Photo By Sgt. Marcus Floyd | U.S. Soldiers with P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, saw a log in Sulęcin,...... read more read more
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SULECIN, Poland — Soldiers with P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment participated in a harvest festival in Sulęcin, Poland, Aug. 30, 2015.
An annual celebration in Sulęcin, the Soldiers helped celebrate by conducting a static display for the community.
“It's pretty fun,” said Pfc. Rasjon Buford, a Soldier with P Troop. “There are a lot of people out here, a lot of kids enjoying the vehicles, and having a good time.”
The static display included a reconnaissance, medical and mortar carrier variants of the U.S. Army Stryker vehicle. Additionally, the Soldiers showed their different weapons systems such as the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, the M240L machine gun and the Mk-19 automatic grenade launcher.
The Soldiers brought their gear and equipment to the festival to show to the Polish citizens, said 1st Lt. Joshua Gonzalez, a platoon leader with P Troop. They let them try it on so they can see what it's like to be in their shoes.
“We've done several of these before during our time in Poland and [Operation Atlantic Resolve] North, and we've always received great support,” he said. “Every time, we go out and meet with the citizens in different cities in Poland.”
For some of the Soldiers, interacting with the Polish community is a welcome break from training.
“It feels good to get out of the barracks,” Buford said jokingly. “It's nice meeting other people and seeing all their happy faces.”
However, unlike the previous community engagements P Troop conducted with various communities in Poland, this static display is different than the others.
Before, when the troop participated in community activities, the event centered on the troop, however, because the troop was included in the festival, some Soldiers see the impact their presence in Poland creates.
“I think them including us in one of their annual festivals definitely demonstrates how they do believe we play a big part in their society here today,” said Gonzalez. “We really appreciate being incorporated and receiving this invitation to take part in this festival cause it shows how much they appreciate us, and their appreciation keeps us going. It definitely keeps our drive strong.”
For Gonzalez, participating in community engagements is just one way his Soldiers can show their appreciation of the community's support.
“I think it means a lot to them, that we're always willing, with open arms, to go out to anything we're invited to,” said Gonzalez. “They've shown a ton of appreciation for us, so, I think with us giving back a little bit, showing their citizens our vehicles and equipment, definitely pays dividends.”
The U.S. Soldiers are in Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on combined training and security cooperation between NATO allies. Led by the mission command element of the 4th Infantry Division and in conjunction with European partner nations, Atlantic Resolve is intended to improve combined operational capability in a range of missions and ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe.
| Date Taken: | 08.31.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.01.2015 03:00 |
| Story ID: | 174780 |
| Location: | SULECIN, GORZOW, PL |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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