2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment continues to improve on their Bulgarian partnership with a local kindergarten in Mokren

Courtesy Photo | A Soldier assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, plays with two local children from Slantse Kindergarten in Mokren, Bulgaria, May 9, 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Chris Lopez)  

MOKREN, BULGARIA

05.09.2015

Courtesy Story

2d Cavalry Regiment

By by Pfc. Jacob C. Stephens

MOKREN, Bulgaria – Troopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, and the Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, once again continued their partnership with Slantse Kindergarten in Mokren, Bulgaria, May 9, 2015. Many of the 45 Soldiers who volunteered today just completed a live-fire exercise at dawn, but still selflessly volunteered.

Members of the two units, along with the families of the 38 children who attend Slantse Kindergarten, arrived early on a radiant Saturday morning for friendship and a single goal, to edify responsibility into the next generation of humanity. For over five hours, they stood side-by-side while cleaning, painting, and laughing together as friends.

“It is wonderful to see this event unfold before my eyes. We are truly grateful,” said Maria Ivanova Bainkov, the principal of the Slantse Kindergarten. ”We achieved our goal of promoting responsibility, friendship and reinforcing the values of humanity amongst the children and the local community. The lessons that the children received from the U.S. Soldiers and Bulgarian Military Police today are priceless.”

Team Bulgaria understands that Operation Atlantic Resolve - South is more than just a training event. It is also an opportunity to serve within the community and country.

“This is why we are here. We are not here just for training, but also to become a part of the community,” said Capt. Mark May, Bravo Company commander, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment. “I am truly humbled by the support from the local community and the Soldiers alike.”

Operation Atlantic Resolve - South is a series of bilateral and multilateral training, as well as, theater security cooperation exercises with our allies that demonstrate a commitment to promoting a peaceful and stable Europe. The ability to have both U.S. Soldiers and local national forces, working together, helps to emphasize the continued U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO, while showing dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

• Date Taken: 05.09.2015
• Date Posted: 05.12.2015 08:47
• Story ID: 163004
• Location: MOKREN, BG