Reno L. Harnish, Chief of Mission, U.S. Office Pristina, talks to Capt. G. Shabbehar (right), and 1st Lt. A. Cummings, both of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, during a visit to their observation post Jan. 28.

By Spc. Matthew Lang

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – On Jan. 28, the chief of mission from the U.S. Office in Pristina (USOP) visited soldiers from the 2nd of the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, who are training near Observation Post Thunder in support of Rapid Guardian.

Harnish said he was impressed with the training and professionalism of the 173rd soldiers, who are stationed in Vicenza, Italy.

The soldiers of the 173rd have been living in tents since they parachuted into Krusevo Airfield on Jan. 15 to start Rapid Guardian, a monthlong operational exercise that showcases KFOR’s ability, readiness and will to protect all ethnic groups in Kosovo.

During the visit, Harnish was equally impressed with the soldiers’ equipment.

Harnish became the chief of mission in August 2002. Previously, he served as
deputy chief of mission in Cairo.

The United States Office in Prisitna opened in 1999 and is responsible for maintaining the day-to-day relations between U.S. and local leaders, UNMIK, KFOR, and OSCE.