Welcoming Soldiers Returning from the Mission in Afghanistan

The ceremony was attended by: a representative of the General Command, Inspector of the Land Forces, Major General Janusz Bronowicz, Deputy Commander of the Operational Command of the Armed Forces Branches, Brigadier General Sławomir Wojciechowski, commanders of the units forming the second rotation of the contingent, chaplains, local government authorities, representatives of county offices and government offices, representatives of municipalities that are friends of the Black Division, including the Head of Osiecznica Municipality Waldemar Nalazek, representatives of local authorities, the police, fire service, Border Guard and Military Police, school principals who cooperate with 10BKPanc on a daily basis and cultivate the traditions of units subordinate to the division. Soldiers of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade and participants of the second rotation of the Polish Military Contingent Resolute Support Mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan were also present.

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At 10:00 a.m., soldiers of the second rotation of the Polish Military Contingent Resolute Support Mission attended a Mass celebrated for their intention. The assembled guests then gathered at the garrison square, where Major General Jarosław Mika, commander of the Black Division, reported to Major General Janusz Bronowicz, representing the General Commander of the Branches of the Armed Forces.

After the national flag was raised and the national anthem was played, the guests were welcomed by the commander of 11LDKPanc. Colonel Adam Luzyńczyk, commander of the second rotation of the Polish Military Contingent Resolute Support Mission, then reported that the mandate tasks had been completed.

“You carried out all the tasks at a level worthy of a soldier of the Polish Armed Forces. The time before the mission was not wasted, because the results are obvious—very good. This applies to the operational commander, the brigade commander responsible for preparing the rotation, and the rotation commander alike. This is the result of your commitment and sacrifice, the soldier’s heart that you did not spare while carrying out your tasks in Afghanistan,” General Bronowicz said.

The protocol of transfer subsequently signed meant that the forces and assets comprising the second rotation of the Polish Military Contingent returned to the command of the General Command. The protocol was signed by Major General Janusz Bronowicz and Brigadier General Sławomir Wojciechowski.

“You were among the first to carry out one of the more important tasks. In the context of what is happening around us and in the world today, the Resolute Support mission takes on a completely different dimension than we might have initially assumed,” General Wojciechowski said. “I wish you the quickest possible adjustment to the conditions in the country—not only the climate—and that you return to your parent subunits and duties. Use the experience you gained during the mission. I also wish you a speedy readjustment to life with your families and that you spend the upcoming holidays together with them.”

The ceremony concluded with a military parade and refreshments for the soldiers and their families.

Katarzyna Przepióra/ii