A farewell ceremony for 90 soldiers of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Brigade took place on Saturday, July 19. For the first time in the history of the Bolesławiec brigade, such a large group of soldiers will serve outside the country. “Together with soldiers from Austria, we will supervise the zone separating two countries: between Syria and Israel,” says Captain Zdzisław Jacewicz, commander of the company that will set out for the Middle East at the end of August.
The artillery personnel will return to Poland in March. Are they well prepared for the mission? Zdzisław Jacewicz, who is not going to Syria for the first time, has no doubts about it. “I am confident in the level of training and preparation of the unit I command. I know most of the soldiers personally. I know what they are capable of,” he admits. “The company includes people who have previously served in the UNDOF mission. They passed on their experience and skills acquired during their time in the Middle East to their younger colleagues,” he adds.
Colonel Roman Kłosiński, head of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Brigade, is also confident about his personnel. “I am convinced that the mission on the Syrian-Israeli border will be proof of your excellent training, professionalism and strength of spirit,” the colonel said during Saturday’s ceremony. “I deeply believe that you will emerge victorious, bringing fame and honor to the Polish Army and the soldiers of the 23rd Silesian Artillery Brigade.” Zdzisław Jacewicz, in turn, assured those present that he would make every effort to ensure that all participants in the peacekeeping mission returned home safely.
(GA information)