DCG of MNC-I Visits Cooke for Macedonian Independence Sept. 13, 2004
By Sgt. Merrion LaSonde, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
TAJI, Iraq—The Republic of Macedonia celebrated its 13th year of Independence on Sept. 8. To commemorate the occasion, Italian Maj. Gen Armando Novelli, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, visited the Macedonian Soldiers stationed at Camp Cooke in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I was invited by Capt. [Dragan] Stevoski, the Macedonian Senior National Representative, to the Anniversary of the Macedonian Independence Day, which occurred on 8 September 1991,” said Novelli. “As the MNC-I [DCG] for the Coalition, it is my duty to visit and meet the MNC-I different contingents. And I would say it is also a great honor and pleasure to have the opportunity to meet so many Soldiers, [Non-Commissioned Officers] and officers from 30 different countries. And of course, I was very happy to meet the Macedonian contingent on this important day for them and their nation.”
Primarily supporting the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Battalion 206th Infantry Regiment, the Macedonian troops are in Iraq serving beside their American allies to prove a point.
“Our mission is to conduct … reconnaissance and raids according to the needs of the battalion commander,” said Capt. Goran Ilioski, commander of the task force. “We are here to help in the fight against terrorism and our government wants to show that we have the capability to work side by side with the coalition forces and to prove that we are ready to become members of the [North Atlantic Treaty Organization].”
According to the Republic of Macedonia Ministry of Defense Website, “[Macedonia] has demonstrated its firm determination in the last few years to become a NATO member country. This organization, which is the cornerstone of the Trans-Atlantic security system…would contribute to the peace, stability and prosperity in the world.”
A country in its growing independent infancy, NATO membership would afford Macedonia the protection of many strong allies to help fight against its enemies, both foreign and domestic.
Embedded with the Macedonians is a small group of Iraqi National Guardsmen who accompany them on all their missions.
“We use them to bridge the cultural gap between us and the local nation,” Ilioski said. “We believe having them with us helps the locals be less resistant to us and our presence.”
This is the third group of Macedonian troops to support operations in Iraq, and they work for six-month rotations with the coalition.
“Each rotation of troops is decided upon and approved by our government,” Capt. Dragan Stevoski, Macedonian operations liaison officer, Multi-National Forces-Iraq.
Ilioski said, “We will be here conducting missions for as long as the Coalition is here.”
During his visit, Novelli received a mission and training brief of the Macedonian’s operations, viewed a weapons static display and toured the ING facilities at Camp Cooke.
“I have got a very good impression,” Novelli said. “They are tough Soldiers and very well trained. The results of their operations here in Iraq are outstanding. I was briefed by the platoon commander, Capt. Ilioski. He demonstrated a strong leadership and his pride in serving in Iraq with his Soldiers for the establishment of a more peaceful country. I spoke to their battalion commander, Lt. Col. Klemmer, and he told me he is very proud of them. They are performing in a wonderful way.”
After lunch with the Macedonian troops and Brig. Gen. Ronald Chastain, commander, 39th Brigade Combat Team, Novelli received a plaque from Ilioski on behalf of his troops in appreciation for the visit.
Addressing the assembled troops, Novelli expressed his pride and appreciation for a job well done.
“I am very happy to meet you in the day which represents for the Macedonian people the achievement of the independence,” Novelli said. “I am impressed by the operational successes you have reached in your [area of operations]. Your work here in Iraq is very important. I send you the personal greeting of the MNC-I Commander, Lt.Gen. Thomas Metz. Finally, I want to say Macedonia is very close to Italy, my country, and it is likely that we will meet again in the future. After today’s visit, I hope it will happen very soon.”
