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Latvian army concludes mission in Iraq

Multi-National Force-Iraq

Monday, 10 November 2008

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20081110-09
Nov. 10, 2008

Latvian army concludes mission in Iraq

Multi-National Corps – Iraq

CAMP VICTORY, Baghdad – Members of the Latvian army concluded their mission in Iraq during a ceremony Nov. 8 at Camp Victory.

Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre, Deputy Commanding General, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, and various other distinguished visitors, to include the Deputy Commander of Latvian National Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Juris Kiukucans, attended the ceremony and addressed the Latvian soldiers.

“It is truly an honor to be here to bid farewell to this fine force after they have accomplished so much in support of coalition operations,” said Lefebvre.

The Latvian army began operations in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May 2003. The Latvian army contributed 1,150 troops and operated in Al Kut, Al Hillah, Kirkuk and Diwaniyah.

Latvian forces, in cooperation with the Iraqi forces, conducted peace support operations and an array of security operations within their area of responsibility, which included quick reaction force duties, convoy security, combined joint operations and security patrols.

“Latvia has provided a great service to Multi-National Corps - Iraq, and you have represented your nation to the highest degree,” Lefebvre said.

The Infantry element of the Latvian army concluded its mission in Iraq in June 2007. From July 2007 to present Latvia provided three staff officers to continue to support the mission, which included intelligence and operational planning.

During the ceremony, the Latvians received several tokens of appreciation from Lefebvre on behalf of the Corps leadership and from Romanian army Brig. Gen. Mihai Chirita, deputy C5 for coalition, Multi-National Force – Iraq, on behalf of MNF-I.

Additionally, Army Commendation Medals and certificates of appreciation were awarded to the Latvian officers.

The Latvian officers have done an outstanding job in supporting combat operations, Lefebvre said.

“I would like to thank the U.S. government for everything they done for our soldiers,” Kiukucans said. “It was (a) great experience to stand shoulder to shoulder with the U.S. government. Thank you for everything.”

Kiukucans added that Latvia will continue to work together with the U.S. government in continuing to bring peace and stability throughout the world.

“We cannot thank you enough for your service. Never forget what you have accomplished here,” Lefebvre said. “Years from now you will be able to look back and know that you were part of something great; something that shaped the world for future generations.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL CORPS – IRAQ PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE BY E-MAIL AT: MNCIPAOVICTORYMAINJO@IRAQ.CENTCOM.MIL. FOR THIS PRESS RELEASE AND OTHERS VISIT HTTP://WWW.BRAGG.ARMY.MIL/MNCI/DEFAULT.HTM.