Photo By Sgt. Eric Glassey | Cpl. Cristinel Popescu, electro mechanic, Romanian National Support Element, changes...... read more read more
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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The Romanian Ministry of National Defence celebrated its 69th Armed Forces Day at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2013, while continuing to support the International Security Assistance Force.
Romanians celebrate Armed Forces Day on Oct. 25 to commemorate the liberation of the last Romanian city, Carei, in 1944 following the liberation of the Romanian Northwest, that was annexed by Hungary.
The government of Romania has supported Operation Enduring Freedom for the past 11 years and plans to continue contributing with instructors and forces while respecting national political decisions.
Currently, more than 1,000 Romanian troops are in Afghanistan fulfilling a variety of missions from supporting the Headquarters, Regional Command (South) to providing base protection at Kandahar Airfield.
Romanians put their lives on the line everyday to ensure the safety of their comrades and international partners. Cpl. Bogdan Capraru, a rifleman with Ground Defence Area Patrol, serves as part of the quick reaction force at KAF, Afghanistan, and understands the dangers one faces outside the wire.
“I stepped on a pressure plate,” Capraru said. “It threw me four meters in the air to the front. I stood up with no scratches … I was in God’s hand.”
Other Romanian service members were not so fortunate – their names are engraved into memorials at their respective bases. One memorial made the journey from an outpost in Zabul province to KAF. The outpost was transferred to the ANSF allowing them to assume responsibility for security in the region.
Master Sergeant Milica Petcu, liaison noncommissioned officer in charge, GDA, recalls his first deployment back in 2010 when he was a member of a team helping develop the ANSF.
“I was here in 2010, (teaching) one of the courses at the Noncommissioned Officer Academy for the Afghan National Army,” Petcu said.
Now, he works with the NATO forces and coordinates between the battle captain at headquarters and the QRF, he added.
Romanian forces have a close relationship with other NATO countries allowing them to share experience and knowledge.
“Here, I have a chance to work with the finest military people in the world,” Capraru said. “We use some of the best technology and equipment. This is definitely a new experience and a chance to improve my tactical knowledge and skill.”
The Romanian service members share the NATO goal of ensuring a safe and secure Afghanistan, free of terrorists.
“Like the U.S., we need to keep the terrorists far away,” said Sgt. 1st Class Valentin Nitu, NCOIC, Joint Visitor Bureau. “We need to cut the terrorists out of the world.”
Whether it is a Romanian service member’s second time to Afghanistan or their first time like Capraru’s, they share the same national pride representing their country.
“I am proud of my country, so I want my country to be proud of me,” Capraru said.
| Date Taken: | 10.25.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.25.2013 05:43 |
| Story ID: | 115721 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 619 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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