A Meeting of Partners: 3-69 AR meets with French legislator in Lithuania

Photo By Pfc. James Dutkavich | French Lt. Col. Alain Moulia, Defense Attaché for the French Embassy in Lithuania, French Senator Hélène Conway-Mouret, a native of Annaba, Algeria, and Lt. Col. Johnny A. Evans Jr., commander of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment pose with U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. at the Great Lithuanian Hetman Jonusas Radvila Training Regiment in Rukla, Lithuania, July 16, 2016. The soldiers of 3rd Bn. are training with their Baltic allies in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. lead effort being conducted in Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.  

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

07.16.2016

Story by Pfc. James Dutkavich 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

RUKLA, LITHUANIA – Lt. Col. Johnny Evans Jr., commander of the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment met with French Senator Hélène Conway-Mouret, July 16, 2016, at the Great Lithuanian Hetman Jonusas Radvila Training Regiment area.

Conway-Mouret, a native of Annaba, Algeria, and Lt. Col. Alain Moulia, Defense Attaché for the French Embassy in Lithuania, met with Evans to discuss the ongoing U.S. led training effort throughout Poland and the Baltic nations.

The participants discussed Lithuanian citizens’ opinion of the presence of U.S. Forces, the types of equipment the unit had deployed with and the various training exercises the unit participated in with Baltic and Polish forces, reaffirming the importance of the U.S. training with its allies.

“One of the things we are here to do is detour aggression,” Evans said during the meeting with Conway-Mouret, “In a worst case scenario, the last thing we want to do is work with our allies for the first time during conflict. In case a worse scenario arises, we train and find opportunities to work together.” He also said, “We come from different cultures, different backgrounds, so this is a learning experience for everyone.”

Senator Conway-Mouret said, “I truly believe that working together and standing together, we will be able to defend.” At the end of the meeting she presented 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., with a gift. Conway-Mouret took a photo with U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 3rd Bn. before continuing her trip.

The soldiers of 3rd Bn. are training with their Baltic allies in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. lead effort being conducted in Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2016
• Date Posted: 07.20.2016 05:16
• Story ID: 204305
• Location: RUKLA, LT