Welcoming the Soldiers Returning Home from the Iraqi Mission

The homecoming ceremony for the members of the Hungarian mission recently returning from Iraq took place in the presence of their family members, friends and colleagues in the Kossuth-barracks. The personnel of the +150 strong contingent was basically drawn from the HDF 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade, but also several further HDF units were represented in the mission.

“Hungary committed itself to capture on the frontline the terror cell, which threatens our security, the security of Europe. Your mission served the safety and security of Europe and our country there, on that theatre of war, as you trained, mentored and supported the work of the soldiers, who day after day fought against the warriors of the Islamic State. This has been an important activity for all of us, because it prevented migration, which hit our country and Europe in 2015" – Lt.-Gen. Gábor Böröndi emphasised.

The Deputy Commander added that while the contingent was performing their tour of duty abroad, massive changes occurred within the Hungarian Defence Forces. “The Command of the Hungarian Defence Forces was established, a leading organ of strategic level, which directs the HDF units with full authority and power. You have returned to a renewing HDF organisation. Our goal is with the help of the Zrínyi 2026 National Defence and Armed Forces Development Program to have such a powerful, modern, morally high-level army, which is capable to represent Hungary’s interests and to defend the Hungarian nation. You already have the knowledge and experience required for this" – he noted.

Col. Balázs Szloszjár, the Commander of the HDF 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade said thanks for the work of the members of the Contingent, then Maj. Roland Kálinger, Army Chaplain blessed the homecoming personnel. The homecoming ceremony was closed with the special appreciation of the work of the best soldiers. In recognition for the outstanding service performed in the personnel of the seventh rotation of the HDF Iraqi Training Support Contingent, the tokens of appreciation donated by Lt.-Gen. Ferenc Korom, the Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces were presented by Lt.-Gen. Gábor Böröndi.