U.S Embassy Presents Afghanistan Service Awards to Lithuanian Military

During a ceremony at the U.S. Embassy on January 20th, U.S. Ambassador Anne E. Derse presented awards for service in Afghanistan to fifteen Lithuanian soldiers. Major General Zukas, Commander of the Land Forces, and Brigadier General Leika represented the Lithuanian military at the event . This award, called the Pennsylvania Commendation Medal, was presented by the Ambassador on behalf of the Governor of Pennsylvania and the Adjutant General of the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG). Two groups of Lithuanian soldiers distinguished themselves during their participation from October 2010 to April 2011 and from May to November of 2011, serving along with members of the Pennsylvania Air and Army National Guard, in a joint multi-national Police Operational Mentor Liaison Team (POMLT). The joint team worked together to train and mentor over 1,230 Afghanistan National Police in the province of Ghor, using equipment valued at over $29 Million. The first joint team of 20 personnel was led by Lithuanian Major Vidmantas Zilakauskas, and Major Marakas Mickievicius. This was the first time that a U.S. military team has been under foreign command. The goals of the POMLTs were to strengthen work relations with the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Ghor, as well as the command staff of the Afghanistan National Police (ANP). During the service of the second POMLT, commanded by Lithuanian Lieutenant Colonel Saulius Gurauskas, over 200 combat operations were performed. Both POMLT’s were successful, with no loss of life or equipment. According to Major General Wesley Craig, the Adjutant General of the PNG, the overall success of this mission is largely due to the superior accomplishments and training of the Lithuanian team, led by all 3 Lithuanian commanders. "The U.S. Government and the American people are deeply grateful for the remarkable actions and great cooperation of the Lithuanian Military in support of these crucial POMLT programs, and in operations in Afghanistan in general, and we are delighted to continue moving forward with this excellent relationship" said Ambassador Derse. For further information on this event, please call Jonathan Berger, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Vilnius, at +370-687-3387.