US Soldiers celebrate Easter early with Lithuanian children

Photo By Staff Sgt. Charlene Moler | 1st Lt. Charles Gough, a platoon leader from Company B, 1st Battalion, 68th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, out of Fort Carson, Colo., celebrates Easter early this year with a group of children in Vilnius, Lithuania, March 30. Getting Soldiers out into the community is an important part of Operation Atlantic Resolve as it lets the Soldiers experience the location and interact with the people as well as letting the people in the community get to know Soldiers of the U.S. Army. The presence of U.S. Soldiers in the European theater assures Allies and partners of our commitment to NATO as well as to the Communities within those countries. The children gather at the Vytautas Kasiulis Art Museum and for entertainment by a magician afterwards an introduction to the U.S. Soldiers who pass out candy and help the kids try on some of the protective gear worn by Soldiers. Operation Atlantic Resolve is a U.S. led effort in Eastern Europe that demonstrates U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Charlene Moler)  

VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

03.30.2017

Story by Sgt. Shiloh Capers 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

VILNIUS, Lithuania — Five Soldiers from Company B. (Barbarian), 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo., participated in an outreach event at Vytautus Kasiulis Art Museum in Vilnius, Lithuania, March 30.

The event was in the spirit of U.S. Army participation in NATO and demonstrating commitment to Allies by not only training with the Lithuanian Army but interacting with its community members.

The event began with the talented opening and entertainment of a Lithuanian magician.

Afterward, the Soldiers from Barbarian Company opened bags of sweets and swept along the aisles, offering candy to the audience members.

Audience members strapped on the Army Combat Helmet and the improved Outer Tactical Vest. They posed for photographs with the Soldiers, shared common interests and compared family sizes.

"These children are the future of NATO," said 1st Lt. Charles Gough, infantry platoon leader for 1st Bn. 68th Armor Reg. "This is our mission out here- to show them we are a friendly force; to work with them; and to integrate our forces."

There's not much difference between the U.S. and Lithuanians, Gough said.

"They're a lot like we are," Gough said. "There's not much difference between who we are and who they are. We just wear different flags on our shoulders."

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U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security

• Date Taken: 03.30.2017
• Date Posted: 03.31.2017 11:12
• Story ID: 228720
• Location: VILNIUS, LT