March 18, Chief of Defence of Lithuania Maj. Gen. Arvydas Pocius currently conducting a visit at the camp of the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team of Chaghcharan unveiled memorial plaque for Lithuanian serviceman Sgt. Arūnas Jarmalavičius killed on duty almost three years ago.
The memorial plaque of Lithuanian oak put in the place were Sgt. A. Jarmalavičius was killed bears the following words in Lithuanian and English: „Lithuanian serviceman Sgt. Arūnas Jarmalavičius was killed here on 22 May 2008".
„We have a vast commitment in the multinational operation in Afghanistanas as a small country that we are. Even a single lost life is painful to us. Although Arūnas was only my nodding acquaintance, I feel sorry about his loss," said sculptor from Alytus Kęstutis Benediktas who made memorial plaque for the killed Lithuania soldier Sgt. A. Jarmalavičius.
Decision to pay tribute to the killed solder this way was made during the first visit Lithuanian CHOD Maj. Gen. A. Pocius paid to Chaghcharan PRT military camp in October 2009.
To the same end of tributing a fallen comrade and perpetuating his memory barracks of the Lithuanian Great Duchess Birutė Motorised Infantry Battalion were named after Sgt. A. Jarmalavičius and memorial plaque was opened in December 2008.
Grand Cross of the Order of the Cross of Vytis and the National Defence System Medal For International Operations was conferred posthumously on Sgt. A. Jarmalavičius by decree of the President of the Republic of Lithuania for valour and dedication in performing assignments of Lithuania and NATO in Afghanistan.
Sgt. A. Jarmalavičius was killed at the age of 34 on 22 May 2008 by fire delivered during an assault on the PRT camp in Ghowr. He served as riflemen of Guard Squad of Headquarters Company in Chaghcharan Provincial Reconstruction Team.
Pictures of WO Lina Ambroževičiūtė:
Maj. Gen. A. Pocius meets with Chief of Ghowr Police Abdul Baqi Nooristani while visiting Afghanistan.
Military Commander PRT-10 Col. Gediminas Macijauskas and Lithuanian CHOD Maj. Gen. A. Pocius
Maj. Gen. A.Pocius meets with civilian and military personnel of Chaghcharan PRT of Lithuania and other nations, talks about importance of their mission and answers to their questions.
