Eagle Troop races in Soap Box Derby in Estonia

Photo By Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin | U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Waggoner, a squad leader with Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stationed out of Vilseck, Germany, races down the hill during a Soap Box Derby in Narva, Estonia, June 4, 2016. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin)  

NARVA, ESTONIA

06.04.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Steven Colvin 

10th Press Camp Headquarters

NARVA, Estonia – “Ready. Steady. Go!” said the announcer to begin the Narva Soap Box Derby. U.S. Soldiers from Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2/2CR), stationed out of Vilseck, Germany, participated in the event in Narva, Estonia, June 4, 2016, during their rotation to Operation Atlantic Resolve.

People of all ages came to watch 15 teams steer their homemade cars down the hill, around curves, and across the finish line. The Soap Box Derby wasn’t always a part of Narva Days, but when it was incorporated into the festival, it became a pretty big hit.

“Although City Days in Narva began many years ago, we have only had the Soap Box Derby since 2007,” said Bradley A. Hurst, a U.S. Embassy public affairs officer. “This is the third year in a row having the U.S. Soldiers participate in it,” Hurst added.

The Eagle Troop Soldiers were also glad they could take the time out of their busy training schedule to be a part of Narva City Days.

“This was my first time racing in a Soap Box Derby,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Waggoner, an Eagle Troop squad leader with 2/2CR. “It was really exciting, especially when the crowd started cheering and clapping.”

Participating in local activities and events like this gives the U.S. Soldiers an opportunity to meet and talk to some of the civilians of Estonia and strengthens the relationships among our allies.

“The community really seems to love the American Soldiers being here and being a part of their traditions,” continued Hurst. “We really like getting to meet and interact with the Soldiers. Even if they are not in uniform, we still feel they represent America.”

(U.S. Army story by Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin)

• Date Taken: 06.04.2016
• Date Posted: 06.06.2016 08:03
• Story ID: 200072
• Location: NARVA, EE