SHAPE Chief of Staff’s Commendation for Excellence awarded to two Albanian servicemen

Published: Saturday, 26 September 2020 13:52

Over again at the at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), two servicemen of the Albanian Armed Forces who have served for three years in this command were awarded the "Commendation for Excellence".

General Markus Kneip, Chief of Staff of the Allied Strategic Command (COS ACO), according to SHAPE Directive 040-004 "SHAPE Awards", on September 21-23 hosted the ceremony (autumn season), for military member serving in the ACO structure recipients of awards.

Due to a long selection process by the assortment board under the direction of the Chief of Strategic Command of the Alliance (COS ACO) have been selected and nominated for special, excellent and extraordinary contribution in the performance of tasks two Albanian servicemen:

1. Colonel Ardian Lilo, Head of Operations and Training Branch in the Partnership Directorate (DP) for the period 2017-2020, on September 23, 2020, was awarded Commendation for Excellence: "For outstanding achievements, taking responsibility, ingenuity and senior leadership shown during service in the Partnership Directorate at ACO, SHAPE NATO.
Based on the citation of the Medal Assignment Board, Colonel Lilo ”Has served as the main pillar in the Partners Division ensuring that the desired effects and objectives of SACEUR for partner countries in the most critical areas have been achieved, mainly in terms of interaction, evaluation, certification of contribution to NATO-led operations."

2. Sergeant Major Olsi Cani, Protocol Assistant, Department of Protocol at the Management Directorate, SACEUR for the period 2017-2020, dated September 21-st, 2020 was awarded the Commendation for Excellence: "For extraordinary achievements, taking responsibility, ingenuity and senior leadership shown during service in the Protocol Section, by managing and directing with high professionalism the provision and conduct of all meetings in support of SACEUR and the command group, at SHAPE ACO. In addition to the protocol task, Sergeant Cani, thanks to his experience in the field of security / intelligence, has accurately assisted and organized the transport and security tasks of the personnel for SACEUR during meetings and conferences in different countries.”

Referring to SD 040-004 "Award for excellence", is the highest medal awarded by the Chief of Staff of the Strategic Command of the Alliance (COS ACO) for outstanding and excellent contribution to military service in NATO in the performance of tasks and objectives and strongly recommends that this medal should be converted into a National Medal.