An extraordinary meeting took place at the Baltic Barracks, the aim of which was to make sure that the New Year 2008 has been appropriately welcomed. The New Year’s Reception on 17th January was also an opportunity to reflect upon the past year, which brought a few landmarks in the Corps history.
Even though we still remember the New Year’s Eve spent together with our friends and families – there cannot be a good start of the year without a toast raised together with our Generals, colleagues from work, their wives or husbands and honourable guests. Among them there were representatives of local authorities including Mr. Piotr Krzystek, Mayor of Szczecin and Mr. Marcin Zydorowicz, Voivode of Westpomerania. Another person that honoured the ceremony with his presence was Brigadier General Peter Goebel who is Commander of the German 14th Division that used to be one of the Corps’ affiliated units and is going to be disbanded soon. Among other guests there were also representatives of various institutions, also of diplomatic level, and many friends of the Corps.
Altogether about 300 people gathered in the Gym, where in the nice atmosphere, with fine food and drinks, successes of the last year were recalled. Obviously the mission time appeared most often in memories. Lieutenant General Zdzisław Goral, Commander Headquarters Multinational Corps Northeast (HQ MNC NE), emphasized that thanks to that mission the Corps has gained a good reputation within the NATO community proving high capabilities and professionalism of its personnel. In fact, one of our soldiers, a German Lieutenant Colonel Lutz Rademacher on behalf of the NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for his exceptional service.
The year of 2007 also brought two other significant developments. First of all, the contract for “SZAFRAN” was signed. This Command and Control Information System will enhance the Corps’ ability to communicate with other headquarters. Secondly, a new structure for the Headquarters was implemented.
However, the beginning of the new year 2008 brings not only summing up what we have done but also planning what is ahead of us. Obviously all our personnel wish to make the year 2008 a success for themselves and for the Corps, too. And the challenges that we are going to face include for example the exercise Crystal Eagle scheduled for September. Moreover, two Romanian officers are expected to join our multinational family bringing the tenth flag to our Headquarters. In more distant future, the Corps is going to start preparing for the next ISAF mission.
