NATO HQ Sarajevo Commander Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas presided over the formal transfer of authority ceremony that took place in Camp Butmir between the outgoing Chief of Staff, Colonel Ferenc Kiss and the incoming Chief of Staff, Colonel Tibor Csipszer. This brings an end to Colonel Kiss's one year tour of duty with NATO HQ Sarajevo.
Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
During the Transfer of Authority ceremony, BG Valas recognized the exceptional service of Colonel Kiss at NATO HQ Sarajevo, recognizing Hungary’s commitment to NHQSa mission in BiH.
The approach of Col Kiss has been clear and always focused on what matters most: the success of this headquarters and the strengthening of NATO’s presence and purpose in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Expressing gratitude to his family, Hungarian Armed Forces and NATO HQ Sarajevo, Colonel Kiss, the outgoing Chief of Staff, stated:
Choose a profession you love and you won't have to work a minute in your life again.
I have found this phrase to speak to me, as I am sure it does for you because we all want to serve in a profession we love which includes serving a good cause, a noble mission, even in cases that require us to be far from our home. We all do this with a high head, a good heart and, most importantly, dedication – it is because we love what we do and believe the work we are doing is for the benefit of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Photo: NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.
The incoming Chief of Staff, Colonel Csipszer, thanked the Hungarian military leadership for their trust in providing him with the opportunity to support the NATO HQ Sarajevo mission in an international environment.
Working in a multinational environment like NHQSa is a great opportunity to work together with highly qualified and well trained professionals on achieving our common goal, which in this case is the progress and development of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The ceremony was attended by NATO HQ Sarajevo, EUFOR and NATO Political Engagement Support Cell leadership, as well as representatives of Allied and Partner nations serving on Camp Butmir.