39th Infantry Group Medal Parade
For the 163 members of the 39th Infantry Group who are serving in Kosovo for the first time, St. Patrick’s Day 2009 will be remembered with pride. The 39th Infantry Group hosted its Medal Parade on St Patrick’s Day in Camp Clarke. The guest of honor was Brigadier General G. Hegarty, the General Office Commanding of the 4th Western Brigade. The day commenced with the St. Patrick’s Day Mass and Blessing of the Shamrock.
While the day was bitterly cold, the snow held off. At 16.00hrs the medal parade commenced. Guests who attended the parade included H.E. Ambassador Martin Greene, KFOR Deputy Commander Major General Gilles Fugier, KFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General David Berger and Deputy Head of EULEX Mission Mr. Roy Reeve.
Medals were presented to members of the 39th Infantry Group who had not served in KFOR previously. BG Hegarty presented medals first to the Senior Irish Officer Colonel Herbert, KFOR Headquarters Support Group Commander, and Colonel McMahon, Multinational Task Force Centre Deputy Commander, and then to Lieutenant Colonel E. Caulfield, Officer Commanding 39th Infantry Group and Irish Contingent. He then proceeded to present medals to the remaining personnel at the parade. BG Berger, Col. Herbert and Col. McMahon assisted in the presentations of medals also. BG Hegarty then addressed all those gathered for the parade. He complemented all personnel at the parade for an excellent turnout and he spoke of the importance of KFOR in the region and the contribution the 39th Infantry Group has made on the operational front, ensuring a safe and secure environment. BG Hegarty acknowledged the importance the humanitarian work the 39th Infantry Group has undertaken in Kosovo and the high regard the people of Kosovo appreciate this work. A march past, concluded the ceremonial aspect to the day.
Afterwards, all the guests and members of the 39th Infantry Group were invited to Thomand Hall where the chefs had prepared a meal which received the highest complements of the 300 personnel and guests who attended the reception. OC 39th Infantry Group, Lieutenant Colonel Caulfield thanked the General Office Commanding of the 4th Western Brigade for attending the parade on St. Patrick’s Day and made a presentation of Bog Oak (Bog Oak is the term given to native timber that has been preserved in wetlands for several millennia).
The day’s festivities finished with all personnel and guests enjoying an evening of music in Camp Clarke. The 39th Infantry Group would like to express their thanks to all those who supported us on this day.
Text by OF-3 Rory McCorley, 39th Infantry Group Deputy Commander, Irish Army
Photos by OR3 J Reilly, Irish Army
Military Police Exchange between MNTF N & MNTF C
The Multinational Military Police Element (MNMPE) is located in Camp Victoria in MNTF (C). It consists of Military Police from four (4) contributing countries: Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland and Sweden. There are twenty nine (29) personnel in the unit. This unit is responsibility for maintaining law and order among KFOR troops from MNTF (C) are involved.
In MNTF (N) there are three (3) countries providing Military Police support: Belgium, Denmark and France. The Military Police in MNTF (N) are located in three (3) separate camps: Camp Belvedere, Camp Olaf Rye and Camp Novo Selo.
During the month of March, a Military Police exchange program occurred between MNTF (N) & MNTF (C). The concept behind the exchange program was to improve the working relationship between Military Police in different Task Forces, to foster and develop links that would enable enhanced communications, in relation to Military Police investigations and to compare working environments and methods of Policing.
The first exchange took place from 03 March to 04 March 09. Sergeant Olli Oivanen from Finland and Warrant Officer 11 Pavel Buban from the Czech Republic participated in this exchange. They spent 03 March working with the Danish Military Police in Mitrovica and the 04 March with the Belgium Military Police. During this time they received briefs, conducted joint speed & vehicle checks, compared Standard Operative Procedures (SOP) and met with local KP personnel. The second exchange took place between 23 March and 24 March 09. Staff Sergeant Jaakko Iivonen, from Finland, and Corporal Debbie Carr, from Ireland, participated in this exchange which was conducted in a similar manner to the first exchange.
Captain Bo Kristensen Officer in Command of the Danish Military Police said that he thought the exchange program was an excellent idea and a great way to get to know other Military Police, and compare investigation techniques. Sergeant Major Walter Verbeke from Belgium felt that the exchange program allowed him the opportunity to make new contacts within the Military Police world and to reminisce on old acquaintances. Corporal Debbie Carr from Ireland said that she enjoyed participating in the exchange program and felt it was a great opportunity to learn from other nations. Staff Sergeant Jaakko Iivonen from Finland said that he too enjoyed the chance to meet and work with Military Police in another Task Force and looks forward to other such exchange programs.
This Military Police exchange program was a huge success and it is hoped that it will continue and Military Police from MNTF (N) will visit MNTF (C), in a similar manner. New contacts between the Military Police have been established and there is increased respect and professionalism between all participating elements.
Captain Orla Jennings (Ireland)
Provost Platoon Commander
MNMPE, MNTF (C)
A couple of interesting articles here:
http://www.nato.int/kfor/chronicle/2...ronicle_03.pdf
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