KFOR CHRONICLE The KFOR Magazine for KFOR Soldiers June 2015

KKFORFOR SSummerummer FFestivalestival

KFOR COS ToA www.nato.int/kfor CONTENT

KFOR International music night.

KFOR COS Profile Page KFOR 03 04 Summer Festival

COC MNBG-W Change of Command Ceremony 06 MNBG-W 08 Mountain Rescue Course HALF MARATHON Run for Peace and Tolerance 10 COS 11 Transfer of Authority VISITS TO KFOR HQ A Visual Overview. 12 HUNGARIAN Defence Day COC GERMAN CONTINGENT 14 Change of Command 16 Ceremony KFOR VS KSF SOCCER 18 KFOR Tackle KSF IN Pristina JRD-S 20 Makes Charitable Donation PROFILES Edit Kovács 21 Nino Perovic SUDOKU 22 An Activity for the Brain. PICTURE OF THE MONTH 23 Your Chance to be a Part of it!

2 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 KFOR COS PROFILE

KFOR CHIEF OF STAFF PROFILE Brigadier General Janson D. Boyles took over as the Chief of Staff for KFOR on the 9th of June 2015. Brig Gen Boyles’ previous appointment before becoming COS KFOR was as the commander of the 184th Expeditionary Sustainment Command where he was in charge of all logistical sustainment and support to United States Forces, multinational forces and interagency organisations worldwide. Brig Gen Boyles was commissioned in 1982 through the Reserve Offi cer Training Corps programme at Mississippi State University. He spent his initial apprenticeship as a young offi cer in the United States Army Medical Service before re-commissioning to the United States Army Engineer Corps. Brig Gen Boyles was name, including the Bronze Star medal. in command of the engineer response to Brig Gen Boyles is a member of the American Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and deployed to Engineer Association, the Chartered property Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan Casualty Underwriters and the Independent in 2008, as the deputy commander overseeing Agents and Brokers of America. In his spare engineer sustainment operations in Regional time, Brig Gen Boyles is the National President Commands East and South for the 101st and of the Mississippi State University Alumni 82nd Airborne divisions. Association, is a member of Met Life’s National Brig Gen Boyles was awarded a Bachelor of Agents Council and is an inductee into the Science from Mississippi State University in Mississippi State University Insurance Chair 1982 and also has a Masters in Strategic Studies Hall of Fame. from the United States Army War College in Pennsylvania. Brig Gen Boyles is a highly decorated offi cer with many awards to his

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 3 KFOR SUMMER FESTIVAL

SUMMER FESTIVAL

On the 12th of June, Camp Film City hosted the KFOR Summer Festival.

The festival is an annual event designed for KFOR military per- sonnel to show their appreciation to the KFOR civilian staff who do so much to support our efforts on a daily basis. The festival was di- vided into a static indoor display and an outdoor activity area. All KFOR contingents were repre- sented at the indoor static display, with each contingent setting up a stand which represented their country giving people a chance to learn about the various cultural diversities working within KFOR. The outdoor display had a num- PICTURE: PAO (5) PICTURE: PAO

4 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 KFOR SUMMER FESTIVAL ber of activities where everyone could get involved. The activities were varied, ranging from playing hur- ling with the Irish contingent to wrestling with the Swiss contingent and it also incorporated an activity area for children. The Hungarian parachute display team also dropped into the festival to present COM KFOR with the NATO flag. Overall the day was a massive success and was hugely enjoyed by both ci- vilians and military personnel alike.

Major John O Brien OF-3 IRL A PICTURE: PAO (5) PICTURE: PAO

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 5 COC MNBG-W MULTINATIONAL BATTLE GROUP – WEST CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

On the 9th of June, the outgoing 5th Alpini Regiment welcomed the 132nd Tank Regiment

On a very sunny day with a Th e COC ceremony marked compliance with your mandate wonderful landscape on the the symbolic handover between to ensure the safety and freedom outskirts of the city of Pec/, the outgoing unit (the 5th Alpini of movement for all the people of Camp Villaggio Italia hosted the Regiment) and the incoming . You helped the population change of command (COC) of unit (the 132nd Tank Regiment) and local institutions, aware that the MNBG(W). Th e ceremony commanded by Colonel Ciro a prosperous society contributes was attended by COM KFOR, FORTE. decisively to eliminate ethnic Major General Francesco During his speech COM KFOR tensions” Paolo FIGLIUOLO, the Italian showed great appreciation for the Major General Francesco Paolo Ambassador in Kosovo, H.E. work and dedication shown by the FIGLIUOLO also addressed the Andreas FERRARESE and other 5th Alpini Regiment during their incoming soldiers of the 132nd Tank military, political and religious operational tour: Regiment, welcoming them back to fi gures. “you have always acted in Kosovo aft er a fi ft een year absence. PICTURE: OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe (2)

6 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 COC MNBG-W

Th e 132nd Tank Regiment was founded on the 1st of September 1941 in North Africa and is currently based in Cordenons in . MNBG(W) is comprised of soldiers from Italian, Austrian, Slovenian and Moldavian units. MNBG(W) will continue to carry out its mission of maintaining a safe and secure environment and ensuring freedom of movement in western Kosovo.

Captain Valerio Gargiulo OF-3 ITA A PICTURE: OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe (3)

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 7 MNBG-W MOUNTAIN RESCUE COURSE THE FIRST KOSOVO RESCUE MOUNTAIN TEAM CREATED A KFOR CIMIC PROJECT On the 22nd of May, the fi nal exercise of the “mountain rescue course” was held in the Valley, in the Peč / Peja Municipality. Th e course was organised by MNBG-W for the local population to enable the fi rst mountain rescue team in Kosovo intervene independently in case of emergencies in the mountains. It also established a team of experts who are now in a position to train up new members in years to come. Attending the fi nal exercise was basic skills of fi rst aid and cardio- using probes, shovels and beacon the MNBG-W Commander, Col. pulmonary resuscitation and how to tracker devices. Th ey also learned Carlo Cavalli, and the Mayor of the carry an injured person on diff erent casualty evacuation techniques on Pec/Peja Municipality Gazmend types of stretchers. snowy terrain. Muhaxheri, who have given great Th e second phase was focused In the last phase of training, support to the initiative since its on mountain rescue in a snowy candidates learned techniques inception. environment. During this stage for the organisation and conduct Th e project was developed in students learned the basics of map of “cliff rescue”, and the “drop of three stages beginning last March. reading and how to search for and rescuers cluster” rescue and also Initially 10 students learned the rescue personnel hit by an avalanche how to drop a stretcher carrying an PICTURE: PAO MNBG W MNBG PICTURE: PAO

8 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 MNBG-W MOUNTAIN RESCUE COURSE injured person. Th e lasts two phases were supervised by Italian instructors led by the MNBG-W CSM, OR-9 Rolando Rossignoli. Th e presence of this rescue team in Peč/Peja will support economic development and tourism in the Rugova Valley through better standards of safety for all tourists who enjoy mountain sports. Th e project will continue into the future, aiming at developing the logistical and communications capabilities of the mountain rescue team as well as the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the teams’ mountain rescue skills.

Captain Francesco D’Aniello OF-2 ITA A PICTURE: PAO MNBG W (2) MNBG PICTURE: PAO

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 9 PRISTINA HALF MARATHON

KFOR TROOPS RUN THE PRISTINA INTERNATIONAL HALF MARATHON

On the 11th of May 2015, under the motto “Run for peace and tolerance”, almost one hundred KFOR runners took part in the 15th edition of the Pristina Inter- national Half Marathon. KFOR runners came from thirteen diffe- rent countries including Austria, Finland, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Ireland, Luxemburg, Norway, Po- land, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzer- land and the USA. Three KFOR soldiers were placed in the top forty of what was a very competitive field of runners. In addition to the run- ners, KFOR medical units also provided medical support for the half marathon. Pristina‘s annual half marathon is considered one of the biggest events in the Kosovo sporting ca- lendar and could be considered a demonstration of how Kosovo is building a positive interethnic re- lationship through sport, as sport does not recognise race, religion or colour. Overall the event was a huge success with spectators and competitors alike enjoying the day.

Captain Alessandro Eterno OF-2 ITA A

10 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 COS TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY CHIEF OF STAFF TRANSFER OF AUTHORITY

On the 9th of June, a Transfer of Authority ceremony for the KFOR Chief of Staff took place in Camp Film City between Brigadier General Michael L. Scholes and Brigadier General Janson D. Boyles. Brig Gen Scholes concluded his year as KFOR COS aft er taking over on the 24th of June 2014. Th e ceremony commenced with a review of troops by COM KFOR and both the incoming and outgoing COS before speeches were made by Brig Gen Scholes and Maj Gen Figliuolo. In his fi nal address, Brig Gen Scholes acknowledged all the help and support he had been given from his staff throughout his tenure as COS while also remarking what a pleasure it had been working with Major General Figliuolo. Major General Figliuolo thanked Brig Gen Scholes for all the work he had done throughout his term as KFOR COS and paid particular attention to the eff ort Brig Gen Scholes had put into ensuring that the KFOR motto of “EXAMPLE, ENDEAVOUR ENTRUST” had been adhered to at all stages. Th e ceremony concluded with the awarding of the NATO “non article 5” peace-keeping medal by COM KFOR to Brig Gen Scholes. Brig General Boyles has now taken over as the new COS for KFOR and is looking forward to the challenges the forthcoming year will bring. For a more detailed look at Brig Gen Boyles career to date please see page 3 of this issue of the KFOR Chronicle.

Major John O Brien OF-3 IRL A

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 11 VISITS TO KFOR HQ - A VISUAL OVERVIEW

27th May 2015. KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, received the visit of Lt Gen Hans-Werner Fritz Commander Joint Operations Command Bundeswehr, at Camp “Film City” NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina/Prishtinë.

27th May 2015. KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, received the visit of Mr Yves Rossier State Secretary for Switzerland, at Camp “Film City” NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina/Prishtinë. PICTURE: OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe (2)

12 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 VISITS TO KFOR HQ - A VISUAL OVERVIEW

28th May 2015. KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, received the visit of Mr. Gerd Müller, German Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, at Camp “Film City” NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina/Prishtinë.

18th Jun 2015. KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, received the visit of Mr. Kadri Veseli, President of the Kosovo Assembly, at Camp “Film City” NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina/Prishtinë. PICTURE: OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe (3) PICTURE: OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe (2)

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 13 HUNGARIAN DEFENCE DAY HUNGARIAN DEFENCE DAY On the 16th of May 2015, members of the Hungarian contingent serving in Pristina, Kosovo, gathered to remember the Day of the Defence. Every year the Hungarian Army remembers and salutes those soldiers who succeeded in retaking Buda Castle on May 21, 1849.

Th is year’s Hungarian Day of were encouraged to compete in a All sports events were open to both Defence saw sport playing a variety of sports events such as: Portuguese and Hungarian soldiers central role. Lt. Col János Gacsal cross fi t, table tennis, darts, football, who combine to make up the KTM - commander of the contingent - tennis, volleyball, arcade games, Battalion, further strengthening the opened the event at 0900. Soldiers chess, poker, running, and billiards. bond between the two contingents. Th e formal part of the ceremony, at fi ve o’clock, comprised of promotions and transfers of recognition. Th e speeches began with an address by Lt. Col Tamás Balló, the Hungarian senior national representative. He praised his predecessors and asked the peacekeepers to do their work with the same perseverance and sacrifi ce as those gone before them. Th en Dr. Laszlo Márkusz, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, delivered his speech, and emphasized the continuous and devoted work of the Hungarian peacekeepers, which contribute to the stability of Kosovo. Major PICTURE: KTM

14 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 HUNGARIAN DEFENCE DAY

General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo ended the speeches by thanking the Hungarian contingent for all the work they do on a daily basis. He emphasized the importance of KFOR, and requested those present to carry out their duties with devotion and loyalty. Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo awarded several Hungarian soldiers with the NATO non article 5 Medal. Th e ceremony ended with a dinner and the traditional Hungarian dish of Goulash.

WO József CSAJBÓK, OR-9 HUN A PICTURE: KTM

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 15 COC GERMAN CONTINGENT GERMAN CONTINGENT CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

On 27th May 2015, command of the Werner Fritz. deployed in Kosovo. Th e 27th of German Contingent Th e Bundeswehr (German May marked the commencement of (DEUCON KFOR) transferred Army) has continually maintained the 41st German contingents’ tour from the Deputy Commander, a presence in KFOR since the of duty. Lieutenant Colonel Wolfgang initial intervention in 1999. Aft er In addition to Lieutenant Schmidt, to Colonel Hartwig F. ISAF, KFOR is the second largest General Hans-Werner Fritz the Stork. Th e ceremony was attended concentration of Bundeswehr ceremony was attended by the by Commander of the Bundeswehr troops on operational duty. Since German Ambassador Angelika Joint Operations Command in 1999 more than 125,000 German Viets, Brigidier General Werner Potsdam, Lieutenant General Hans- servicemen and women have been Haumann Director of the NATO PICTURE: KFOR DEUCON

16 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 COC GERMAN CONTINGENT

Liaison and Advisory Team KFOR, as well as a number of local political and religious representatives. Colonel Hartwig F. Stork has previously served in Kosovo as the Offi cer in Charge of the 35th German Contingent and he is looking forward to another tour in charge of the German KFOR contingent.

1St Lieutenant Claudia Seidenschwanz OF-1 DEU A PICTURE: KFOR (2) DEUCON

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 17 KFOR VS KSF SOCCER KFOR TACKLE KSF IN PRISTINA

On the 20th of May, KFOR and the (KSF) played a friendly but competitive football game in the Pristina Football Stadium, in front of a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd.

Th e match was organised by Lieutenant Colonel David Jones, Adviser to COM KSF, and he was extremely well supported by the KSF and KFOR, in particular OF-5 Colonel Willie O’Dwyer, HSG Commander, and by OF-4 Jorge Filipe da Silva Ferreira, KTM Commander. With players from seven diff erent nations on display, the game was extremely close and at times a little physical, as you would expect from an inter-military team sports event. At all times however, it was played in very sporting manner and was well refereed by professional offi cials from the Kosovo Football Private Albert Selimi, however an both ends entertained the crowd Federation. excellent strike shortly aft er from until the middle period of the Th e KSF opened the scoring with OR-3 Ertuk Erkara (AUT) levelled second half with KSF going into the a well worked goal fi nished by the score. A game with chances at lead again with a goal from Private PICTURE: AFRIM HAJRULLHU (2)

18 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 KFOR VS KSF SOCCER

Arbnor Jakupi, and it looked like the Kosovar’s had secured victory. In the dying minutes of the game, OR-7 Bergner Jens (DEU) managed to score a goal that brought the KFOR supporters to their feet. Th e 2-2 fi nal score demonstrated the commitment; sportsmanship and comradeship between the two sides. Lieutenant Colonel Jones commended both teams for the nature with which the game was played and commented that the occasion had been a great success with medals and cups being presented to both teams by Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, Commander KSF, and Brigadier General Anton Waldner, Deputy Commander KFOR. General Rama stated “Th e game today was an excellent event with the perfect score line and it demonstrates further the friendship and co-operation between KSF and KFOR”.

Lieutenant Colonel David Jones OF-4 UK A PICTURE: AFRIM HAJRULLHU (3)

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 19 GERMAN CIMIC PROJECT

Commander KFOR XIX Major General Francesco P. JRD-S MAKES CHARITABLE Figliuolo, Italian Army DONATION Chief Public Affairs Office & KFOR Spokesman OF-4 Andrea Martellotti, Italian Army

Chief Internal Information & Editor KFOR Chronicle OF-3 John O‘Brien, Irish Defence Forces o’[email protected]

Design & Typography: Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu

Photographer: Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu OR-4 Di-Giovanni Giuseppe

Cover Photo: In late April, “Radio Andernach”, the German soldiers‘ radio station, OF-3 John O‘Brien organized a benefi t football match between the FC Pristina and the 40th E-mail and Web DEUCON KFOR women’s teams. Th e charity soccer match managed to [email protected] raise €1,200. Th e proceeds from this football match were donated to both www.nato.int/kfor the soup kitchen in Prizren and the SOS children’s village in Pristina. A small team from the German contingent in Prizren visited the SOS Printed by RASTER village on the 07 May to donate the proceeds from the football game. Tel.: 038 601 606 Th e SOS children’s village was founded in 1999 and cares for all ages NATO Nations within KFOR from infancy to adulthood. May of the children in the village suff er from , Bulgaria, Canada, Cro- disabilities. In addition to caring for long term disabled children and atia, Czech Republic, Denmark, adults the village also operates a public kindergarten and a youth club. Th e Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, kindergarten caters for up to 135 children on a day care basis and the youth Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxem- bourg, Netherlands, Norway, Po- club has a further 13 teenagers living there on a full time basis. One of the land, Portugal, , Slovenia, graduates from the SOS village recently attended university and graduated Turkey, United Kingdom, United with a university degree thereby hopefully setting an example for the other States. children still in care to follow. Th e German contingent was given a tour of the SOS village by Mrs Albana Non-NATO Nations within KFOR Z who is the head carer at the village. While the German soldiers found the Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, tour very sobering they also said that it gave them hope for the future in that Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland. similar projects may be set up to help those in need.

1st Lieutenant Claudia Seidenschwanz The KFOR Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is OF-1 DEU A published for KFOR soldiers in the area of responsibility. The contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the coalition governments’ defence departments. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Internal Infor- mation Section of HQ KFOR’s Pub- lic Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, Kosovo. PAO HQ KFOR reserves the right to edit content to conform to style and space requirements. PICTURE: Dritan H. (2) Articles run on a space-available basis.20 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 PROFILES

Millitary education: I joined the NCO Academy in, Szentendre, Hungary in 2010, and graduated as an Infantry NCO. I completed the parachute jump course with the 88th Light Infantry Battalion (Hungarian defence Forces, Szolnok), and I now have 97 jumps completed. I also completed the Combat Life Saver training course in 2011.

About the mission: I have had 3 previous deployments to ISAF command with the infantry. This is my first tour to KFOR and I am based with the KTM as a HR NCO.

Family reaction: Name: Edit Kovács I live in Szolnok, Hungary with my husband. My husband is also a soldier and he is an infantry squad leader. Every day we talk on skype which lets me feel that I’m never too far away from Hungary. Rank: OR-6 Hobbies: Nationality: Hungary I like parachuting and all dynamic sports, e.g. riding a bike and running. In my leisure time I go on trips with my husband and friends, but I also love KFOR Unit: HUN doing creative puzzles. CONTINGENT

Military education: From 1999 till 2004 I combined both military and civil- lian education and by 2004 I had qualified as a master in aeronautical engi- neering and a military pilot. Over the next ten years I completed a number of different courses which qualified me as a military flight instructor, close-air-support pilot, coast gu- ard pilot, fire-fighting pilot and air-policing just to name a few. About the mission: Work here is very interesting and it builds new skills and allows everyone to learn a lot in this multinational environment. This is my first deployment to Kosovo as an AOo and I have found it quite deman- ding and challenging from the air-operations point of view. If I come back to KFOR I would like it to be as part of a flying crew. Family reaction: I live with my family near the air-force base in Zadar, Cro- Name: Nino Perovic atia. My three year old daughter understands the life of a soldier but still finds it hard as she is a daddy’s girl. She sometimes finds it difficult to have Rank: OF-2 no physical contact with me and to be restricted to internet video calls. On the other hand she can be very tough, so I’m expecting that she will send us Nationality: Croatian on various special missions upon my return back home. Hobbies: I like to play the guitar, physical training and the most important KFOR Unit: J3 AIR DESK hobby - spend time with my family

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 21 SUDOKU

slightly medium

diffi cult very diffi cult

Rules: Solutions May The standard consists of a grid Sudoku fi eld with 3 × 3 blocks, which are each divided into 3 × 3 fi elds, a total of 81 fi elds in 9 rows and 9 columns. In some of these fi elds at the beginning digits 1 to 9 are registered (“targets“).

The task is to fi ll in the blanks of the puzzle so that in SLIGHTLY MEDIUM each of nine rows, columns and blocks of each digit from 1 to 9 appears only once.

The three areas (row, column, block) are equally units or groups. DIFFICULT DIFFICULT VERY

22 KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 PICTURE OF THE MONTH

PICTURE OF THE MONTH Jun. 2015

„My back to my house”

June 2015 Canon EOS 600D f/5.6, 1/160s, ISO 100

Contribute to the OR-8 József CSAJBÓK KFORChronicle! Hungarian Contingent CAMP Slim Lines Just send your photos to [email protected] by the 25th of the month explaining where you took the pho- to and what equipment you used. We will then select one of the submitted images and publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle.

You will be immortalised in the KFOR Chronicle ! Is that not something to be proud of?

Sincerely The Chronicle Team

KFOR CHRONICLE 06/2015 23 www.nato.int/kfor

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