CRESTVIEW — The Hub city's welcome for the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)'s new deputy commander has left an impression.
Col. Robert Kirila praised his new home and expressed gratitude for the kindness his soldiers and their families have received from the Crestview community.
"The welcome has been so warm that nobody wants to leave," said.
The area's business and civic community met and welcomed him during the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce's Thursday breakfast meeting.
There, officials presented Kirila to business owners and representatives of city and county government.
Meet Col. Robert Kirila
•Most recent assignments: company commander of Delta Company (Robin Sage), 1st Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C.; chief of Special Operations Forces Proponency for the U.S. Special Operations Command in Tampa; battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne); and deputy commander of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force–Alpha.
•Awards and decorations: the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New 7SFG deputy commander appreciates community's kindness