nato kosovo force (kfor) chronicle #7

My name is Major Ewald Klinger, and it is a great honor andprivilege for me to take over as the HQ's new Chief InternalInformation and Editor in Chief of the KFOR Chroniclemagazine.

I am Austrian, 38 years old and I am in service as a PIO at theAustrian Infantry School.

This is my first mission abroad and the main task of thismission is to maintain the high standard of the KFORChronicle.

With your support and my experience, I am sure that we canreach this goal.

In this edition you will find a wide range of interesting andthrilling articles with unique pictures.

I'm proud to hand out the new edition of the KFOR Chroniclejust after a few weeks on the mission, and I am proud to havethe opportunity to work with my team.

We are looking forward providing you an informative and up-to-date KFOR Chronicle magazine every single edition.

2 KFOR Chronicle, July 2007

Commander KFOR:Commander KFOR:Lt. Gen. Roland Kather, DE Army

Chief Public Information:Chief Public Information:Col. Michael Knop, DE Army

Chief Internal InformationChief Internal Information& Editor in Chief :& Editor in Chief :

Maj. Ewald Klinger, AUT [email protected]

Journal is tJournal is tMaj. Ihor Levchenko, UKR Army

Journal is tJournal is tOR-7 Cheryl Toner, USAF

Photographer & LayoutPhotographer & LayoutMr. Armend Aqifi

The KFOR Chronicle is printed by KOSOVA SOT

Tel: 038 548 402

The KFOR Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQKFOR. It is published for KFOR

forces in the area of responsibility. The contents are not necessarilythe official views of, or endorsed

by, the coalition governments’defense departments.

Editorial content is edited, preparedand provided by the InternalInformation Section of HQ

KFOR’s Public Information Office(PIO) in Pristina, Kosovo.

PIO HQ KFOR reserves the rightto edit content to conform to styleand space requirements. Articlesrun on a space-available basis.

HQ KFORArgentinaEstoniaHungaryNetherlandsNorwayPortugalUnited Kingdom

MNTF (C)Czech RepublicFinlandIrelandLatviaSlovakia Sweden

MNTF (N)FranceBelgium DenmarkGreeceLuxembourgMoroccoEstonia

MNTF (S)Germany AustriaAzerbaijanBulgariaGeorgiaSwitzerlandTurkey

MNTF (W)ItalyHungaryRomaniaSloveniaSpain

MNTF (E)United Statesof AmericaArmeniaGreece LithuaniaPolandRomaniaUkraine

Nations within KFOR:KFOR CHRONICLE

Cover photo byMNBN Dulje

Contact KFOR Chronicle:Phone Int: +389 2268 2897Kos.: (038) 503 603 2897

KPN: 2897, 2402FAX Int: +389 2268 2752

E-mail:[email protected]

Internet: www.nato.int/kfor

[Commentary]

DearDear KFOR MembersKFOR Members

3KFOR Chronicle, July 2007

[This Month’s Features]

NATO Secretay General visits;calls for patience ......................... Pages 8 - 9

SACEUR:'Well done. Good job!'............ Pages 16 - 17

The Church of the Blessed Mary in the Sky ........... Pages 18 - 19

KFOR aids Kosovofirefighting operations ........... Pages 26 - 27

Austrian soldierswed on mission ........................... Pages 32 - 33

[Inside KFOR]

Text by OR-7 Cheryl L. Toner, U.S. Air Force

Photos by Maj. Ihor Levchenko,Ukrainian Army and CCT

Brig. Gen. William Wolf officiallytook over authority as Chief of Stafffrom Brig. Gen. Albert Bryant in aceremony at HQ KFOR in Film CityJuly 7, 2007. Unlike a "normal"ceremony outside the headquartersbuilding, the usual block of chair forguests and dignitaries was replaced bya multi-national troop formation.Under sunny skies, Brig. Gen. Bryantfirst thanked the guests from Kosovofor their hospitality and openness."This has been a highlight of mycareer," he said about camaraderie andprofessionalism of everyone here."Kosovo will always have a place inmy heart."Brig. Gen. Bryant then said, "It is myheartfelt desire and prayer that thediplomatic process will come to anend … and Kosovo will be a placewhere children can grow."Speaking of KFOR and its staff, he

said, "I have been greatly honored andprivileged to stand and work withyou."The COMKFOR, Lt. Gen. RolandKather, then addressed the COS, theguests and the troops. He spoke aboutwhat he has seen in Brig. Gen.Bryant's during his 13-month-tour

here. "His sharp intellect and keensense of humor, in addition to hissuperb technical and tacticalproficiency, made him my mosttrusted advisor," the COMKFOR saidof the outgoing COS."I am grateful for your dedicatedservice," he said, after praising his


[Inside KFOR]

KFOR Chronicle, July 2007 5

work and thanking him for the sacrifices both he and hisfamily have made.Addressing the new COS, Lt. Gen. Kather said, "Clearly,you have a tough act to follow." However, the COMKFORexpressed his faith in the new COS's abilities, saying,"…you will be highly successful in this very challenging anddemanding assignment, during these crucial times." "I look forward to working closely together during the finalmonths of my tour here as we execute our mission ofproviding a safe and secure environment for all the peopleof Kosovo, following our motto of 'Shaping the Future,'"said the COMKFOR.Following Lt. Gen. Kather's speech, Brig. Gen. Bryant waspresented with a NATO non-Article 5 medal, as well as the

Ehrenkreuz der Bundeswehr in Gold - the highest medal ofthe German Armed Forces.After the Sergeant Major posted the colors, the formationstood at attention as the U.S. national anthem was played.Then, following one final salute, Brig. Gen. Wolf officiallytook over as KFOR's Chief of Staff.

[Inside KFOR]

K4 Family

Lt. Gen. Roland Kather and someof his staff members representingthe K4 Family take a break during abike tour from Pristina/Prishtine toAjvalija/Ajvali.

Ukrainian MFA visit

COMKFOR Lt. Gen.Roland Kather met withMr. Arseniy Yansenyk,Ukrainian Minister ofForeign Affairs, duringhis visit to HQ KFOR.

JULJULYY 33

Visit to MNTF ECOMKFOR Lt. Gen. Roland Kather tookpart in an LMT-forces patrol in Urosevac/Ferizaj during his visit to MNTF E.

JULJULYY 5 5

Visit to KTMLt. Gen. Kather visited the VCP in MNTF SAOR, organized by the KTM, during hismeeting with the KTM commander.

Visit to Pjeter Budi University General Kather met with students at thePjeter Budi University in Pristina/Prishtine.JULJULYY 66

COMKFOR awarded Portuguese medal

Lt. Gen. Katherwas awarded ahigh Portuguesedecoration at themilitary parade inCamp Slim Lines.

US National DayGeneral Kather attended US National Daycelebrations at Camp Bondsteel.JULJULYY 4 4

COS KFOR TOA

Lt. Gen. Kather took partin the COS KFORTransfer of Authorityceremony in Film City.

JULJULYY 77

JULJULYY 44

JULJULYY 11

Lithuanian MoD visit

General Kather met with Mr.Juozas Olekas, LuthianianMoD, during his visit to HQKFOR.

JULJULYY 22

JULJULYY 66


[Inside KFOR]

Austrian Parliamentariansvisit

Lt. Gen. Kather met with adelegation from theAustrian Parliament duringtheir visit to HQ KFOR.

JULJULYY 12 12

USA Senior Balkans Advisor visit

General Kathermet with Gen.(Retired)Crouch, USASenior BalkansAdvisor, duringa visit to HQKFOR.

JULJULYY 1212

Trilateral Meeting

Lt. Gen. Kather tookpart in Trilateralmeeting with SRSGJoachim Rucker andKosovo Prime ministerAgim Ceku.

JULJULYY 1616

French National DayGeneral Kather attended the French NationalDay celebration at Camp Novo Selo.

Visit of DSACEUR

COMKFOR GeneralKather met withGeneral Sir JohnReith, DSACEUR,during his visit to HQKFOR.

JULJULYY 1616

SACEUR visitCOMKFOR General Kather met withSACEUR General John Craddock duringhis visit to Kosovo.

JULJULYY 18 18

Italian Chief of Army visit

COMKFORGeneral Kather metwith GeneralFiliberto Cecchi,Chief of the ItalianArmy, at theDakovica Airfield.

JULJULYY 1616

Portuguese Ambassador visit

COMKFOR General Kathermet with Mr. AntonioTanger Correa, PortugueseNational Coordinator andSpecial Envoy for theWestern Balkans, during hisvisit to HQ KFOR.

JULJULYY 1818

JULJULYY 14 14


UK Parliamentarians visit

COMKFOR Lt. Gen.Kather met withmembers of the UKParliament ForeignAffairs Committeeduring their visit to HQKFOR.

JULJULYY 1212

8

[Inside KFOR]

KFOR Chronicle, July 2007

Text compiled from media reportsby OR-7 Cheryl L. Toner

Photos by Combat Camera

NATO Secretary General JaapDe Hoop Scheffer visitedKosovo June 29, 2007, and met

with UNMIK ChiefJaochim Rücker, COMKFOR Lt. Gen.Roland Kather, KosovoPresident Dr. FatmirSejdiu, the Unity Teamand representatives of

Kosovo-Serbs. The secretary general,

with United States

[Inside KFOR]


Navy Admiral H.G. Ulrich III,Commander, Allied Joint ForceCommand Naples, also met withKosovo leaders. The SG said NATO'sdetermination and role in Kosovowill remain the same, but he askedleaders to be patient and showrestraint while giving the process alittle more time. Scheffer also said that Kosovarsshould feel secure in knowing thatKFOR remains determined to ensurethat during the process, a peacefuland secure environment will be thestandard for everyone in Kosovo.His comments mirror whathe said when he was in

Pristiana back in April of this year:"NATO-KFOR is here in this veryspecial and important period forKosovo to see that no one, no one,should have the illusion that violenceor the threat with violence could inany way be an element in finding asolution. "Anybody who would like to resort toviolence is not only wrong, but he'sharming the process from whateverside of Kosovar society he or shecomes", said SG Scheffer. "So,moderation is the key word; takingand having and letting the

responsibility where itnow belongs and

that is in the Security Council of theUnited Nations."Scheffer said that he came to Pristinain June as a friend of Kosovo to showthe determination of NATO andKFOR in support of the quickestsolution possible, which would haveAhtisaari's plan as a foundation. Tothis end, he said, "NATO and itsallies support Ahtisaari's plan andKFOR troops in Kosovo will notallow any violence".On this trip, the SG also spoke brieflyat a press conference and visited,

among other things, a cultural site.

Text by OR-7 Cheryl L. TonerPhotos by OR-7 Cheryl L. Tonerand Sgt. Stephen Proctor,

US Army

MNTF East was the site ofAmerican 4th of Julyactivities and just 10 days later,Novo Selo was where the Frenchcelebrated Bastille Day July 14.

Both national days are held in celebration ofgranting its citizens certain rights, and bothnationalities held parades, had bands and varioustypes of food. A unique twist on Bastille celebrationswas the 11th Airborne Brigade parachutedemonstration team parachuting in a small area withamazing accuracy. The team jumped out of a FrenchPuma at 1.500 meters and, after landing, the team linedup and was given a coin by the COMKFOR, Lt. Gen.Roland Kather.

French Bastille Day

The storming of theBastille, on July 14,

1789, immediatelybecame a symbol of

historical dimensions; itwas proof that power no

longer resided in the King or inGod, but in the people, in

accordance with the theoriesdeveloped by the philosophies of the

18th century. On July 16, the King recognized the tricolor

cockade: the Revolution had succeeded. For all citizens of France, the storming of the

Bastille symbolizes liberty, democracy and thestruggle against all forms of oppression. Shortly

after the storming of the Bastille, on 4 August,feudalism was abolished and on 26 August, "theDeclaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen"

was proclaimed.

[Inside KFOR]


11

[Inside KFOR]


American Independence Day

America citizens celebrate July 4th asIndependence Day because it was onJuly 4, 1776, that members of theSecond Continental Congress,meeting in Philadelphia, U.S.A.,adopted the final draft of "theDeclaration of Independence". In 1777, Philadelphians rememberedthe 4th of July and bells were rung,guns fired, candles lit, and firecrackersset off. Yet as the War of Independencedragged on, July 4 celebrations weremodest.

When the war ended in 1783, July 4was celebrated in some places. InBoston, it replacedthe date of theBoston Massacre(March 5) as the majorpatriotic holiday.Speeches, military events, parades,and fireworks marked the day and, in1941, Congress declared July 4 afederal holiday. "The French Revolution and AmericanIndependence are different results ofthe same philosophical and societal

evolution," according to the FrenchEmbassy in the United States."Indeed, the American dream of theFounding Fathers has much incommon with the ideals of the FrenchRepublic and our two democracies areoffsprings of the age ofenlightenment."

[Inside KFOR]


Text and photos byMaj. Jesus Leal, Spanish Army

The children of Kosovo are the mainbeneficiaries of the humanitarian aidin the form of food, clothes,footwear and water.The CIMIC Team of Task Force“Tizona” delivered a diverse amountof material for the Bosniaccommunity of Dobrusa/Dobruse andthe MAE’s community ofBanja/Banje carried on July 4 andJuly 9, 2007. Their representatives, DjuleBatilovic and Ali Hajrizaj, were incharge of receiving the shipmentwhich will be dedicated to 55families of both minorities.


[Inside KFOR]

Spanish soldiers brought more than 150 boxes of clothes andfootwear, numerous toys, furniture, 900 kilos of flour,milk, oil and pasta. The soldiers know that the significance of thisdonation is knowing that 20 kilos of flour isenough to feed a family of five for 10 days.On the other hand, TF “Tizona” hassupported K-Albanians in Kosh/Kos,going in three times to re-supply their –for a total of 30.000 litres – and havecontributed to quell the shortage ofwater. With this quantity, 140 people cansubsist more than 10 days. CIMIC Team of TF “Tizona” has theobjective of improving the quality of life ofthe different ethnicities in its Area ofResponsibility, paying special attention to the children.


Text by Capt. Marcos Chaparro, Spanish ArmyPhotos by MNTF-W PIO

On June 28, at 11:00 hrs. at Villaggio Italia, on abeautiful partially-sunny summer day, Task Force AquilaCommander Col. Giuseppe Ognimè from the 5thInfantry regiment "Aosta" was waiting for hisreplacement as a military parade looked on.Local authorities and invited personalities were takingtheir places when the music of the Bersaglieri marchstarted, resounding within the TOA square, the squadhonoring the Italian flag appeared to be running in a veryspecial way, the Bersaglieri style. Col. Antonio Randine from 7th Bersaglieri regiment waswaiting for this squad and he was ready to take theCommand of the TF Aquila.

DCOM KFOR Division General Roberto Bernardini and Commander MNTF W,Brigadier General Antonio Venci, presided over the ceremony. The TF Aquila TOAstarted.After the change of flag between both colonels, Colonel Ognimè thanked hissoldiers for providing a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for

the people of Kosovo. During their mission - from Jan. 24, 2007 through June19, 2007 - they accomplished a lot of tasks. Among other things, they traveled

more than 700,000 km in their vehicles and countless kilometres on foot -5,701 patrols all together. They performed 4,974 checkpoints, and

checked 18,066 vehicles and 40,550 people. Now 5th Infantryregiment Aosta is ready to go back to their basement in Messina.In his speech, Brigadier General Antonio Venci expressed hisgratitude and appreciation to Colonel Giuseppe Ognimè and his

soldiers, emphasizing his spirit of cooperation.In spite of having participated in NATO and EU

missions - including Bosnia and Herzegovina andAlbania - this is the first time that the 7thBersaglieri regiment from Bari (Puglia) is on a

mission in Kosovo. They will continue the legacy of all Italian

troops in Kosovo, providing freedom ofmovement, and a safe and secure

environment in the TF Aquila area ofresponsibility.

14

[Inside KFOR]

Text by Col. Achim Landherr, German ArmyPhotos by MNTF S PIO

A short, official farewell ceremony tohonour the departure of the last of the Dutchsoldiers attached to 17th DEU CONKFORin Camp Prizren was conducted June 30,2007, by Col. Hans Werner Patzki, DeputyCommander of Multinational Task ForceSouth. Soldiers from all nations represented in thecamp lined up in front of the headquartersbuilding of MNTF S when, following animpressive speech of thanks, the red-white-blue flag of the Netherlands waslowered. The Provost Marshal of HQKFOR, in her capacity as Senior NationalRepresentative of the Netherlandscontingent, came from Pristina/Prishtineto take over the retrieve flag.The departing soldiers were the last ofa series of five teams who, sinceJanuary 25, 2007, had rendered theircontribution as a complete surgicaldetachment for the German FieldHospital in cooperation with fellowsoldiers from MNTF's nations. Onedetachment at a time was assigned forone month each. It comprised a surgeon,an anaesthetist, an anaesthetic andintensive care nurse, as well as twosurgical nurses. In addition, the RescueCoordination Centre (RCC) wasaugmented by one Dutch officer. The international cooperation in theGerman Field Hospitalhas proved successful.Working together has

also established the bonds of friendship. In this context, thecommander of the German Medical Task Force invited allmembers of the other nations represented in hisformation to a multinational social event, and theDutch comrades in turn invited their fellowsoldiers to a cheerful farewell party. Theinvited guests were all welcomed by anofficer and a nurse clad in traditionalDutch dress, presenting a key ring with apair of small porcelain shoes (replica ofthe traditional Dutch clogs) as a tokenof memory.


[Inside KFOR]


Text and photos by MNTF S PIO

The German KFOR ManoeuvreBattalion Prizren manages the mostdiverse tasks, from mounted anddismounted patrols, vehicle andidentity checks, to the protectionof cultural assets and residentialbuildings of minorities, just to namea few. The diverse tasks are sharedbetween five companies; however,one manoeuvre company is taskedwith protecting the Serbian-Orthodox Archangel Monastery andthe monks living there. Late in the morning June 25, thefirst of two American Black Hawkhelicopters landed on an open areain front of the monastery. Aboardwere the Supreme AlliedCommander Europe (SACEUR),American four-star Gen. JohnCraddock, COMKFOR, Lt. Gen.Roland Kather, and the AmericanRepresentative for Kosovo, AndrewBrentall. The guests were welcomed by theCommander of Multinational TaskForce South (MNTF S), TurkishBrig. Gen. Ugur Tarçin, and the

[Inside KFOR]


commander of German ManoeuvreBattalion Prizren, Lt. Col. RalphAdametz, and subsequently briefedon the situation and the mission ofMNTF S. They received detailedexplanations on how attacks on themonastery - which had led to thedestruction of the accommodationwing in 2004 - are supposed to beprevented from occurring in thefuture. In this context, thereinforcement of the structuralprotection was addressed as well asthe modified concepts for theemployment of the security forces.The highlight of the capabilitiesdemonstration was the employmentof the reserves that, after a shortwarning time and wearing theircomplete crowd and riot controlequipment, landed aboard a SwissSuper Puma, part of themultinational helicopter unit ofMNTF S, and immediatelyreinforced critical spots. Highlysatisfied, General Craddockthanked the soldiers who lined upfor the debriefing with the words:"Well done. Good job!"

[Inside KFOR]

[Cultural Heritage]


[Cultural Heritage]


Text by OR-7 Cheryl L. TonerPhotos by Armend Aquifi

In a small town near the FYROMborder, a relatively "young" Catholicchurch is host to more than 23,000visitors annually - and most of themcome in one day. In Letnica/Letnice,

about 7 km from the border, chickensand cows that freely roam the

streets are overrun with people ona mission: the annual pilgrimage

to The Church of the BlessedMary in the Sky whichhouses "The BlackMadonna." The church's currentstructure was completed in1934; however, according

to Gjergj Zefi, who has livedand worked at the church for fiveyears, the church has beencompletely destroyed at least threetimes. And yet its lure is felt allover Europe as people come for anannual pilgrimage on August 15.As the day of assumption,thousands of Catholics come

from Europe and all over Kosovo to thischurch, which has a history that datesback to the beginning of the 14thCentury.According to Zefi, about two weeksbefore the pilgrimage, tents dot therolling field nearby, as a special buildingwith a courtyard just down the hill fromthe church is opened up - only once ayear - in preparation for this occasion.On the day of the pilgrimage, the groupbegins its trek a few kilometers from thecenter of town. The pilgrims walk anindirect route of about four kilometersthrough the woods, over the hills andthrough fields, stopping along the wayto pray to Madonna, the mother of God.Also, on the 15th, Zefi said pilgrimsattend mass, and later in the day, bandsperform and people sing, eat, and talk toeach other, creating a celebratoryatmosphere. One of the most famous pilgrims isMother Teresa who, when visiting thechurch in Letnica/Letnice, received hercalling. Mother Teresa was born asGonxhe Agnes Bojaxhiu on August 27,1910, in Skopje/Shkup. After visitingthe church, she was reported to havesaid in 1928, "I have decided before theLady of Letnica to go in missions and todedicate myself completely to God andto serving souls".Last year more than 500 KFOR soldiersjoined the thousands who took part inthe pilgrimage, including the previousCOMKFOR. Zefi said that since 1999,"we've never had any problems".Preparation keeps it that way, with KPSand KFOR providing security.According to Zefi, only 25 families inLetnica/Letnice are Roman Catholic,and most of the remaining residents areMuslim Albanian. While the assumption

may be that residents would be upset astheir idyllic streets are filled withmasses, Zefi said they welcome theannual event and its ensuing rush ofpeople. "All year we wait for this day",he said. "We are very happy they arehere".


[KFOR info]

Text courtesy of U.N. News Centre

COMKFOR was invited to New York to give hisassessment on July 9, 2007, on the conditions inKosovo. Lt. Gen. Roland Kather met with advisorsbefore the UN Security Council met, advising themof the situation on the ground in Kosovo. Both the Secretary General Special Representative,Joachim Rücker, and Lt. Gen. Kather said that "notdealing with the status of Kosovo can worsen thesituation" and that not moving forward can nullify theprogress already made up until this point in Kosovo.Afterwards, the SRSG told the 15-member Councilin a closed session that the time had come toprovide "a roadmap, a timetable, to assure Kosovo'stwo million inhabitants of where they are headed".The senior United Nations envoy to Kosovo urgedthe Security Council July 9, 2007, to quickly draw upa roadmap for determining the status of theprovince, which the world body has administeredsince NATO troops drove out Yugoslav forces amid

inter-ethnic fighting in 1999. The SRSG praised the achievements of the UNInterim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)."Out of a humanitarian crisis, an institutionalbreakdown, and a complete security vacuum in1999, UNMIK has put in place very firmly, togetherwith its international and local partners, thefoundations for a functioning democracy, afunctioning rule of law sector and a functioningmarket economy", he said. At the same time, he cautioned that the internationalcommunity must act. "We have reached a criticalpoint where further progress on the ground dependson ensuring clarity on Kosovo's status". Mr. Rücker paid tribute to the people of Kosovo. "Buttoday there is an undercurrent of anxiety throughoutthe population and among Kosovo's politicalleaders", he added. "They fear that the statusprocess is losing momentum and what hadappeared to have been an imminent resolution ofKosovo status will unravel".

COMKFOR invited toCOMKFOR invited toUNSUNSCC


[KFOR info]

Rank and full name: Brig. Gen. Reinhard SchöberlTime in service: Since 1979Assignment at home: Since 2003 Chief J2 in the Command andControl Staff of the Austrian MOD. Previous missions: 2002/2003 DCOS in KFOR MultinationalBrigade Southwest and Austrian NCCWhat are your main goals during your tour with KFOR: As KFORDCOS SPT I will try my best to contribute to efficient and smoothstaffwork within the Support Division and with other KFOR HQsections in order to support KFOR's important mission as best aspossible.What message do you have for KFOR soldiers? When fulfilling yourmission always be firm but also honest and friendly. Be sure to act asa good example for your colleagues from various nations as well asthe local population. And please, be especially careful when driving -your family wants you back healthy!Your family status? Married, 2 sons, ages 19 and 18 yearsWhat are your interests and hobbies? My family, canoeing on rivers,biking.

Do you have some basic principles or a personal motto? If you get some information, always think about who else coulduse this information. Personally, I try to be honest and reliable and thus give a good example to others.

New KKFOR DDCOS SSupportNew KKFOR DDCOS SSupportText by Maj. Ewald Klinger, Austrian Army Photos by Combat Camera

[KFOR info]


Rank and full name: Brig. Gen. Giovanni Savarese Time in service: In the Army since 1977, with 30 years of active dutyAssignment at home: Chief of Staff at the Italian Infantry School in Cesanodi Roma.Previous missions: Chief G3 of Multinational Brigade North during theOperations Joint Endeavour (1996); Chief G3 of Multinational Brigade North during the Operation Joint Guardian(1997) in Bosnia - Herzegovina;Chief of Staff of the Italian Contingent operating in Macedonia and then ofMultinational Brigade West, deployed in the western region of Kosovo duringthe operations Joint Guarantor (1998) and Joint Guardian (1999);Chief of Staff of Multinational Brigade West inside operation Joint Guardianin Kosovo (2001).Commanding Officer of 8th Bersaglieri Regiment - Task Force FALCO in theoperation Decisive Guardian in Kosovo (2003);What are the main goals during your tour with KFOR? To support the COSin leading the staff. To carry out all duties in accordance with the commander'sintent and to contribute to the mission of shaping of the future of Kosovo. What message do you have for KFOR soldiers? I have been in the Balkansseveral times and every time I am really impressed by soldiers professionalism and by the cooperative attitude. I am veryproud to be part of this multinational team.Family status: Married since 1982 to Mrs Giuseppina Palmieri, and one daughter, Marianna, who is 23 years old and agraduate of economics.What are your interests and hobbies? Running, and playing soccer and tennis.Do you have some basic principles or a personal motto? Always be yourself.

New KKFOR DDCOS OOperationsNew KKFOR DDCOS OOperationsText by Maj. Ewald Klinger, Austrian Army Photos by Combat Camera

Text and photos by Lt.Yann Chollet, French Army

Borcane is an isolated village far in themountains in the Northern Kosovo.There is only one road, well on its wayto becoming a path, to drive freely fromthe main road in the valley to themountains. The main part of this roadwas seriously damaged by rain andnormal wear-and-tear from vehicletraffic. In order help villagers drivefreely and to restart KFOR patrols inthis area, the road leading toBorcane/Borcan needed to be repaired.This action was jointly-led by theFrench CIMIC actions and the engineercompany from the Camp Novo Selo.Under the command of OR-7 Fourniere,a French engineer platoon from the 17thAirborne Engineering Battalion wasengaged for one month near the villageof Borcane/Borcan. During the mission,soldiers had to overcome some unusualcircumstances. It is not so easy to work

o na path inmountains wheretractors and big vehicles are still moving along!It was essential to find passing placesin order to improve traffic flow up anddown on the path. Workers also had aninteresting time getting the materials totheir forward location. Someappropriate quarries were found,according to the municipality ofLeposavic/Leposaviq authorities.Engineers then became diggers to findand transport stones and gravel to thenewly-constructed road. At the end ofthe project, the engineer soldiers madeabout seven kilometers of repairs on themain path of Borcane/Borcan. Theyalso repaired three kilometersof side paths leading toisolated farms.

The fourweeks spent therefor the project was a greatexperience for the whole team.Different contacts with the populationwere always good.After repairing the road, the mission isnow to repair the village's school byanother French engineer platoon.Located in the center of this scatteredvillage, it really needs some work! Let'sget working for some other days overthere!

[Inside KFOR]


24

[Inside KFOR]


Text and photos by Capt. Maxim Prauta,Ukrainian Army

Ukrainian soldiers from the jointpeacekeeping battalion POLUKRBATorganized and conducted the firstMedical Civil Assistance Program(MEDCAP) June 23, 2007. It was heldin the "Sharski odred" Primary Schoolin Yazhynce village, in theStrpce/Shterpc municipality.During MEDCAP, Ukrainian soldiersprovided medical, dental andoptometrist services. Taking the lead inthis event, the members of Ukrainian'sS5 section, Liaison and MonitoringTeam invitedanother medicalstaff from TaskForce MedFalcon, TFHellas, TFP r i z r e nand the

Polish contingent of POLUKRBAT totake part in MEDCAP, in coordinationwith Ukrainian medical personnel.Early in the morning, through theground reconnaissance executed byUkrainian militaries, about 80individuals, mostly children and theelderly, were medically screened ortreated. Despite the fact that during thispart of the year, the local populationtraditionally makes hay, KFOR's medicshad a lot of work ahead of them.Everybody who came to the locationwhere MEDCAP services were

provided was seen by qualifiedmedical personnel.

All inhabitants of Yazhyncevillage also receivedhumanitarian assistance -clothing, hygiene itemsand vitamins.

During the Medical Civil AssistanceProgram, Deputy Commander MNTF ECol. Jeffery Grebb and deputycommander of MNTF E of civil/militaryoperations Col. Steven Scott visited thisevent.

[Inside KFOR]

Text and photos by Lt. Lauri Kriisa,Estonian Army

Along with other NATO forces,Estonian soldiers first landed in Kosovoin 1999. Since that time, Estonians haveconducted peacekeeping operations inKosovo under different structures andnames. One example is as ESTPATROL(MP unit), under Italian command, asBALTSQN (recce unit) which is underDanish command. Now we are back to continue themilitary traditions and education that wehad gathered over the years. Now thename of Estonian unit is ESTRIF-1.ESTRIF means ESTonian RecceInfantry Force, and, in the structure,

there are 26s o l d i e r s :

one command group and four sections,each consisting of six soldiers. Westarted our mission in Kosovo onFebruary 14, 2007.ESTRIF-1 is based in Camp Olaf Ryeunder operational command of theDanish Battalion. For us that means thatDANBN grants us all backup for bothlogistics and infrastructure. What is leftis for us to conduct operations. What operations do we manage here inKosovo? So far we have beenconducting patrols on foot and byvehicles, sitting on long-durationobservation posts, conducting area andobject recce's, etc. Luckily, we have our own area ofresponsibility which ischaracterized by highmountains and bad roadsunder weather variances that show MotherNature's

unforgiving moods. It takes the effortsof every member of the patrol tosucceed on every patrol.Aside from any additional recce tasks,we have also been conducting VehicleCheck Points (VCP) and Crowd RiotControl (CRC) exercises. CRC is one ofour favorite tasks, but there are no realrioters to test our skills on. With CRCtraining we have mostly had greatmoments of pleasure. And the bestmoments are the ones when we are therioters and can test the opponents.Overall, we are happy to be a part ofKFOR. And with this happy mood weare ready, together with other unitsworking in Kosovo, to make this place abetter place for people living here.


[Inside KFOR]


Text by Maj. Ewald Klinger, Austrian ArmyPhotos by MNBN Dulje and

OR-6 Adrian Streun, Swiss Army

KFOR is working with its civiliancounterparts to put out the wildfires

burning across Kosovo. There has beenan incredible heat wave across Kosovo for

weeks; however, it is a Kosovo tradition thatfarmers - after harvesting their fields - burn theremaining straw. This tradition, plus extremelydry and hot weather conditions, meansspontaneous wildfires have erupted all overKosovo.For that reason civilian institutions haverequested KFOR's support in firefightingoperations all over Kosovo. Where everpossible, KFOR has made its assets

available. KFOR has assisted not only withhelicopters, but also with trained firefightingpersonnel on the ground. These men and womenare helping battle several different fires.When conditions allow, KFOR's helicoptersoperate from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.However, it is not possible for helicopter's to dropthe water at night, and only certain types ofhelicopters are equipped for firefighting operations. KFOR has provided Bell UH 1 and AS 332 SuperPuma helicopters to drop water over burning lands.Because of existing landmines, it is extremelydangerous for pilots to drop tons of water from alow altitude; therefore, assistance is sometimeslimited.KFOR's determination to serve in this region forthe benefit of all residents of Kosovo is not limitedto military means.

[Inside KFOR]



[Inside KFOR]

Text by: OR 7 Rok Tomsic, SVN ArmyPhotos by: OR 6 Milivoj Turkovic, SVN Army, OR 2 Emil

Jalovec, SVN Army and OR 4 Alessandro Moghetti, ITA Army

A Slovenian helicopter crew recently came to the rescue incontaining forest fires in the Pec/Peje vicinity. It is summer time here in Kosovo and aside from the hightemperatures and lack of water, the next most dangerous thing hereis forest fires. In the second part of July, the crew came to the rescue, but this wasno ordinary fire; it was high in the mountains - in places that werehard to reach by land.A Slovenian helicopter and its crew were given the order to assistin extinguishing a large fire on July 17. This was the first time thatMNTF W commander gave an order for such a mission. Previously helicopter fire fighting was only used if KFOR propertyor personnel were endangered. This was also the first time thatMNTF W performed a CIMIC activity that was considered as anemergency.

On the 17th, right after 08:00 hrs., they flew from theirKFOR home base in Djakovica/Gjakove and made a stop

in Camp Villaggio Italia just to attach a water-carryingbag under the helicopter. They departed on an 8-hour

mission that included taking water from the PeckaBistrica River. It takes a well trained crew to

perform such an operation. After the water was taken from

the river, the helicopterascended to the fire


[Inside KFOR]

site where the helicopter crew disperses the water on thewildfire. When there was no more water in the bag, thehelicopter returned to the river and repeated the sameprocedure, each time taking almost 1,000 litres of water. ThisSlovenian helicopter crew performed this action 42 times inwhich they carried more than 32,000 litres of water, usingmore than 3,000 litres of helicopter fuel. In the end, thishelicopter crew helped to localize the fire that destroyed morethan 20 hectares of high mountain forest and bushes.The Slovenian helicopter unit is serving in TF Ercole, a unitthat falls under the command of MNTF W. Crews serve intwo month periods and this is the third rotation of Slovenianhelicopter crew. Their home unit is the 15 HelicopterBattalion, Brnik Air Base. The Slovenian helicoptercontingent contains one Bell 412 helicopter and a crew ofeight, comprised of pilots and air technicians. Also, one Bell412 is on reserve in Slovenia.The bravery and professionalism of the Slovenian helicoptercrew is standard as all previous helicopter crews that servedin KFOR that participated in fire fighting are well-trained forsuch operations. Slovenian helicopters are all equipped and all crews welltrained in fighting fires. One of the helicopter's main tasks inSlovenia during the peace time is fire fighting and air rescuein the high Slovenian Alps. Slovenian Army helicopter crewsrescue a lot of people annually from hard terrain anddangerous situations.But that doesn't mean that this helicopter crews are only forcivilian rescue and helping in firefighting. The Slovenianhelicopter crew received a letter of appreciation from theformer MNTF W commander. That happened after the

combat tactical flight in which the Slovenian helicoptercrew showed to the MNTF W commander that they areprepared for any kind of activity.The Slovenian crew is always ready to perform their tasksand to successfully complete the mission.As this article was written the Slovenian helicopter and itscrew also helped to localize another fire near Klina/Klineon July 20.

[Inside KFOR]


31

[Inside KFOR]


Text and photos by Swiss PIO

Mission Magic: the Swiss Army isprobably the only army that has a tank-coy commander serving as a magician.Captain Roland Meister, a winner ofthe Swiss magic's championship and anaward-winning member of theAmerican Magician Associationperforms usually twice the year forchildren and for KFOR troops inKosovo. To that end, from June 8 toJune 15, we were proud to have had the11th Magic Mission!The Swiss Master Magician performed25 times in one week: 15 times forlocal children, 10 times in KFORCamps. Many of the local children insmall villages never had theopportunity of seeing a magician live.So, why not use the resources we haveto access those villages in themountains and to show the childrensomething very different from theireveryday's lives? The children wereoften very amused by the show, some so

very amazed that they justdidn't manage to

applause: theycould only

sigh…

Small villages can have huge schoolswith more than 200 students eager tolearn and to feel the touch of magic.Moreover, children in the hospital badlyneed some good news and oftentimes adiversion. Sometimes, those villages andhospitals are very far away, but thanks tothe Turkish, German and SwissHelicopters and the Austrian EOD Team,air transportation was possible.Performing for KFOR troops is also animportant mission: Camp Clarke,Camp Olaf Rye, Camp Prizren, CampToplicane and the Swedish MuddyMess hosted Captain Meister and hisshow. In the Turkish Camp SultanMurat, some 300 soldiers and officersjust couldn't manage to keep sitting.With standing ovations theydocumented very well how such amagic mission is also something veryspecial in the military routine.An example is trying to cut a magicrope with grandmother's scissors isn'tvery easy. And seeing your moneydisappear doesn't feel very good;however, it feels much better when itre-appears. Trying to catch up to thevelocity of a speeding ball and at thesame time not losing the magician's hatfrom your eyesight is a delightfulchallenge. Other delights are playingcards with an invisible set thatmaterializes in the magician's hand andtrying to sit down without a chair, but

with three other comrades can bevery demanding. Yet, it is

also very rewarding!

Of course, performances for our ownnational troops are also important. Oneshow for an Austrian CIMIC projectbrings other aspects into consideration:the project also has an emotionalelement. Three shows for theSWISSCOY and guests and thrice thesame picture: soldiers laughing andasking for more, just delighted by theMission Magic.Why use a magician in the military?There are many different reasons to doso. First, it's an interesting andoftentimes necessary distraction fromour routine: relaxing in an enjoyableshow full of tricks, twists and turns.Second, the Mission Magic builds abridge connecting different KFORcontingents. If there are some follow-ups, like visiting each other, invitingfor dinner or even exchangingexperiences, even better. Third is thepossibility for the military to influencethe local population for the better,providing them with an experience manyonly know from what they hear or see ontelevision. The military maintains a safeand secure environment by at the sametime providing a highly delightfulexperience.That's the Mission Magic; a non-military operation that turns tobe essential to the army.It's just magic…!

[Inside KFOR]


Text by Maj. Thomas Burgstaller, Austrian ArmyPhotos by OR-7 Oskar Schmidt and

OR-9 Klaus Hattinger, Austrian Army

Austrian soldiers were witness to a unique event here as twosoldiers wed on this mission abroad: a first for the country.Soldiers OR-3 Raphaela Lestina and OR-6 Thomas Lestinaexchanged wedding vows before international witnesses inthe Camp Casablanca chapel, which is also the home base ofthe Austrian contingent here.

The deputy NCC and the Battalion Commander ofMan Bn Dulje also attended this once-in-a-lifetimeevent, as well as the Swiss NCC, who extended theircongratulations to the newly-weds.After the ceremony in the chapel, the group attended a

reception with cake and coffee at the2nd Inf Coy,

[Inside KFOR]


followed by dinner at the dining facility. To highlight the celebration, the two camp bands gave theirbest in the so-called "Austrian café". It was the first appearanceof the two bands and it lasted until midnight.The couple had already given their "yes-word" in Austria at theregistry office during their first holiday in May. The chaplainspoke from a "decidedlyspecial point" fromwhere they have togo on together for therest of their lives. The couple met eachother last year at amilitary course and theydecided to go both toKosovo. While in Kosovo,the decision was made to

marry here. "Thesurroundings, the mission itself build anextraordinary venuefor a wedding", saidMs. Lestina.

Ms. Lestina is a gunner from the APCPandur and Mr. Lestiana works in theHQ Coy and repairs the AustrianAPCs.Both want to stay in the Austrian

Army. She seeks a carrier as an officer and he finds interest atthe MP or EOD. Nevertheless an extension will be their focus. Go together andlook together is their motto, and this also gave the chaplainmeaningful words for his speech.Women have been allowed enlistment into the Austrian Army

since 1998 and they are allowed to fillany position.

[Puzzle]

Find six differences!Find six differences!

Original

Modified

Send your solutions to [email protected]

A winner will be chosen at random and featured in the “Peacekeepers’ Profiles” in the next issue of KFOR Chronicle.


35

[Peacekeepers’ Profiles]


Name: Achkir AbdeltifRank: CaptainNationality: MoroccanUnit: 10th Motorized BrigadeUnit in KFOR: MNTF N HQ G3About the mission: This is my second mission abroad but the first onein Kosovo. I have been here since September 26, 2006. I am reallypleased to carry out this mission. For me it is a challenge to cooperateand work within a multinational environment. So far, it has been aninteresting experience for me and a gain of professional knowledge. Ireally appreciate the opportunity to make new friends from manycountries. Family reaction: My family appreciates my contribution to thismission, but nevertheless must bear my long absence. So far its an honorfor me to represent my country overseas.Plans after mission: After the mission I will go straight to a militarytraining (capt courses) and have the opportunity to see my family eachweek-end. Hope the best for all.

Name: Anar SemedovRank: OR-3Nationality: AzerbaijanHome Unit: Peacekeeping Force BattalionUnit In KFOR: MNTF S Man Bn Dragash 4th Mech Inf. Co. About the mission: This is my first mission in Kosovo. Our duty here is tosupport the peace, and maintain a safe and secure environment in our AOR.We are carrying out this mission under the command of our Turkish brotherswith pride. Azerbaijan Armed Forces are carrying out peacekeepingoperations also in Iraq and Afghanistan. In all these missions, all Azerbaijanisoldiers are ready to do everything necessary to help the local people to havea better future for themselves and for their children. It is just the same herein Kosovo too, and I am proud to be a part of it, and I work very hard to besuccesful. Family reaction: My family was happy to hear that I was going to bestationed in Kosovo. They are aware that this is a peacekeeping mission tohelp all Kosovars. They are proud of me, and this makes me proud too. Plans after the mission: First I will go on holiday with my parents, andlater, as all good soldiers do, I will again be ready for the service of mycountry, anywhere, anytime, anyhow I am needed.

Name: Matej PraznikRank: OR-6Nationality: SlovenianHome unit: 20th motorized battalion of the 1st BrigadeUnit in KFOR: TF Sokol About the mission: This is my third mission, but my first inBalkans. My previous missions were in Cyprus. In TF Sokolmy post is CSM (Command Sergeant Major). The biggestchallenge is the size of the Slovenian unit - being the firstSlovenian CSM who had the opportunity to be the leading NCOin a unit with more than 600 soldiers (among them 90 NCOs).Family reaction: I'm married and have a 2-year-old daughter. Ihave complete support from my family. This is not the first timeI am away from home - typical military life. As they say:mission first; everything else later.Plans after the mission: The most important thing is to"transfer" all knowledge gained on this mission to all SlovenianCSMs. Being a very young Army, every experience is morethan welcome.

Phot

o by

Ph

oto

by A

rmen

d A

rmen

d A

qifi

Aqi

fi

Rugova Rugova VValleyalley

nato kosovo force (kfor) chronicle #7

Documents

pjeter budi university

7th bersaglieri regiment

multinational brigade north

camp olaf rye

french engineer platoon

german field hospital

camp novo selo

general kather attended