Photo By Sgt. Marcus Floyd | Pfc. Milton Shelton, a unit supply specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters...... read more read more
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CAMP KONOTOP, Poland — Throughout Atlantic Resolve, U.S. Soldiers have been presented with many opportunities to train with NATO allies.
Although training with foreign militaries has been mutually beneficial, Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, explored another way to strengthen the bonds between countries.
“We went to an elementary school, hung out with some Polish kids, and had a lot of fun,” said Pvt. Tylor Buckles a cavalry scout with HHC, 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Reg., 1st ABCT, 3rd Inf. Div. “It was probably one of the best things I've ever done.”
Celebrating Children's Day, the Soldiers were invited to the 2nd Brigade Artillery School to spend time with the kids in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland.
Children's Day is observed on various days in varying places around the world to honor children. Introduced in 1952, Poland celebrates the holiday June 1, which usually coincides with the end of the school year.
“It’s good to get a break from training,” Buckles said. “I wish we got to do more stuff like this.”
Beginning with a brief lesson on American history and pop culture, the Soldiers also told the students about what life was like in their hometowns. At the end of the lesson the Soldiers showed the children some of the equipment used in the Army.
“The kids are very happy, so the teachers are happy as well,” said Anita Zaczkowska-Jaremko, a physical education teacher. The Soldiers play very well with the children and it's something new because it’s not every day we have the possibility to spend time with other foreign people.”
However, the day was about more than playing with children. The day created an opportunity for the Soldiers to meet with the local community and interact with them.
“Like always, where ever we go I want the Soldiers to look at people for who they are instead of believing what they heard,” said Staff Sgt. Marcus Carr Sr., a unit supply sergeant with HHC, 2nd Bn., 7th Inf. Reg., 1st ABCT, 3rd Inf. Div. “I think [the Soldiers] went over there and they opened up their hearts and they were like big kids themselves.”
Children are the future, Carr said, and by going to the school we can ensure Americans are viewed as partners.
“If my child comes home and tells me how an American Soldier had a great impact on their life just by talking to them, … no matter what, it'll make me open my eyes and want to see things differently because I want to see what my child is talking about,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2015 15:17 |
| Story ID: | 165129 |
| Location: | DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, PL |
| Hometown: | FORT STEWART, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Going back to school: Soldiers celebrate Children's Day, by SGT Marcus Floyd, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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