Among friends and allies: US Soldiers connect with Polish community

Photo By Sgt. Brandon Anderson | U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mark Korte, a cavalry scout and movement control team leader attached to P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, visits with Polish children and their puppy during a community outreach event Aug. 7, 2015 in Nowa Deba, Poland. The event was an opportunity for the local community to learn more about the visiting American unit, which for several weeks has been training alongside the Polish army as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational effort to ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe through combined training and security cooperation with NATO allies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Anderson, 13th Public Affairs Detachment)  

NOWA DEBA, POLAND

08.07.2015

Story by Capt. Spencer Garrison 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

NOWA DEBA, Poland - “We’re just like you. We’re fathers, brothers, mothers, sisters,” the American soldier said.

“And when we come here, it’s all about friendship, getting to know each other, and working together.”

With those words, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mark Korte set the tone for the latest meet-and-greet with the people of Nowa Deba, Poland.

U.S. Soldiers hosted a community outreach event at the town civic center here Aug. 7, to get to know their neighbors surrounding the Nowa Deba Training Area, where some 150 Stryker Soldiers and airborne paratroopers of Team Palehorse, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, have been training with their Polish army allies since late June.

“It’s great that the American Soldiers are here,” said Karol, a 16-year-old resident of Nowa Deba. “Once I found out they’d be here, I was excited that I’d get to meet them and see how they train, and even get to practice my English a little.”

The event started off like a panel discussion, as the U.S. Soldiers sitting up front introduced themselves, described their various jobs – cavalry scouts, paratroopers, drivers, a medic, postal clerk and other combat and support roles – and invited any questions.

The audience, mostly teenagers and younger children with their parents, was polite and attentive, but also shy – at least at first.

That’s when 1st Sgt. Jefferey Crossman, himself a father of four, realized how to break the ice and connect with the kids.

“Any questions? No? Maybe they’d like to try the gear on,” Crossman suggested.

In an instant, the young crowd lit up with enthusiasm, children excitedly rushing forward to try on body armor, get hands-on with military gear, and take photos with their new American friends.

Some kids learned about being an army medic and even got to apply a practice-tourniquet, while others enjoyed a friendly push-up competition with the soldiers. Still others were happy to just talk to the Soldiers and get to know each other better.

“The best part was that the Soldiers weren’t just sitting down and talking about themselves, they actually came up and talked to us and got to know us better too,” said Ola, another member of the community.

“Everyone here, especially the children, really enjoyed themselves,” said Ewa Kieliszek, the event organizer. “This was a great occasion to get to meet each other, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the kindness and courteousness of all the Soldiers I met.”

The American Soldiers were grateful for the warm reception.

“It’s awesome getting to meet all the people here,” said Spc. Andrew Hernandez, a cavalry scout. “They’re great people. Everybody’s just so friendly. They love us because we’re the newcomers here, so it just makes us feel amazing.”

U.S. Soldiers are here in Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational effort to ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe through combined training and security cooperation with NATO allies.

One of the guests in attendance, a young man named Adam, brought a unique perspective. The son of Polish-American immigrants, his family lives in Florida but enjoys traveling here every couple years to visit his grandmother. Adam explained he’s glad to see events like this.

“I think the reception’s been really positive,” he said. “The kids were having fun meeting all the Soldiers … I think they like that the Americans are working with the Polish and training with them.”

Indeed, for Karol and his friends, the event made a positive impact. “I like the U.S. military very much,” Karol said, “and would love for them to come back again soon.”

• Date Taken: 08.07.2015
• Date Posted: 08.10.2015 03:31
• Story ID: 172603
• Location: NOWA DEBA, PL