Photo By Sgt. Steve Johnson | A Lithuanian child negotiates an "obstacle course" at a public display during Exercise...... read more read more
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BIRSTONAS, Lithuania -- Soldiers from the Minnesota Army National Guard joined forces with NATO Allies and partnered nations during Exercise Iron Wolf 17 for a static display of military equipment on June 17, 2017 in Birstonas, Lithuania. The event which takes place once a year, and serves as an occasion to show Lithuanian citizens that the members of the NATO Alliance are continually working together, also displayed their resolve to strengthen their skills and relationships.
The guardsmen, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, in conjunction with soldiers from Germany, Finland, France, Lithuania and Portugal took time out from training to display a Blackhawk helicopter, various tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and many other military vehicles alongside small arms.This public event allowed Lithuanian families to speak to the NATO soldiers, ask questions, and inspect the equipment.
The event also featured live music, food vendors, games and a visit by senior allied military officers, including Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, and Brig. Gen. Valdemaras Rupsys, Commander of Lithuanian Land Forces.
According to Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Jason Benson, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, personal interactions between members of the NATO Alliance and the citizens of Lithuania is critical in building trust between U.S. Military and the local population.
“It’s an essential part of our mission as United States forces to show the Lithuanian people that in the event of a crisis we will stand with them. By showing them that we will stand with them in training, it shows them we will stand with them in deterrence role or a time of need,” Benson said. “It’s important for us to get out to the Lithuanian population and show them that we are here to support the NATO Alliance and their freedoms here in Lithuania.”
The citizens of the small resort town were reassured by the knowledge that the NATO Alliance is capable and prepared to meet any challenge in the region.
“NATO makes us feel safer,” said Jolanta Jackson, a Lithuanian who attended the event with her husband.
It was also an opportunity for U.S. Soldiers like Cpl. Nathaniel Lease, a member of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry, to not only display the readiness of members of the NATO Alliance, but also to meet the people whose country he is visiting.
“This is important because this shows the Lithuanians that we can be here if we need to be,” Lease said. “It’s great to be able to put faces behind the name of the country, being able to work with other militaries and meet the local population.”
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2017 12:54 |
| Story ID: | 238319 |
| Location: | BIRSTONAS, LT |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Static Display entertains and shows NATO solidarity, by SGT Steve Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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