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    Romanian NSE celebrates Armed Service Day and end of mission at KAF

    Romanian NSE celebrates Armed Service Day and end of mission at KAF

    Photo By 1st Sgt. John Etheridge | Col. Valentin Becheru, the Romanian National Service Element commander, promotes a...... read more read more

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

    10.25.2014

    Story by Staff Sgt. John Etheridge 

    ISAF Regional Command South

    KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – The Romanian National Service Element at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, hosted a ceremony celebrating both the Romanian Armed Service Day and the end of mission for the NSE at their compound on Kandahar, Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2014.

    The ceremony included speeches by the Romanian senior national representative, the NSE commander, and also an awards presentation and promotion ritual.

    In his speech, Col. Daniel Popescu, Romanian senior national representative, read the “Order from the Romanian Minister of Defense for Armed Forces Day.” The reading commemorated the 70-year anniversary of the liberation of Romania from foreign occupation, which is seen as a glorious moment that is still inspiring the people of Romania today.

    “The 25th of October has been and continues to be a moment of symbolic value, not only for the military but for the entire Romanian people,” Popescu read to the audience. “The bravery of those who sacrificed themselves for freedom and independence are an example for all Romanians.”

    “The presence today of Romanian soldiers deployed in international missions under U.N., NATO and the EU is proof that our country is one of the leading security providers in the region,” he added.
    Following his speech, Popescu awarded the Romanian General Staff Medal of Honor to Brig. Gen. Douglas Gabram, the commander of the Train, Advise, and Assist Command-South, as a token of appreciation and recognition for unconditional support of the Romanian mission.

    “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award from this outstanding team,” said Gabram. “The Romanian military’s many years of contribution to coalition efforts here in southern Afghanistan and TAAC-South cannot be overstated. They will be missed as the NSE returns home to Romania.”

    Col. Valentin Becheru, the NSE commander, outlined his unit’s successful mission in his speech.

    The NSE started their mission in April 2014 and was responsible for providing logistical support to Romanian forces, repatriation of personnel from Zabul Province, and helping to ease the transition from International Security Assistance Force operations to Resolute Support, he said.

    “The work performed by the Romanian NSE was outstanding and I am happy to report that all tasks have been completed,” he said.

    He also thanked the coalition partners for their support to the NSE mission.

    “I am grateful for your continuous support provided throughout this mission. Our success is your success,” said Becheru.

    Romania first came to Afghanistan in 2002 to support the ISAF mission and has sent over 20,000 troops to the country since that time.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.25.2014
    Date Posted: 10.27.2014 03:46
    Story ID: 146118
    Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF

    Web Views: 669
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN