Ghazni ceremony marks change for Polish contingent

Written by Polish Army Capt. Dariusz Guzenda Friday, 28 October 2011 02:42

GAHZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan—Coalition leaders and senior Polish defense officials welcomed Polish Brig. Gen. Peter Blazeusz, the newest commander of Task Force White Eagle, Oct. 26, as the Poles begin their tenth combat rotation in eastern Afghanistan since 2002.

Thomas Siemoniak, the Polish Minister of Defense, along with Polish Lt. Gen. Edward Gruszka, Operational Commander of the Armed Forces; Jacek Cichocki Polish Secretary for Special Services; Stanislaw Koziej, Polish Chief of the National Security Bureau; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn the Regional Command-East commander, witnessed the transfer of authority ceremony, here, on the Polish base south of Kabul.

Taking over for Polish Brig. Gen. Slawomir Wojciechowski, Blazeusz said he realizes that commanding such important contingent is a great honour, but also a huge responsibility. He stressed that being a Soldier; he will try to deliver the best.

Responsible for security in Ghazni as part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force, Polish Soldiers are helping the Afghan government tackle a Taliban-led insurgency. With some 2,600 troops deployed in Afghanistan, Poland is among the top contributors to the Coalition fight.

During his visit to the Ghazni base, Minister Siemoniak spoke with Soldiers about the hardships of the service in Afghanistan. He thanked the outgoing TF White Eagle troops for their service and expressed faith in those facing the next phase of the deployment.

In addition, the Defence Minister met with Soldiers injured in a mine explosion Oct. 23. The Soldiers assured him that they all want to return as soon as possible to their mission.

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