Polish, U.S. Counterparts Dine on Thanksgiving Feast

Photo By Staff Sgt. Sharon Matthias | Polish service members, local nationals and U.S. Soldiers with 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, partake in an American Thanksgiving feast in Zagan, Poland, on Nov. 23, 2017. U.S. Soldiers across Europe took an opportunity to share one of the United States’ traditions, Thanksgiving, with our allies and partners as U.S. supports a strong Europe. ( U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Sharon Matthias / 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

ZAGAN, POLAND

11.23.2017

Story by Staff Sgt. Sharon Matthias 

22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

ZAGAN, Poland – Service members with 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas proudly prepared and shared America’s Thanksgiving tradition with Polish service members and local nationals in Zagan, Poland Nov. 23, 2017.
The Dagger Brigade, who hosted the celebratory feast, is deployed in support of U.S. Army Europe’s Atlantic Resolve, which is commonly referred to as OAR.
“We think that it’s important to maintain Thanksgiving tradition while deployed here in Europe, because despite our eagerness to appreciate European culture, it is paramount to maintain our culture as Americans as well as recognizing our holidays also helps keep Soldiers encouraged when separation from families can be hardest felt,” said Col. David Gardner, the 2nd ABCT commander.
It took a team to put this event together.
“It feels good, cooking, decorating and setting up,” said Spc. Christopher Hernandez, a culinary specialist assigned to the Dagger Brigade. “I am pretty excited to see how the Soldiers react when they see everything we did.”
Hernandez is part of a team of cooks, comprised of Polish local nationals and U.S. Soldiers, that worked together to prepare meals and decorate for the celebration.
“This is also a great opportunity to share some of our Thanksgiving traditions with our military allies and local community leaders in the five countries where our teams are based,” said Gardner.
Maj. Harold Watson, a human resources officer with the 2nd ABCT, said the Thanksgiving event allowed Soldiers to learn a different culture from their own. This gave them the opportunity to learn about diversity and bond with U.S. ally and partner nations.
The Dagger Brigade invited the Polish Soldiers to the traditional dinner, which not only showcased U.S. and Polish foods, but boosted morale on both sides.
The Polish and U.S. culinary team catered for approximately 500 Soldiers and guests.
The attendees were treated to turkey, ham, and cheese cakes from both nations to name a few of the items served.
“I know about the history of the Thanksgiving holiday tradition,” said Polish Chief Warrant Officer Rafal Mniedlo. “I was especially interested in how turkey tasted, and it was very good.”

• Date Taken: 11.23.2017
• Date Posted: 11.23.2017 16:40
• Story ID: 256402
• Location: ZAGAN, PL