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Karl VeltsChairman of the Presidium of the Union of Veterans' Organizations of Estonia.
Date of Birth: 30.11.1917
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Biography of Karl Velts
- Post-War Career in Estonia
- Leadership in Veterans' Organizations
- Recognition and Awards
Biography of Karl Velts
Military Service and World War IIKarl Velts served in the 1939-1940 war against Finland. After demobilization, he worked as a driver for a dairy plant in the Leningrad region. In June 1941, he was drafted into the army. Initially assigned as a driver for an airfield service battalion, he later participated in combat as a driver on the Leningrad and Volkhov fronts. Eventually, he became the driver for the commander of the front.
Velts participated in the defense of the strategic railway junction of Tikhvin, the breaking of the blockade of Leningrad, and the liberation of Pskov, Pechory, and Riga. He was awarded three combat medals.
Post-War Career in Estonia
From 1944, Velts was in reserve. He was subsequently sent to Ukraine to restore railway communication, where he remained until the end of the war. In 1946, he was demobilized.
After the war, Velts lived in Tallinn, Estonia. He served as director of a bus depot for the Council of Ministers of the Estonian SSR, was elected chairman of the Estonian Republican Union of Road and Transport Workers, and held management positions in the technical supply department of the fishing industry. He later worked as an assistant captain on the tanker "Krypton" and deputy head of the Tallinn Maritime School.
Leadership in Veterans' Organizations
Velts played a significant role in Estonian veterans' organizations. He held the position of First Deputy Chairman of the Presidium of the Union of Veterans' Organizations of Estonia and became Chairman of the Presidium in 2008. He also actively worked with veterans and participated in the Victory Day Parade in Moscow in 2005.
Recognition and Awards
In 2007, Velts was awarded the Order of Friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his contributions to the consolidation of Russian compatriots in Estonia. He was the first foreign citizen to receive this award.
