Congratulations of the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee
To the servicemen of the 103rd Guards
Separate Mobile Brigade and
veterans of the Airborne Forces
Dear Comrades!
I congratulate you on the Day of the Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces, and the 85th anniversary of the formation of the Airborne Forces!
On August 2, 1930, during exercises near Voronezh, a unit was first parachuted to perform a tactical combat mission.
Airborne soldiers demonstrated determination and courage during the armed conflict at Khalkhin Gol, the Soviet-Finnish and Great Patriotic Wars, and when providing international assistance.
The history of the 103rd Guards Airborne Division has become a source of pride and legend, its post-war period is inextricably linked with the Pridvinye region. We are proud of the courage, professionalism, and bravery of the airborne soldiers who honorably fulfilled their international duty in Afghanistan. Eight were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, and more than 11,000 were awarded orders and medals.
Today, servicemen of the 103rd Guards Separate Mobile Brigade continue the glorious traditions of paratrooper veterans, successfully carry out tasks of ensuring the military security of the state, and take part in all large-scale exercises. Based on the results of the 2013-2014 academic year, the unit was recognized as the best in the special operations forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.
Courage, patriotism, strength of spirit, and professionalism will always be a reliable guarantee of the stability of the state and society.
I wish you health, happiness, well-being, success in service and work! May there always be a peaceful sky and secure borders of our Fatherland!
Sincerely,
Nikolai Sherstnev,
Chairman
of the Vitebsk Regional
Executive Committee