Strong Faith, Strong Will

Szöveg: Vivien Takács | 2016. november 25. 10:02

„You must form the backbone of the Hungarian Defence Forces”, said Chief of Defence Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő at the 4th Hungarian NCO Gala Evening” held in Stefánia Palace – Military Cultural Centre, Budapest on 19 November.

“The mission ahead of us is a serious test of strength, and will involve your active participation. It is a serious test of strength for the soldiers and their family members standing by them", underlined the Chief of Defence.

In his remarks made at the ceremony, Gen. Benkő thanked the NCOs’ relatives for their support. “In order to do a successful service, you need a partner who is helping and supporting you all along", he added.

In his speech, the general talked about the pay rise and then turned to the tasks of the future, saying that the development and modernization of military equipment in the HDF is about to begin.

After the words of welcome, the gala evening continued with a storming program by the Hungarian National Dance Group (Honvéd Ensemble). Their performance evoked a number of emblematic moments in Hungarian history and military life from 1848 to the 1956 Revolution.

In answer to our question, CSM István Kriston, the command sergeant major of the Hungarian Defence Forces told us that the gala evening is a very important event in the NCOs’ life. “On this day we are celebrating the NCO Corps’ and their relatives’ commitment to our homeland", the command sergeant major explained.

Also in attendance at the event were Maj.-Gen. János Huszár, Commander, HDF Joint Force Command, Col. Ernő Baráth, Commander, HDF vitéz Szurmay Sándor Budapest Garrison Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Tibor Bozó, Commandant, HDF NCO Academy as well as several senior enlisted leaders from countries and strategic commands in the system of alliance of the Hungarian Defence Forces.