsen and Tony Bülow for sharing their experiences, and to Nanna and P4 for telling us about the project. Click to the right to listen to the feature.
16. November 2024
On Saturday morning, Lene Clausen and her mentor, Freddy Arntsen, were in the TV2 studio to talk about the Vetektor Buddy mentoring scheme in Go' Morgen Danmark.
In the segment, Freddy and Clausen give a special insight into what you can learn from each other as a mentor and veteran. Clausen explains that Freddy has introduced her to a hobby and a community that works for her brain - and tells us about the peace she finds in the fields that can bring tears to her eyes. Freddy puts into words the development he has seen during his mentorship with Clausen, and admires the order and discipline she brings from the military which he could learn from.
Many thanks to Clausen and Freddy for the courage to represent Vetektor Buddy on live television and for their kind words about Vetektor Buddy. Thank you to Go' Morgen Danmark for their great questions.
16. November 2024
On Saturday morning, Lene Clausen and her mentor, Freddy Arntsen, were in the TV2 studio to talk about the Vetektor Buddy mentoring scheme in Go' Morgen Danmark.
In the segment, Freddy and Clausen give a special insight into what you can learn from each other as a mentor and veteran. Clausen explains that Freddy has introduced her to a hobby and a community that works for her brain - and tells us about the peace she finds in the fields that can bring tears to her eyes. Freddy puts into words the development he has seen during his mentorship with Clausen, and admires the order and discipline she brings from the military which he could learn from.
Many thanks to Clausen and Freddy for the courage to represent Vetektor Buddy on live television and for their kind words about Vetektor Buddy. Thank you to Go' Morgen Danmark for their great questions.
10. November 2024
On Sunday morning, mentor Martin Hirtius, project manager Aja Smith and PI and ideator Andres Dobat were on the radio on P4 Morning Østjylland to talk about Veterans in Archaeology and the VETEKTOR Buddy program.
The three short features were recorded near Silkeborg, where we had invited DR reporter Søren Bach along on a detector search. Here, you can hear Martin Hirtius and his detector in action as he explains how metal detector archaeology helps him find peace and a sense of contributing to society again. Later, Aja describes the ambitions of the research project and the positive effects of the hobby that several of VETEKTOR Buddy's participants have experienced.
An article was also written about Vetektor Buddy, which can be found here.
A big thank you to Martin Hirtius, who puts into fine and honest words what metal detector archaeology can give veterans like himself and to DR and Søren Bach for communicating it all so well. Thank you also to Tony Bülow, who made his fields available for the search, and to all the participants on the day.
10. November 2024
On Sunday morning, mentor Martin Hirtius, project manager Aja Smith and PI and ideator Andres Dobat were on the radio on P4 Morning Østjylland to talk about Veterans in Archaeology and the VETEKTOR Buddy program.
The three short features were recorded near Silkeborg, where we had invited DR reporter Søren Bach along on a detector search. Here, you can hear Martin Hirtius and his detector in action as he explains how metal detector archaeology helps him find peace and a sense of contributing to society again. Later, Aja describes the ambitions of the research project and the positive effects of the hobby that several of VETEKTOR Buddy's participants have experienced.
An article was also written about Vetektor Buddy, which can be found here.
A big thank you to Martin Hirtius, who puts into fine and honest words what metal detector archaeology can give veterans like himself and to DR and Søren Bach for communicating it all so well. Thank you also to Tony Bülow, who made his fields available for the search, and to all the participants on the day.
28. September 2024
The sun was with us when we, together with Morten Degn Gregersen and Henrik Kokborg, held the second meeting of the year for veterans and mentors in the VETEKTOR Buddy program on 28th of September.
In our joint detector search of the fields, we found signs of the history of power, military organization and control of the sea routes in the Viking Age that the area holds. A classic beaked brooch and fragments of Arabic silver coins were hidden in the soil, which we have handed over to the experts at Moesgård Museum for further investigation. It was a great pleasure to present the exciting finds and work of veterans and mentors to the museum.
Thank you all so much for a wonderful day in the blue with exciting conversations and great finds. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next meeting in late winter 2025.
28. September 2024
The sun was with us when we, together with Morten Degn Gregersen and Henrik Kokborg, held the second meeting of the year for veterans and mentors in the VETEKTOR Buddy program on 28th of September.
In our joint detector search of the fields, we found signs of the history of power, military organization and control of the sea routes in the Viking Age that the area holds. A classic beaked brooch and fragments of Arabic silver coins were hidden in the soil, which we have handed over to the experts at Moesgård Museum for further investigation. It was a great pleasure to present the exciting finds and work of veterans and mentors to the museum.
Thank you all so much for a wonderful day in the blue with exciting conversations and great finds. We look forward to seeing everyone again at the next meeting in late winter 2025.
On September 20th, the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies will celebrate their 75th anniversary. To our delight, the two experienced VETEKTOR Buddy mentors Henrik Nielsen and Martin Hirtius have agreed to represent the program together with two of the veterans they mentor. In addition to presenting the program to the anniversary guests, the four VETEKTOR buddies will have the opportunity to meet Queen Margrethe II, who will visit their stand to talk to them about VETEKTOR BUDDY.
All interested parties have the opportunity to follow the anniversary's professional program from 12.30-17, where it will be streamed online from Moesgård Museum.
On September 20th, the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies will celebrate their 75th anniversary. To our delight, the two experienced VETEKTOR Buddy mentors Henrik Nielsen and Martin Hirtius have agreed to represent the program together with two of the veterans they mentor. In addition to presenting the program to the anniversary guests, the four VETEKTOR buddies will have the opportunity to meet Queen Margrethe II, who will visit their stand to talk to them about VETEKTOR BUDDY.
All interested parties have the opportunity to follow the anniversary's professional program from 12.30-17, where it will be streamed online from Moesgård Museum.
6. and 10. September 2024
In early September, five VETEKTOR Buddy veterans and five mentors participated in filming, which has since been made into three short films. The films aim to give new participants and partners a sense of what the program entails. They show clips from a joint search on Sjælland and short interviews with both Jylland and Sjælland participants in the program, telling new veterans about being participants in the program and their experiences with the hobby.
We would like to thank the participating veterans and mentors for helping us show what the VETEKTOR Buddy program can give the participants.
6. and 10. September 2024
In early September, five VETEKTOR Buddy veterans and five mentors participated in filming, which has since been made into three short films. The films aim to give new participants and partners a sense of what the program entails. They show clips from a joint search on Sjælland and short interviews with both Jylland and Sjælland participants in the program, telling new veterans about being participants in the program and their experiences with the hobby.
We would like to thank the participating veterans and mentors for helping us show what the VETEKTOR Buddy program can give the participants.
August 2024
Since Veterans in Archaeology received a large grant from the Krogager Foundation in autumn 2023, the VETEKTOR Buddy program has been developing rapidly. 14 new mentors and 30 new veterans have joined, and we are now a small organization with area coordinators in the different regions and participants across the country. This fall, we look forward to several important events for the program and many new interested parties.
Therefore, we are incredibly happy and grateful that we have received an extra grant from the Krogager Foundation before the summer break. The grant has given the program resources for more equipment and merchandise and made two new hires possible. Thomas Gemmerli Mikkelsen and student assistant Ursula Dyekjær will help the program keep up with the great engagement from veterans and mentors.
Thomas is an anthropologist and will help at our events and keep track of equipment. He also takes part in the research that takes place on the basis of VETEKTOR Buddy. Ursula is a third semester anthropology student and will assist with practical tasks such as catering at our events and news updates. Both are full-time employed by their jobs and studies elsewhere, but help out with the program a few hours a week.
A big thank you to the Krogager Foundation!
August 2024
Since Veterans in Archaeology received a large grant from the Krogager Foundation in autumn 2023, the VETEKTOR Buddy program has been developing rapidly. 14 new mentors and 30 new veterans have joined, and we are now a small organization with area coordinators in the different regions and participants across the country. This fall, we look forward to several important events for the program and many new interested parties.
Therefore, we are incredibly happy and grateful that we have received an extra grant from the Krogager Foundation before the summer break. The grant has given the program resources for more equipment and merchandise and made two new hires possible. Thomas Gemmerli Mikkelsen and student assistant Ursula Dyekjær will help the program keep up with the great engagement from veterans and mentors.
Thomas is an anthropologist and will help at our events and keep track of equipment. He also takes part in the research that takes place on the basis of VETEKTOR Buddy. Ursula is a third semester anthropology student and will assist with practical tasks such as catering at our events and news updates. Both are full-time employed by their jobs and studies elsewhere, but help out with the program a few hours a week.
A big thank you to the Krogager Foundation!
31. August 2024
On August 31, Project Manager Aja Smith presented Veterans in Archaeology at the European Association of Archeologist's (EAA) annual conference in Rome. Her presentation TIMES EMBODIED: MILITARY VETERAN HISTORIES AND HEALING. Therapeutic potentials of metal detecting communities and archeological activities was part of a panel addressing the potential of archaeology to promote well-being through a wide range of social and activist initiatives.
Aja described the project's ambition to explore how psychological healing takes place through a phenomenological approach to veterans' experiences of archaeological activities. That is, an approach that focuses on the personal experiences of healing - body, senses, feeling and thought. She focused on the central role that the experience of time plays in the experience of healing: the present, the past and a better future are embodied through the detector work and the broader social aspects of the hobby.
We are grateful for the great interest with which the project was received, and Aja had the pleasure of many good questions afterwards. And we have been inspired at the conference by other important projects about the power of archaeology to create everything from civic engagement, inclusion and community-building to health, activism and giving people a sense of meaning.
31. August 2024
On August 31, Project Manager Aja Smith presented Veterans in Archaeology at the European Association of Archeologist's (EAA) annual conference in Rome. Her presentation TIMES EMBODIED: MILITARY VETERAN HISTORIES AND HEALING. Therapeutic potentials of metal detecting communities and archeological activities was part of a panel addressing the potential of archaeology to promote well-being through a wide range of social and activist initiatives.
Aja described the project's ambition to explore how psychological healing takes place through a phenomenological approach to veterans' experiences of archaeological activities. That is, an approach that focuses on the personal experiences of healing - body, senses, feeling and thought. She focused on the central role that the experience of time plays in the experience of healing: the present, the past and a better future are embodied through the detector work and the broader social aspects of the hobby.
We are grateful for the great interest with which the project was received, and Aja had the pleasure of many good questions afterwards. And we have been inspired at the conference by other important projects about the power of archaeology to create everything from civic engagement, inclusion and community-building to health, activism and giving people a sense of meaning.
Together with Morten Degn Gregersen and Henrik Kokborg, we invite all participants in VETEKTOR Buddy back to the Viking Age on September 28th as we visit a particularly exciting area in East Jutland. We look forward to exploring this historic land together and hope to end the day by sharing exciting finds with each other and Moesgård Museum.
Veterans in Archaeology will provide breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake, so we can enjoy a long day together in hopefully clear and dry fall weather.
9. March 2024
On Saturday, VETEKTOR Buddy invited all the program's participants to meet at Illerup Ådal to explore one of Denmark's most unique archaeological sites. Here, ancient people from East Jutland sacrificed war booty in the lake, which is meadow today, from 200 to 500 AD. We investigated a hypothesis that hundreds of people once gathered on the moraine slopes to witness sacrificial rituals.
The first part of the day offered many hours in nature and exciting conversations as several participants met each other for the first time. At the final finds parade, we were able to show off pot lids, horseshoes and plowshares - but also more exciting things. We went back to ancient times when we found two different weights that bear witness from the Iron Age and Viking Age. From the 18th or 19th century, we found a bracket from a uniform that could have belonged to a resident of an old farm.
After the successful display of finds, we visited the Illerup Ådal exhibition at Moesgård Museum together and ended the day by firing up the barbecue despite the biting wind.
A big thank you goes out to all the mentors and veterans who showed up and supported the program - we look forward to repeating the success this fall.
9. March 2024
On Saturday, VETEKTOR Buddy invited all the program's participants to meet at Illerup Ådal to explore one of Denmark's most unique archaeological sites. Here, ancient people from East Jutland sacrificed war booty in the lake, which is meadow today, from 200 to 500 AD. We investigated a hypothesis that hundreds of people once gathered on the moraine slopes to witness sacrificial rituals.
The first part of the day offered many hours in nature and exciting conversations as several participants met each other for the first time. At the final finds parade, we were able to show off pot lids, horseshoes and plowshares - but also more exciting things. We went back to ancient times when we found two different weights that bear witness from the Iron Age and Viking Age. From the 18th or 19th century, we found a bracket from a uniform that could have belonged to a resident of an old farm.
After the successful display of finds, we visited the Illerup Ådal exhibition at Moesgård Museum together and ended the day by firing up the barbecue despite the biting wind.
A big thank you goes out to all the mentors and veterans who showed up and supported the program - we look forward to repeating the success this fall.
December 2023
Intro evening at Veterancafé Skive
In December we had the pleasure of visiting Veterancafé Skive to introduce the VETEKTOR Buddy program. We were joined by the seasoned mentor Tony Bülow, who spoke about his experience with detector archaeology. It was a pleasure to meet all the people present and we would like to thank Tony, the organizers and the participants for a great intro evening.
The status of the program
Here, a the end of the year, we are pleased to report that 12 new mentors and 15 new veterans have joined VETEKTOR Buddy. Several of the 7 mentor pairs we have formed have already been out and about in the winter weather together.
At the beginning of the new year, our work to expand the program will continue as we hold intro evenings on Funen, in Southern Jutland and later on Zealand. In parallel, we are working to organize national events during 2024 that can bring together mentors and veterans across the country to search for finds and share experiences.
We at VETEKTOR Buddy thank you for an exciting year.
December 2023
Intro evening at Veterancafé Skive
In December we had the pleasure of visiting Veterancafé Skive to introduce the VETEKTOR Buddy program. We were joined by the seasoned mentor Tony Bülow, who spoke about his experience with detector archaeology. It was a pleasure to meet all the people present and we would like to thank Tony, the organizers and the participants for a great intro evening.
The status of the program
Here, a the end of the year, we are pleased to report that 12 new mentors and 15 new veterans have joined VETEKTOR Buddy. Several of the 7 mentor pairs we have formed have already been out and about in the winter weather together.
At the beginning of the new year, our work to expand the program will continue as we hold intro evenings on Funen, in Southern Jutland and later on Zealand. In parallel, we are working to organize national events during 2024 that can bring together mentors and veterans across the country to search for finds and share experiences.
We at VETEKTOR Buddy thank you for an exciting year.
February 2024
During February, VETEKTOR Buddy has been gaining momentum. The program has been presented to several veterans, and in Skive the program is getting off to a good start.
Intro evening for Vetrancafé Køge
On February 25, we had the pleasure of introducing a large group of veterans and relatives in Veterancafé Køge to VETEKTOR Buddy. With us were Henrik Nielsen and Bo Pyskow from Veterancafé Lejre, who help run the program locally. With infectious enthusiasm, they shared their experiences and showcased equipment and interesting finds. The ground was fertilized for more local collaborations, and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended.
Intro evening for Veteranforening Sønderborg
On February 26, we visited Veteranforening Sønderborg at the old barracks in the middle of the city. We were pleased with the attendance of veterans from Tønder, Åbenrå and Sønderborg and the three veteran coordinators from here. The participants were introduced to VETEKTOR Buddy by our talented mentor Martin Hirtius in one of his well-organized presentations. It was a great pleasure to talk to the interested veterans and experience the veteran coordinators' dedication to their work.
Introduction program i Veterancafé Skive
We visited Veterancafé Skive in December, and since then five veterans have been working with mentor Tony Bülow on an introduction program. In the early spring, they will be out in the fields near Karup Å looking for archaeological finds under Tony's expert guidance. We are happy to follow what they do and are ready to support them.
We greatly appreciate the talented mentors and veterans Martin, Bo, Henrik and Tony, who have helped us give more veterans the opportunity to become part of VETEKTOR Buddy, where they will hopefully find fresh air, community and cultural heritage.
February 2024
During February, VETEKTOR Buddy has been gaining momentum. The program has been presented to several veterans, and in Skive the program is getting off to a good start.
Intro evening for Vetrancafé Køge
On February 25, we had the pleasure of introducing a large group of veterans and relatives in Veterancafé Køge to VETEKTOR Buddy. With us were Henrik Nielsen and Bo Pyskow from Veterancafé Lejre, who help run the program locally. With infectious enthusiasm, they shared their experiences and showcased equipment and interesting finds. The ground was fertilized for more local collaborations, and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended.
Intro evening for Veteranforening Sønderborg
On February 26, we visited Veteranforening Sønderborg at the old barracks in the middle of the city. We were pleased with the attendance of veterans from Tønder, Åbenrå and Sønderborg and the three veteran coordinators from here. The participants were introduced to VETEKTOR Buddy by our talented mentor Martin Hirtius in one of his well-organized presentations. It was a great pleasure to talk to the interested veterans and experience the veteran coordinators' dedication to their work.
Introduction program i Veterancafé Skive
We visited Veterancafé Skive in December, and since then five veterans have been working with mentor Tony Bülow on an introduction program. In the early spring, they will be out in the fields near Karup Å looking for archaeological finds under Tony's expert guidance. We are happy to follow what they do and are ready to support them.
We greatly appreciate the talented mentors and veterans Martin, Bo, Henrik and Tony, who have helped us give more veterans the opportunity to become part of VETEKTOR Buddy, where they will hopefully find fresh air, community and cultural heritage.
28. September 2023
Last night we had the pleasure of introducing a group of experienced detectorists from Nordjysk Detektorforening to the VETEKTOR Buddy program and the role as mentor.
We had the great pleasure of bringing, Martin Hirtius, who is a mentor in Southern Jutland, who gavean honest and informative presentation about PTSD. Martin talked about being exposed, the prejudices you may encounter as a veteran with PTSD, and how to turn challenges into something new and strong.
Thank you to all attendees for your engagement! Thank you to Martin Sonne-Schmidt for organizing and being a great support since the very beginning of the program. And to all of you who showed interest in the role of mentor: we look forward to working with you!
28. September 2023
Last night we had the pleasure of introducing a group of experienced detectorists from Nordjysk Detektorforening to the VETEKTOR Buddy program and the role as mentor.
We had the great pleasure of bringing, Martin Hirtius, who is a mentor in Southern Jutland, who gavean honest and informative presentation about PTSD. Martin talked about being exposed, the prejudices you may encounter as a veteran with PTSD, and how to turn challenges into something new and strong.
Thank you to all attendees for your engagement! Thank you to Martin Sonne-Schmidt for organizing and being a great support since the very beginning of the program. And to all of you who showed interest in the role of mentor: we look forward to working with you!
1. November 2023
Enriched with new knowledge and contacts, we have just returned from The National Veteran Conference
The VETEKTOR Buddy program had a stand in the exhibition area and we had the pleasure of having Henrik Nielsen from Veterancafé Lejre with us med at the table to tell interested parties about his experience with running VETEKTOR Buddy locally.
Thank you to the Veteran center for a very well organized event and the opportunity to gain important aqcuaintances and knowledge!
15. September 2023
On September 15th, Aja Smith was hired as researcher and coordinator at Veterans in Archaeology. Together with project manager Andres Dobat and research and innovation support Johanna Korsdal Sørensen from MANTRA, Aja will be responsible for the development and dissemination of the VETEKTOR Buddy program and investigate how the participating veterans experience that the hobby affects their health and well-being. Read more here.
