During the morning roll call of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade (10BKPanc), senior private Grzegorz Całka was called forward. The soldier was recognized by Colonel Dariusz Nawrocki, acting commander of 10BKPanc, for his exemplary conduct as a soldier.
A resident of Świdnica wrote: “I am writing to express my thanks and congratulations for having such selfless and helpful soldiers in your unit. Private Całka, who has a rare blood type, responded to an appeal from the family of a seriously ill man who had developed postoperative complications. He not only donated blood, but also lifted our spirits and gave us encouragement during this difficult time. [...] We are very grateful because it was his blood that saved the life of someone so close to us.”
“For representing the brigade and the uniform of a Polish soldier with distinction, as well as for his exemplary conduct, the soldier is being recognized, but above all he should become an example worthy of emulation for everyone,” Colonel Nawrocki said during the roll call. “He gave the most precious gift, and with it he gave life. And he did it selflessly. This is one of the most important things we can do for others.”
This is not the first time an armored soldier has been recognized for courage and selfless, decisive action in moments when human life or health was at risk. The past few months have been full of events in which the armored soldiers have demonstrated their reliability and bravery.
At the beginning of December, Colonel Nawrocki recognized senior private Marcin Cyrta, who came to the defense of a resident of Góra Kalwaria. The latter had been attacked by a group of hooligans who threatened him and damaged property. “Quick, concrete decisions and providing assistance, as well as the soldier’s high qualifications, prevented the hooligans from continuing their robbery and destruction of private property,” the grateful resident of Góra Kalwaria wrote in a letter of thanks.
On January 9, 2014, a soldier from the Tactical Combat Team, Sergeant Tomasz Borowski, received recognition from the commander of the 14th rotation of the Polish Military Contingent in Afghanistan and the honorary title “Hero of Battle.” Having witnessed an American military helicopter crash near the Ghazni base, he rushed to the rescue. Together with Polish and American soldiers, he efficiently extracted the injured from the damaged helicopter, evacuated them from the dangerous area and provided first aid.
(information: Katarzyna Przepióra, assistant to the press officer of 10BKPanc in Świętoszów)