Photo By Capt. Shyquira Garden | Col. Jonathan Lloyd of 256th IBCT assumed command of Kosovo Force Regional Command...... read more read more
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo-NATO’s Kosovo Force, also known as KFOR, officially welcomed the 35th rotation of U.S. soldiers to Kosovo during a Transfer of Authority (TOA) ceremony held at Camp Bondsteel on June 30, 2025. U.S. Army Col. Jonathan Lloyd, commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the Louisiana National Guard, assumed command of NATO-led KFOR Regional Command East (RC-E) from Col. Peter Helzer of the Oregon National Guard.
KFOR has supported peace and security in Kosovo since 1999, under the mandate of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement between NATO and the governments of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Republic of Serbia.
The ceremony marked the official transition of leadership, as Col. Lloyd assumed responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo. KFOR’s commander Maj. Gen. Enrico Barduani presided over the ceremony. More than 50 NATO officials and distinguished guests from multiple allied nations attended, including the First Gentleman of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Prindon Sadriu; Minister Ejup Maqedonci, the Republic of Kosovo Minister of Defense; Mrs. Anu Prattipati, Chargé d’Affaires of US Embassy Pristina; Maj. Gen. Levon Cumpton of USAREUR; and many more.
In his remarks, Col. Helzer expressed gratitude to his troops and partners. Helzer led KFOR RC-E since October 2024. During their deployment, KFOR 34 conducted more than 4,000 patrols, 2,000 flight hours, 5,000 volunteer hours, 15 civil-military engagements, and 5,000 volunteer hours. Helzer said, “Working with schools, orphanages, athletic programs…has linked us to the local community. We’ve made a real impact on the people of Kosovo, more than just presence for deterrence and reassurance, this team took proactive steps to improve the lives of everyday Kosovars.”
Building on the legacy of KFOR 34, the 256th IBCT now assumes responsibility for the region. The 256th IBCT is made up of soldiers from Louisiana, California, Delaware, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, and other states. Before deploying to Kosovo, the brigade withstood some extensive training. Their arrival marks the 35th rotation of U.S. forces to KFOR RC-E.
Col. Lloyd thanked all the attendees, expressed gratitude for being in front of all the esteem leaders and their attendance to the TOA ceremony. Lloyd has been in command of the 256th IBCT since November of 2022. He is no stranger to leadership, bringing with him a wealth of experience as a decorated veteran with a distinguished record.
To symbolize the transfer of authority, leaders from the outgoing 41st IBCT passed the NATO flag to the incoming 256th IBCT command team. This ceremonial act signifies the continuity of leadership and NATO’s enduring commitment to peace in the region.
Col. Lloyd in his speech addressed his soldiers, saying, “You have trained hard. You’ve studied diligently. You’ve listened intently with an intense desire to ensure we continue to provide all the people of Kosovo a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement. As of the completion of this ceremony, the responsibility of that mission is ours as KFOR Regional Command East.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Barduani expressed gratitude to all the soldiers of the 41st IBCT for their service and them wished them a safe return home. He also praised 256th IBCT’s for its prior mission experience and stated, “I’m confident that here in Kosovo you will once again set the standard and pave the way for the KFOR mission.”
As 256th steps forward with a mission-ready spirit, Col. Lloyd closed his remarks quoting Walt Disney, “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing!”
| Date Taken: | 06.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 506957 |
| Location: | CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ |
| Hometown: | LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 41 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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