The message reads, in part:
“The General Margelov Ryazan Higher Airborne Command School is widely regarded as one of Russia’s best schools with a rich history and remarkable time-honoured traditions. Many generations of its graduates have contributed to the development of the Armed Forces and national defences and security. We will never forget your graduates who fought valiantly during the Great Patriotic War, took part in special operations and peacekeeping missions and repelled attacks against Russia by international terrorist organisations. The veterans’ loyalty to their oath and their audacity and courage serve as an excellent example to the young members of the invincible ‘winged infantry’.”
Since its establishment, the school has trained over 50,000 professionals for the Airborne Force and other military branches and services. There are 53 Heroes of the Soviet Union and over 80 Heroes of the Russian Federation among its graduates, as well as prominent military leaders, government officials and public figures.
The school started training foreign military personnel in 1962.