On Tuesday, 28 May 2024, Deputy Minister of National Defence Mr. Giannis Kefalogiannis, visited Samothraki, accompanied by the Commanding General of D Army Corps, Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos, and the Commanding General of the ΧΙΙ Mechanised Infantry Division, Major General Ioannis Korres.
The Deputy Minister visited the headquarters of the 41st Infantry Regiment Tactical Command, where he was greeted by the Commander, Colonel Alexandros Mountzios, and briefed on the structure, mission and current activities, while he gave a speech to the cadre and civilians, and met with National Guardsmen of the National Guard Battalions of Samothraki, whom he thanked for their contribution to the defence of our country’s territorial integrity.
Subsequently, he visited the Health Centre of Samothraki, where he congratulated the three Ambulance Drivers, Career Soldiers, who have been provided there by the Ministry of National Defence.
Mr Kefalogiannis visited the Naval Station of Samothraki, where he was greeted by its Commander, Commander Georgios Kalaitzidis HN, and briefed on the structure and current activities, while he discussed with the personnel and gave a speech to the cadre.
Finally, he met the Mayor of Samothraki Mr. Thanasis Vitsas, and members of the city council at the island’s town hall.
The meetings were also attended by Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, MP for Evros Stavros Keletsis.
The Deputy Minister of National Defence, in his speech, mentioned among others:
“Dear Officers, Dear Soldiers,
I am particularly happy to be here in the beautiful island of Samothraki, with its long history. Mainly, though, I feel emotional and proud, since I am in a borderland corner of our country, among the pillars of 41st Infantry Regiment Tactical Command, who 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, defend our borders with enthusiasm and self-negation. At every time you stand at the side of our proud border citizens, offering your priceless aid, wherever and whenever needed.
I am aware that many of you are far away from your families and loved ones. Young enlisted men especially, have interrupted their activities, in order to serve the country. Nevertheless, on a daily basis you offer your best possible self to the service, something which honours you, and renders you praiseworthy.
You should be aware, that the services you offer to the country and the inhabitants of border regions are known to all. Greek society is proud of you and your contribution
I would like to congratulate you and the military leadership for the work it has accomplished on the island throughout the years. Aware of its strategic importance, it has formed this particular Tactical Command, provided it with suitable staff and equipment, rendering it a veritable guardian of Samothraki. Its excellent level of operational readiness is due as much to your efforts, as to those of your predecessors.
The Government and the Ministry of National Defence, as the least token of recognition of your contribution to the country and to this border region, have programmed, apart from this big housing program, the construction of three new Officers Quarters Complexes, two for the Tactical Command, and one for the Naval Station of Samothraki.
Their completion will, on the one hand bolster the officers’ income, and on the other make service on the island more attractive. At the same time, we are examining improving the infrastructure of the Tactical Command, in order to improve our troops’ quality of life, but also the officers’ daily lives.
Closing, I would like to cordially thank you, for the work you are performing, but also for your enthusiasm, your morale, professionalism, and high level of readiness.
Be sure that you will feel pride for your service on the island, and you will always bear it in your hearts and minds.
I promise you that I will revisit the Tactical Command with great joy and pride.
Thank you.”
