Dimitris Giannakopoulos: Important donation to the Coast Guard

Mr. Giannakopoulos, as part of the VIANEX's offer in Greek society, donated to the Unit for Underwater Missions specialized equipment worth 50,000 Euros, which includes special holster, magazine pouches, flashlights and clothing of personnel to perform high risk.

The Chief of the Greek Coast Guard, Admiral Athanasios Athanasopoulos and the Director of Special Forces Captain, Alexios karakulas thanked Mr. Giannakopoulos for his contribution and honored him with honorary shield.

In the ceremony was attended the Minister of Marine and Aegean, Mr. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, and the Secretary General of the Government, Mr Takis Baltakos.

Mr. Giannakopoulos spoke with senior executives of the Underwater Missions and toured in places of the operational center of the Unit.

During his award Mr. Giannakopoulos stated:

"Mr. Minister, chief of the Coast,

After today's demonstration of the Coast Guard men I feel even more proud as a Greek, even more vindicated for my choice.

A choice that is nothing more than my duty towards the motherland. The supreme patriotic duty, as I remember since I was a child be constantly telling by my father Pavlos Giannakopoulos.

And I will continue to serve even more during the economic crisis, where needs grow.

I want you to know that Dimitris Giannakopoulos will be present for the Coast Guard, when is requested.

Thank you very much. "

The Minister of Marine and Aegean , Miltiadis Varvitsiotis welcomed the offer of Mr. Giannakopoulos, stressing that such actions are commendable and demonstrate respect for the role and mission of the Coast Guard and especially the elite Corps of the Unit for Underwater Missions. Specifically, the Minister noted that: "In the current financial conditions, which the financial capacity is limited to the state and society, your initiative to donate total equipment that cost 50,000 Euros in elite executives Underwater Missions Unit, is commendable. I hope your act to be imitated by others. The officers of the Coast and the Security Forces in general, perform national role and we should all recognize this, something that today you have demonstrated in practice."

The Captain of the Coast Guard - Admiral Athanasios Athanasopoulos, in his acceptance speech he stressed, inter alia: "The sponsorship of the family Giannakopoulos, will assist in the work of the Underwater Missions Unit - Greek Coast Guard, covering not only the operational needs of the unit but the needs of its personnel. The specialized donated materials are covering two main areas on which it is necessary to move a modern Special Operations Unit. "

"I wish your kind offer to find copycats" noted Mr. Athanasopoulos , while Mr. Giannakopoulos said to the executives of the Unit : " In order you to be here, you have chosen something you love ."

The Underwater Missions Unit is a specialized group which undertakes high risk missions. It specializes in missions in the sea border of the country, in merchant ships, and now has authorization to participate in missions in the land. The UMU had recently taken part in the rescue mission in Pharmakonisi and in the tracking mission of the convicted criminals who had escaped from the prisons of Trikala.

The high level of the education of UMU is recognized beyond borders, and is also engaged in the training of corresponding units in other countries.

"Along with the high level of education, the right equipment is also necessary, as it helps a mission in difficult environments, to be completed", was highlighted during the ceremony. This is the crucial part that was enhanced by the donation of D. Giannakopoulos family, who confirmed that it will continue to be with them in any way.