haedline - supreme headquarters allied powers europe...roberts of “air” from “air and...

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www.nato.int/kfor The KFOR magazine for KFOR soldiers July 2011

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www.nato.int/kfor The KFOR magazine for KFOR soldiers September 2011

TogeTher As one

content

cOm KFOR’S WORdS ............................................................................. 3

TOgeTheR aS One ....................................................................................4

mnBg eaST: JOinT SYnchROniSed PaTROl ................................................ 6

mnBg eaST: POignanT RememBRance ..................................................... 8

JRd SOuTh: inTeRnaTiOnal PilgRimage TO leTnica ................................ 10

JRd SOuTh: vicTORY daY and TuRKiSh aRmed FORceS daY .................... 12

JRd cenTeR: czech’S cOnTinue TO helP aS TheY PRePaRe TO leave ..... 14

JRd cenTeR: Field aRTiSTS SWeden ROx ............................................... 15

mSu: change OF cOmmand .................................................................. 16

hQ KFOR: change OF cOmmand - cOm KFOR ......................................... 17

hQ KFOR: change OF cOmmand - nic .................................................... 20

KSF: 95Th niJmegen maRch ................................................................. 21

PROFileS .............................................................................................. 23 Rock around the clock! Page 15

helping each other. Page 14

Pilgrimage to letnica, Page 10

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- KFOR Chronicle 09/2011 -

com KFor

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For over twelve years the soldiersoF KFor have continuouslyaccomplished great things inKosovo, but many issues remain tobe resolved.

KFOR - TOgeTheR aS One

22

cOm KFOR major general erhard drews

My dear comrades of KFOR,I would like to take thisopportunity to tell you all howhonored I am to be your newcommander. For over twelve yearsthe soldiers of KFOR have contin-uously accomplished great thingsin Kosovo, but many issues remainto be resolved. Our missiontogether as one team has alreadystarted out in a rather energeticmanner, and promises to remain soover the course of the next year.I have no doubts that you are allup to the tasks that lie ahead of us.Unlike when KFOR first arrived inKosovo, the major issues nowfacing the region are more politicalin nature than military. However,this does not mean that we nolonger have a place here.On the contrary, the presence ofKFOR is extremely important.While the various political entitiesinvolved strive to solve theproblems facing Kosovo, it isKFOR that impartially safeguardsall the peoples of Kosovo - be theyethnic Albanians, Serbians, Turks,Goranis, Romas, Ashkalis,Egyptians, Bosniaks, or otherethnicities - and guarantees theirsafe and secure environment andfreedom of movement. We areserving here together during a very

fragile time. Many tough issuesthat in the past were left to befaced have now come of age andneed to be dealt with.We see the realization of this in thenorth every day. Even though thesoldiers of KFOR are deployedthroughout the north that does notmean that the Kosovo Serbs,who live there and are opposingsome of the political decisions thathave been made, have become theopponents of KFOR. KFOR isimpartial, but is not neutral.However, we do not choose sidesbased upon ethnic ornational allegiances.KFOR always sideswith safety,security, and free-dom for all thepeople in Kosovo,and likewise alwayssides against thoseactors who wouldendanger them. There arethose who say that KFOR iscurrently operating outside of itslegal mandate. Do not let thistrouble you. I assure you that thisis truly not the case. We are notauthorized nor do we possess thecapability to unilaterally solve allof Kosovo's problems.Consequently, KFOR goes to great

lengths to ensure that it alwaysremains within the scope of opera-tions and authority that have beengranted to it by the internationalcommunity and NATO. Those whoare at odds with the politicaldecisions that are made oftendeclare that we have oversteppedour bounds. The reality of thesesituations is that these sameindividuals do not themselvesunderstand what authoritiesKFOR has or does not have. Thiscan cause some pangs of conscienceon the part of our soldiers. Do not

let it. I will never give youan unjust mission to

accomplish. KFOR'spresence in Kosovosets the conditionsfor success. Yourteamwork andengagement are the

guarantors of peace. Ilook forward to the

challenges of the comingyear and to serving as your com-mander. There is strength in ourunity. As long as we work"Together as One" our goals will beachieved.


On 20 September 2011,Kosovo Force Commander(COM KFOR), Major GeneralErhard Drews meets with GrandMufti Naim Ternava.

COM KFOR accompanied byCommander Multi NationalBattlegroup East (MNBG E),Colonel Michael Schwartz,visits crossing point Dog 31.

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With the arrival of a new COMKFOR also comes theunveiling of a new KFOR HQ logo.The KFOR XVI logo incorporatesthe motto “Together as One”,underlining KFOR’s dedication toprovide safety and security for allthe people of Kosovo by closecooperation with local authoritiesand international organizations.The two stars represent the rank ofCOM KFOR, Major GeneralErhard Drews; and the NATO, fourpointed compass rose is symbolical-ly embedded within the boundaryof Kosovo.

On 22 September 2011,The German Ambassador,His Excellency Dr Ernst Reichelmeets with COM KFOR,during an office call.

On 22 September 2011,COM KFOR invites EULEXHead of Mission and former COMKFOR Mr Xavier Bout deMarnhac to sign the visitors bookduring a visit to HQ KFOR.

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On 27 September 2011,Kosovo Force DeputyCommander (D COM KFOR)Brigadier General Johann Luif,welecomes Mag. Norbert DarabosAustrian Minister for Defence, toCamp Film City, Pristina.

6

mnbg east

story: 1st lieutenant casey staheli picture: staFF sergeant elisabeth schöneberg

JOinT SYnchROniSed PaTROl

“All I can say is that the relationshiphas grown into a great friendshipboth professionally and socially; ithas created a lifelong friendship. Ithas also allowed us to get to knowthem and their families.” These are the words of CaptainPaul Lauritzen, Deputy Commanderof Multi National Battle GroupEast’s (MNBG E) Joint ImplementationCommission (JIC), describing thestrong relationships that developedbetween the different armed forcesthat conduct synchronized patrols,a task the JIC oversees. The JIC was created in 1999 withthe mission of ensuring overallcompliance with the provisions ofUnited Nations Security CouncilResolution 1244, the MilitaryTechnical Agreement (MTA), andthe Temporary OperatingProcedures Agreement (TOPA) foroperations astride the AdministrativeBoundary Line (ABL). The JIC ensures compliance byestablishing liaison arrangements

between KFOR, local Kosovoauthorities and the Serbian armedforces (SAF) along the ABL withSerbia. A fundamental way of achievingthis is by conducting synchronizedpatrols along the ABL with theSAF. Since the creation of the JICthere has been much change andmovement forward.According to Captain Lauritzen, thepurpose of the synchronizedpatrols is to provide a safe and secureenvironment and freedom ofmovement for the people of Kosovo;and to show the people them thatthere is a constant KFOR presenceenforcing the MTA between the SAFand the people of Kosovo. “These patrols show a KFORpresence and stop people frommoving illegal items through theborder,” said Ukrainian Army 1stLieutenant Artem Pomaz, platoonleader of the Ukrainian 2nd SpecialPlatoon, who has conducted anumber of synchronized patrols.

“We also gather information,observe activities and look for newsmuggling routes. We report all ofthese things to the JIC.” The patrols also provide an excellentopportunity for soldiers from allnations to work and interact withone another, and to learn fromtheir respective experiences. “My experience of working withother nations has taught me thevarious caveats and operationalprocedures that other nations have,”said Captain Aleida Barrera, who isthe other acting JIC Deputy.“(It) has helped me build better arapport in this environment and Icontinue to learn from them. I havenow seen both sides of the ABL andhave a greater understanding of theSerbian and Albanian perspectives.”Ukrainian Army Staff Sergeant,Vaym Libichenko, agrees.“Synchronized patrol missions helpus build good relationships.Soldiers see each other’s tactics,learn from each other, cross trainand share information, helping usall to mature.” Synchronized patrols have not justbenefited individuals; they haveprovided an opportunity for mutualrespect and growth between nations.“The relationship between the JICand the SAF is very professionaland very cooperative,” said CaptainLauritzen. “We meet locally in thenorth and the east monthly. We have coordination level meetingsmonthly to finalize issues discussed,and we have command level meetingsbi-monthly to discuss the activitiesfor the last two months.”The JIC will continue to play animportant part in KFOR into thefuture.

7


story: spc. evan v. lane and spc. John a. montoya picture: spc. evan v. lane, spc. John a. montoya and ssg F. reichenbach

POignanT RememBRance FOR all

Ten years after the Twin Towersfell, Americans honored thelives lost that day with memorialceremonies and quiet moments ofreflection. Both at home and abroad,Americans sought to remember thedetails of where they were whenthey saw and heard the tragicnews. While Americans may have feltalone on 9/11, they certainly werenot alone this past month in payingtheir respects. People all acrossKosovo came together at memorials,as they have ever since 2001.In Pristina, the Kosovo PhilharmonicOrchestra (KPO) celebrated in songthe sacrifices of the heroes of 11September 2001. Beginning with“Hodie Christus Natus Est,” the choirtook the audience through the darkmoments of 9/11 with two hauntingmusical arrangements, sung bycandlelight. Ergin Brahimi, 1st tenor with theKPO and a world-respected classicalvocalist, said that he enjoyed theperformance very much andstressed the importance of remem-bering those who have been lost. He and the singers moved out quietly,and were replaced by a full orchestra.The mood lightened with theplaying of several stirring pieces,which were accented by a beautifulsolo performance by Sergeant EricRoberts of “Air” from “Air andScherzo” by Henry Cowell. His light movement through thescore brought to mind the hope ofrecovery and mending in the wakeof September 11. Sergeant Roberts, a saxophonistdeployed to Kosovo with the 111thManeuver Enhancement Brigade as

part of a musical team known asBandsteel, hails from Albuquerque,New Mexico, and is attached to the44th Army Band.Several more musical performancesrounded out a lovely night and theaudience, led by Her ExcellencyMrs Atifete Jahjaga, President ofKosovo, gave the orchestra a standingovation, with the president personallythanking Roberts. She said later, “The performanceswere all beautiful. The Americansoldier was astonishing and Ienjoyed his playing very much.”Mr Christopher Dell, U.S. ambassadorto Kosovo, also complimented theorchestra and said it was an interestingtouch to incorporate a U.S. soldierin the memorial, calling it uniqueand refreshing. Music was not theonly way the people in Kosovo

marked the events of 9/11. Followingthe performances, a candlelight vigilwas held by the Kosovo Ministry ofForeign Affairs to pay silentrespects to those who were lost. Locals flooded to Mother TheresaSquare to light their own tapersand to help their children do thesame, telling them their memoriesof 9/11.Petrit Selimi, the deputy ministerfor foreign affairs, stated, "Thisevent was organized in order toexpress the deep gratitude andsympathy the people of Kosovohave for the United States. Every Kosovar keenly felt thetragedy of September 11; everyoneremembers exactly where theywere on Sept. 11, 2001.” In addition to playing in Pristina,Bandsteel also played a set earlier


that day to a group of U.S. Soldiersand local citizens in Ferizaj/Urosevac,as part of the municipalities’ 9/11memorial service. The set included classics such as“Amazing Grace” and “JohnnyComes Marching Home”. A localgirl, Beltine Biqmeti, sang the “StarSpangled Banner” as a show ofsupport to the Americans servingin Kosovo. Commander Joint RegionalDetachment East (JRD E) LieutenantColonel Daniel Stark said theirmemorial service helps maintainties with the local community.“They’re honoring our loss andthat just reinforces our friendship,”he said.Later in the evening students froma local school performed a play atArdiana Theater honoring the

victims of 9/11 by playingangels contemplating theirloss and the senselessness ofthe tragedy. Naim Ferati, the Ferizaj/Urosevac director of culture,youth and sports, said, “We express our deepestcondolences. It was very shocking foreveryone around the world.”With such a vast outpouringof support from a country sofar from the United States,Americans can take solace inthat friendship. “For the Soldiers who are inKosovo, we love the friendshipof the people and when we goback home with our families,we’ll tell them about eventslike tonight,” said Stark.

8 9


story and picture: burKhard bleul, catholic military chaplain

inTeRnaTiOnal PilgRimage TO leTnica

During the pilgrimage the KFOR soldiers followed theprocessional cross with the pilgrimage flags ahead; asthey made their way, they meditated, sang and prayedin the valley and on the hill. Under the searing sun, thepilgrims celebrated the mass together using texts indifferent languages. In his sermon, Bishop Dodë calledfor peace which has to emerge from one's own heart.After the mass and a lunch break, the pilgrims madetheir way back to their vehicles.It was a pity that many soldiers interested in takingpart were unable to attend due to the heightenedtensions in the north of Kosovo. However, for thosewho were able to attend, this pilgrimage experiencehas been hugely enriching. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a small medal wasawarded in recognition of this pilgrimage; and everyoneappreciated the opportunity to spend a wonderful daytogether with people from a wide range ofbackgrounds that will remain strong in the memoryfor a long time to come.

About 130 KFOR soldiers, mostly from Germany,Austria, Portugal, Italy, Hungary and the USA,took part in this year's “International Soldiers` LetnicaPilgrimage” to the Marian Pilgrimage site of Letnice/Letnica in the south-eastern part of Kosovo. They formed part of the several thousand pilgrims ofall ages and from various countries, including Kosovoand the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic ofMacedonia. They gathered in the little village on 15August 2011 in order to celebrate a mass inthe open with the catholic Bishop ofPrizren/Pristina Monsignore Dodë Gjergji onthe occasion of “The Feast of theAssumption of Mary into Heaven”.The so-called "Black Madonna", a statuemade of precious black timber, depictingMary holding the infant Jesus in her armsand wearing white garments, is placed infront of the altar during the mass andafterwards is carried around the church in aprocession.It was at this place that Mother Teresaexperienced her call to be a nun; she hadvisited this site as a pilgrim a few times as achild and as a young woman together withher family. Accompanied by their military chaplains, the KFORsoldiers gathered three kilometres from Letnica inorder to march together on the pilgrim path throughthe valley, over creeks and up a steep hill. Above thepicturesque pilgrim site, they stopped to pray andenjoy the beautiful view from the mountain. Letnica is one of the most scenic places in the Balkansand for many people it is a source of living faith, beyondborders of confession and even religion. For the CatholicChristians in Kosovo, this was the site of worship whichmaintained their faith over the centuries. Tradition has it that, even before the battle on the“Field of Blackbirds”, there was a church on this sitein 1398. Today, a neo-Romanesque church with awhite twin-tower façade towers above the little villageon a hill.


Jrd south

1110


story: captain burhan ÇolaK picture: private egemen türKoğlu

vicTORY daY and TuRKiSh aRmed FORceS daY

For the Turkish people, “Victory Day and Turkish Armed Forces Day”is one of the most remarkable steps of our liberation struggle andwe have celebrated it for the last 89 years on 30 of August. To illustrate theimportance of this day, all promotions in the Turkish Armed Forces andgraduation ceremonies from military schools take place on August 30.Having increasingly lost its power as a result of geopolitical and geostrate-gic circumstances, the Ottoman State, during its weakest period, took partin the World War I. The result was successful on many fronts - especially inthe Çanakkale Front (Gallipoli War) ¹ , which played a vital role in thegeographical and political order of the world and ended with victory forthe Ottoman Army. Nevertheless the defeat by its allies determined theend of the Ottoman State - the country was invaded and most of its armydisbanded and disarmed.Immediately after, many soldiers, intellectuals and citizens reactedstrongly against the invasion. Moreover, many militias began to resist theoccupation across the country. At this point the charismatic commander,Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (his surname, which means Father of Turks,was given to him in 1934 by the National Assembly), came to Anatolia on19 May 1919 to reorganize these respective militias with the ultimatepurpose of “independence or death”. Atatürk was very famous in Anatoliafor his distinctive leadership genius and his order to Mehmetçik(the common name for the Turkish soldier) in the Çanakkale Front:“I do not order you to attack, I order you to die.” His arrival in Anatolia isaccepted as the beginning of Turks’ liberation war. The Turkish National


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Movement (Kuva-yi Milliye) in Anatolia culminated in the formation of anew Grand National Assembly (GNA) by Mustafa Kemal Pasha and hiscolleagues and the GNA successfully mobilized its resources.After a series of battles, invaders were defeated with a decisive attack“The Great Attack” from 26 August to 30 August 1922 near Kütahya.After the expulsion of all occupying troops from the country, the Treaty ofSèvres was abandoned and the Treaty of Lausanne was signed in July1923. The Allies left Anatolia and Eastern Thrace (Trakya) and then theformation of the Republic of Turkey was declared in October 1923.The establishment of the Turkish National Movement led to the end of theOttomans. The demise of this deep-rooted state, gave way to a new,modern, secular, nation-state republic. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, as areformist of military origin, proved his ability to the nations of the world,by improving the state, which he founded, in every field. A completely newRepublic now arose over the soil of Turkey, whose borders had been drawnwith blood. Strictly adhering to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s principle,“Peace At Home, Peace in the World”² , the Armed Forces of the TurkishRepublic do not have any aggressive intentions, but it is employed whenits independence, nation, country and honour are under threat.As a member of NATO, the Turkish Republic is ready with the commonideals for its members also and will continue to support peace efforts inthe world.

¹ it is also known as gentles’ War and shortly

after this war in a ceremony for allies losses

atatürk in his message note down “Those

heroes that shed their blood and lost their

lives...You are now lying in the soil of a friendly

country. Therefore, rest in peace!”

² after his death many leaders, politicians,

scientist and news agencies remark about him:

“atatürk has left Turkey without a single enemy.

This is a thing that no other state leader of our

time has succeeded in doing.”

[german volkischer Beobachter Journal]

“Those who want to rebuild peace, well-being

and who want mankind to develop not only

materially but also morally in the suffering

world, must take atatürk's encouragement and

leadership as an example.”

[Professor herbert melzig (historian)]


story and picture: maJor iveta lněničKová and 1st lieutenant miroslav JordáneK

czech’S cOnTinue TO helP aS TheY PRePaRe TO leave

The village Hertice lies three kilometers as the crowflies from the Serbian border, near the town ofPodujevo. It is a sizeable village with individualbuildings scattered across hilly terrain and a popula-tion of 1052 people. How modestly the inhabitantslive in this part of Kosovo is obvious immediatelyupon arrival to the village. Most of them have no jobsand are dependent on the assistance of their luckierrelatives or the the support of relatives abroad. TheCzech Army Task Force Commander, Major JosefNejedlý, approached the mayor of Hertice and askedhim to identify some particularly socially disadvan-taged families who were most in need of assistancefrom the Czech contingent. Mayor Florim Mucolli wasmore than happy to do so. As we arrive at the veryedge of the village at the first house, sixty years oldAdem Plakolli lives with his family of seven. He isgrateful for the donated wood and cordially invites theCzech soldiers into his home for a cup of Turkishcoffee. He tells us about his escape to Germany fromthe war in 1994, where he lived for five years. Anotherresident that the mayor chose, is forty five year oldHasbie Restelica. She warmly welcomed the Czechtroops at front of the house where she lives with herfour children; her husband having died six years ago.Like most other in the village, she has no job anddepends solely on social help, which is 40 euros permonth. For the children, the soldiers brought note-books, pens, candy and a soccer ball. A happy child'ssmile is thanks for "a few little things". Throughoutour meetings the Mayor continued to thank the Czechcontingent for the help provided to his people by thepersonnel from Camp Šajkovac during the years. In1999 the Czech soldiers built an Elementary School inthree months. It was the first newly built school inKosovo after the war. There is still a memorial boardplaced at the entrance to the school. Czech soldiersalso helped to repair the road, which was destroyed byfloods and also built the road from the village to thevillage Baloc. Even the dismantling of the Czech campprovided the opportunity to assist the locals – all thesurplus wood from the Šajkovac base was given to theresidents for their own use. The Czech contingentprepares to leave Kosovo now, but can be happy that ithas left a lasting legacy for the people of Kosovo.

soldiers gave Kosovo Families wood that remainsFrom the ŠaJKovac base disposal


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Field aRTiSTS SWeden ROx

In late summer 2011, seven Swedish musicians, SWEDEN ROX, wereoffered a fantastic opportunity to travel from their homeland toKosovo to entertain soldiers of the Swedish contingent with music andsongs. Naturally, this was too good an opportunity to miss and so late oneevening seven “field entertainers” arrived happy and tired to the TreKronor Bar. Despite their long journey some of them found a guitar andgave us a sneak preview of their skills and an idea of what was in store forthe rest of KFOR in the days ahead.The following night their “KFOR Tour” officially began with an intimateperformance at the Irish House. Soldiers and civilians from differentnations came together and enjoyed the music in a very comfortableatmosphere.The following evening they performed a bigger concert outside the US.NSE. This time it was a bit more prominent with a larger stage and abigger audience. Those who attended were rewarded with a concert thatthey won’t forget.The day after the group left Camp Film City for a short trip to LMT C5,in Pristina, and played for the Swedish personnel who are stationed there.These three performances were all different and greatly appreciated intheir own way, “however the “tour” was building up to a grand finale onthe Saturday night back in Camp Film City. The headline performancewas outside the Swedish NSE to several hundred soldiers and civilians.The audience was treated to a spectacular show with fantastic songs,rocking guitar solos and a great smoke and lights show. It was great tohear when everyone sang together with the band during the set.On the last day, SWECON personnel got a small private show back at theTre Kronor Bar where it all started. There we had the chance to requestdesired songs before it was time for the field entertainers to go back toSweden.


msu

story and picture: oF2 damiano del gigante. italian carabinieri

change OF cOmmand

On 7 September 2011, at HQMulti-National SpecializedUnit (MSU) in Pristina the MSURegiment Change of Commandceremony took place. Kosovo ForceCommander (COM KFOR),Major General Erhard Bühler,presided over the ceremony andtransferred command from ColonelEduardo Russo to Colonel MauroIsidori. Colonel Russo at the end ofhis one year deployment to Kosovoreturns home where he will take upa prestigious position within theItalian Defence General Staff inRome.In the last twelve months MSUcontinued to carry out its missionin Kosovo, with the aim of helpingthis young nation to implement thehard journey to independence,self-sufficiency and peace. UnderColonel Russo’s command theMSU Regiment has performed awide variety of activities aimed atensuring a safe and secureenvironment and freedom ofmovement for all Kosovo’s citizens;supporting the local institutions;implementing and maintainingstability; and assisting with themodernisation of infrastructure

such as hospitals and schools.Colonel Russo mentioned a numberof achievements that he is proudof, in particular were thesignificant donations arising fromMSU CIMIC activities. The unitmade 255 CIMIC donationstotalling a value of 300,000 Euros.Foremost among these donationswere those to Pristina Hospital,which received goods andmedicines to a value of 80,000Euros, as well as one to MitrovicaHospital where goods andmedicines for a value of 40,000Euros were delivered.In addition to CIMIC activities insupport of the local population,MSU continued to contribute to asafe and secure environment acrossKosovo, conducting 786 vehiclescheck points, deploying 4,761patrols and 9,052 units. In theseoperations 2,570 vehicles andpeople 2,841 were checked, and 487searches were conducted in seizuresof significant amounts ofammunition.Of course MSU also undertakes awide variety of tasks aimed atimproving the core capabilities andprofessionalism of the Kosovo

Police (KP). Some of the trainingactivities that MSU performed inthe last year include 9 weaponskills courses and a crowd and riotcontrol (CRC) tactical techniquesand procedures (TTP) course.These courses were attended by258 officers and perhaps mostimportantly these courses alsoqualified 12 instructors, therebyguaranteeing that KP will not justhave qualified personnel now,but will be able to producepersonnel trained to the highestinternational standards for manyyears to come.


hQ KFor

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change OF cOmmand cOm KFOR


story and picture: staFF sergeant elisabeth schoeneberg

On Friday, 09 September 2011, a large audience came to join theofficial ceremony of the Kosovo Force Change of Command in CampFilm City, Pristina. There, the Commander of Allied Joint ForceCommand Naples (JFC N), Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III,presided over the change of command from the outgoing commander,Major General Erhard Bühler, to his successor, Major General ErhardDrews. Among the guests were Her Excellency, Mrs. Atifete Jahjaga,the President of Kosovo; Prime Minister of the Republic of KosovoMr Hashim Thaçi; and the German Parliamentary State Secretary atthe Federal Ministry of Defence, Mr Thomas Kossendey. In his address,Admiral Locklear said to the people of Kosovo “…I want you to knowthat NATO is steadfastly committed to your success in building a stable,prosperous future. NATO has spent twelve years contributing to a safeand secure environment as the primary means for continued stability andprogress in Kosovo. We will continue that commitment to ensuredemocratic institutions develop and flourish. We are working towarda day when NATO forces in Kosovo will no longer be necessary.”In his speech, Major General Bühler thanked all the men and women ofKFOR for their excellent work and commitment to the mission,to Kosovo and its citizen and wished the very best to Major General Drewsfor his term in command of KFOR. The ceremony was accompanied bymusic from the German music band Heeresmusikkorps 10 ofthe German Armed Forces, a children’s choir of the Loyola High schoolin Prizren and traditional dance numbers by Ansambl Vanace Gracanistaand the Shola Dance Company of Pristina.


1918


story: commandant daragh o’brien, irish army picture: mr aFrim haJrullah, pao hQ KFor

change OF cOmmand nic

On 26 August 2011, at a discreetceremony in Camp Film Cityin Pristina, a number of VIPs andselected guests were present toobserve the change of commandceremony for the US NationalIntelligence Cell (NIC). In thepresence of Captain (N) Paul DAshcroft, Deputy Director ofIntelligence, US EuropeanCommand, Lieutenant ColonelKenneth W Dean relinquishedcommand to Lieutenant ColonelCarol A Schimmoller.The ceremony began with arendition of the US nationalanthem followed by an invocationby the Chaplain, Major Robertson,and the ceremonial passing ofpennants between the outgoingand incoming commanders. In hisaddress to the assembled guests,Captain (N) Ashcroft listed themany achievements of LieutenantColonel Dean and congratulatedhim and his team on a job very welldone. He welcomed LieutenantColonel Schimmoller to thechallenge of commanding the NIC;and noted that “the NIC has beenextremely fortunate to have twosuch high calibre leaders”.Captain (N) Ashcroft also took thechance to compliment thepersonnel serving in the NIC fortheir contribution to such a suc-cessful and productive tour ofduty.In his farewell speech, LieutenantColonel Dean described his experi-ences in this “multi-facetted andcomplex” mission in KFOR.He thanked the 14 differentnations represented in the ‘NICCommunity’ that worked in closeharmony, providing products thatwere relevant and timely.He reserved particular praise for

the personnel of the US NIC who“always implemented the eightuniversal laws of leadership –maintain absolute integrity, knowyour stuff, declare your expecta-tions, show uncommon commit-ment, expect positive results,take care of your people, placeduty before self, and get out infront”. Lieutenant Colonel Deanconcluded by expressing his sincerethanks to the families and lovedones of deployed personnel who,despite bearing the significantburden of separation, provide thesupport that ensures that themission here is accomplished.In her inaugural address,Lieutenant Colonel Schimmollerthanked Captain (N) Ashcroft forhis attendance. She also thankedher predecessor for the smoothtransition during thehandover/takeover period,and offered particular praise andthanks for the contribution ofMaster Sergeant Wray for herorganisation of the ceremony.Addressing the assembled guests,

she said “I am privileged to be partof (a) mission which continues toprovide a safe and secure environ-ment for Kosovo… My expecta-tions are simple – integrity,professionalism, teamwork andmutual respect.” The short,dignified ceremony then concludedwith an invitation to the guests tojoin the VIPs for refreshments.


20

PaRTiciPaTiOn in The 95Th niJmegen maRch

21

KsF

After 410 kilometres training itwas finally time for the KosovoSecurity Force (KSF) team fromOperational Support Brigade (OSB)to go to The Netherlands andparticipate in the famous 4-daymarch in Nijmegen.

The training had been done frombeginning of April until the end ofJune, culminating in a three-daysession that comprised 27+40+40kilometres.

The team arrived in Nijmegen onSunday 17 July and was accommo-dated in Camp Heumensoord; this

year there were participants from28 different countries in the camp.

On the first evening the teamparticipated in the opening ceremonyin the Goffertstadion, which wasdecorated with flags from allparticipating countries.

During this ceremony there was aflag parade in which the KSF teamproudly participated. The 4-daymarch is not only for militaryparticipants, the majority of thosetaking part are civilians fromdifferent countries – in total therewere 41,316 persons starting the

march on the first day. After a dayof relaxation and preparation, themarch started early on Tuesdaymorning. There were almost 6 000soldiers starting from CampHeumensoord, so the groups wereset off at intervals.

The first group started at 0430hrsand the KSF team finally got underway at 0615hrs. Leaving the campthe team passed under an archwaymade to resemble boots and a helmet;these boots are something theywanted to see again because, forthe first three days this archwaymarked the finish point. On thelast day the participants finished inthe city on the Via Gladiola.

At 10 kilometres intervals, on the44 kilometre march, there were restareas where the participants couldget something to eat and drink;they could also get some medicalaid, if needed.

All along the route, members of thepublic turned out in huge numbersto greet the participants.


commander KFORMajor General Erhard Drews,

German Army

chief Public affairs Office and

KFOR SpokesmanColonel Ralph Adametz

German Army

chief internal information &

editorCommandant Daragh O’Brien,

Irish Defence Forces

o’[email protected]

Photographer & designMr. Afrim Hajrullahu,

Staff Sergeant Elisabeth

Schoeneberg, German Air Force and

Staff Sergeant Florian Reichenbach,

German Army

cover PhotoStaff Sergeant Elisabeth

Schoeneberg

e - mail & [email protected]

www.nato.int / kfor

Printer: RaSTeRTel: 038 60 16 06

naTO nations within KFORAlbania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia,

Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,

France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,

Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands,

Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,

Slovenia, Turkey, United States

non - naTO nations within KFORArmenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland,

Morrocco, Sweden, Switzerland,

Ukraine

The KFOR Chronicle is produced

and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is

published for KFOR forces in the

area of responsibility. The contents

are not necessarily the official views

of, or endorsed by, the coalition

governments’ defense depart-

ments. Editorial content is edited,

prepared and provided by the

Internal Information Section of HQ

KFOR’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) in

Pristina, Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR

reserves the right to edit content to

conform to style and space

requirements. Articles run on a

space -available basis.

Bands, both military and civilian,played as the teams passed andyoung kids offered fruit, water andcandy. By day three, the team wastired but determination and, asthey passed the Canadian Militarycemetery in Grossbeck, there was anopportunity to pay respects and findinspiration.

Finally, on the last day, with about5 kilometres to the finish line, theteam were awarded their medals.

The medals were given out by MrSami Kastrati who is “Ministër-Këshilltar” at the Embassy of theRepublic of Kosovo in The Hagueand Lt Col Skott of KFOR. Aftergetting their medals they could

finally leave their backpacks andmarch down the famous Via Gladiolawhere thousands of spectators hadgathered, bands were playing, peoplewere cheering and clapping theirhands, and flowers were given toparticipants.

And so, after 162 kilometres, themarch was finally over. The KSFteam had a fantastic but challengingweek, enjoying the hospitality fromthe Dutch people and meeting a lotof people from around the world.

They performed remarkably welland they all finished the march ingood health and condition, of coursetheir feet were a little bit tired butthat’s all part of the fun!

http://www.4daagse.nl/

if you want more information about the march.

story and pictures: lieutenant colonel stig-oloF sKott


PeaceKeePeR

PeaceKeePeR

military education:

I have 33 years service. I began in Military School “Nunziatella in

Naples”in 1977, before entering the Military Academy in Pinerolo in

1980. In 1987 I was awarded my Degree in veterinary medicine and a

Degree in Food safety in 1990. I have deployed previously to Albania in

1992 and Croatia 1996.

about the mission:

It is a huge responsibility to ensure the good health of our troops by

checking the safety of our food supplies, providing medical care to our

military dogs and checking for disinfections. Basically, I love my job

and I hope to increase food safety and public health during my period

here.

Family Reaction:

It is my third time working abroad with the Army, 16 years after the last

peace keeping operation I did. I have been married for 21 years. I miss

my wife, my son Edoardo, who is 13 years old, and my old dog, KALI. I

keep in touch with them several times a day.

hobbies:

I like travelling and playing all type of sports. I have already completed

2 ‘Ironmans’, the race with 3,8 km swimming 180 km biking and

42,195 (the marathon) running: 2005 in Nice, France and 2009 in

Roth, Germany.

military education:

Promoted to a non-commissioned officer after receiving a training

course in the Royal Military School. I have been in the Army for almost

18 years, and this is my first deployment overseas.

about the mission:

I am deputy of a platoon leader. It's a very demanding job, but I like it

very much. I have spent more than three months in Kosovo, and I have

made many friends from many nations. It's a great honor and pleasure

for me, to represent my country in a multinational environment, and it

is a very interesting experience too.

Family reaction:

I am married, and I am father of two children; Hajar, my daughter, is 8

years old, and Zakaria, is 2 years old. I appreciate greatly the support

that all my family members provide me during my entire career as a

professional soldier. My wife has accepted my double life.

She understands the military way of life, and knows that I must serve

abroad from time to time.

hobbies:

I have passion of sport. Especially, running and playing soccer.

23

proFiles

name: Marcello Vigliotta

Rank: OF – 4

nationality: Italy

unit in KFOR: Veterinarian

name: Mohammed Lahlou

Rank: OR - 8

nationality: Moroccan

unit in KFOR: Moroccan Company within the

MNBG-E

22


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