11 Jul. 2008
The 3rd of July, 2008 was a special day for the Kosovo Forces. On this day, Brigadier General David H. Berger replaced Brigadier General William T. Wolf as KFOR Chief of Staff. The transfer of authority ceremony took place in the KFOR Headquarters.
Brigadier General Wolf has been on duty as the KFOR Chief of Staff for twelve months. In his farewell speech, he thanked the soldiers of Kosovo forces for their outstanding job during his tenure. Obviously, it was a rather sad day for the General and it was very difficult for him to deliver his words to the audience.
Recognizing the outstanding service of the Brigadier General Wolf, the commander of Kosovo Forces Lieutenant General de Marnhac awarded him with NATO Non Article 5 Medal.
“General Wolf’s personal involvement in the planning and execution of many various operations, ranging from the events in February at the gates and again in March, in North Mitrovica, ensured KFOR’s continued success.
It was this success that allowed KFOR to execute our mission to provide a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement to all the people of Kosovo. Furthermore, General Wolf’s direct participation in overseeing the implementation of multiple FRAGO’s in association to our continuously changing situation resulted in outstanding planning and preparation for most any future scenario”, the Lieutenant General de Marnhac said in his speech at the time of this ceremony. He added, “It is an extremely calm feeling to know that your Chief of staff so understand you, that you can then focus some of your attention on any of other myriad of issues, events or meetings.
In the case of General wolf, his sharp intellect and keen ability to multitask, in addition to his superb technical and tactical proficiency, made him a trusted advisor. Too often, Commanders find themselves surrounded by advisors who do not have the courage to tell the truth. Fortunately, you are not one of those officers”.
Continuing his discourse, General de Marnhac welcomed Brigadier General Berger, who came to Kosovo from the position of the assistant Division Commander of the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, USA, stating, “I have every confidence that you will also be highly successful in this very challenging and demanding assignment, during these crucial times. With this being your first NATO assignment, it is a strong statement of your abilities for the Marines to send you here”.
The Brigadier General Wolf leadership qualities and calm demeanor always brought out the best in KFOR personnel. He will not soon be forgotten. All the best to him and his family!
Brigadier General Berger’s career challenges and success stories is a glimpse to what KFOR can expect in the near future. We can honestly say, “We won’t miss a beat”.
Story by Major Oleksii Morozov, Ukrainian Armed Forces, and Technical Sergeant David Green, US Air Force. Photos by Armend Aqifi. KFOR Headquarters, Pristina
