Gen Bentler, Col Puertolas and Col Barbero Checa during the ceremony.

Col Barbero Checa, chief of the new Agrupación IX “CORDOBA,” assumed command of Task Force Tizona in a transfer of authority ceremony held March 23 at the Spanish military installation “Base ESPAÑA.”

During this ceremony, former TF Tizona commander and Chief of Agrupación VIII “Aragon” Col Puertolas handed over the command to Col. Checa.

Gen. Markus Bentler, commander of the MNB SW, presided over the ceremony. During the ceremony, Gen. Bentler praised Spanish efforts in TF Tizona.

“I was impressed by the dedication, the professionalism and the efficiency of the soldiers of all ranks of TF TIZONA,” said the General. “You all did a splendid job!”

Gen. Bentler also praised Col. Puertolas for his unit’s service.

“You can be proud of the results of the work of the soldiers under your command,” Gen. Bentler exclaimed. “You have been excellent representatives of the Spanish nation. I enjoyed very much working with you and your soldiers. I wish you all the best and ‘soldier’s luck!’”

Immediately after Gen. Bentler’s comments, the outgoing commander Col. Puertolas noted, “We have always felt close to our general and have been proud to receive his order.I would like have been capable to give hope that in a short time, the Kosovar citizen can live in peace and freedom, and I am completely sure that we always remember our mission in Kosovo,” Col. Puertolas added.

The ceremony concluded with a march-in-review, in which the former and new Spanish units participated together.

Gen. Bentler also said to Col Puertolas, “Gracias,” and he wished the new commander of TIZONA, Col. Checa, “all the best” and his essential “soldier’s luck!”