Sky Soldiers strengthen bonds with Ukrainian school children

Photo By Maj. Russell Gordon | Ukrainian school children pose for a photograph with paratroopers with the U.S Army’s 173 Airborne Brigade, Oct. 23, near Yavoriv, Ukraine. Paratroopers from the U.S. Army’s 173rd Abn. Bde., visited one of the schools of Starychi to teach English and strengthen bonds with the children. Paratroopers from the 173rd Abn. Bde. are in Ukraine to train Ukraine’s national guard as part of Fearless Guardian, which is schedule to last through November. (U.S. Army photo Capt. Russell Gordon, 10th Press Camp Headquarters)  

UKRAINE

10.23.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Adriana Diaz-Brown 

173rd Airborne Brigade

STARYCHI, Ukraine – Paratroopers from the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade visited one of the schools of Starychi Oct. 23, to practice and expand their English knowledge with Ukrainian students.

Paratroopers from the 173rd Abn. Bde. rejoiced after multiple hours of reading, playing music and sharing experiences with the Ukrainian school children.

“It felt so good and exciting to see for first time the interaction between U.S. Army soldiers and our students,” said Natalia Kosyk, director of the school of Starychi.

After hours of interaction and bonding between students and paratroopers, students and teachers showed their gratitude by singing and providing traditional Ukrainian food.

Paratroopers from the 173rd Abn. Bde. demonstrated support, engaged in partnership and learning experiences with the students.

“I am so thankful. It is very nice to see representative from the U.S. Army in our school and feel their support,” said Kosyk.

Paratroopers from the 173rd Abn. Bde. are in Ukraine to train Ukraine’s national guard as part of Fearless Guardian, which is schedule to last through November.

Fearless Guardian involves approximately 300 paratroopers, from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, training Ukraine's newly formed national guard under the congressionally-approved Global Contingency Security Fund - Ukraine.

• Date Taken: 10.23.2015
• Date Posted: 10.23.2015 12:45
• Story ID: 179769
• Location: UA