Moldovan Officer Decorated for Mission in Liberia

CHISINAU, January 15, 2015 — Minister of Defense, Valeriu Troenco, awarded the “National Army Cross of Merit”, class II, to LTC Oleg Vlas, officer in the Air Force Command, who has recently returned from the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The award was given for excellent fulfillment of duty service, as well as for great achievements during military service.

Valeriu Troenco congratulated Oleg Vlas on his performance within the mission. “The impeccable way in which you conducted your duties is an example not only for National Army service members, but also for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. You were the best ambassador of our country on the African continent and we are proud to be your colleagues. We are sure that always, regardless of the specifics and difficulty of your mission, you will carry out your duty with honesty and honor”, said the Minister of Defense.

LTC Vlas informed Minister Troenco about the character and challenges of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, where he acted as military observer for 14 months. In that period of time, the officer has lived in Tuanburg and Zwendru, being only a few kilometers away from the region contaminated with Ebola virus and for two weeks in Ebola hotbed — Monrovia, capital of Liberia.

The United Nations Mission in Liberia was established in September, 2003.