Photo By Capt. Christina Shoptaw | U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Ambassador in Poland, Georgette Mosbacher...... read more read more
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BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland — U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn and U.S. Ambassador in Poland Georgette Mosbacher visited Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA), Poland, and 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Task Force Raider, with enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland on Friday, March 22.
Senator Blackburn is an American politician and businesswoman serving as the junior United States Senator from Tennessee. Though born in Mississippi, she resides in Williamson County within Tennessee. She is a member of the Republican Party, and on November 6, 2018, she became the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee, defeating Democratic former Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen.
NATO has enhanced its presence in the eastern part of the alliance with four multinational battle groups in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Poland is led by the United States, hosted by Poland, and includes troops from Croatia, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Battle Group Poland’s mission is to be a multinational and combat ready forward presence designed to defend NATO territory and deter any possible aggression.
The United States eFP troops are deployed on a rotational basis. The first unit to fulfil the U.S. 6-month rotational role came from the Active Duty Army unit 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany. However, since September, the 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, a Tennessee Army National Guard unit, stepped into the U.S. role for a 9-month rotation. The 278th ACR will continue to fill this role for one more rotation by the 3/278th ACR.
Getting a visit by a politician from back home gave soldiers the opportunity to step back into their Tennessee Guardsmen role and discuss everything from the difference in weather between Poland and Tennessee to concerns they have back in the states.
“Senator Blackburn’s visit was spectacular!” stated 2/278th ACR soldier, Specialist Garrison Padgett, who was working the staff duty desk when she arrived to the headquarters of eFP Battle Group Poland. “It was very generous of her to take time out of her schedule to come and visit with our Tennessee Guardsmen deployed here in Poland.”
For her visit, Senator Blackburn first enjoyed lunch with a select group of soldiers. She then took a tour of the base, ending at the parade field, where she and U.S. Ambassador in Poland, Georgette Mosbacher, gave a speech to Soldiers. At the end of her speech, Senator Blackburn then awarded five soldiers [Sgt. Hill, Sgt. Munguia, Cpl. Clark, Spc. Mendoza, and 1st Lt. Wright] United States Senate coins.
“I had the pleasure of meeting U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee during her visit of Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers in Poland.” Cpl Indya Clark stated. “It was an honor, as she was visibly proud to shake hands with and speak to each soldier. Senator Blackburn spoke highly of our accomplishments as members of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland. It was evident that Senator Blackburn had a humble appreciation for the sacrifice of soldiers and families committed to this mission. She shared her sincere intent to support us however opportunities present themselves. In addition, Senator Blackburn generously coined several soldiers including myself. She let us know that the coins were to recognize us for exemplary service, and further express her thanks.”
After the meet and greet with many of the Soldiers, Senator Blackburn went to Battle Group Poland’s headquarters building, where she met with the commanders from Romania, Croatia, and the United Kingdom, which was followed by a discussion with the commanders and Ambassador about the mission and capabilities of the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland.
“As we talk about the eFP,” stated Senator Blackburn, “what we’re going to do is look at how that effects [soldiers’] pre-deployment training and the pre-deployment training of other units… making certain that a strategic plan is in place, it is targeted, and there are some deliverables, and that our men and women who come in to serve are ready to work through that plan and meet those deliverables.”
By the end of the day, Senator Blackburn and Ambassador Mosbacher were able to get a good understanding of the life of Tennessee Army National Guard Soldiers deployed to Poland
“It was great coming to see the troops, lots of Tennesseans who are here, who are working hard. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, we are making certain that as we look at what is going to happen with the European Command, that we are paying attention to what is happening here in Poland.”
Senator Marsha Blackburn closed her visit to 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Soldiers deployed to Poland by stating, “To all the families [back home], we say thank you so much for your sacrifice. We know that the deployments are tough. And to the men and women who have served and are serving, thank you for the work that you have done and helping to reposition this mission. To those who are coming, I think you’re going to find we’ve got some good allies that are willing to work hard right beside you; to make certain that together, we protect freedom for all our people.”
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 03.30.2019 03:48 |
| Story ID: | 316285 |
| Location: | BEMOWO PISKIE, PL |
| Web Views: | 141 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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