Small Macedonian contingent; big strike against terrorism appreciated

Photo By Sgt. Jeff Ledesma | The Macedonian Minister of Defense, Lazar Elenovski, prepares to address the Macedonian Army Contingent during a brief formation at Camp Taji, Iraq, April 28.  

TAJI, IRAQ

05.01.2007

Story by Spc. Jeff Ledesma 

1st Cavalry Division

By Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma
1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Macedonia has more than 50 natural and artificial lakes and 16 mountains higher than 6,000 feet. It's a country only slightly larger than Vermont and has a population of approximately 2 million citizens. But some of them have been calling the heart of the Middle East home.

The Macedonian Army Contingent is based at Camp Taji and works in concert with the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team from Fort Hood, Texas.

Lazar Elenovski, the Macedonian Minister of Defense, kept a promise to visit with his country's soldiers in Iraq, visiting this base camp north of Baghdad, April 28.

The commander of the Macedonian Contingent, Capt. Trajkovski Vlatko, said before heading for Iraq, the defense minister promised to visit them. His arrival in Taji kept that promise.

After a lunch in the Colton Room at one of the camp's dining facilities with 'Ironhorse' leaders and his troops, Elenovski headed down the street to the troops' living quarters where they went over operations and took a look at Soldier issues.

Vlatko, said that the Minister of Defense has been very good to the troops. He said it is easy for his troops to relate to the 36-year-old senior Macedonian defense official.

Vlatko and his troops explained different weaponry and equipment they currently use when they head outside of the wire. Elenovski said there is always room for improvement, though what they have is working. He noted that combat equipment standards are getting better and better.

In addition, he said the Macedonian Office of Defense Cooperation is also working on modernizing the soldiers' equipment.

Despite being a relatively new force, the Macedonian Army Contingent has quickly developed an outstanding reputation and because of the company-size unit's great reputation, Col. Paul E. Funk II, commander of the Ironhorse Brigade, said he would have no problem having the Macedonian contingent covering his front and watching his back when disaster strikes.

"I have had command of them during major operations and have watched them in awe," Funk said about the second group of Macedonian soldiers he has worked with since deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Confidence in their abilities is something that flows freely among the leadership, both American and Macedonian.

During their stay in Iraq, Elenovski said Macedonian troops have proven to have the capabilities to handle missions He said that Macedonia, a young country of only 15 years, is extremely proud to be a part of the coalition forces.

"We feel that our contribution is important and shows our commitment to being a partner in aid," Elenovski said. "I hear over and over again on how well our soldiers are performing."

The Minister of Defense said the Republic of Macedonia, previously the southernmost part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, will continue to give support as long as the coalition forces need it.

Elenovski later reiterated the importance of being a part of the global war on terrorism and standing up a democracy in Iraq.

"Iraqis are now starting to stand up, but to leave them now would be too soon," said Funk, a native of Roundup, Mont.

• Date Taken: 05.01.2007
• Date Posted: 05.01.2007 14:31
• Story ID: 10199
• Location: TAJI, IQ