Norwegian Veterans Reflect on Afghanistan, Trump, and Shared Experiences

Fredrikstad, Norway – A recent gathering of Norwegian veterans offered a candid appear at their experiences in international operations, their strong disapproval of former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the enduring bonds forged through shared service. The meeting, held at a pizza restaurant in Fredrikstad, provided a space for veterans to recount stories from deployments to Afghanistan, Lebanon, Bosnia, and North Macedonia.

Discontent with Trump’s Afghanistan Policy

The conversation began with a discussion of Donald Trump’s reported plan to have international forces in Afghanistan “hold back a little from the front lines.” Christian Olaussen, chairman of the Norwegian Veterans Association for International Operations (NVIO) local team in Østfold, expressed a sentiment echoed by many present: a deep sense of disrespect. Veterans voiced strong criticism of Trump, with one veteran stating, “He is a fucking coward,” and another adding that he had “pissed off all veterans.” American soldiers, according to veterans who worked alongside them, were reportedly “ashamed of their boss.”

Remembering Fallen Comrades

Olaussen shared a poignant memory of transporting the bodies of four Norwegian soldiers – Andreas Eldjarn, Simen Tokle, Christian Lian, and Trond Andre Bolle – who were killed by a roadside bomb in June 2010. He recalled the solemn scene at the airport as 2,500 soldiers stood in silence, removing their helmets in respect as the cars carrying their fallen comrades passed by, accompanied by Dire Strait’s “Brothers in Arms.” Olaussen emphasized the lasting emotional impact of such experiences.

Stories from the Field: Lebanon, Bosnia, and Beyond

The meeting quickly transitioned into a sharing of anecdotes from various deployments. Veterans recounted stories of navigating complex situations, from avoiding trouble with locals to attending concerts by Norwegian artists like deLillos and CC Cowboys during midsummer parties in Bosnia in 1999. One veteran recalled a budget of NOK 350,000 for the CC Cowboys concert, noting the band’s enthusiastic participation in the festivities.

The Nobel Peace Prize and Shared Recognition

Several veterans present had received the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded to UN peacekeeping forces in 1988. The prize was given to anyone who had served in those forces before 1988. Espen Granat proudly displayed his medal, a symbol of their collective contribution to international peace efforts.

The Importance of Camaraderie and Support

The veterans emphasized the importance of gatherings like these for maintaining camaraderie and providing a safe space to discuss their experiences. Olaussen explained that these events “trick people into being helped,” lowering the threshold for veterans to seek support and share their stories. Per Morten Bergland summed up the sentiment, stating, “You remember the good things. That’s what this is about. To sit and chat and talk to each other.”

A Tradition of Storytelling

The meeting also featured a lighthearted exchange of “heist stories,” including a humorous tale about avoiding a notorious figure known as “The Woodpecker” in Lebanon, a warning passed down from one generation of soldiers to the next. The atmosphere was one of shared laughter and mutual respect, highlighting the enduring bonds forged through years of service.