Polish, US troops display mechanized vehicles in Drawsko Pomorskie

Photo By Staff Sgt. Christina Dion | A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook Helicopter flies overhead as Soldiers and residents mingle during a static display held after the mayor thanked 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment and welcomed the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division in a ceremony March 27 here. 2CR is conducting a Dragoon Ride from Tapa, Estonia, as the capstone event of their latest participation in Atlantic Resolve. The squadron has spent the last few months living and training alongside allied forces in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, improving the ability of NATO allies to work and operate together. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Christina M. Dion, 319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment / Released)  

DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, POLAND

03.27.2015

Story by Sgt. Christina Dion 

319th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland - During a ceremony to thank members of “Killer” Troop, 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment for their time and commitment, and to welcome the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, local residents mingled with U.S. and Polish Soldiers March 27, in downtown Drawsko Pomorskie.

Soldiers and residents alike were greeted with remarks from the town mayor as well as U.S. military leadership. Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cav. Regt. served a three-month rotation here, which is coming to an end with the Dragoon Ride. 1st Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div. Soldiers will complete a three-month rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve consists of NATO allies training together to ensure long-term stability and security in the region.

This is a welcome sentiment to many residents. Many remember when the Soviet Union controlled Drawsko Pomorskie after World War II.

“After the war, Americans sent food,” said Jozef Jankowski, a Polish army veteran. Choking as emotions caught him. “They (the people of Poland) were so dirty that if they were outside your home, you’d smell them inside.”

Although he was 8 years old when the war ended, Jankowski said he never forgot what the U.S. did for him and his country. He said he is happy to have the American Soldiers here and would like them to stay.

For those who weren’t born during the world war or at a time when the Soviets controlled this little town, the Soldiers and the equipment they brought made for a day of fun climbing in Strykers, standing in turrets and watching helicopters fly by.

Not all of the people excited by the vehicles were kids, though.

“You have really cool machines,” said Zbigniew Korczynski, Jankowski’s friend. “It’s the first time I’ve seen the helicopters and I really like them,” he said in reference to the CH-47 Chinook helicopters that flew overhead throughout the event.

“It’s days like today I’m really proud to be an Army officer and to be in the position that I am,” said 1st Lt. Christian Bellavia, a Lancaster, Penn., native and field artillery officer with “Killer” Troop. “Being able to see the kids out here [and the] community supporting what we we do, and [them] knowing we’re here to support them … is a good feeling.”

While Soldiers are proud of what they’ve done here, older residents who remember when Poland was under outside control have deep-seated gratitude for the U.S.’s continued support.

• Date Taken: 03.27.2015
• Date Posted: 03.29.2015 05:16
• Story ID: 158491
• Location: DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, PL