NATO Medals for High-level Service

Text: First Lieutenant Bettina Opoczki | Photo: Photos by the author | 11:35 March 5, 2024

On nearing the completion of their tour of duty with the mission, the soldiers performing their first service abroad in the 29th rotation of the HDF KFOR Contingent (KFOR-29 HUNCON) recently received their NATO medals at a ceremony.

During the medal parade held in Camp Novo Selo – which was attended, among others, by Hungary’s ambassador to Kosovo Béla Bozsik – Colonel Róbert Kiss, KFOR Deputy Chief of Staff Operations (COS OPS), Senior National Representative (SNR) thanked the personnel for their honorable and committed service. He pointed out that it should be kept in mind in mind that the tasks to be performed in the mission at a high level cannot and must not become routine activities, as the time of service abroad has always been a testing period full of challenges to everyone. As members of the multinational Kosovo Force (KFOR), the Hungarian troops have enhanced the good reputation and recognition of Hungary and the Hungarian Defence Forces.

The Non-Article 5 NATO Medals were pinned on the soldiers’ uniforms by Colonel Róbert Kiss, Camp Commander Lieutenant Colonel Róbert Rédei; Contingent Commander (COM KTRBN) Lieutenant Colonel Botond Hetényi; Lieutenant Colonel Andrej Krivec, Battalion Commander, Effects Battalion, KFOR Regional Command-East, Major Nathanael Hoyois, Deputy Commander Operations, KFOR Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Battalion (KFOR ISRBN); and KFOR Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Cengiz Yilmaz.