Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Patricia Deal | A Soldier from Battle Group Poland puts his body armor on a visitor at the military...... read more read more
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WROCLAW, Poland--It was a day of sunshine, smiles and selfies for more than 3,000 citizens of Wroclaw, Poland, who came out to meet and mingle with some of the U.S. and British Soldiers from Battle Group Poland at a military open house at the city’s main market square, March 27.
Battle Group Poland, a multinational contingency of American, British and Romanian Soldiers, is conducting a tactical road march via two routes through Germany and the Czech Republic to a military base in Orzysz, Poland.
Once the battle group arrives and join its higher headquarters, the Polish Army’s 15th Mechanized Brigade, it will serve as a deterrence force as part of NATO's Enhanced Forward Presence, or eFP.
Wroclaw, a town along the route of one of the elements of the group, hosted the military open house to publicize Battle Group Poland's unique mission in support of NATO. Attendees were encouraged to freely explore the displays and meet the Soldiers to see for themselves the strength and capability of the unique formation.
They didn't need much encouraging though as crowds converged on the Soldiers while they were placing their equipment, an hour and half before the event was scheduled to kick off.
“They couldn't wait to talk to us or start climbing on the equipment,” said U.S. Army Spc. Taras Kovalenko, gunner for 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment. “Seems like everyone wanted their picture with us. I couldn't believe how excited they were to see us. I'm glad we are able to do something like this. It was a great experience.”
It was the first meet and greet type event for one of the elements of the battle group, and they couldn't have picked a more welcoming city or better weather for an open house, according to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Gventer, commander of Battle Group Poland.
“Wroclaw is a beautiful and historic town and we appreciate their support,” Gventer said. “It was an ideal time for the Soldiers to make a personal connection with the people and to tell our story about the battle group's unique eFP mission. To come to a place like this just makes it that more special to see what we're doing and why.”
Just being able to talk to the Soldiers, despite language barriers, was well worth the trip downtown for many of the attendees.
“It is a very good thing to see the Americans here, especially with all the doubts and tensions and everything that's happening in our country today,” said Maria Szawerna, Wroclaw resident. “Sometimes people talk about things they have no real idea about, and they fear what they don't know. Now they have the chance to personally meet the Soldiers and can learn about what's going on.”
For Wroclaw resident Peter Nabotko, the event was like a fest for him as he said the military has been a hobby of his since he was young.
“I'm especially happy to see the Soldiers here. We definitely need them on our eastern borders,” Nabotko said. “I am glad I was able to talk to the Soldiers about the Army and to be able to get inside all the vehicles and try on the equipment. So much better than just seeing it all in pictures.”
The battle group's Strykers, Jackals and other tactical vehicles were featured alongside static displays from local Polish military units, and various events and performances were held throughout the day.
U.S. Army Capt. Gabe Montoya, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and U.K.Lt. John Quick spoke at the event.
Pawel Hreniak, Poland’s Lower Silesia governor; Polish Gen. Jan Sliwka, deputy commander general, Polish Army; Wojciech Adamcak, vice-mayor of Wroclaw, and Consul General Walter Braunohler, of the U.S. consulate in Krakow, Poland, were in attendance of the open house.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2017 09:27 |
| Story ID: | 228428 |
| Location: | PL |
| Web Views: | 1,688 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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