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By Master Sgt. Sean McCollum and Staff Sgt. Tamika Dillard
29th Infantry Division Public Affairs and D-Day 73 Media Operations Center
Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France – Everday, U.S. service members are sent to accomplish missions around the world and are expected to use every resource available to them.
Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division did just that while participating in D-Day 73 commemorations taking place in Normandy, France May 31-June 7.
“We are fortunate to have Soldiers within our formation with hidden talents,” said Maj. Christina Perronie, officer-in-charge. “Currently we have Spc. Cuestas, who speaks French fluently, helping on a variety of interactions…from assisting in ordering food at the local restaurants to interacting with local families and veterans.”
Perronie added that Cuestas’ translation skills have been invaluable to the success of the commemorative mission.
“My grandmother owns a French cultural school in Panama,” said Spc. Carmen Cuestas, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear noncommissioned officer. “At age 16, I spent two years as an exchange student in the French city of Toulouse.”
Cuestas said she has continued this education as an adult.
“Each academic semester, I focus on a different aspect of French culture,” she said. “I have a love for French films, literature and art. I also visit my uncle, who lives in Leon, quite regularly to stay fluent.”
Without Soldiers like Cuestas, others like Sgt. Alexander Schmidt, a senior satellite communications operator with the division, would have to rely on traditional methods of communicating with our European allies.
“When Cuestas isn’t with us, I pull out my cellphone and use a translation app for help,” Schmidt said.
Many of the locals understand U.S. service members do not speak French, Perronie added. However, the most important thing is that we show the local communities that we care enough to try to speak their language and want to continue to build trusted relationships.
Overall, approximately 400 service members are participating in events and ceremonies to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of D-Day, the largest multinational amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history, highlighting the U.S.’ steadfast commitment to European allies and partners.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2017 02:59 |
| Story ID: | 236105 |
| Location: | SAINTE-MERE EGLISE, FR |
| Web Views: | 232 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 29th ID Soldiers find hidden treasures within ranks during Normandy observances, by SFC Tamika Dillard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
