TF Warhammer Soldiers take timeout for excursion in Lithuania

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Wyatt | VILNIUS, Lithuania - Specialists Jesse Johnson (left) and Jetter Stokes (right), both with 39th Transportation Bn., climb the hill to Gedimina’s Hall, the only remaining defensive tower in Vilnius, the country’s capital, during a cultural excursion sponsored by Lithuanian Forces on Sept. 10. (Photo by 2nd Lt. Maggie Johnston, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Bn.)  

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

09.10.2016

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

RUKLA, Lithuania – Twenty-three Soldiers traveled to Vilnius, Lithuania for an excursion hosted by the Lithuanian military to experience the country’s history and culture on Sept 10.

The Soldiers from 39th Transportation Bn., 18th Combat Sustainment Support Bn., and 4th Infantry Division Sustainment Bde., started the day with a tour of Gedimina’s Hall, the city’s only remaining defensive tower, and the site of the end of the historic Baltic Way

In August 1989, the Baltic countries organized a human chain, called the Baltic Way, in protest of Soviet occupation. The chain connected the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian capitals of Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.

“I never knew the history behind Vilnius until the guide pointed out structures from the top of the tower to give us a better understanding of the city layout,” said Joy Fontenot, movement specialist, 4th Inf. Div. Sustainment Brigade out of Fort Carson, Colo.

A Lithuanian Soldier guided the group to Genocide Victim’s Museum at the city’s center to the, which occupies an old KGB jail and operations center. Guides walked the Soldiers through the old jail cells containing information on life under Soviet control until the 1990s.

“We learned about the Soviet occupation of Eastern Europe in history class but we’re farther removed from it,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason Miller, 39th Movement Control Team Detachment Sergeant. “It opened the Soldiers’ eyes, made history a tangible experience, and gave them a greater understanding and appreciation for it.”

Buddy groups then explored the Old Town section.

“Experiences like these are vital to our development because we understand our military counterparts and appreciate their culture more,” remarked Maj. Charles Muraski, the 18th CSSB Support Operations Officer and Atlantic Resolve Transition Officer in Charge.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2016
• Date Posted: 09.28.2016 04:55
• Story ID: 210795
• Location: RUKLA, LT