Photo By Cpl. Lindsay L. Sayers | Brig. Gen. Neeme Vali (right), chief of staff, Estonian Defense Force, presents Maj....... read more read more
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CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – The Chief of Staff of the Estonian Defense Forces, Brig. Gen. Neeme Vali, presented Maj. Gen. Richard Mills, commander of Regional Command Southwest, with the Estonian Defense Forces Meritorious Service Cross, Feb. 22.
Vali is in Afghanistan to visit Estonian troops at Patrol Base Wahid in Nad-Ali in conjunction with his country’s 93rd Independence Day. During the trip he made a stop at Camp Leatherneck to make the special presentation on behalf of the Commander of the Estonian Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Ant Laaneots.
Mills was awarded the decoration “in recognition of his significant contribution to the bi-lateral cooperation between the Republic of Estonia and the United States,” said Vali. “This decoration is presented for professional support for Estonian troops during the NATO-led security mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.”
The RC(SW) commander said he was deeply honored by the recognition.
“I accept this on behalf of all the coalition forces who stand alongside the Estonians,” said Mills. “To operate alongside them has been an honor and a privilege and has been an inspiration because of their professionalism and their capabilities. They’ve shouldered a heavy load and done it magnificently.
“I will wear this with great honor.”
Estonia has participated in NATO-led operations in Afghanistan since 2003. In total, more than 160 Estonians serve here. The largest contingent is the infantry company EstCoy, part of Task Force Helmand in Nad-Ali. Several Estonian officers serve in the RC(SW) Headquarters and in Kandahar and Lashkar Gah. In addition, the Estonians man a National Support Element at Camp Bastion and a close protection team in Kabul.
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2011 12:14 |
| Story ID: | 65883 |
| Location: | CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF |
| Web Views: | 346 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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