Th e KKFORFOR mmagazineagazine fforor KKFORFOR PPeopleeople AAprilpril 22019019 KKFORFOR ChronicleChronicle EExercisexercise SSilverilver SSabreabre 22019019 --11

hhttp://jfcnaples.nato.int/kforttp://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor hhttp://www.facebook.com/NATOKFOR/ttp://www.facebook.com/NATOKFOR/ hhttps://ttps://fl iic.kr/ps/39kEDhc.kr/ps/39kEDh ttwitter.com/NATO_KFORwitter.com/NATO_KFOR Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 CONTENT

Participants of the Silver Sabre Exercise hosted by the Municipal of /Urosevac and MNBG-E included personnel from KFOR, European Union Rule of Law (EULEX), Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Security Council (KSC) (KSF) and (KP).

SILVER SABRE 2019-1 HSG Exercise Change of Command page: 3-5 page: 6

SWISSCON KFOR HQ PAO Change of Command Media Tour page: 7 page: 8,9

JRD-SE KTRBN Denim Day Exercises page: 10 page: 11

A VISUAL OVERVIEW DANCON page: 12,13 March page: 14

JLSG CANCON Change of Command Change of Command page: 15 page: 16

CIMIC MNBG-W Soldier of the Month Donation of Medicines OR-4 Mario Morando (ITA-A) page: 17 page: 18

ACCI Notice & CSM Activities MNBG-E page: 19 Basketball Tournament page: 20

MNBG-W PROFILES Black Cat Exercise & Thunder Strike Niina Heinonen page: 21 Arian Ballanca page: 23

2 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 Exercise SILVER SABRE 2019-1

Ferizaj/Urosevac, Kosovo – Soldiers from the Multinational Battle Group - East (MNBG-E) trained with municipal workers of Ferizaj/Urosevac and representatives of several institutions in Kosovo during Exercise “Silver Sabre 19-1“, a two-day Command Post Exercise held in April from the 24-25, 2019.

The aim of this exercise is too test and provide advice for improving the capacities of the municipality of and Kosovo Police (KP). Ferizaj/Urosevac in applying their National Response The citizens of Ferizaj/Urosevac are no strangers Plan (NRP) and/or their local Standard Operating to natural disasters. Flooding due to heavy rain or Procedures during a natural disaster. This is the fi rst- wild-fi res caused by dry heat conditions require a time exercise Silver Sabre was conducted at the well-rehearsed response by municipality leaders municipal level and the scenario focused on heavy to eff ectively minimize damage to property and rains, which led to fl ooding from the Nerodimje/ maintain safety for all citizens. . It involved the coordination Lt Col Kawakawi was appointed as the offi cer between all elements of outside organizations conducting the exercise, he had the responsibility namely European Union Rule of Law Mission (EULEX), for coordinating all aspects of the planning and Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Kosovo execution of this exercise, building on lessons Security Council (KSC), Kosovo Security Force (KSF) learnt of previous exercises while dealing with

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 3 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 Exercise SILVER SABRE 2019-1

post that they are accustomed to,” Kawakami said. In order to improve and provide feed-back, observer controller, trainers (OCTs) were assigned to municipal workers and representatives of institutions in Kosovo. U.S. Army Capt. Kyle Miyahana, Silver Sabre Core Planner & OCT, worked hand-in-hand with the municipality’s operations section. “We’re the facilitators,” said Miyahana. “We are giving the training to them. We’re showing them a way they could use to track and respond to an emergency, and implement the U.S. Army way of running a command post exercise.” the demanding challenges of this new Flooding The Army National Guard OCTs drew from personal related exercise. “Throughout my life in the State of experiences as civilian police offi cers, fi re-fi ghters Hawaii, we’ve experienced a multitude of naturally and medical fi rst-responders. Other OCTs shared caused emergencies due to heavy rains, hurricanes, experiences from serving in similar military capacity tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,” said as the municipal workers they were paired with. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kawakami, 29th Infantry Brigade Throughout the two-day exercise a series of training Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard. “Being problems known as “injects” occurred during the in the Hawaii Army National Guard, we conduct an exercise. The injects create challenging scenarios that annual hurricane exercise called Makani Pahili. This the EOC address and provide a tool of measurement helped me with the operational design for the crisis on communication, coordination and cooperation management scenario for the Municipality of Ferizaj/ for the OCTs to evaluate on. In addition to injects, the Urosevac”. exercise included a mock press conference, which was “Establishing an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) the culminating event. The event enlisted the help of is a new concept to them versus an incident command journalism students from AAB College in Prishtina/

4 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 KKFORFOR

Pristina, Kosovo. Three students participated as role- center can be the pivotal point between managing players acting as journalists and interviewed Arben an incident with minimal disruption or utter chaos. Halili, acting deputy mayor during the exercise. “The success of the exercise was mainly due to the Commander of Kosovo Forces Maj. Gen. Lorenzo hard work and preparation done by everyone and D’Addario, senior leaders of institutions in Kosovo especially the Municipality of Ferizaj/Urosevac and and other distinguished visitors observed as Mr. Halili the EOC 112 Gjilan/Gjilani,” said Kawakami. provided an update on the situation. The Mayor of This is the fi rst installment of the Silver Sabre exercise Ferizaj/Urosevac Municipality Agim Aliu also shared in 2019 with its second installment scheduled for his thoughts regarding the training.“I really feel later this year. privileged that as the municipality, our citizens thank you for these three days specifi cally,” said Mayor Agim Capt. Darren Taylor, Aliu. “On the critical day of simulation, yesterday we OF-2 US-A had 24 hours of high-vigilance.” 117th Public Aff airs Detachment Exercise Silver Sabre demonstrates how the eff ective MNBG-E response of a well-prepared emergency operations

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 5 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY HSG on the status of the guts” and the HSG’s commanders responsibility covers all the needs of the KFOR troops in Camp Film City. He acknowledged Col. Goulding’s achievements in particular managing of the accommodation projects in the Camp. He recognised “Dave’s legacy is a big footprint here in Camp Film City and among KFOR” and he also took the opportunity to welcome the incoming Commander Col. Hearns to the job, stating that he “Change your leaves, keep to the audience with a “cead envisaged that the HSG will soon intact your roots”, are words mile failte”, which in his native be called “Hearns Support Group”. that described the Headquarter Irish language is one hundred Support Group (HSG) Change thousand welcomes. He expressed The ceremony concluded with of Command ceremony which his sincere thanks by saying, “the the traditional passing of the took place between Col. David Headquarters Support Group is HSG Colours from Col Goulding, Goulding and Col. Mark Hearns an incredible unit and a most outgoing HSG Commander to of the Irish Defence Forces on rewarding place to work, with 12 Saturday, April 28 2019. diff erent nations the composition of experience, expertise and Troops of the HSG lined out in variance of culture could not be the multi-functional tent in Camp more diverse. As HSG Commander, Film City (CFC) to mark the end of my job was incredibly easy Col Goulding’s six month tour of because I have an exceptionally duty as the HSG’s Commander in talented and loyal band of men KFOR. The Change of Command and women, civilian and military.” Ceremony was presided over He had a feeling of nostalgia on by DCOM KFOR, Brig. Gen. leaving a family that he had lived Ruckenstuhl. with for the last 6 months but The soldiers on parade were drawn also happiness at going home to from the 12 diff erent nations which his family in Ireland. He thanked represented the 167 personnel of Maj. Gen. D’Addario, Brig. Gen. the HSG. RSM Tom Mahon was I/C Ruckenstuhl and Brig. Gen. Boyd of the Flag Party that marched the for their leadership, guidance and HSG colours on parade. The troops support that they aff orded him the incoming HSG Commander, on parade were reviewed by KFOR during his deployment in KFOR. Col. Hearns. This represented Commander Maj. Gen. D’Addario. the formal and symbolic transfer The ceremony was attended by DCOM KFOR Brig. Gen. Ruckenstuhl, or authority and responsibility many guests, both military and responded to Col. Goulding’s between the two commanders. civilian, who were there to support speech by acknowledging his We wish Col. Hearns the best of the Change of Command and to outstanding work and stating that luck for his tour ahead in KFOR. wish Col. Goulding the best of luck the work carried out by the HSG in his future career. can be described as the “guts” in OF-3 Comdt Joanne Naughton the Human Body. “The wellbeing of IRL-A Col. Goulding opened his address every human depends essentially PAO Chief Internal Information

6 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY SSWISSCONWISSCON heightened tension. Col Chollet went on the mention some of the many highlights of 39 Swisscoy Contingent’s tour of duty, including the two exercises of the Swiss Freedom of Movement Detachment (FOMD) with the KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion (KTRBN) and the many convoys that were undertaken by Swiss drivers. Ending his address, Col Chollet told his soldiers “I’ve once told In a ceremony presided over 39 Swisscoy stood in the same you in SWITZERLAND that this by COMKFOR Major General spot at the beginning of their mission would change us. And D’Addario, the Transfer of tour of duty, he remembered so it has. These encounters, these Authority took place between that the 38 SWISSCON were the meetings, have enriched us. We are the Commander of 39 experienced ones while the 39 going home with good memories SWISSCON Colonel General Swisscoy Contingent stood at and with more experience.” Staff Christophe Chollet and their side, maybe feeling a little COMKFOR in his address the Contingent Commander of bit intimidated by 38 SWISSCON’s expressed his and the rest of Swisscoy Contingent 40, Colonel experience. KFOR’s appreciation for everything General Staff Xaver Sailer on 11 How much has changed in the that 39 Swisscoy Contingent had April 2019. interim! Col Chollet highlighted done to ensure a Safe and Secure some of the events that 39 Swisscoy Environment (SASE). Major General In his opening remarks, Col Contingent had witnessed D’Addario said that Freedom (OF-5) Chollet welcomed HE during the previous six months, of Movement, necessary for Jean-Hubert Lebet, Swiss including the new Law on KSF preserving that SASE, was always Ambassador to Kosovo, Lt. Gen transformation and the imposition guaranteed by Swiss eff orts and Aldo C. Schellenberg, Chief Joint of the 100% tax on Serbian goods went on to wish Col Sailer and the Operations, the KFOR Command coming into Kosovo. The Swisscoy men and women of 40 Swisscoy Group, Contingent SNR’s, guests Contingent Commander went Contingent the very best of luck in and the soldiers of both 39 and 40 on to say how busy the Joint their mission. Swisscoy Contingents, addressing Regional Detachment – North the latter as “my dear bees”, an (JRD-N) were and how well the OF-3 Greg O’Keeff e allusion to how hard they worked Liaison Monitoring Teams (LMT) IRL-A during the mission. Recalling the in Mitrovica had performed, PAO Chief Internal Information day of 11 October 2018 when especially during periods of

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 7 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 MEDIA TOUR

On 09 and 10 of April 2019 a large group of Serbian media personnel were hosted in Camp Film City by KFOR.

Th e visit was coordinated with the Atlantic Council of , a body which advocates from a pro-EU and NATO integration platform (see March 2019 edition of the KFOR Chronicle) and KFOR PAO. Th e journalists, from Serbian traditional TV and print media outlets such as Politika, Danas, PRVA TV, RTS, Blic, Telegraf.rs, Fonet and N1 were invited to visit KFOR in order to demystify the Force’s activities and give Serbian media an opportunity to ask COMKFOR Major General maintaining a Safe and Secure of the environment. Rhetoric and Lorenzo D’Addario questions, Environment (SASE) for all of the reportage can create anxiety and the answers to which could be people of Kosovo was an essential confusion which is oft en not in used to inform the wider Serbian component of creating the necessary keeping with the reality. Events can Community in Kosovo. conditions for dialogue at all levels. be over-dramatised and the impact COMKFOR outlined that the He was at pains to point out that both of reporting them in a certain way KFOR mission of creating and media and politicians had a huge can lead to unwanted consequences. part to play in creating perceptions

8 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 PAO

Th e journalists also visited Camp Th e media tour went on to visit Media tours such as this are an Bondsteel and Camp Villaggio Decani Monastery, a signifi cant excellent way of dispelling pre- Italia, meeting with the respective holy place for Serbs and the only conceived notions and go a long Commanders of MNBG-E and remaining site where KFOR is First way towards building trust between MNBG-W where COMKFOR’s Responder in case of incident. A later KFOR and all the communities in message that the reality on the visit to Budisavici Monastery where Kosovo. ground is quite diff erent to what Kosovo Police (KP) provide security is oft en reported was reiterated. let the journalists see that there was Commander of MNBG-E Col. Roy no diff erence in the SASE provided OF-3 Greg O’Keeff e Macaraeg emphasised the close and people could be assured that PAO Chief Internal Information cooperation his personnel had both sites were equally safe. IRL-A with the Serbian Armed Forces through the conduct of joint patrols, whilst MNBG-W Commander Col Di Marco mentioned the excellent relationship his troops have with the people in Serb- majority municipalities in his area of responsibility. Th e media were given a practical demonstration of this when visiting the Serb-majority village of Gorazdevac/Gorazhdec where they witnessed a Liaison Monitoring Team (LMT) interact with the villagers.

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 9 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 DENIM DAY JRD-SE

On the sunny afternoon of the singer performing. Refreshments be supported on a yearly basis, 24 APR, JRD-SE hosted an event were served by the women of the until hopefully one day there will in close cooperation with the women’s shelter in Gjilan/Gnjilane no longer be a need for “Denim Director of Youth Sport and and Artana/Novo Bordo. Day”. Both the Vitina and Klokot Culture, the Director of Clinics, municipalities worked together the Director of Viti/Vitina and “Denim Day” was a hugely for this event and were very Kllokot/Klokot and some civil successful event, bringing the grateful of KFOR’s involvement societies called “Denim Day” at community together to raise and participation. Well done to all the VITINA Cultural Center. awareness of and to address an personnel involved in promoting important issue in the lives of “Denim Day” which was a truly The purpose of the conference the everyday people of Kosovo. benefi cial event for the local was to focus on awareness of The high level of media coverage, communities. sexual assault and domestic Municipality participants, Civil violence. The aim of this event is society groups and KFOR presence Comdt. Joanne Naughton to help motivate victims to come signifi ed the importance of this OF-3 IRL-A forward and report incidents of event that will be continued to Chief PAO Internal Information rape and/or domestic violence. The Women’s Shelter in Gjilan/ Gnjilane takes any cases from Viti/ Vitina, while the Women’s Shelter in Artana/Novo Bordo covering cases from Klokot.

The event was widely supported with an impressive turnout of 150 personnel. In attendance at the event was Milot Lala, Vjollca Kadolli, members of the Kosovo Police, Col Macaraeg, Col Perrone and Lt.Col Kilbride. After the opening speeches, a short fi lm on human traffi cking was played and the event closed with a local

10 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 KTRBN High Level Training KTRBN

their interoperability. Furthermore in accordance with the “Train the Trainer” philosophy, the Hungarian soldiers demonstrated to their Polish comrades how they can organize their own CRC exercises in the future.

The company size exercise was inspected by Brigadier General Reinhard Ruckenstuhl, Deputy Commander of KFOR and by Mr. Bernd Thran, EULEX Deputy Head KFOR Tactical Reserve Battalion MNBG-W. Hungarian and Austrian of Mission who said: “I saw here a (KTRBN) took part in three soldiers together standardised the very high level of trained soldiers separate exercises in the middle procedures in order to be ready and this exercise today is a good of April and trained together to react properly to petrol bombs example for the cooperation with almost all stakeholders and diff erent CRC situations that between the KFOR and the EULEX acting in Kosovo in order to can threaten a safe and secure subordinate units.” maintain a safe and secure environment. The Austrian environment in the area. soldiers successfully completed The aim of these three exercises the training and further improved is to continue to train to the On 18 APR, KTRBN troops with the their own CRC capabilities. highest of standards so that Ukrainian Freedom of Movement we can guarantee the required Detachment (FOMD) took part in Finally, a cross training exercise capabilities to operate Kosovo a combined exercise ‘JEWELLED was organised by KTRBN in close wide in order to provide a safe and SHIELD’ to refi ne their capabilities cooperation with the European secure environment (SASE) and with the equipment required Union Rule of Law Mission in freedom of movement (FoM) for for Crowd and Riot Control. Kosovo (EULEX) to perform all the citizens in Kosovo. This exercise was established to joint training in Camp Marechal practice rapid deployments for de Lattre de Tassigny. The CRC Lt.Csaba Búz KTRBN personnel, which were training that was conducted in EX OF-1 HUN-A transported by helicopters to ‘FIRE PHOBIA’ – was practiced on 24 KTRBN PAO the vicinity of Besianë/Podujevo. APR to reinforce the coordination The Explosive Ordnance Disposal between the units and improving (EOD) Team from MNBG-E and the Hungarian soldiers provided the safe helicopter landing zone. On the fi eld, Brigadier General Reinhard Ruckenstuhl, DCOM KFOR personally monitored the KFOR manoeuvres.

In addition Hungarian troops conducted a CRC (Crowd and Riot Control) ‘FIRE PHOBIA TRAINING’ on the 20 APR, by using “Molotov cocktails” as training aids to demonstrate their drills with the

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 11 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019

A VISUAL OVERVIEW

03 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario met with H.E. Dodë Gjergji - Bishop of the Diocese -Prishtinë , at KFOR HQ.

04 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario met with H.E. Bojan Bertoncelj Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Kosovo, at KFOR HQ.

07 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario met with M.G. Jeff rey HOLMES -the Adjutant General Tennessee National Guard, at KFOR HQ.

12 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 COM KFOR

10 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario hosted Mr. Hashim Th aqi, at KFOR HQ.

24 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario welcomed H.E. Evangelos Apostolakis -Ministerof National Defence of Greece on his visit to KFOR HQ.

24 APR 2019 KFOR Commander Major General Lorenzo D’Addario welcomed B.G. Kenneth E. Brandt Chief Chaplain,Army National Guard Arlington,Virginia to KFOR HQ.

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 13 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 DANCON March DANCON Th e famous and popular “DANCON March” events were held for the second time this year at Camp Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny on 07 and 21 APR, with incredible support of approx 400 participants at each event.

Th e DANCON March was held for the fi rst time in 1972 in Cyprus. to strengthen bonds between all order to help clean the environment Since then, it has been part of the KFOR nations, EULEX and KSF of Kosovo. Danish International Operations participants. Congratulations to all the and has been conducted in Cyprus, Th e route itself featured a 25km participants who took part in the Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, ruck march in the terrain north truly benefi cial DANCON Marches Croatia, Lebanon, Eritrea, Kuwait, of Camp Maréchal de Lattre de and to the Danish Platoon for Sudan and UAE and has even been Tassigny (CMLT) in Novo Selo. Th e organizing such enjoyable and held on a navy ship at sea in the steep incline at the half-way mark successful events. Mediterranean. Th e fi rst DANCON proved challenging for many, and March in Kosovo was held in demonstrated the participant’s true Comdt. Joanne Naughton August 1999. Th e Danish Defence determination and high physical OF-3 IRL-A Forces invite allies and friends to fi tness levels having to overcome up PAO Chief Internal Information participate in their tradition march to 650 meter heights along mainly with their focus on building bonds asphalt roads. and relationships. Th ough the core Funds raised by the March are used function of the march still remains to support Danish Veterans as well as the same, to challenge and assess local charities. Th e Danish Defence the physical preparedness of troops Forces have been gathering funds in a challenging and timed route to donate to a local organization march. called “Let’s do it Kosova”. Th is organization deals with raising Th is month’s Marches were in the awareness and organizing events in format of the traditional 25km March carrying a weight of 10kgs in military attire. Th e Marchs had ideal weather conditions of between 10- 18 degrees and remained sunny and dry for the duration. Th e fi rst march hosted an impressive attendance of 415, with another large support of 367 participants on 21 APR. Th e marches combined KFOR soldiers from 21 diff erent nations, as well as EULEX offi cers and a small number of KSF soldiers. Th e main aim of the march was to focus on building relations and creating a good event

14 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY JJLSGLSG

“a lot of things have improved but at any time a spark can reignite the fl ame; this is why KFOR is still necessary for ensuring safety and security in Kosovo.” Addressing Col Bakhsh and his troops, DCOM told them “”with your and your soldier’s dedication we were able to strengthen KFOR’s perception of being the only legitimate, credible and capable military force in KOSOVO”. Brigadier General Ruckenstuhl 11 April 2019 saw the Change dedication shown by JLSG and went on to recognize the diffi cult of Command of not only one of AUTCON personnel from the task that Col Bakhsh had in KFOR’s major components, the outset of their mission. The JLSG commanding a vital component Joint Logistic Support Group Commander ended his speech such as JLSG as well as leading the (JLSG), but also the Austrian by welcoming Col Schinnerl and Austrian Contingent and wished Contingent (AUTCON), both wished him the best of luck in Col Schinnerl and his Contingent commanded by Col (OF-5) his mission of Commanding both well in continuing the excellent Shahim Bakhsh who handed JLSG and AUTCON in the coming work of their predecessors. over the responsibility for both weeks and months. The ceremony ended with the Units to his successor, Col Peter In his address, DCOM KFOR symbolic handover of fl ags Schinnerl. Brigadier General Rheinhard between Col Bakhsh and Col Ruckenstuhl noted the Austrian Schinnerl, signifying the Transfer of An extremely important cog in the Army is contributing to the KFOR Authority to the new Commander KFOR machine, JLSG is responsible mission since the very beginning, of both JLSG and AUTCON. The for logistical support to the mission, with a commitment that has best of luck to both from the rest dealing with Explosive Remnants never wavered. Austria is the of the KFOR family! of War (ERW) through the delivery largest non-NATO Contingent of Explosive Ordnance Disposal in KFOR and one of the largest Comdt. Greg O’Keeff e (EOD) services, ensuring mobility Troop Contributing Nations (TCN) OF-3 IRL-A through the provision of Freedom in the entire Area Of Operations PAO Chief Internal Information Of Movement Detachments (AOO). In acknowledging that (FOMD), transportation of KFOR commitment, DCOM stated that personnel, engineering, fueling and many more tasks essential to KFOR operations. Col Bakhsh began his speech by thanking his national and international colleagues from both JLSG and AUTCON for their commitment and professionalism throughout their tour of duty. Much of the work done by JLSG is behind the scenes and is almost unnoticed, only obvious if there has been a failure to perform. This never happened due to the

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 15 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY CANCON very much appreciated by all SNRs. COMKFOR Major General D’ Addario remarked on the similarity between his experience when explaining his forthcoming absence to his own daughter prior to his deployment to KFOR many years ago and Lt Col Delhommeau’s. He said he also told her he was “going to help all the people there”. He went on to say “this place [Kosovo] means so much to me; it is our ”. In thanking the Canadian Contingent for their contribution to the mission, COMKFOR noted that “this is a special thing we do, after all these years it is still relevant. There can be no political solution without the security which we provide.” Major General D’Addario remarked that of course this is not the fi rst contribution that Canada has made to European security. With a relationship forged in blood, stretching back to WWI, Canada’s sacrifi ce On 16 April 2019, the day fi nally arrived when on behalf of European peoples is unequalled and some of the KFOR personnel who live farthest away is still evidenced today by Canada’s commitment to from Kosovo got to move a little nearer home! The European security. COMKFOR ended his speech by Transfer of Authority between the Commanders of asking the Canadian Contingent to say “thank you” 19 and 20 Canadian Rotations (ROTO) took place to their families on his behalf, “they have shared the at Canada House, presided over by COMKFOR burden of providing security to the people of this Major General Lorenzo D’Addario and attended by region” and wished them a joyous reunion on their the colleagues and many friends of the Canadian return home. Contingent. The ceremony ended with the exchange of a hockey stick, symbolising the Transfer of Authority between The Commander of 19 Canadian Rotation Lt Col 19 Canadian Rotation and their successors 20 ROTO. (OF-4) Andre Delhommeau began proceedings by We join with COMKFOR in wishing the outgoing touching on a subject which is an integral part of Canadian Contingent a safe return home and most soldier’s lives – how to explain to your family, welcoming 20 Canadian Rotation to the KFOR family! and especially your children, why you have to go away for such a long time. Children don’t often understand Comdt. Joanne Naughton that according to the KFOR mission, we are here to OF-3 IRL-A provide a Safe and Secure Environment (SASE). Far PAO Chief Internal Information more understandable for Andre’s daughter was that her Dad was going away “so that little girls like you can have what you have; the promise of a better future.” Lt Col Delhommeau went on to thank his fellow Canadians for their contribution to the mission, telling them that they were “an outstanding team” that had handled “the goat rodeo” that is a deployment with ease and had made his job as Canadian Senior National Representative (SNR) so much easier. He ended his speech by welcoming the 20 Canadian Rotation Commander Lt Col Caroline Chartier and her troops and thanked COMKFOR for his leadership, support and open communication style which was

16 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 Donation of Medical Products MNBG-W

polyclinics showed their gratitude for the eff ort made by KFOR and the Italian contingent who have given dedicated funding for projects that assist people most in need.

Lt. Col. Gennaro Troise OF-4 ITA-A Multinational Battle Group-West The Italian Contingent in Kosovo Pejë/Peč municipality community PAO Chief from the Multinational Battle offi ce Slobodan Petrovic thanked Group West (MNBG-W) supported KFOR for their help by donating the regional hospitals of Pejë/Peč the medicines. The health directors and Gjakovë/Djakovica and the of the two hospitals and the two polyclinics in Osojan/Osojane and Gorazdhec/Gorazdevač with a recent donation of medicines.

Italian CIMIC in Kosovo completed the delivery of an important quantity of medicines collected and made available by the “Italian Banco Farmaceutico ONLUS Foundation”. The donations took place at the Regional Hospitals of Pejë/Peč and Gjakovë/Djakovica, the two most important hospitals in the area of the country where the Italian contingent operates. Two other donations took place at two polyclinics located in areas inhabited by Serbian minorities: Osojane / Osojan and Gorazdevač /Gorazdhec. The distribution of medicines took place in proportion to the diff erent users of the aforementioned health facilities and in full compliance with the principle of impartiality of assistance to the entire population of Kosovo. It was reported by Radio KIM and other media, that a member of the

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 17 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019

SOLDIER OF THE MONTH

Name: Mario Morando to be here with my Regiment and with our flag; we Rank: OR-4 are strongly amalgamated and motivated and proud Nationality: ITA to support KFOR. Unit: MNBG-W PAPA COY I am married to Mrs. Lucia Donato and I have got two children, Francesco and Giovanni. Serving as: Deputy Public Affair OR-4 Mario Morando has vast military experience, Officer he is always highly motivated and he is marked by a deeply rooted sense of discipline and belonging in I joined the Army in July 1992 in Nocera (Salerno) the Italian Army. In this mission, serving as Deputy as a conscript and I was assigned to the 9th Arty Public Affair Officer (combat camera man), he has Regiment “rovigo” in (Verona). This is when I decided achieved outstanding results in all the activities to permanently serve in the Army; I was assigned to which he has taken part in, specifically, as combat the 24th Arty Regiment “Peloritani” in (Messina) as camera man in the training activities performed Sergeant Team leader. by MNBG-W units. Always dressed in full combat I discharged in July 1995 and in October 1996 I re- equipment, he joined MNBG-W units on the ground joined the army and attended the Artillery School in taking excellent pictures of the soldiers deployed, (Bracciano) as OR-4, as an Artilleryman and I was ensuring that the total information coverage of assigned on February 1997 to the 8th Arty Rgmt MNBG-W activities are captured in a very unique “Pasubio” in (Persano). During my career I have way. Evidence of his true workmanship was portrayed served in several overseas operations: Bosnia (1997- during “Jewelled Dagger 2”, “Falcon in the Air 1 and 1998), Kosovo (1999-2000-2000-2001), Afghanistan 2”, and “Snowman”. (2003) and Lebanon (2008). OR-4 Mario Morando is a punctual, highly motivated, This is my fifth mission in Kosovo, and it is with loyal and hardworking soldier who has proven his great pleasure that I am able to see an incredible self to be more than highly professional and thus to civil and infrastructural evolution. In fact, when I be capable to successfully operate in any situation, first came here in June 1999, this country was really from the snows of North Kosovo to the wild fires of affected by the war; it was damaged, with no roads or the Decane Forests. He also spends a lot of time in his cars circulating and only the rubble of the destroyed “free time” and at the weekend creating videos and houses. Now the scenario is very different, and I am enhancing photos which shows his true passion for aware that I am an active pawn in this mission, with his job and he sets a great example to all members the aim of ensuring, maintaining and defending of the MNBG-W Units. Congratulations Mario on peace and balance in this country that is so rich in being a truly worthy winner of the Soldier of the history and which has suffered too much. I am happy Month award. Keep up the great work!

18 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 TESS AACCICCI Terrorism, Espionage, Sabotage, Subversion

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ACTIVITIES KFOR CSM

A Certifi cate of appreciation was presented to CPL On 16 April 2019 the KFOR CSM OR – 9 Massimo Alyssa GRAY of MNBG – E by the KFOR CSM on 08 CONTU awarded a Certifi cate of Appreciation to April 2019. The certifi cate represents a token of Narek BOSHYAN for the outstanding contribution esteem for the excellent professional contribution that he made to his Unit and to MNBG - W that CPL GRAY made to her UNIT (1-89 CAV FCP) and to the KFOR mission.

KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 19 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 Bondsteel’s Basketball Blitz MNBG-E

Youths throughout Kosovo of Migration,” said Nestor. “We groups, and your everyday person competed in their fi rst-ever specifi cally received help from in Kosovo is what is going to help “Road to Bondsteel” basketball Nebojsa Tasevski and Svetlana the people here build a greater tournament on 06 April 2019 in Djuric who were absolutely future.” Camp Bondsteel. instrumental in making this This was the fi rst multi-ethnic KFOR Joint Regional Detachment basketball tournament happen. basketball tournament hosted by South-East Liaison and Monitoring Also the various mayors of KFOR Soldiers with Multinational Team (LMT) hosted the tournament municipalities in Kosovo, the kids, Battle Group-East. Because of its as a way to foster relationships and we also had funding from success, LMTs, coaches, players and continue to build friendships Spirit of America and Nick Israel and community leaders plan across ethnic, religious and who were generous enough to on establishing this basketball political barriers. donate to causes like this.” tournament as an ongoing event “Each team that you see out Nebojsa Tasevski, a Kosovo with incoming KFOR rotations. here today has kids from Kosovo resident with the International “The youth are going to be the Serbian and Kosovo Albanian Offi ce of Migration, said he enjoyed future leaders of Kosovo and the communities,” said 1st Lt. Sean the multi-ethnic basketball future leaders of their community,” Nestor, LMT, 1st Squadron, 89th tournament and was glad his son said Nestor. “If we can bring these Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade was able to participate. kids together for one common Combat Team, 10th Mountain “The event turned out to be very purpose or goal of simply playing Division. The whole concept being positive voyage for all of us, both basketball and they can learn and that we can bring multiethnic who organized the event and for get the concept or idea of tolerance communities together and have the kids,” said Tasevski. “The kids and coexistence in their head then no issues with the culminating have shown that they can play hopefully it sets a precedence for event here on Camp Bondsteel, together on teams, and if they can them to work together.” Nestor added. play on teams today…they can The children named their teams work in teams tomorrow.” after regions in the U.S. The team “As part of this peace support SGT. Tinisha Mellein-Fortson names included: Big Apple, Big operation I think that the people OR-6 US-A Sky Country, Motor City and the themselves are the mission,” Heartland. The Big Apple was said Nestor. “Being able to work comprised of youths from Artana/ with institutions, diff erent ethnic Novo Brdo, Fushë Kosova/Kosovo Polje. Big Sky Country team was made up of youths from the municipality of Dardana/ Kamenica. The Heartland team was made up of youths from the municipality of Ranilluga/ Ranilugu and Fushë Kosova/ Kosovo Polje and Motor City was comprised of youths from the municipality of Gjilan/Gnjilane. Teamwork, communication and great sportsmanship was evident amongst all teams playing their hardest to win. “We would not have been able to do this without the help and support of the International Offi ce

20 KFOR Chronicle 04/2019 Th e KFOR Magazine for KFOR People April 2019 BLACK CAT and THUNDER STRIKE EXERCISES MMNBG-WNBG-W

MNBG-W closed the month of On 16 APR MNBG-W conducted Team, 1 MED Team (ITA), 1 MP March with exercise “Thunder their second exercise called Team (1 ITA) providing escorts by Strike” and begun preparations “Black Cat” covering a local civil road, 1 Firefi ghting Team (ITA) and for exercise “Black Cat” which disturbance scenario by using 2 MNBG-E RW (Mi-8 CRO) crews. tested their operational opposing forces for a realistic “Black Cat” exercise was planned readiness in Air Mobile training exercise. to improve basic infantry ground Operations and Crowd Riot The main aim of the exercise was skills aimed at enhancing Control (CRC) to access the MNV BN’s COYS capability by planning, preparing capabilities, by conducting fi eld and maintaining a high level of MNBG-W’s exercise “Thunder training to evaluate its readiness coordination between ground and Strike” in the Rahovec/Orahovac to deal with hybrid threat by Heli CRC activities in order to reach area, deployed 1 x PLT (S-COY) with providing a SASE and FOM in a the best results. supporting elements IOT conduct CRC scenario. The scenarios were Both exercises were planned an air mobile operation by seizing characterised by ethnic tensions and executed to the highest two simulated objectives. The aim in an area which involved insertion of standards. They portrayed of this training exercise was to of troops by both ground and Heli the soldiers high level of plan and train for quick HELI OPS, and extracting of a CRC capable professionalism and operational Improve basic infantry ground component in the Grabac and Bica eff ectiveness in MNBG-W, with skills, practice and improve area. particular attention been given to techniques and procedures of the requirement for multinational navigation, ground navigation assets to be deployed quickly to and fi ght in both forestry and rural reaction to a compromised SASE. environments. This exercise combined HELI Comdt. Joanne Naughton insertion and extraction and IRL-A dismounted close combat PAO Chief Internal Information (DCC) operations, gaining an understanding and enhancing the interoperability regarding Troops Lt. Col. Gennaro Troise Tactical Procedure (TTPs) and OF-4 ITA-A capacities related to hybrid threats The exercise consisted of 1 MNBG- W PAO to a Safe and Secure Environment Slovenian Platoon (+) reinforced (SASE) and Freedom of Movement by 1 Italian PLT. The COY was (FOM). MNBG-W TOC and supported by one Moldavian EOD manoeuvre units trained properly to perform synchronized planning at the tactical level to operate in a well-coordinated and safe manner.

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Commander KFOR XXIII PICTURE OF THE MONTH Major General Lorenzo D’ Addario, Italian Army

Chief Public Affairs Office & COMKFOR Spokesperson Col. Vincenzo Grasso, Italian Army

Chief Internal Information & Editor KFOR Chronicle Comdt. Joanne Naughton, Irish Defence Forces [email protected]

Design & Photographer: Mr. Afrim Hajrullahu

Cover Photo: Carlo Fenu OR-4 ITA-A

E-mail and Web [email protected] http://jfcnaples.nato.int/kfor

Printed by “Blendi” Tel.: 044 149 115 NATO Nations within KFOR Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Non-NATO Nations within KFOR Armenia, Austria, Finland, Ireland, “Bear Sanctuary in Prishtina” Moldova, Sweden, Switzerland, OF-1 Lorenz Olgiati, Ukraine. Contribute to the Air Ops, Member of Swisscoy Contingent 40 The KFOR Chronicle is produced and fully KFORChronicle! Camera/Phone: Samsung Galaxy S8+ funded by HQ KFOR. It is published for KFOR Just send your photos to: soldiers in the area of responsibility. The [email protected] by the 20th contents are not necessarily the official views of the month explaining where you took the of, or endorsed by, the coalition governments’ defence departments. Editorial content is photo and what equipment you used. We will edited, prepared and provided by the Internal then select one of the submitted images and Information Section of HQ KFOR’s Public publish it in the next edition of the Chronicle. Affairs Office (PAO) in Pristina, Kosovo. PAO A KFOR Chronicle T-Shirt is awarded each HQ KFOR reserves the right to edit content month to the winning photographer. to conform to style and space requirements. You will be immortalised in the KFOR Articles are run on a space-available basis. Articles appearing in KFOR Chronicle may Chronicle! be duplicated in official NATO publications Is that not something to be proud of? subject to KFOR PAO authorisation. Sincerely The Chronicle Team

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Military Career and education: I have served in the Finnish Border Guard for 12years. I´ve had many opportunities to do different tasks during my career. I have served two tours of duty in Greece as a part of the Poseidon mission and two tours of duty here in KFOR in the Finnish NSE. About the mission:I am the NSE for the Finnish Contingent. We have 20 persons deployed within KFOR, 10 here in Camp Film City and 10 at the LMT house. I am the only one who works at the NSE, so I take care of all FINCON matters under the supervision of my SNR. I make sure they have everything that they need here. I mainly do administrative work, such as contingent rotations of personnel, liaison with HQ in Finland and liaison with KFOR personnel. I look after the logistical elements for FINCON also. This includes working closely with customs and shipping companies. I also act in the role as the FINCON CSM for in camp KFOR matters. Last, but definitely not the least, I´ll make sure that the sauna is warm every evening at the NSE, Name: Niina this has massive effects on FINCON morale!! I have really enjoyed my missions here in KFOR Heinonen and it has lot to do, with all the people I have been able to work with here. Family Reaction: I am from a small village and I was the first woman to go into a military Rank: OR-7 career at that time. My family has been always very supportive of me and also when I deploy on Nationality: Finnish missions abroad. I am definitely looking forward to going back home to my family. Serving As: FINCON Hobbies: I have played the piano since I was four years old. Otherwise I do a lot of different kind NSE of sports, enjoy Muay Thai (Thai boxing), but I have been a bit unlucky with injuries. I like to go to the gym, running, cycling all year round. I play golf, but for the last few years I have not played as much as would like to, but maybe next summer. I also love hiking and outdoor activities.

Education: I obtained my University Degree (BSc) in Management and Information Studies over 12 years ago. Currently I am studying for Master of Science in Organizational Psychology with Dardania College in Pristina. Alongside degree that I have obtained I have also completed HR education creds with American Management Association in United States in HR Management and Recruitment, Selection and Hiring of employees. I accomplished numerous other trainings in the field of finance management, automated data processing and resource management here in Pristina. About the mission: My most memorable experiences with NATO started on 11 Jun 1999 with the British forces in Petrovec, North Macedonia, prior to them entering Kosovo. As an interpreter I had the pleasure to live and work alongside soldiers and officers, responsible Name: Arian for providing a safe and secure environment for the people in Kosovo. From the age of 23 I spontaneously embraced the military way of living and have served with NATO in different Ballanca capacities for over 18 years now. Since 2003, I have worked in the area of Human Resources and Rank: ICC-7 have enjoyed life and continuous career development in this profession ever since. In 2011 I was Nationality: Albanian eager to test myself in the private sector (the other side of the HR coin) and started off as HR and Recruitment Manager with Crimson Capital – a company implementing USAID projects in all Unit: KHQ J1 continents. For the next three years, I served as a Recruitment Manager for NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) stationed in Kabul, HQ ISAF. My career was augmented with another nine months of service with NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA), which I gained valuable experience in The Hague. I found this to be another interesting side of this great organisation. I was thrilled to return to KFOR in Jun 2016 and I am excited for all the challenges to come in my career with KFOR. I enjoy working with people of all nationalities, with different religious background and different cultural norms, and the more I interact with people I can see how similar in essence we all are. Family relations: I am married to an incredibly supportive and loving wife. My adoring son is aged 13. He makes me proud and motivates me in different aspects of my life. To both of them I am forever grateful. Hobbies: Apart from occasionally playing football with friends, as well as grabbing a drink or two with them, many hobbies from younger years have faded out or have been put on hold for less busier times, such as painting and playing guitar (learning really).

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