Today, 17 September, at the “Jane Sandanski” Barracks in Shtip, the Second Infantry Battalion personnel (2nd InfBn), within the First Infantry Brigade (1st InfBde), marked the Day of the Unit with a military ceremony. The date commemorates the formation of the 14th MYPLSBde (14th Macedonian Youth People’s Liberation Strike Brigade) in the village of Mitrashinci, Berovo area.
As part of the commemoration, delegations from the higher command, the unit, and family members of fallen personnel laid fresh flowers at the “Macedonia” memorial at the entrance to the barracks.
The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Dejan Chiplakovski, together with the brigade command and staff personnel, former commanders and members of the unit, representatives of the local government, heads of public institutions and other guests.
Addressing the formation, the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Risto Stoev, spoke about the historical path of the “14th Macedonian Youth People’s Liberation Strike Brigade” and the challenges that the unit has successfully overcome during the past period. He emphasized that the unit will continue at the same pace in carrying out its assigned tasks and meeting the established standards.
The Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Dejan Chiplakovski, also addressed the ceremony and, among other things, stated:
“You are the ones who, over the past years, have participated in all self-assessments and NATO evaluations. You have worked every day on the reception and equipping of the unit with JLTV and STRYKER Light Armored Vehicles. As the core of the Light Infantry Battalion Group, supported by the other units of the brigade, in April this year you successfully completed Exercise “Flash 26” and were assessed by NATO as ‘combat ready to execute your mission.’ With this achievement, it is not only we who are proud; the entire Army is proud, and the entire country is proud.”
In his speech, General Chiplakovski also paid tribute to the “Scorpions,” who took part in the formation of the unit back in 1996.
As part of the unit’s Day, a blood donation drive was organized, during which 45 units of blood were donated. The Second Platoon of the First Infantry Company was declared the best unit and was presented with a trophy and a flag. Incentive measures for personnel were also read out, while letters of appreciation were presented to the institutions with which the unit had successfully cooperated in carrying out its duties and assigned tasks.
