Themes of freedom, a war for independence, gratitude and vigilance were repeated often Monday morning during a presentation by Maj. Gen. Irefte Spahiu of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) during remarks at the Iowa Veterans Home.

Spahiu was wounded twice as a soldier in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) during her country’s efforts to be independent of Serbia. The brutal conflict raged in the small country from 1998-99. It was part of a multi-regional conflict known as the “Yugoslav Wars” from 1991-2001, which resulted in the breakup of the European federation into seven independent countries: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.

“It is a pleasure to be invited to the Iowa Veterans Home today,” Spahiu said. “You as veterans understand the sacrifice needed to make freedom possible. In Kosovo, we had three choices: emigrate, not fight or fight,” she said.

Spahiu decided to fight and does not regret her decision. One of her wounds left her using a wheelchair for an extended period which resulted in depression.

“And we are forever grateful for the help we received from the United States and NATO in gaining our independence,” she said.

Kosovo was recognized as an independent country in 2008, but relations with Serbia, which borders Kosovo to the north, remain strained, resulting in a need for vigilance of the landlocked country.

The major general now plays a significant role in keeping Kosovo’s military force prepared as a leader in the country’s KSF. She is the first woman to receive such an honor. The KSF received assistance from North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military personnel and others. Iowa National Guard members make up part of NATO forces.

One is Col. Dena Bryant of Oxford. She was in attendance Monday. After her compelling presentation, Spahiu took questions from the audience. One attendee asked if Kosovo was a member of NATO.

“No, we have been trying without success but will not give up,” she said.

In order to be accepted into NATO, a country must first be a member of the United Nations (UN). Kosovo has applied to be a member of the UN, but its membership has been blocked by Russia and China.

Spahiu was a lawyer and university professor before the war. She and her team were in Iowa through the U.S Department of Defense State Partnership Program and the State of Iowa Sister State Partnership between Iowa and Kosovo.

“Nine Iowa towns, the four state universities and several private Iowa colleges have strong ties to Kosovo,” said event emcee and IVH Commandant Todd Jacobus in his closing remarks.

Kosovo War timeline

• In 1989, Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic stripped Kosovo of its autonomy, leading to increased tension and repression against the ethnic Albanian majority.

• In 1998-99 war ensued between Serbia and the KLA. The conflict resulted in a humanitarian crisis and a NATO bombing campaign against Serbia.

• Following the withdrawal of Serbian forces, Kosovo was placed under United Nations administration with a NATO-led peacekeeping force providing security.

• After UN-led talks reached an impasse, Kosovo unilaterally declared independence in 2008.

• The Serbian-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo have been a frequent source of tension. In 2023, clashes erupted between local Serbs, NATO peacekeepers and Kosovo police.

Disputes over license plates and Kosovo’s decision in 2024 to enforce the Euro as the sole currency — banning the Serbian dinar — led to renewed escalations and stalled normalization efforts.

Jacobus presented Spahiu a plaque and large Iowa scarf at the end of her presentation. Following that, attendees, Spahiu’s team, IVH staff and more gathered for a large group photo.