Colorado Meritorious Service Medal for MG Ladislav LipiÄ? award

On 21 June, MG Ladislav LipiÄ? was awarded the Colorado Meritorious Service Medal by the U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia, Thomas B. Robertson.  This medal is awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the State of Colorado.  MG Mason Whitney, Adjutant General of Colorado, nominated MG LipiÄ? for the award for his outstanding support of the military partnership between Colorado and Slovenia that has existed since March 31, 1994.  Under his leadership and that of MG Whitney, Slovenia and Colorado have forged a strong partnership, leading to greater military capabilities on both sides.  The military partnership has resulted in over 565 events that have been conducted between U.S. and Slovenian military forces since the start of the program.  The program has been credited for providing important contributions toward Slovenia’s military professional development and final acceptance into NATO.  The partnership program between Colorado and Slovenia continues to support Slovenia’s professional military development with support from European Command’s Mil-to-Mil program.

General LipiÄ? has led the Slovene armed forces during an exciting period of  Slovene history when it completed successfully its preparations  to join NATO.  Under his leadership, Slovenian military has successfully begun a critical transformation to prepare for the challenges we face together in  the 21st century.

In addition, Slovenian military under General LipiÄ? has contributed to peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and now Iraq, and continues to significantly increase its out-of-country deployments.

Brigadier General Janez Kavar, formerly the Slovene defense attaché in Washington, DC is the only other Slovene to have received this medal.