HERAT, Afghanistan (Mar. 25, 2010) – Members of the Slovenian
National Contingent received the NATO Non-Article Five medal at an award ceremony at Camp Arena as they finished up their six-month tour in RC-West.
Personnel eligible for the NATO award are those who are members of units or staffs taking part in NATO operations in Afghanistan in accordance with the qualifying conditions. Approximately 72 members of the Slovenian military made up the twelfth contingent from the European Country to serve as members of the NATO coalition in Afghanistan. U.S. Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) commander, visited Camp Arena the same day and participated in the Slovenian celebration.
When he spoke with the members of the contingent, McChrystal said the ISAF mission was one of historic significance. “I’m not sure history has ever had a 44-nation coalition just trying to help one group of people,” he explained, “and I’m not sure there’s ever been a coalition of as many professionals who’ve left families, who’ve left different things in their lives that they would have liked to be there for, and have risked their lives to do this. So, that’s pretty special.
”Slovenian National Contingent Commander Major Ante Grgantov said McChrystal’s visit was very special for him and his troops. Grgantov said meeting the general was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the members of the contingent and was perfectly timed to coincide with the end of their tour in Afghanistan. The major and the members of his contingent are ready to get back home to friends and family after their tour in Afghanistan.
He said McChrystal’s visit was a welcome surprise.“It’s important for me, for my troops and my country,” Grgantov said. “He gave us the feeling that even a country as small as ours is recognized as an equal partner in the ISAF mission and we are very proud of that.”During the ceremony, Grgantov explained to his assembled troops the award they received is not just “a piece of metal.
” It is a recognition unlike any they have received for their past missions. “First of all, it is not available to everybody,” he said. “Everybody who is carrying it can proudly say, ‘I earned this medal. I was a small but equal part of the ISAF mission in assisting the Afghan authorities in providing security and stability in their country.’”As the Slovenian troops gathered with McChrystal to meet him in an informal reception, the general gave his view of the future of Afghanistan. think they’ll be in a position to be a part of a coalition like this helping somebody else because of what you’ve done,” he told the assembled troops. “That’s all I’ve got to say.
It’s an honour to serve with you.”The next contingent from Slovenia is already either in country to join the ISAF mission or is on the way.
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