During the past week, the leadership of the Świętoszów unit met to symbolically share Christmas wafers. The intimate ceremony was attended by 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade commander Colonel Maciej Jabłoński, former commander of the Świętoszów Brigade Brigadier General Dr. Cezary Podlasiński, as well as guests who work closely with the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade on a daily basis. They included representatives of local government institutions, the fire service, associations cooperating with the unit and others.
The gathering began with a recital of Christmas carols performed by artists from the Wrocław Opera. Colonel Jabłoński then welcomed the guests, soldiers and civilian employees of the armed forces: “We meet here, in accordance with our Polish tradition, to share the Christmas wafer on the eve of the wonderful Christmas holidays, family celebrations filled with warmth. For us, the soldiers and civilian employees of the Świętoszów Brigade, a brigade so heavily burdened with tasks, family is a refuge and support. I am thinking of our homes, but also of our extended family, the Polish family. These family values are priceless to us. I wish you all a healthy and peaceful Christmas, and above all, holidays spent with your loved ones.
The brigade chaplain, Major Rafał Kaproń, then read a passage from Scripture referring to the approaching holidays and blessed the wafers. He also read a letter from the Bishop Field Ordinary of the Polish Armed Forces, Józef Guzdek, who addressed the soldiers with, among other things, these words: “At this special time, as we take the wafer in our hands, we unite our thoughts and hearts with lonely and sick people, with veterans and former combatants, and with the families of soldiers who have gone on eternal watch. Let us bring everyone the joy of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Meeting of the Association of the Wounded and Injured
That same evening, the Świętoszów Association of the Wounded and Injured in Missions Outside the Country held its Christmas Eve gathering at the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade Club. Brigade commander Colonel Maciej Jabłoński also attended and addressed the assembled soldiers and their families: “We meet here to integrate, to build awareness among soldiers that no one is alone, that we act as one team, that we are a family and that we are all responsible for one another. We have very beautiful holidays ahead of us—family-oriented, warm and heartfelt. Thanking you for being here and for building this festive atmosphere together, I wish you the fulfillment of all your dreams, as well as a peaceful and joyful Christmas.
The soldiers were also addressed by the Black Division’s coordinator for the wounded and injured, Mr. Krzysztof Gradys: “You are not alone. It often happens that problems appear many months after returning from a mission. Do not close yourselves off; do not be ashamed, so that misfortune does not occur. There are superiors, and you have two psychoprophylaxis specialists in the Brigade; there are many people who can offer a helping hand. That is why we are here. I also direct these words to the ladies, the soldiers’ wives. A man sometimes does not want to talk about his weaknesses, but you know them well and know when a problem requires outside help. This evening is a time for exchanging good wishes, but also for asking questions—something that can always be done, even today. I am here to help. Happy holidays.
Logistics Battalion Christmas Eve
On Friday, December 19, the soldiers of the Logistics Battalion held their Christmas Eve gathering. Welcoming the soldiers, Lieutenant Colonel Michał Koniarz said: “The Logistics Battalion is a specific subunit. It operates in various directions, often outside the garrison. I am pleased that we managed to gather our soldiers for a joint Logistics Battalion Christmas Eve celebration. It is one of the rare opportunities for us to be together. This year, the soldiers of the battalion took part in a mission in Afghanistan and supported other division subunits in various areas. I wish everyone that these holidays would bring us joy, that we would meet with our loved ones and gain strength for further work and service, and that in the new year we would be able to meet the challenges placed before us.
During the ceremony, the commander of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade also addressed the soldiers: “I appreciate your service. I must admit that in my work I dealt mainly with combat subunits; logistics was support, but only today do I see what a powerhouse the Logistics Battalion is. I saw you in action, during an exercise, and I must say that it is a picture of strength and a high capacity to carry out tasks. I want you to know that I am aware of this. I wish you would take the positive energy you create here to your families and loved ones. All the best to you in the coming year.
Katarzyna Przepióra/ii