Photo By Staff Sgt. Cody Harding | The graduating class of the 2013 Kosovo Security Forces Officer Cadet School toss heir...... read more read more
FERIZAJ, Kosovo – The graduating class of the Kosovo Security Forces Officer Academy in Ferizaj received a visit from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Orr, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, during their graduation ceremony July 5.
The graduation ceremony was one of several events Orr attended while in Kosovo as a part of the State Partnership Program between the state of Iowa and Kosovo. The Iowa-Kosovo partnership was created in 2011 with the long term goal of developing the Kosovo Security Forces and fostering mutually-beneficial interests across all levels of society.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by KSF Lt. Gen. Kadri Kastrati, the KSF Commander, and Agim Ceku, the KSF minister.
During the ceremony, Orr was invited to speak to the graduates and emphasized their hard work and how the people of Kosovo were proud of their accomplishments.
“You are the best of the best,” Orr said. “You are the best that Kosovo has to offer. You are Kosovo’s future. You represent less than one percent of the population, yet you are willing to serve and carry the load for the remainder of the republic.”
Orr also highlighted the tremendous responsibilities that come with the cadet’s new rank.
“The expectations that are placed upon you are high,” Orr continued. “You represent your country and the Kosovo Security Forces wherever you go. You will be judged by your actions, lack of actions, and commitment to values.”
After the ceremony, KSF 2nd Lt. Albian Ajabazi, who was named the top cadet for his class, said that becoming a cadet was difficult, but a great experience for becoming a new leader.
“We are prepared and we can benefit with other cadets,” Ajabazi said. “We have the same training and we do the mission well together.”
The graduates will now move to the next phase of their education and development by going either to the United States or the United Kingdom for further training.
“Kosovo is proud of you, the United States is proud of you, Iowa is proud of you,” Orr said.
| Date Taken: | 07.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2013 05:45 |
| Story ID: | 110096 |
| Location: | FERIZAJ, ZZ |
| Hometown: | DES MOINES, IA, US |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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