On Wednesday, May 18, the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gabriel Oprea awarded 1st Lieutenant George Olteanu, Sergeant Majors Marius Apostol and Daniel Riza and Corporal Nicolae Barbu the Crest 'Onoarea Armatei Romaniei', as a token of appreciation for their competence, courage, sacrifice, devotion and initiative in fullfilling the combat missions assigned in the theater of operations in Afghanistan.

Minister Gabriel Oprea and the chief of General Staff, Major General Stefan Danila visited 1st Lieutenant George Olteanu and Sergeant Major Daniel Riza who are currently hospitalized at the Central Military Hospital 'Dr. Carol Davila'. The Minister of Defence handed the two soldiers their awards personally. Sergeant Major Apostol is going to get his in Germany, where he presently is for medical treatment while Corporal will receive his award in Afghanistan.

The leadewrship of the Ministry of National Defence is permanently updated on the condition of the two patients and the progress of their recovery programs.

The defence minister encouraged the two soldiers and assured them of support they have both from him and the military leadership, for the duration of their hospitalization and onward.

Sergeant Major Apostol Marius is still undergoing the recovery program at the military hospital in Landstuhl (Germany), with good progress.

Corporal Nicolae Barbu resumed his activity already on May 1, at Lagman Base in Afghanistan.

On May 1, the four soldiers of the 26th 'Neagoe Basarab' Infantry Battalion were conducting a mission on A1 autoroute in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, onboard of a MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle that was attacked with an improvised explosive device.

MoND Press Office