Senator Mastriano

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and Belgian Commando brother, First Sergeant-Chef Gilbert Bosschaerts.

Gilbert and I served together for four years in NATO, including two deployments to Afghanistan. Through years of service, shared hardships, and many good times, he became far more than a comrade—he was like a brother to me.

As one of my senior NCOs in Afghanistan, Gilbert was the kind of soldier every commander hopes to have: professional, dependable, and always ready with a can-do attitude. He played an important role in helping me plan and organize our relief operations supporting Afghan orphans. Whatever the mission or challenge, Gilbert was someone I could always count on to get it done. Even during the difficult times, Gilbert brought his unmistakable dry sense of humor, steadfast friendship, and the quiet professionalism of a truly outstanding soldier.

Gilbert was a proud Belgian Para-Commando, an exceptional NCO, and, most importantly to me, a loyal and trusted friend. I will always treasure the memories of our years serving side by side—the missions, the adventures, the laughter, and the friendship. I will miss him greatly, especially that wonderfully dry sense of humor that could find its way into just about any situation.

My deepest condolences to Bernadette, Gilbert’s family and friends, and his fellow soldiers.

Rest in peace, my brother. It was an honor to serve with you. You will never be forgotten.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: SFOR Mission in Bosnia - The NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR) began in 1995 to preserve the peace that ended nearly four years of brutal conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mission was to deter renewed fighting, maintain a secure environment and provide the stability needed for reconstruction and the return of normal civil life. #ThrowbackThursday