PRT-14, deployed to the NATO ISAF mission in Afghanistan from mid-November, send wishes to their families and friends on the approaching holidays.
"In the anticipation of the most beautiful annual holidays I wish to thank you, dear families and friends of PRT-14 personnel, for your endless care and whole-souled waiting. For me as the commander it is fundamental and delightful to know of your support to your loved ones on duty far away from homes and you care."
"As you sit down on the Christmas Eve at the common table your thoughts will be with us who are here, likewise, during supper of the Christmas Eve we will be with our loved ones in our hearts," writes the letter from Afghanistan signed by PRT-14 Commander Col Eligijus Senulis.
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At the moment the 14th rotation of Lithuanians serves in Ghor. The shift is formed by the 5th Territorial Unit of the Vytis Military District of the National Defence Volunteer Forces and supplemented by troops from other units of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Military contingent of PRT-14 is commanded by Col Eligijus Senulis, Commander of the 5th Territorial Unit of the Vytis Military District of the National Defence Volunteer Forces.
Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian and military mission, a part of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), launched in the province in summer of 2005. The essential task of the mission is to support Afghan government in extending its authority in the province, ensuring security and creating conditions for provincial reconstruction. Currently major attention is paid to training projects for Afghan national security forces in response to the new ISAF strategy in Afghanistan.
PRT-14 in Ghor is accompanied by the Police Operational Liaison and Mentoring Team (POMLT) in its efforts, POMLT trains Afghan National Police.
Lithuanian peacekeepers are also deployed in Kandahar where Lithuanian-led multinational Air Advisory Team provides training for local helicopter pilots and technical maintenance specialists.
Lithuania also has troops deployed to ISAF commands in Herat and Kabul. Lithuanian Special Operations Squadron completes duty in the south of Afghanistan. National Support Element coordinates logistic provision for all the Lithuanian military personnel in Afghanistan.
PIO for PRT-14 1st Lt Tomas Pakalniškis
