Three men head to Kosovo to offer relief and support


MILLERTON — In a month’s time, three area residents will be in Kosovo (in the former Yugoslavia) doing their best to forge connections with both the past military personnel and civilians.

One of those men is Millerton resident Robert Jenks, mobilized command sergeant major for multinational task force east, which is part of KFOR (which means the Kosovo Force). Jenks was, in fact, on his way back to Kosovo immediately after his two weeks’ leave expired earlier this month. The other two men are Sid Byron and Lee Garay, both of Millerton’s American Legion Post. Garay is commander of the post.

The two men are in Kosovo as part of a Legion-sponsored trip, to talk to former military service personnel in Kosovo and explain how this country’s service organizations, like the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), operate.

"I’m pretty excited, and I’m looking forward to it," Byron said. "I was in the military 50-60 years ago, in Korea, and I’m kind of curious to go over there and see what’s happening with the Muslim people."

Kosovo is in Albania, which is heavily populated by Albanian Muslims.

"They’re coming over as ambassadors of the American Legion. What specifically we’ll have them doing for us is deal with a group of individuals called the War Veterans Association," Jenks said. "The WVA is primarily Albanians. These are folks who fought the war in 1999 and 2000. They’ll talk with the WVA and with us specifically on how to run a veterans based organization that can advocate for its members peacefully and learn to legislate for its association through its government."

Jenks said that Byron and Garay will also be able to visit with American soldiers, and hand out much needed items, like phone cards, which are hard to come by overseas.

"Being able to call home is a significant morale booster to soldiers," Jenks said. "It’s nice that they can stay in touch."

Byron said there are other items that he’s looking forward to bringing with him on his trip. Those include items as simple as pencils and paper, to those as common as soccer balls and soccer uniforms.

"That’s how the future can be won over there," Jenks said. "If you can get the children to play together then you can get them to live together, and that’s what we’ve been achieving over there."

Jenks’ wife, Molly, has started Operation Handup here in Millerton. She collects items for families and soldiers in Kosovo and ships them over to the military base there. The items are then distributed by Jenks and his men. For more on what they need, and how to donate, contact Molly Jenks at operationhandup@hotmail.com.

"We at the American Legion have been collecting money and things that are normal here but are not normal there," Byron said. "Their poverty level is pretty heavy in some areas."

And Kosovo is yet to be considered peaceful, according to Jenks.

"It’s an active combat zone for U.S. forces in Kosovo," he said. "U.S. forces on a daily basis provide a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement and provide assistance to the local municipalities.

"We’re actually living history right now," he continued. "It’s a very interesting time to be there."

Byron and Garay will join Jenks on July 11. They will return from their trip abroad on July 25.

"He’s given us the opportunity," Byron said of Jenks. "And we’re looking forward to it."

To learn more about how to donate phone cards, or anything else, before the July 11 trip to Kosovo, call the American Legion Post 178 at 518-789-4755.

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