Photo By 1st Sgt. Jason Duhr | Lt. Col. Dwayne Milburn, commander of the U.S. Army Europe Band & Chorus, salutes the...... read more read more
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TALLINN, Estonia – Thousands of onlookers watched as Soldiers from 12 European countries and the United States marched in one unified front on the streets of Tallinn in observance of Estonia’s independence anniversary Feb. 24.
This year marked the 100th anniversary of independence for Estonia. The United States Army in Europe remained steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the relationships of its European allies and partner nations by dedicating resources to this moment in history.
“This is a unified front as Soldiers from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command execute the year of integration while supporting our Estonian allies.” said Col. David E. Shank, commander of the 10th AAMDC. “The opportunity for our young Soldiers to participate and showcase their incredible talents in an event of this magnitude is significant and it is vitally important to the alliance and to our Estonian allies in support of their centennial celebration."
The Estonian-U.S. military-to-military relationship is strong – as evidenced by the significant musical and ceremonial assets, which participated in the parade.
A Patriot surface-to-air missile system assigned to the 10th AAMDC was included in the parade, along with a formation of U.S. troops.
Following the parade, the Patriot system set up as a static display in Freedom Square.
“We are thankful to Estonia for inviting 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command to participate in their centennial celebration – 100 years of independence,” said Shank. “Our relationship with Estonia deepens in cooperation daily, having participated in the recent exercise Saber Guardian, Tobuq Legacy 17 and the upcoming Saber Strike 18.”
The 10th AAMDC is a United States Army Europe asset based out of Germany that specializes in missile defense for European Command.
Soldiers from the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division played a significant role during the celebration as they marched in the parade, carrying the United States flag, the 1st ACB guidon and the 615th ASB guidon, as the honor guard team.
“The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade is privileged to represent America’s First Team as we march in such a momentous occasion as Estonia celebrates 100 years of independence,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Snyder, 615th ASB command sergeant major. “You immediately feel a sense of camaraderie with the Estonians and other NATO nations participating in the ceremony.”
The Cavalry Soldiers from the 615th ASB marched shoulder to shoulder with their European comrades to the sound of instruments played by the U.S. Army Europe Band & Chorus who shared the music-filled air with the Estonian Defense Forces Orchestra and Border Guard Police Forces Orchestra.
“We actually do a lot of side-by-side performances with our allies,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dwayne Milburn, commander of the USAREUR Band & Chorus. “Anytime you can get a bunch of musicians together we always look at it as we are comrades.”
As bonds created from past experiences were expressed among the U.S. Soldiers involved, so were the heartfelt congratulations for Estonia’s independence.
“Congratulations to the people of Estonia and Happy Independence Day,” said Shank.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.24.2018 08:13 |
| Story ID: | 267088 |
| Location: | TALLINN, EE |
| Hometown: | WIESBADEN, HE, DE |
| Hometown: | TALLINN, 37, EE |
| Hometown: | AUSTIN, TX, US |
| Hometown: | FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | HARKER HEIGHTS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | KILLEEN, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 1,141 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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