On December 7, 2023, Lela Kiknadze, head of the Project Planning and Management Team of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, together with the employees of the Service and representatives of state organizations, attended the workshop organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Georgia: “Development of horticulture in Georgia”. The host of the meeting was the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Georgia, Meline Arakeliani.

The workshop was initiated by the regional trade mission of the Netherlands visiting Georgia after Armenia.

Interesting meetings were held with guests. Jos Liiters, a partner of the Dutch company “Hollandor” and a regional project consultant, expressed readiness for future cooperation and implementation of joint project with the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

On December 7, 2023, the violinist ensemble of the National Palace of Georgia “Si-Mi” held a charity concert for the children of veterans and soldiers who died in the war at the international cultural center named after Merab Berdzenishvili “Muse”. The director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, Major General Koba Kobaladze and the first deputy director, Nikoloz Kvezereli, attended the concert together with the children.

The violinists ensemble “Si-Mi” has been a visiting card of the National Palace for many years. Elene Tsarsidze, head of the ensemble is an outstanding musician with high professionalism, who performs masterpieces of classical music together with young virtuosos. Ms. Venera Malidze was the organizer of the event and the manager of the ensemble. The ensemble has implemented more than one charity project, among which are: “Classical music for everyone,” “Solidarity to Ukrainian children” and the project for children suffering from leukemia – “Support”.

The ensemble started a new project “Peace to the Children of the World” in connection with the current hostilities happening in the world which claimed the lives of numerous people, including thousands of children.

Within the framework of the project, the ensemble and supporters performed the first charity concert for the war veterans and the children of those who died in the fight for the integrity of the country. Little virtuosos, with the tunes of classical music, expressed their support to the heroes who died in the fight for the territorial integrity of Georgia and the children of those who fought for the unity, freedom, and independence of the country. They expressed their gratitude for the services that their parents provided to the motherland.

The project was supported by the “Barambo” Company, which presented baskets of sweets to the children being present at the concert.

The State Service of Veterans Affairs thanks the leadership of the National Palace of Georgia, the violinist ensemble “S-M”, its managers, “Barambo” company, for their support to the beneficiaries of the Service and wishes them success.

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, attended the global federation forum organized under the auspices of “TAPS” (“Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”) in Abu Dhabi” The international event, which started on November 29, was participated by the leaders of both state and non-governmental organizations caring for the families of fighters who died during war, armed conflicts and military servicew from different countries around the world. Koba Kobaladze attended the forum at the official invitation of the founder and president of TAPS, Mrs. Bonnie Carol.

The conclusive workshop was held within the framework of the Global Federation Forum organized under the auspices of” TAPS” (“Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”). During the meeting, the representatives of different countries gave presentations, in which the projects implemented to support the veterans living in their countries, their family members and survivors were presented. They talked about the issues which are still problematic for them and solutions were outlined.

Koba Kobaladze, together with Ms. Bonnie Carol and representatives of veterans’ organizations from different countries, reiterated the challenges faced by Georgian veterans and their family members, and survivors. Despite social, and economic efforts made by the governmental institutions, the private sector, and the State Service of Veterans Affairs, the challenges still exist. He once again noted that coordinated cooperation with international partners and veteran organizations of partner countries is particularly important to overcome these challenges. Koba Kobaladze signed memoranda of mutual cooperation with veterans’ organizations of different countries which envisage deepening of cooperation to overcome the social and health challenges of the beneficiaries of the Service, development of joint projects and gradual implementation of exchange programs in order to share experience.

Koba Kobaladze’s visit to Abu Dhabi has finalized.

For your information, Ms. Bonnie Carroll is the wife of the late Brigadier General Tommy Carroll, an American veteran. In 1994, Bonnie Carroll founded the organization “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors” (“TAPS”) to support the families of those who died in the war, and she carries out a wide range of support projects and events, and conducts seminars all over the world.

On December 2, 2023, doctors of Acad. G. Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center held the consecutive 149th charity healthcare event for the veterans of war and defense forces and their family members as a part of the memorandum of cooperation. The event was organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

The event offered free examinations of the cardiological profile (a consultation of doctor-cardiologist, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, laboratory studies). 60 beneficiaries of the Service benefited from the charity healthcare event for free.

The memorandum of cooperation was signed between the State Service of Veterans Affairs and Acad. G. Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center in April 2017 and is renewed annually. Within the framework of the memorandum, charity healthcare events for veterans and their family members are held permanently throughout Georgia.

The doctors of Acad. G. Chapidze Emergency Cardiology Center have conducted 149 charity healthcare events supported and organized by the State Service of Veterans Affairs since the day of signing the memorandum up to the present. Free healthcare services were provided to 13,140 beneficiaries.

Major General Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, continues his meetings with representatives of veteran organizations from different countries of the world within the framework of the Global Federation Forum held under the auspices of “TAPS” (“Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”) in Abu Dhabi. Leaders of organizations caring for the families of fighters who died during war, armed conflicts and military services from different countries of the world take part in the international event, which will last from November 29 to December 4.

Koba Kobaladze attends the forum at the official invitation of the founder and president of TAPS, Ms. Bonnie Carol.

Another workshop was held within the framework of the forum: “Together for Peace” which was about the challenges of peace due to the current armed conflicts taking place around the world. Forum participants unanimously noted that today’s hostilities in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have claimed thousands of lives, convince every citizen of the world, especially veterans, their family members, families of those killed in war, that there is no alternative to peace in the world. The civilized world must work together to make peace. To this end, all countries, for which the life of each of its citizens is valuable, must unite strength towards a single goal, which is the march towards peace.

However, each country should continue to strive to increase its defense capabilities at the same time. The participants of the forum visited the Museum of Remembrance in Abu Dhabi. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations of veterans from different countries presented their programs and presentations, which were mainly aimed at making peace and increasing the self-defense capabilities of their countries. Koba Kobaladze once again emphasized the pragmatic vision and aspirations of the Georgian government to maintain peace and stability in our country in his speech as well as involvement of veterans of Georgia to strengthen and protect peace. For your information, Ms. Bonnie Carroll is the wife of the late Brigadier General Tommy Carroll, an American veteran. In 1994, Bonnie Carroll founded the organization “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors” (“TAPS”) to support the families of those who died in the war, and she carries out a wide range of support projects and events, and conducts seminars all over the world.

On November 29, 2023, General Major Koba Kobaladze, Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs attended the opening ceremony of the Global Federation Forum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event was held under the auspices of the international charity organization “TAPS” (“Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors”). The international event, which will last until December 4, is attended by the leaders of organizations caring for the families of fighters who died during war, armed conflicts and military services from different countries around the world. Koba Kobaladze attends the forum at the official invitation of Ms. Bonnie Carol, founder, and president of TAPS.

The Director of the State Service of Veterans Affairs thanked Mrs. Bonnie Carroll, and the organizers of the forum for the invitation: “Today’s gathering is of paramount importance since the representatives of different countries have the opportunity to share the experiences with one another on overcoming the challenges faced by the dignified representatives of our countries – veterans, their family members and survivors. Let us develop joint projects to overcome these challenges and work together to consolidate peace in the world. This is specifically relevant today, when peace has become the most cherished dream in the background of war conflicts in our friendly countries. Israel has been fighting against terrorism and its worst consequences until now! Ukraine’s unequal battle against Russian aggression where together with Ukrainian fighters, 58 of my compatriots fell heroically. This might seem simple statistics for some people, but it is the greatest tragedy for us. I remember Ukrainian fighter Leonid Obukh’s father’s words who died for the territorial integrity of Georgia in Abkhazia in the 90s of the previous centuries. “If we cannot stop the Russians today at the River Gumista, we will have to defend ourselves on the banks of the Dnieper tomorrow”! Unfortunately, these words of the dead fighter’s father has become a kind of prophecy. We, Georgians, had to fight for the integrity, freedom and independence of our country repeatedly during the last decades, which cost the lives of thousands of our country’s proud representatives! We are well aware of the indescribable tragedy of war and the inestimable value of peace. That is why we appreciate pragmatic, and peaceful policy made by our government specifically in the light of the age of nuclear weapons! The fight for peace has no alternative and we are all well aware of it! Aggression, and terrorism have no borders, nationality, and we must reunite our powers to fight against them. This is the reason why today’s forum is so important, and I would like to thank Ms. Bonnie Carroll and wish you all peace!

It is noteworthy that in the month of May, 2023, Koba Kobaladze, at the official invitation of the American Department of Veterans Affairs, together with the representatives of the State Service of Veterans Affairs, paid an official visit to the United States of America, where he held high-ranking meetings with the State Department and the non-governmental sector. The mentioned visit was preceded by the official visit of Bonnie Carroll, during which the strengthening of the cooperation between TAPS and the State Service of Veterans Affairs was planned. The implementation of joint projects was also planned. To this end, Koba Kobaladze and Mrs. Bonnie Carol signed a memorandum of cooperation in Washington.

For your information, Mrs. Bonnie Carroll is the wife of the late Brigadier General Tommy Carroll, an American veteran. Tommy Carroll died in a military plane crash in 1992 along with 7 other officers. In 1994, Bonnie Carroll founded the organization “Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors” (“TAPS”) to support the families of those who died in the war. She carries out a wide range of support projects and events as well as conducts seminars all over the world.

On November 18, 2023, a horse racing dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died in the battles for the territorial integrity of Georgia was held in the village of Mlashe (8 km 5 rounds) was held. The event was organized with the personal involvement of Tariel Chikhashvili a veteran of the War of August 2008 as well as with the support of the State Service of Veterans Affairs  and Dusheti equestrian club “300 Aragveli”.

Riders from 14 different municipalities throughout Georgia took part in the horse racing. The first place was taken by the rider – Davit Feradze from Kharagaulli. The second place went to Giorgi Tsintsadze from Chokhatauri, and the third place to Mirza Aptsiauri from Gudamakari.

Concurrently, a race for mixed breed horses was also held, where the prize places were distributed as follows: 1st place – Soso Ramishvili from Chokhatauri, 2nd place – Jaba Beridze from Kharagauli, 3rd place – Yoram Ichirauli from Tusheti.

Special cups, medals and branded wines established by the State Service of Veterans Affairs were presented to the riders who reached the prize place.

This horse racing was held for the second time this year and will become an annual event.

On November 19, 2023, a competition in mini-football named after Mikheil Marchilashvili, a fighter who died in the Abkhazian War, was held in the village of Vachnadziani, in which the teams from 6 different villages of the municipality participated. The event was organized by the City Hall of Gurjaani Municipality and with the support of the State Service of Veterans Affairs.

The winner of the memorial tournament became the team from Village Kalauri. The team of Vazisubani Village took the second place, and the team of Vachnadziani Village took the third place.

Tamaz Kalatozishvili, head of Kakheti Division of the Regional Management Department of the Service, handed special cups, medals and certificates of the State Service of Veterans Affairs to the winning teams of the championship.

Mikheil Marchilashvili was born on December 26, 1972, in the village of Vachnadziani. He was enrolled in “Shavnabada” battalion since the beginning of the hostilities in Abkhazia. He was killed on July 2, 1993, in Tamishi, during a clash with a Russian naval landing force. He is buried in his native village.

Mikheil Marchilashvili (posthumously) was awarded the Order of Vakhtang Gorgasali III Degree. The street has been named after him in Vachnadziani, where Mikheil Marchilashvili lived since 2018.

The Mikheil Marchilashvili memorial tournament in mini-football began in 2022 and will be held every year.