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Mnbg-e cmdr
As I look back at the beginning of this operational deployment I’ m amazed how little time has passed, but how long ago it feels. We are just passing our second month of the deployment and what a journey this has been.
Hohenfels was a whirlwind. We spent an intensive three weeks train up at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany training for multiple contingencies that could occur here in Kosovo. Overall, the time spent at Hohenfels was an eye opening experience as we learned to adjust our systems, procedures, and taught our leaders how to seize the initiative in a peace support operational environment. The training was excellent and through our experience, I believe we grew closer together as a team.
On June 1, we took the reins from KFOR 16. The transition between KFOR 16 and 17 was the best I have ever witnessed in my 24 years of service. The professionalism, and KFOR 16’ s desire for us to succeed was unprecedented. Col. Blake Story and his team did a great job setting us up for success.
Now we are settling in. The tempo is high and the demands on your time, capabilities, and resources are demanding. Now, more than ever, I believe we are at a critical moment that requires every ounce of your skill and experience to help the people of Kosovo secure the stage for irreversible momentum. We are witnessing first hand that people can work through differences peacefully. You are taking part in a historic event. You are helping the people of Kosovo move Forward Together. to take the time and do that. Take the time to get to know the people, do your best to understand their perspective, but always balance that with remaining status neutral.
To the families back home, I want to say, thank you. Your support is more important now than ever. I want you to know that your Soldier is making a difference, a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of people’ s lives that will never know your Soldiers name, but at the same time they have a deep respect and love for your Soldier like no other I have ever seen. I have witnessed grown men and women here in Kosovo tear up at the sight of your Soldier, tear up with a gratitude, tear up with respect, tear up knowing that what years of the KFOR presence has done for them. Enabling them to live free, send their children to school, provide for their families, build a home, fly their flag. However your Soldier can only do the mission with your support and love. Please keep reaching out, sending those e-mails, cards and letters... and every so often a package doesn’ t hurt. I also ask you to reach out to your Soldiers buddy... not everyone is as fortunate to have someone like you. Let’ s leave no one behind.
This has been an incredible experience so far and nothing like I’ ve been a part of before. I believe that the Soldiers of MNBG-E are in the right place at the right time, with the right focus. Finally, as we all settle in for the 4th of July holiday and celebrate the United States of America’ s independence, I ask that you take a moment and pause and keep in mind the Soldiers of MNBG-E. Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
One Team, Forward Together.-Lightning 6
For me, the experience in Kosovo has been uplifting. I have meet and experienced so many interesting people and places in my official capacity over the last 30 days. I want to ensure that all of you will have many of the same opportunities. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a few day passes in Kosovo through the MWR program, to see the area and enjoy the history and culture that surrounds us. I encourage everyone
PG 4