On Tuesday 29 May 18, COMEUFOR Major General Martin Dorfer presided over an International Medal Parade at Camp Butmir.
Thirty four military personnel were awarded the European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal for Operation ALTHEA. Awarding the medal, COMEUFOR told participants that each and every one of them had contributed to the success of the EUFOR mission, and represents the practical and positive affirmation of your government's commitment to the people of BiH. He spoke of the sacrifice made by families whose loved ones serve far from home, saying "I am sure that your absence from home has been worthwhile. I wish you every success for the future."
Someone who has been absent from home serving in Op ALTHEA frequently over the last 12 years on numerous deployment is Colonel Reinhold Reiter from Austria, who works in EUFOR's Legal Team. He enjoys the challenge of his job adding 'It's a beautiful country with nice people, and I enjoy working local colleagues.'
Staff Sergeant 1st Class Monika Jovevska from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia* also enjoys her role of helping the Armed Forces of BiH with their training. She said, "I love sharing knowledge with and gaining knowledge from my international colleagues." While her husband and children miss her, they are very proud of her participation in the EUFOR mission and her starring role in the 'Faces of EUFOR' media campaign for International Women's Day in March.
COMEUFOR thanked all those on parade for their dedicated service in BiH. Four of the 18 countries of EUFOR were on the parade: Austria, Hungary, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, and Turkey. They contribute across a wide range of areas and are tireless in support of maintenance of the safe and secure environment in BiH.
