New Commander takes over as COMKFOR

United States Navy Admiral H.G. Ulrich III, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, presided over the ceremony and awarded the Non-Article 5 Medal to General Kather in recognition of his outstanding leadership as Commander KFOR.

Admiral Ulrich talked about General Kather’s motto of “Shaping the Future,” and how General Kather did just that. “He also brought with him the humble conviction that ‘one can help others with simple means’.  And help others he did,” said Admiral Ulrich. “Against a backdrop of uncertainty and continuing negotiations, over which KFOR itself exerts no control, he has maintained a reassuring optimism, an energy, a consistency and compassion that puts a real human face on NATO’s efforts here.”

The president of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu, thanked General Kather on behalf of all of the people of Kosova for his “grass roots” rapport that he built and maintained with all of the citizens of Kosova.  He also presented the “Gold Medal” for military service to General Kather.

General Kather said that he felt sad to leave, but that “quite a bit of my heart will stay here; Kosovo with its great people has become my second home.”

General Kather also said that being commander of KFOR was not only the greatest challenge in his nearly 40 years of service, but also it gave him “the greatest sense of satisfaction ... I love this unique and most beautiful land and I am full of respect for all the great citizens.”

The change of command ceremony concluded with the Orchestra of the Military District III (Wehrbereichsmusikkorps III) performing the German and French national anthems.

KFOR currently has about 16,000 soldiers from 34 nations who are working towards the common goal of providing a safe and secure environment for everybody in Kosovo, no matter what gender, religion or ethnic background.