Lukashenko congratulated personnel and veterans of 103rd Airborne Brigade on 80th anniversary of its formation

President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has congratulated the personnel and veterans of the Vitebsk-based 103rd Independent Guards Airborne Brigade on its 80th anniversary, sb.by reports with reference to the Belarusian leader’s press service

The Head of State noted that the brigade’s combat path began on the battlefields of the Great Patriotic War, in the bloody battles near Lake Balaton. The participation of the paratroopers (eight of whom were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, including Belarusian Nikolai Chepik who sacrificed himself to save his comrades) in the Afghan War was its another heroic page.

“The soldiers of the 103rd Guards Airborne Brigade have repeatedly demonstrated high combat skills, fortitude and courage during numerous exercises, as well as during the settlement of the crisis situation on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan as part of the CSTO military contingent," the President noted. According to the Head of State, the brigade is rightfully considered one of the most combat-ready ones in the Armed Forces of Belarus, and the service in it is especially honourable.

"I am convinced that the Belarusian paratroopers will continue to be a model of honour, loyalty and courage in the noble cause of serving the Fatherland," Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

The President wished the personnel and veterans of the Vitebsk-based 103rd Independent Guards Airborne Brigade good health, peaceful sky and success in their military service for the benefit of Belarus.