2009-08_Kfor Chronicle_4:Layout 1.qxd - ACO - Nato

Story by OF-4 Carlos Lapresta, Spanish Army and KFOR Chronicle TeamPhotos by KFOR Chronicle TeamOn the 31st of July, at 1230hrs, under the leadership of Brigadier General Roberto Perretti, Multinational TaskForce West (MNTF-W) Commander, and Colonel (OF-5) Ricardo Serrano Cueto, Senior of the SpanishContingent in Kosovo, a military parade took place at Camp España`s Cervantes Square in Istog/Istok. Theceremonies were aimed at marking the Transfer of Authority from KSPAGT XXIII "Castilla y León" and theSpanish Redeployment Support Unit (KSPUAR, in its Spanish acronym) and end of operational activities forthe Spanish KFOR troops.Different KFOR military and civilian authorities from the local municipality, and a number of civilianrepresentatives from the various ethnic groups attended the festive event. The function started fromceremonial formation of Spanish troops at the marching pad of the camp. During the ceremony BrigadierGeneral Perretti awarded the Non-article 5 NATO Medal to OF-5 Javier García Blázquez, Commander of thetransferred KSPAGT XXIII.After presentation, OF-5 García Blázquez addressed the attendees in both English and Spanish with a speechin which he thanked local authorities and representatives from the ethnic groups for their help andcooperation. He also dedicated words of gratitude to General Perretti, for his committed support at all times.In his speech, he highlighted the indefatigable work done by KSPAGT XXIII. He encouraged the KSPUARmembers to follow the same path and to keep the same concentration in order to give the farewell to thismission in September with the inner pride of leaving behind a well-performed duty.10KFOR Chronicle, August, 2009