site.btaSending off Ceremony for Military Contingent to Kosovo Held in Shumen

A contingent of 97 servicemen was sent off on Thursday with an official ceremony in front of Shumen Municipality to participate in the international NATO mission in Kosovo.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief of Defence Lieutenant General Mikhail Popov, Fleet Admiral Galin Manev, Deputy Commander of the Joint Forces Command, Brigadier General Plamen Yordanov, Deputy Commander of the Land Forces, Shumen Regional Governor Katya Ivanova, Shumen Municipal Council Chair Asya Asparuhova and Shumen Deputy Mayor Nikolay Kolev.

"I know that most of you have participated in missions. (...) Missions are not the same. Every week and every day is different. The situation in Kosovo is currently stable, but it can change sharply within hours. So be ready to react adequately. Follow standard operating procedures and the orders of your commanders", Popov emphasized.

"I am sure that your experience and your preparation will allow you to perform at a high level. Always have one thought in your head - in Kosovo you do not represent the 29th Mechanized Battalion, you do not represent the Land Forces. Before our allies you represent the Bulgarian Army, and before the local population and local authorities, you are representatives of NATO", Popov pointed out.

Kolev presented the contingent with an icon of St. George the Victorious and addressed the servicemen with the words: "When a Bulgarian soldier goes beyond the borders of Bulgaria, this is always associated with a responsible mission and duty to the homeland. Today we are sending you, the servicemen of the maneuver company of the 29th mechanized battalion, and we all believe in your good preparation, professionalism and discipline".

A prayer service for health and well-being was also served during the ceremony.