Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk | Capt. Dana Gingrich (right), Commander of the U.S. Army's Company C, 2nd Battalion,...... read more read more
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YAVORIV, Ukraine – U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee, visited paratroopers from the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade as they trained soldiers with the Ukrainian national guard here during a trip to observe Fearless Guardian Sept. 1, 2015.
Fearless Guardian is the name for the Congress-approved, Departments of State and Defense initiative to train the newly-formed Ukraine national guard under the Global Security Contingency Fund-Ukraine. The U.S. military and the training provided are at the request of the Ukrainian government.
Paratroopers from the 173rd Abn. Bde. are in Ukraine for the second of several planned rotations to train Ukraine's newly-formed national guard as part of the program, scheduled to last through November.
Upon arrival at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center here Reed met with several paratroopers from his state, Rhode Island, and joined them for lunch in the cafeteria.
“It is always a great privilege and pride to be with Soldiers,” said Reed, a senator since 1997. “I think that one of the biggest honors you can bestow on America is to become a Soldier.”
After lunch Reed met with Ukrainian leadership and received briefings on the current and future development of the IPSC and the program for Fearless Guardian.
“I think the partnership [between U.S and Ukraine] is mutually beneficial, helping us train a force that is helping defend the rights of their country,” said Reed, also a graduate of Harvard Law School. “In addition we are learning a great deal of experience. They [Ukrainian soldiers] have practical knowledge in combat and it has been very helpful to us.”
Reed concluded his visit by observing paratroopers and guardsmen during training.
“I find most compelling the skill, the quality and dedication of the Ukrainian soldiers and the American Soldiers that help train them,” said Reed, who a paratrooper himself previously served with the U.S. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. “They are committed to something above themselves, they are committed to their country and the values of free society that we cherish and it's evident that they are willing to sacrifice to preserve those values.”
| Date Taken: | 09.01.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2015 15:14 |
| Story ID: | 174897 |
| Location: | YAVORIV, UA |
| Web Views: | 371 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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