September - ACO - NATO

At the end of six months in this Theatre ofOperations, I think that it was an honor anda privilege to take part in this mission inRepublic of Kosovo. Today, we can declarethat thanks to our efforts and dedication, wecontributed to the guarantee andmaintenance of a safe and secureenvironment (SASE) and the freedom ofmovement (FOM) in Kosovo.If I could use a few words to abbreviate theentire period that I spent in these lands ofKosovo, I could try to be different, butinevitably, I will say the same thing that somany people said before. Full of a strongfeeling of admiration and respect for all, I'ma happy man, but essentially, I'm a satisfiedCommanding Officer because we raisedhigh the name of the 1st Infantry Battalionof the Intervention Brigade (1BI/BrigInt),Portuguese Armed Forces and Portugal. Wedid it together, with every single man andwoman who serves in this Battalion,because we put the best of our capacitiesand knowledge in the dailyaccomplishment of our tasks and missions.To all the militaries who belong to MNTFs,MSU, Officers, NCO's and privates, Iwould like to express the admiration, theconsideration and true respect of the1BI/BrigInt. It was a privilege to work with you, with the communion of knowledge and with a commonpurpose, we worked together contributing to a SASE and to the FOM Kosovo wide, showing us all as constantstimulators of a quick and safe development in region of the world.Generals, Commanders, please accept my consideration, my admiration and respect for the friendly mannerand all the support I received from your Excellencies and the men under your Command.It was an honor to be in your company and with all who preceded you, I felt one of you all the time, I thinkthat this is the spirit that prevails in this big KFOR family where everyone is a part of a cohesive group aroundthe same motto "Moving Forward".During all this time, KTM worked hard, always in accordance with COMKFOR's intentions, helping to builda way for peace, hoping that soon, conditions may be created for a better Kosovo. I wish that some feelingslike: tolerance, stability, freedom and economic development may one day, be a close and global reality in thisentire region.At last, I would like to wish to all KFOR soldiers, honor and glory in the accomplishment of yourmission, may the only way be "Moving Forward" and god bless.30KFOR Chronicle, September, 2009