Photo By Spc. Jacqueline Dowland | Dean Thompson, Charge d' affaires ad interim with the Embassy of the United States in...... read more read more
BRASOV, Romania - United States and Romanian flags waved and cheers accompanied the smiles of the Romanian people lined along the streets as the U.S. military vehicles and troops filed by. Even as rain began to fall, the Romanian local nationals opened umbrellas, demonstrating their unwavering dedication of presence to show support and gratitude for their allies from across the world.
Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, participated in a welcome ceremony as they entered the town of Brasov, Romania, during the Cavalry March, May 14, as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The welcome ceremony was the last community event for the soldiers as they engaged in the two-day movement of more than 90 vehicles and over 300 soldiers as they moved from Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase to Cincu, Romania, a movement that spanned over 400 kilometers.
With stops for community engagements in Ploiesti and Sinaia, the welcome ceremony in Brasov was the final opportunity for soldiers to engage with the Romanian people before their destination in Cincu for joint-training with their Romanian counterparts.
As Romanian civilians and veterans flooded the town center for opportunities to speak and take pictures with American soldiers as they stood next to their vehicles which were on display, they took the time to sincerely thank and welcome the soldiers who had just arrived in their city.
"It's incredible how friendly the Romanian people are," said Tyler M. Bingham, a signals systems support specialist, 2/2 CR, and a native of Milton, Wisconsin. "During World War II, the Romanian people were very isolated and now they are so open to us being here."
The ceremony allowed the Romanian people to see first-hand the presence of their NATO allies, a chance that the local nationals may not always be privy to while the soldiers are training on the military installations.
"I recommend getting out into Romania and experience interacting with the community," said Spc. Javier M. Lopez, a combat engineer with 2/2 CR, and a native of McAllen, Texas. "My favorite part is driving through the cities and seeing the support from the Romanian people as they wave and smile while we drive by."
The welcoming faces lined the streets, ranging from the smallest villages to the bustling cities of Romania as the convoy passed by on the way to their destination. The smiles and waves were appreciated by some of the American soldiers who haven't received quite as warm of a welcome in other countries they've toured during their military careers.
"In Afghanistan, we never knew if a wave was from a true friend, or a foe concealing a weapon to use against us," said Lopez. "Here, a wave is truly a friendly gesture of appreciation and welcome."
The warm welcome received from the citizens of Brasov bolster the spirits of the hard-working soldiers, as they prepare for the next step of their training in Cincu, showing the soldiers that their dedication to the alliance truly does benefit the people of Romania.
"Events like this are a true testament to our lasting alliance," said Staff Sgt. Bruce Nemeth, an electromagnetic spectrum manager with 2/2 CR, and a native of Houston. "I've seen first-hand the benefits of getting both forces together on the same page, and there's a real sense of our friendship between our countries."
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.15.2015 11:31 |
| Story ID: | 163437 |
| Location: | BRASOV, RO |
| Hometown: | HOUSTON, TX, US |
| Hometown: | MCALLEN, TX, US |
| Hometown: | MILTON, WI, US |
| Web Views: | 377 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A warm welcome for a time-honored friend, by SPC Jacqueline Dowland, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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