U.S. Military personnel meet with Romanian neighbors to discuss partnership ideas

Photo By Corinna Baltos | MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania –Primaria Daniela Ancuta Belu, Mayor of Mihail Kogalniceanu, Romania, waits for Ioan Razvan (right) to translate for U.S Army Sgt. 1st Class Gamal D. Forbes, 82nd Civil Affairs Battalion (center) during a meeting June 30, 2016 between U.S. military personnel from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base and the mayor. The two groups met to discuss continuing and increasing the out-reach programs between the two communities. The meeting was the first, of what is expected to be several meetings between the two groups. Also pictured is, Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Joseph A. Burton, senior chaplain for the Black Sea Area Support Team.  

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, ROMANIA

06.30.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, Romania – Soldiers from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base met with the Primaria (mayor) of the local commune of Mihail Kogalniceanu June 30, 2016 to discuss continuing and increasing mutual out-reach programs to strengthen the ties between the base and the local community.

“It is a great honor that you are here in our community,” said Primaria Daniela Ancuta Belu. “You will help us build a neighborhood that we can both be proud of.”

The commune of MK, as it is known by both U.S. military personnel and the local community, has about 9,000 residents. The air base was built in 1955, and has been used by U.S. Armed Forces since 1999.

Among the topics discussed were opportunities for American military personnel to read to school children, and holding a “Taste of MK” featuring American and Romanian food.

“I want to support the community of MK,” said Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Joseph A. Burton, senior chaplain, Black Sea Area Support Team. “We are here; this is our community as well as yours.”

In previous years, the Americans have donated English language books to the school, as well as assisted with beautification projects. This meeting sought to continue the efforts of the past, as well as build on them.

Part of the reason for the meeting was many American units have rotated back to the United States and new ones have arrived to take part in Operation Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve demonstrates continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO, and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region. U.S. Military personnel are in Romania to conduct a series of Joint Combined Exchange Training events across the country in partnership with Romanian military forces, as well as to promote peace and partnership with the Romanian people.

“Our last meeting was in February,” said Sgt. 1st Class, Gamal Forbes, 82nd Civil Affairs Battalion. “We want to make sure you don’t think we forgot you.”

The mayor said there was no way that they would be forgotten.

“For years, the dream of Romanians, was to go to the United States, now the U.S. is here,” said Belu. “Your presence benefits us. When you live somewhere you leave a print.”

• Date Taken: 06.30.2016
• Date Posted: 07.01.2016 09:36
• Story ID: 202911
• Location: MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU, RO