US Soldiers welcomed at first ever visit to Lithuanian Parliament

Photo By David Overson | Lithuanian Army Lt. Col. Viktoras Bagdonas, chief of staff for the Lithuanian Army "Griffin" Brigade, stands outside of the Lithuanian Tactical Operation Center during Allied Spirit VII, which took place at the U.S. Army's Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, Nov. 18, 2017. Approximately 4,050 service members from 13 nations are participating in exercise Allied Spirit VII at 7th Army Training Command’s Hohenfels Training Area, Germany, Oct. 30 to Nov. 22, 2017. Allied Spirit is a U.S. Army Europe-directed, 7ATC-conducted multinational exercise series designed to develop and enhance NATO and key partner’s interoperability and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. David Overson)  

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

05.08.2015

Story by Sgt. Jarred Woods 

16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

RUKLA, Lithuania – The Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and its Ministry of National Defense hosted the Soldiers of Team Eagle, Task Force 2-7 Infantry, based in Rukla, Lithuania, in a celebration of Victory in Europe Day held at Seimas Palace in Vilnius, Lithuania, May 8, 2015.

It was the first ever visit of its kind, in where a substantial number of U.S. troops were invited to parliament. The festivities included speeches from distinguished members of parliament, followed by a meet and greet session, where Team Eagle troops were afforded an opportunity to socialize with their hosts over refreshments. The day’s events concluded with a tour of the parliamentary palace, highlighting Lithuania’s rich history.

“I think it was a great experience for our Soldiers,” said Capt. Bryan Adams, commander of Team Eagle. “It was good for them to come and see exactly what and who they’re supporting.”

Since regaining its independence from Soviet rule in 1990, Lithuania has fervently striven to bolster its government infrastructure and strengthen allied relationships. Among these actions include Lithuania’s accession with NATO, along with several other Eastern European countries, more than a decade ago.

In light of Russian aggression in Ukraine, several NATO allies have converged to aid with this issue, to include U.S. armed forces. A key element of this effort is Operation Atlantic Resolve, a multinational NATO initiative dedicated to enhancing allied military strength, increasing interoperability and continued security throughout Eastern Europe.

The keynote speakers extended their gratitude for U.S. military presence and professed remembrance of the past and confidence in future endeavors.

“Last year, we went to Washington, D.C., to the Pentagon, and we spoke about the deployment of U.S. troops to Lithuania,” said Rasa Jukneviciene, a member of parliament and former minister of defense. “We were very happy that after only one month, you came to Lithuania to help with training and strengthen your response to the current threats.

“Events in Ukraine demonstrate that threats to Europe are as great as ever. Your presence here is a demonstration that the Transatlantic Union is strong, united and trustworthy.”

“Today is also a special day because Lithuania, along with other European countries and countries all over the world, are commemorating the end of the Second World War,” Jukneviciene added. “That is why you are here, and that is why we are members of NATO – to prevent such wars from taking place again.”

• Date Taken: 05.08.2015
• Date Posted: 05.09.2015 15:11
• Story ID: 162822
• Location: RUKLA, LT