Posted on 12/17/2008 6:43:57 PM PST by SandRat
BAGHDAD – The Lithuanian armed forces contingent officially brought its mission in Iraq to a close Dec. 16 during a ceremony at Al Faw Palace.
The Lithuanians have provided an infantry platoon and multiple staff officers in support of Multi-National Force – Iraq, Multi-National Corps – Iraq, Multi-National, Division – South East and Multi-National Division – Central South since 2003.
The contingent, with the use of its infantry platoon deployed to Forward Operating Bases Delta and Echo, has provided security and a quick reaction force in support of U.S. and coalition forces. They also provided essential training to members of the Iraqi Security Forces, to include combat lifesaver training, improvised explosive device courses, MEDEVAC request instruction and driver’s training.
Brig. Gen. Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding general of operations, MNC-I, noted the success Lithuanian troops have had in regards to working with the ISF during the farewell ceremony.
“You helped create an Iraqi Security Force and you instilled in them a solid foundation of skills that are essential to the future security and prosperity of Iraq,” Ferriter said. “To Iraq’s benefit and through the Republic of Lithuania’s efforts, you have helped to ensure a higher quality of life for all the people of Iraq.”
Even Lithuanian troops themselves have seen the progress in Iraq they and other nations like their own have helped to accomplish.
“I was here from July 2006 to February 2007, and when I arrived here for my second time, there were big changes in violence and security,” said Capt. Rimas Levendrauskas, Coalition Intelligence Support Cell, MNC-I. Rimas was a staff officer who performed open source intelligence work in support of Corps. “The people here look happier.”
Levendrauskas also worked with his Iraqi counterparts from C2, Iraqi Ground Forces Command, teaching them techniques and procedures regarding open source intelligence, as well as the basics in computer and internet search engine use.
Working so heavily with the ISF and in support of coalition force security operations, Lithuanian troops can leave Iraq knowing they contributed significantly to the mission during their time on ground.
“You have allowed peace to grow in a region filled with years of violence, and you can now return to your homes knowing that you made a difference,” Ferriter said.
A big “thank you” to the Lithuanians for standing with freedom.
I remember reading somewhere that the U.S. troops thought that the Lithuanian females were the hottest.
I understand that women from Estonia are even hotter.
A big “thank you” to the Lithuanians for standing with freedom.
I could not have said it better...
Estonian girls have that slightly more severe, Scandanavian look to them. Lithuanian girls are “softer.”
Interesting story: when the Lithuanian government extended their stay by a couple of months, the soldiers were given the option to leave. Almost three-quarters of them chose to stay.
I could not comment before i see pics...
This game is won.
So, where are the crowds on their feet cheering wildly?
Lithiuanian Special Forces are still in Afghanistan - some blog commentary on them:
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/on-the-front-lines-in-afghanistan-part-two/2/
U.S. and Afghan soldiers in Zabul Province give high marks to the Lithuanian Special Forces, who like to ride these captured Taliban motorbikes to sneak up on, and chase Taliban fighters. The “LithSof” are on their way to becoming living legends: Both Afghans and Americans report that the Taliban are afraid of the Lithuanians. Stories about them are filled with dangerous escapades and humor.
Americans say that the Lithuanians are sort of a weaponized version of Borat, who think nothing of sauntering around a base in nothing but flip-flops and underwear. “They look like mountain men. They never shave, sometimes don’t bathe, and often roll out the gate wearing nothing but body armor and weapons. Not even a t-shirt,” an American soldier told me. The Lithuanians may be a little bit nuts, but the Americans love to have them around because Lithuanians love to fight, and when you need backup, you can count on them. That contrasts starkly with many of the NATO “partners.” Maybe when your country spends almost a half-century with the Soviet boot on its neck, its first generation of free soldiers know what freedom is worth — and that you sometimes have to fight for it.
As someone who lived in Lithuania a few years back, I can confirm that the Lithuanian females are, in fact, some of the hottest on the planet ... as well as the most hot-headed when upset.
Unfortunately he’s run out of time, recently ;-)
The head, Mr. Tutkus, replied that not everyone understood due to translation, and thanked him for the attention he's giving the Lithuanian troops.
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