Four Soldiers from the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 153rd Public Affairs Detachment are currently deployed to Kosovo in support of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission, documenting the stories of service members conducting kinetic and non-kinetic operations, training efforts, and readiness activities across the region.
Public affairs is often seen as a role behind the camera, making the troops look good, and the 153rd PAD is doing what it does best by capturing and producing hundreds of photos, stories and videos, working tirelessly to inform global audiences about the KFOR mission while also maintaining operational transparency and supporting international military partnerships.
The unit has covered over 200 missions since their arrival in Kosovo, highlighting multinational participation and coordination, from mounted and dismounted infantry patrols along the Kosovo-Serbia Administrative Boundary Line, to crowd riot control exercises and tactical medical recertifications, high-profile command visits and morale activities and events across four bases across their area of operations in Kosovo,.
Many of the stories feature members from the U.S. National Guard, active duty U.S. Army units, NATO Allies and partner nations, all of which comprises the Kosovo Force, a force that has been in Kosovo since the 1999 conflict in the region.
“As the primary Public Affairs element supporting the Regional Command - East of the KFOR mission, we’re responsible for showing the world the passion, persistence, commitment and dedication of the U.S. military and our partner forces operating in Kosovo,” said unit Commander Capt. Jamie Mason. “The Soldiers of the 153rd Public Affairs Detachment have performed exceptionally well during our deployment to Kosovo in Support of the Kosovo Force mission and I could not be more proud of their expertise, professionalism and resilience.”
While deployed, members of the 153rd were the first public affairs Soldiers on ground following a suspected terrorist attack of a bombing of a bridge and canal in Northern Kosovo. Their products were the first published by NATO and assisted in providing factual information and showcasing response efforts of KFOR troops.
The 153rd PAD’s coverage has also included exercises and trainings alongside the Kosovo Police, Kosovo Security Forces, and joint EOD training between U.S. and Ukrainian EOD elements who were conducting training in Kosovo to increase their skills as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues. Additionally, the Soldiers provided public affairs support to multiple multinational training and morale building events including two Norwegian Foot Marches, multinational interoperability weapons qualification training hosted by KFOR’s German Contingent.
“My job and mission here in Kosovo has allowed me to be a part of something so unique that I know I will never experience again in my lifetime. Fortunately, I'm lucky I got photos of it all,” said Sgt. Cheryl Madolev. “Covering different nations meant I got a glimpse of how they operate not only with us but with one another. Although we all have different languages and some differences in culture, we are all alike in so many ways.”
The 153rd began their deployment journey in August of 2024 by completing two three-week intensive training events at Fort Cavazos, Texas, and at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. Nine months later, their efforts have resulted in stories that have highlighted how different countries can work together in support of a larger goal: ensuring peace and stability in Kosovo and across the Balkans region.
The PAD’s work has reached hundreds of thousands through official military channels, social media platforms, and local, national and international media outlets, ensuring that the efforts of both National Guard members and international allies and partners are seen and recognized.
“I have served in the Army as a Public Affairs soldier for more than 20 years and this deployment certainly ranks among the highlights of my career,” said Staff Sgt. Mickey Miller, the deployed detachment’s Noncommissioned Officer in Charge. “Our team has had the opportunity to truly document history and, more importantly, the people that are making the history. I am so proud of everyone involved and I believe that our work will leave a lasting impact on the Kosovo Force mission.”
Established on Jan. 17, 2012, the 153rd Public Affairs Detachment provides public affairs and media operations support across the West Virginia National Guard and around the globe when called upon. This is only the second full scale deployment of the PAD since it was established. Previously, the WVARNG hosted a public affairs contingent from the 196th Mobile Public Affairs Det., Ohio National Guard.
"This deployment stands as a testament to their capability, professionalism and continued commitment to sharing the Guard’s story with the world," said WVARNG Chief of Staff Col. Robert Kincaid.
Mason shares the same sentiment, and acknowledges the dedication of not just the Soldiers, but their support systems as well.
“This group of Soldiers are the finest in the Army National Guard and it's truly a privilege to work alongside and learn from them every day. They handle each task with proficiency and prowess and no mission is too large for them to accomplish,” said Mason. “The love and support they have from their families back home is paramount to our success and I am extremely thankful that they have such great folks rooting for and supporting them from afar."
As the deployment continues, these Soldiers remain dedicated to their mission, telling the story of KFOR with accuracy, integrity and purpose.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 10:26 |
| Story ID: | 499600 |
| Location: | CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Deployed and documenting: West Virginia’s 153rd PAD supports multinational mission in Kosovo, by Erica Bodker, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
