I’ve just spent the last two days with elements of the North Dakota National Guard 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, which assumed command of the Multi-national Task Force – East (MNTF-E) about three weeks ago. MNTF-E is part of the operational command of +10 year long NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission.
I have been staying at Camp Bondsteel, which is about one hour south of Prishtina. While here, I have been given access to follow several young soldiers, from North Dakota and California, who are assigned to the Liaison Monitoring Teams (LMTs). LMT’s work directly with local communities to provide ongoing “on the ground” monitoring for the KFOR command structure. Their mission, and their story, is remarkable and I look forward sharing it with you all shortly.
I leave Camp Bondsteel early tomorrow morning and I will travel back to Prishtina and then head directly on to Mitovica, where I will visit one of the Roma encampments that were established by the UN after 1999. The camps are located on the waste sites of the former Yugoslavia lead mining factory. Even though the area is known to be highly toxic, the camps have not been moved since they were established.
Immediately after visiting the Roma camp, I will be returning to Prishtina to interview the Deputy Commander of KFOR as part of a companion piece I am working on, having had the opportunity to interview the Commanding General of the US Forces here in Kosovo.
On Thursday I hope to be heading south to Thessaloniki, Greece, where I will hopefully have time to rest up, finish off on these stories and begin my preparation for the Middle East.
How are you getting this access?! Sounds incredible.
You never get a “yes” if you don’t ask.
Oh, and a little charm + press credentials goes a long way =)
David:
It was a pleasure to play host to you here at Camp Bondsteel. We have been trying to send you additional info about the camp, which you requested, but we have so far been unable to make a connetion to [snip]. Is this the correct e-mail. Thanks!
It’s great to read about your adventures, David.
No need to apologize when your posting schedule gets sporadic, my friend
Part of the joy of travel (for me) is getting my head out of the computer!
I especially liked your story about the Erased citizens of Slovenia. That kind of story is easily overlooked by the mainstream press, but it’s still a story worth telling.
If you’re not careful, you may find yourself heading for a career in journalism. Or maybe you’re the future of citizen journalism. Have fun figuring all that out!
Citizen journalism seems to be working well for the time being! Glad you enjoyed the Erased story, something that needs to be given a wider audience.
David, it was a pleasure working with you here @ CBS. Thank you for taking time to spend a couple of days traveling with some of the greatest Soldeirs in the world.
Enjoyed our conversation and if you ever pass through here again we hope you give us a call.
Travel Safely