”Gyula Was A Real FRIEND, In Capital Letters”

Colonel Gábor Hajdu was the commander of the tragically deceased heroic EOD technician. But their relationship was much closer than a simple subordinate–commander connection.

"The best way to describe Gyula would be to say that he was the FRIEND in capital letters. At the same time a very decisive, serious personality" – remembers Colonel Hajdu, uttering a big sigh. "In times like this it is difficult to say anything, to remember a man who had been doing his job – as always – until yesterday, and today we have to deal with the administrative issues of his death and the funeral." When we finally reached Colonel Hajdu he was on his way to the village where Gyula was born, to stand by the family and say a few words of consolation.

"What can one tell the grieving family in a situation like this? It is very difficult… all you are capable of doing in times like this is saying things which may sound banal. Real pain that comes from the bottom of the heart cannot be put into words. And though it is true, it cannot ease the pain when I tell them how much we loved Gyula, and how many of us will never forget him. I am aware that EOD technicians’ families – our families – have very difficult weekdays in any case. Of course, there is fear in everyone, and inside their heart all of them fear the worst. But it is impossible to live if someone’s continuously dreading that it can happen any time" – sighs the commander.

Although most people speak of Gyula Kovács now as the first Hungarian victim of the Afghanistan mission we must consider the fact that bomb disposal experts are exposed to the same danger anywhere in the world. Working with explosive devices everywhere requires professionalism, the highest expertise, and a sharp mind. Unfortunately, not even these qualities can guarantee that problems are avoided. As we all remember, in the country four bomb disposal technicians had lost their lifes while in service in recent years.

Gyula was aware of all the above for he was an excellently prepared expert who was awarded the EOD Technician of the Year title in 2007, on top of his numerous appreciations, awards and honourable mention. He took part in several displays organized abroad, moreover, he signed up for the challenging voluntary mission service; he was serving for the second time in Afghanistan. These times are terribly difficult for his family, father, his only sister Beatrix, and his fiancee – they had been living together for 8 years.

They were preparing for their wedding, and even though it must have been hard, she supported her loved one in everything. And in spite of the fact that there had been no other soldiers in the family apart from Gyula, they respected the passion the young man felt for his profession. For which he literally sacrificed his life…