KFOR’s Magazine December 2020

Joint Effects Cell CONTENT

3 COM KFOR Christmas Greeting

4 Joint Effects Cell

7 Key Leader Engagements

8 Christmas time in KFOR

Centre Page Pullout: 10 the Chronicle 2021 Wall Calendar

18 Who Let the Dogs Out?

20 Snapshots

22 Chaplain‘s Message & In Retrospect

, 23 CSM s Corner

Commander KFOR XXV Photographer: Contribute to the Chronicle! Major General Davide Lauretti Franco Federici, OR-6 Italian Army Just send your photos to: Italian Army [email protected]..int Cover Photo: Chief Public Affairs Office & Luciano Savilli by the 20th of the month explaining where you COMKFOR Spokesperson OR-4 Italian Army took the photo and what equipment you used. Col. Mario Renna, We will then select one of the submitted images Italian Army E-mail and Web [email protected] and publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle. Chief Internal Information & http://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor A the Chronicle T-Shirt is awarded each month Editor the Chronicle, Comdt. Paul O Callaghan Printed by “Blendi” to the winning photographer. You will be Irish Defence Forces Tel.: 044 149 115 immortalised in the Chronicle! [email protected] Is that not something to be proud of? Design & Layout Sincerely, Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu The Chronicle Team. NATO Nations within KFOR Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Non-NATO Nations Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine. The Chronicle is produced and fully funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR soldiers and civilians 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 Information Section of HQ KFOR’s Public Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, . PAO HQ KFOR reserves the right to edit content to conform to style and space requirements. Articles are run on a space-available basis. Articles appearing in the Chronicle may be duplicated in official NATO publications subject to KFOR PAO authorisation. 2 I would like to take this opportunity to offer all of you a special greeting this holiday season. KFOR is made up of 27 member nations, of various religions, creeds and none. This multicultural and multi-ethnic community brings great colour and pageantry to this time of year. We all celebrate this season in different ways and one of the benefits of such a diverse community is sampling the traditions of our friends and colleagues.

This year has been a particularly challenging period for all of us. We have endured lockdowns and restrictions on freedoms that would have seemed impossible to imagine just one year ago. However, we are KFOR. We can and we will endure and persevere in order to remain mission focussed. We are a self-selecting group that have stepped forward and made personal sacrifices for the achievement of a safe and secure environment with freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo. We are in this together and as one we will progress.

Throughout its 21 year history, KFOR has overcome a multitude of challenges, coming out stronger every time. We are battling an invisible enemy; unconventional threats require us to adopt unconventional measures. You have displayed a strong sense of resilience, commitment, dedication and loyalty. We can and we will come out stronger for this experience.

2020 has been challenging, we hope that 2021 will bring new opportunities and the resumption of normality to Kosovo, to our own lives and to our families back home. The recent developments with regards to vaccines mean that there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we must not lose our focus now. We must be as committed to controlling this virus now as we were throughout this pandemic.

3 STORY OF THE MONTH “A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed”- Joint Effects Cell

020 has not been an easy year. Yet more the foregoing municipalities to provide better 2than ever mankind needed to express their services to all the people in need. humanity and help each other out, because if In addition to the aid with medical equipment, there is one lesson we have learned from the other notable CIMIC activities were conducted COVID-19 pandemic it is that Together We Are as well. The number of the completed CIMIC Stronger. In this spirit, throughout the year, activities was simply too great for us to be able KFOR CIMIC activities have been conducted all to list each and everyone of them. However, over Kosovo, providing much needed aid for the most notable ones were the donation of Kosovo institutions, organisations, schools, and smart white boards and laptops for Kosovo- individuals regardless of their ethnicity. Serbian and Kosovo-Albanian schools in Strpce Naturally, once the COVID-19 pandemic broke Municipality, and also the construction of the out in Kosovo, during the first part of 2020 children’s playground in Caber village as well most CIMIC efforts and projects were focused as the renovation of the sports field in Plemetin. on aid to various health institutions in Kosovo Another school that benefitted from CIMIC with COVID-19 medical protection equipment projects was the Elementary and Junior High (gloves, masks, hand sanitisers, glasses and School “Kuvendi i Verrave të Llukës” in Decan plastic overall suits). As a result, hospitals, family Municipality. The latter received some 20 laptops medicine centres and other health institutions in and one document laminating machine for the Pristina, Strpce, Gracanica, Leposavic, Zerovnica, informatics laboratory and toys and learning Mitrovica South and North, Peja/Pec, and so materials for their preschool classroom. on, received these much-needed materials that Several organisations working with people with were intended to enable the health workers in disabilities were also among the beneficiaries 4 of CIMIC projects. One of them is “Autizmi” Association in Pristina that works with autistic children. This centre received equipment for physical therapy, namely a static bike, treadmill, elliptical running machine, etc. Another similar association for people with disabilities that was helped by CIMIC during 2020 was the HANDIKOS Association in Drenas Municipality. The later received three air condition systems that serve to both cool and heat the premises of this association. It is worth mentioning that this association provides services to 1250 people, 150 of which are children and 36 of them receive daily services at this association. On the other hand, office furniture, laptops and telephones were handed out to the Department Examples of some of the CIMIC projects undertaken by for Health and Social Protection JEC during 2020 included the donation of laptops, tablets, in Zvecan Municipality. The education materials and COVID-19 PPE. importance of this CIMIC project is clear when we take into consideration the fact that this department looks after the most vulnerable population in this area. Among other activities contributing to the benefit of the civilian population, KFOR JEC has developed a still ongoing campaign against the COVID-19 pandemics which is very well received by the people of Kosovo. Radio K4 and PSYOPS print media have produced different products suitable for educating on preventive measures, warning against the risks and promoting the IiK and their anti- COVID-19 measures. As part of these efforts among the most notable projects was #stayhome, #wearthemask, #keepthedistance, #washyourhands and an anti- COVID-19 campaign with local “I am very proud of the work done by the KFOR celebrities. JEC. They are the true embodiment of the KFOR The last but certainly not the Spirit” least important project that was MG Federici, COM KFOR conducted by KFOR PSYOPS during 2020 is the Essay Prize Competition “Let’s think about 5 friendship!”. Almost 200 children of all For KFOR JEC, 2020 was a very challenging ethnicities living in Kosovo participated in year but all the personnel, military and this competition with their original essays civilian, have put in their best effort in order and competed for the chance of winning to provide help, support and assistance to one of the six tablets that were handed all people of Kosovo. out as prizes to the six best essays in this competition. In addition, all the essays Csaba Hernaczki that met the competition criteria will be OR-9, HUN-A published as a book. Joint Effects Cell

6 KFOR NEWS Key Leader Engagements ey Leader Engagements are critical to the continued success of KFOR. To meet the demands of maintaining Kpeace and security in Kosovo, civilian and military actors need to work together. Without the support of the local population, KFOR cannot succeed, and without KFOR, Kosovo risks losing its continued peace and stability. The continued cooperation of the civilian populations are mission critical. KLEs enable KFOR to shape a peaceful Kosovo by influencing through negotiation and mutual understanding. COM KFOR, MG Federici, meets with high level dignitaries, politicians and community representatives of a frequent basis. It is through these KLEs that COM KFOR is able to address any pertinent security issues, maintain critical situational awareness and relay KFOR’s continued commitment to UNSCR 1244 of 1999. At regional levels, commanders meet key leaders in the local communities to address the specifics of challenges in their local spheres. These meetings allow for direct lines of communication between the local institutions and communities with KFOR and visa versa and are mission essential.

MG Federici met acting President, Ms. Vjosa Osmani. The meeting was focused on ensuring that COM KFOR and Ms. Osmani have open lines of communication and a mutual understanding of the other’s commitment to peace and security in Kosovo including on how to address the challenges of COVID-19 on all communities within Kosovo.

COM RC-W Col Figus met the Mayor of the municipality of Peja, Mr. Gazmend Muhaxheri. The Mayor reassured that all residents of the municipality were committed to controlling COVID-19. Mr. Muhaxheri thanked the Regional Command West and KFOR for their continued support. Both sides are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all the communities in Kosovo.

COM RC-E, Col Adams met with Agim Aliu, the Mayor of . They reconfirmed their mutual commitment to intensify cooperation in a number of different fields. The continued cooperation between KFOR RC-E and the local populations are critical to the continued success of the KFOR mission, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all communities in KFOR.

7 KFOR NEWS Christmas time in KFOR

Santa Run, Camp Bondsteel 2020

It is Christmas time in KFOR. This is always a strange In KFOR camps all over Kosovo, the decorations are up, time of year, for some it is magical, filled with joy and lights are switched on and thoughts are switched to celebration, for others it is a time that they reflect on helping the troops to mark Christmas and the end of loved ones that are no longer with them. For the 3500 2020. On Saturday, 19 December, COM KFOR started the soldiers in KFOR this year, Christmas 2020 will be one Christmas season in CFC by illuminating the Christmas that they will always remember – away from their loved tree and the nativity scene crib. ones and families, in the midst of a global pandemic The task of organising the celebrations falls on wreaking havoc all over the world. People of all religions respective contingents and on MWA. In Camp Film City, and none, mark this time of the year. Mr. Artan Dauti and the staff at MWA have the job of

“Despite COVID we are going to celebrate this moment. It is quite important. Normally, Christmas time is a time for families, they spend time together. Our families are really far away at this time, as a father and a husband I understand what it means to be far away from our families. We are each other ‘s family this Christmas and that is why we celebrate this moment.” MG Federici, COM KFOR making things a bit more bearable for all, even though encouraging takeaway options and increasing dinning this means that they must give up their opportunity for hours are in place for this year. None the less, the long family time to thank the KFOR troops for their dedication. hours and unseen work that goes on behind the scenes This personal sacrifice is reflective of the commitment by anonymous staff in DFAC’s all around Kosovo, day in and dedication that the KFOR troops make and must day out should be remembered at this time of the year. also be remembered at this time. Camp Bondsteel, the home of RC-E, began the holiday Mr. Georgios Savvidis, the Catering Services Officer for season by decorating living areas and a giving tree Camp Film City, outlined to me that the DFAC serves for soldiers to give presents on Christmas Day. Office over 1750 meals per day, 365 days of the year. This space will be decorated with a competition to see who year, they expect to serve Christmas dinner to over has the best decorating skills. Christmas trivia nights 600 people in CFC, a challenge at the best of times but will crown a winner after three days of competition. even more so in the midst of COVID-19. In order to allay They will also have a Christmas themes game day for some of the challenges, mechanisms to reduce the Soldiers. The Chaplain will host a candlelight Christmas seating capacity, cleaning of tables after every diner, Eve service followed by an afternoon Mass on Christmas 8 Christmas Decorations, Camp Villaggio dÍtalia

Day. A charity 5km Santa run was organised keeping but they will try to have it as close to the real thing as the troops busy in the lead up to Christmas and foster possible. some community spirit. Participants donned their Let us not forget, even with the Christmas spirit in the best Santa costumes and running shoes and pounded air, KFOR remains operationally committed to Kosovo the pavements of Bondsteel. This is a great initiative, 24/7, 365 days a year. The operational tempo will not allowing the soldiers to voluntarily support Kosovo be reduced just because it is Christmas and the bells are families in need. ringing out for New Year. In Camp Villaggio d’Italia, home of RC-W, decorations Paul O’Callaghan have been hung and a special meal will be made for OF-3, IRL-A all nations represented in CVI. This year will be different Chief Internal Information

Christmas Decorations, Camp Film City 17 TROOPS OF KFOR WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

.S. Army Cpl. Dustin Borchardt, a military working But Borchardt’s hesitancy soon faded, and so did Udog handler from Burlington, Wisconsin, has led a Pearl’s hyper habits. They trained for a year and a half career that many K9 handlers can relate to; long work together, becoming proficient in explosives detection, days with vigorous training, a mental awareness for bite techniques and force protection security. Borchardt their surroundings that never turns off, and of course, and Pearl were soon on the same page and ready to get an unmatched dedication to their four-legged partners. to work. However, one thing stands out about Borchardt and his He said their first independent mission still sticks out dog, Pearl: they have been together for over six years, in his mind. The pair was assigned to guard the Trump a stretch he said is uncommon in his line of work. Most Tower in New York City for then president-elect Donald military working dogs are assigned to one base for most Trump, where they stayed in a hotel room together for of their lives while handlers rotate from duty station to three weeks. duty station, having to leave the dogs they bonded with From there, they served on multiple secret service behind and start the process all over again. missions before deploying to Afghanistan, attached to “We showed up to Fort Campbell at the same time,” said 1st Special Forces Group and 10th Special Forces Group. Borchardt. “I was absolutely terrified. She was less than “Pearl had 30 plus confirmed finds ranging from a year old, jumping all over the place. I was fresh out of homemade to military grade explosives, and multiple training, and I had no idea what I was doing.” unconfirmed,” said Borchardt, reflecting. “We were able 18 to get everybody back home safe. We did our job and even Borchardt didn’t expect. nobody got hurt.” “We’ve gotten to the point when I just look at her and Borchardt credits Pearl with saving his life more than she knows what she needs to do,” said Borchardt. “I’ve once on that deployment. He has since been assigned to picked up on her little mannerisms when she’s found the 100th Military Police Detachment based in Stuttgart, something or when she’s excited. Flicks her ears, wags Germany, where Pearl was allowed to accompany him. her tail.” After years of high-profile, security-based missions Being able to read your dog, understanding why they do and a combat deployment, the duo is now taking on a certain things, strengthens the handler-K9 relationship different type of mission: supporting . and makes the job much easier, he said. If one spends “We spend most of our time down at the gate searching any time around the two, their unique bond quickly vehicle traffic coming into Camp Bondsteel,” said becomes apparent. Borchardt. “We go out with EOD and assist with route If Borchardt taps his chest, Pearl gently leaps up to plant and HLZ clearances. If there’s a special event, before her two front paws on him for a quick embrace as he COVID-19, we’d be involved with searching the event pets her ears. As they walk, she carefully matches his and providing security.” pace. At night, while the kennels are being renovated As Borchardt takes Pearl through their daily routine, he at Camp Bondsteel, Borchardt often wakes up to Pearl knows that their presence is important in more ways laying on his chest like she’s still that growing puppy he than just providing force protection. For many on base, met six years ago. seeing the German Shepherd and her human gives them All of these moments remind Borchardt that military peace of mind. working dogs are not just equipment – they are family, Plus, he said Pearl loves the attention from adoring and each one has their own personality. As long as Pearl passersby. continues to work, he will too, he said. When she can’t “Knowing there’s an explosive trained dog here helping work anymore, he has every intention of adopting her keep everything safe is a big morale booster,” said and helping her transition to the “couch potato life.” Borchardt. “She’s definitely spoiled by the people on “She’s the best dog in the world,” said Borchardt. “She’s camp.” got my back and I’ve got hers. It’s been a really amazing After spending their mornings at the gate, Borchardt experience working with her, and I’ve loved every minute takes Pearl back to the kennel area, where they spend of it.” the rest of the afternoon conducting drills or running through the outdoor obedience course. Training every Tawny Schmit day keeps the dog’s mind sharp. OR-6 US-A Over time, the two have adapted to each other in ways PAO RC-E

19 SNAPSHOTS

COM KFOR awarded NATO Balkans Medals to KFOR soldiers. “As your tour of duty comes to an end, I invite you to reflect on what you have done in Kosovo, on the impact you have had on the mis- sion, on the people that you have met and also on the challenges that you have faced. Your contri- bution to peace and stability in this area cannot be overstated. As one we progress” MG Federici

Photo by PAO Staff

US Sgt. 1st Class Joshua McCaffe- ry, prepares for obstacle and bar- rier removal training at CMLT. US troops and the Ukrainian FOM De- tachment partnered to conduct a training exercise to ensure their unit is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to civil unrest.

Photo by Sgt. Zachary M. Zippe

OR-5 Ghestimani Koutouzoglou from the Greek Guard Company was awarded Soldier of the Month by COM KFOR for her outstanding performance and excellent milita- ry bearing while serving as Main Post Guard of Kosovo Force HQ, CFC. The award recognises her de- dication, commitment, leadership and professionalism.

Photo by PAO Staff

20 COM KFOR turned on the lights of the CFC nativity scene and Christ- mas tree. Seasons greetings to all serving with KFOR.

Photo by PAO Staff

The Antonov 22 is the world’s lar- gest propeller powered aircraft and this airframe is currently 48 years old. The flight was in support of the SLV rotation, it had 8 cargo pal- lets consisting of personal bagga- ge and some military equipment with a weight of 20890kgs.

Photo by Mr. Laurence Peel

The Italian contingent has a long history with the orphanage in Klina. Just before Christmas, they made a significant donation of presents and food for the children.

Photo by PAO Staff

21 CHAPLAIN‘S MESSAGE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM KFOR CHAPLAIN ear KFOR soldiers, not able to bring any immediate and spirit correctly: good readings DI have thought long and hard or significant change to this state (not only movies and video games), about how and what should be my of tranquillity. Without any doubt good music, meditation and prayer Christmas and New Year wishes over COVID-19 has changed our mood, (for believers). These are what the last few days. because of all the constraints, nourish serenity. Believe me, not This past year has been unique. I limitations and sacrifices which only will those who seek serenity don’t think that we need to use too we have been compelled to make. have immediate benefits, but it will many words to describe it … one We must continue to fight this automatically reverberate in your phrase is more than enough to sum invisible enemy and I think that relationships here in Kosovo and in it up: COVID-19! the best way to do that is to take your family video calls too. When If I look at what this pandemic “stole” possession again of our serenity! you look for serenity and find it, it from us, the first things that come to It is an important component in not only comes to you alone but it mind are the social relationships, constituting the “emotional welfare” is a gift that immediately goes to friends and relatives that we have of us all. It can help us to build the others close to you. Is it easy? No, but all missed out on. This year has seen necessary emotional strength to be a soldier is trained to resist, to fight: what we took for granted become happy anywhere and anyway, with easy things do not belong to him! what we miss the most. whoever is next to us. Serenity is for Merry Christmas and Happy On a deeper level, I look at the loss sure our definitive weapon, and I New Year. Almighty God bless of “serenity”, an important aspect invite you find it and to embrace it. all of you and your families. of human life. By serenity I am You can find it only if you are enough referring to an individual emotional brave to seek it properly: we will condition that gives peace as a never find it in false senses of security whole, and not only apparent calm; such as alcohol, coarseness, over- Stefano Tollu an internal peace so deep that it can eating, and various subterfuges. It Padre resist moods; stress and worries are can be found by feeding our mind KFOR Chaplain

RETROSPECT

„Plus ça change, plus c‘est la même chose!“ Jean-Baptiste Alphone Karr

KFOR has changed a lot over the years but many things have re- mained the same. We can see that in December 2000, despite celebrating Christmas, operations continued throughout – just like now. KFOR remains operationally committed to UNSCR 1244 24/7 365 days a year.

22 CSM CORNER

COME TOGETHER, RESILIENCE MATTERS

eam KFOR, almost two months well-trained professional organisation. the challenges upon your return. As for Thave passed since the beginning of Observing our team’s accomplishments the others, myself included, I ask you to KFOR XXV mandate, and I have been is simply mind-blowing, especially pay extra attention to our behaviors in observing in awe the extraordinary in these times where the COVID regards to the anti-covid measures, but daily work of our troops. I knew I was 19 pandemic, unfortunately, is still also our comrade’s left and right. about to be part of a top-notch team, impacting our activities and our lives What for most people is generally and every day in some way, shape, or significantly. a happy season could instead be a form, I get a reminder of the selfless I am well aware that healthy human struggle and a pain for someone in commitment of the Soldiers of KFOR. interactions and interpersonal our formations. I know that we are In the last couple of months, I had relationships in and out of work forced, inevitably, into social isolation the privilege to visit troops from all are the pillars of a high performing as a measure to prevent the spread Contributing Nations in different organization, but, more importantly, of the infection. Still, when it comes to installations throughout the Area of they are the ingredients of a happy comradery and emotions, distances Operations. I have witnessed firsthand existence. I acknowledge that the can and must be reduced. Make sure the dedication of our Women and Men. restrictions dictated by the preventive you take care of yourself and your These hardworking people, despite measures are affecting us in ways that fellow Soldiers, be strong and seek help their diverse backgrounds, languages, sometimes are hard to detect and if you feel you need it, and be proud of and geographical provenance, are recognize. being a KFOR team member. Shoulder able to share knowledge and function As we approach the festive season, I to shoulder, AS ONE WE PROGRESS! together to provide Kosovo with a safe want to pass on you and your families and secure environment every day. my best wishes of happiness and a KFOR demonstrates to be a flexible and prosperous new year. If you are able adaptable force, capable of operating to go home, I ask you to enjoy to the Andrea Torre in an ever-changing environment fullest the time on leave with your loved OR-9, ITA-A maintaining the quality standards of a ones and to recharge the batteries for CSM 23 Photo: Davide Lauretti