The State Guards Batallion on Tuesday afternoon celebrated their end of year party at the State House beach.

The annual end of year party was a moment for merry-making, meant to relax a year long of activities and get invigorated for the coming year and also to consolidate the esprit-de-corps that characterises the life of a soldier.

Addressing the Officers and Men at the grounds, Lieutenant Colonel Serign Modou Njie, Commanding Officer, State Guards Batallion, called on officers and men of the State Guards Batallion to be united as a family at all times saying ‘the more we work as a team, the higher the achievement and the more we find personal fulfillment in our work’.

According to Commander Njie, the end of year party has been identified by the State Guards Batallion as an occasion for informal interactions between officers, soldiers and their families and also an avenue which is absolutely necessary to promote comradeship, cohesion and unit morale, noting that a solder’s life is very a demanding one that requires a great deal of discipline to succeed.

He then stated that, it is also a time to celebrate their achievements as a unit, as well as to reflect on the challenges that they expect to face in the coming years. “The end of year party is also in line with our vision to unite and wine, dine, play and share ideas with one and other not only to enrich our personal lives but also to advance our career as soldiers. It is also a testimony to our high sense of discipline and duty that we are celebrating yet another year of success and I dare say of ‘excellence’” he said.

Commander Njie then observed that this year’s end of year party has taken a different style noting that the activities used to be dominated by playing volley ball but this year round, they feel they could do a lot more to include other activities such as the Commanding Officer’s 100 meters.

He then reminded the officers to collectively take stock of their achievements and short comings over the year and look forward to even better and brighter days in the year ahead. He on behalf of the officers and men of the State Guards Batallion, expressed sincere appreciation to President Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh, the Commander-In-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces and Vice President Njie-Saidy, for all the support accorded them.

The State Guards Commanding Officer on behalf of the officers and men of State Guards Batallion, also saluted Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff Gambia Armed Forces for his steadfastness, support and exemplary leadership and  transforming the Armed Forces from what it used to be to an Armed Force with a big difference.He also congratulated him on his recent promotion to the rank of Major General.

Commander Njie further recognised and expressed appreciation to the good friends of State Guards Batallion for supporting anddemonstrating genuine cooperation with them.

For his part, Major General Lang Tombong Tamba, Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces urged the offciers and men to ensure discipline, unity and loyalty to the nation. He equally congratulated Commanding Officer Njie for the outstanding performance. He also saluted the officers and men of the State Guards noting that they have made him proud as head of the army.