Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Calkins | U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Samuel Farley, logistics noncommissioned officer in charge for...... read more read more
BOLESLAWIEC, Poland – The smell of perogies and the sound of children cheering greeted U. S. Soldiers as they arrived at the Boleslawiec Primary School Number 4 school festival in Boleslawiec, Poland, May 26, 2018.
Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and Company B, 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, attended the festival as guests of honor. Both units are assigned to the South Carolina Army National Guard and are deployed to eastern Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.
“The kids were very surprised to play with American Soldiers and get into Humvee,” said Edyta Kwiatkowska, the head master of Boleslawiec Primary School Number 4. “We are very impressed with the Soldiers cooperation.”
The Soldiers with Co. B, 151st ESC supported the annual school-family festival, which began in 2002, by providing a Humvee for a photo opportunity for students and families.
“The students really enjoyed us being there,” said Spc. Aaron Hemphill, a unit supply specialist assigned to Co. B, 151st ESC. “It is always good to see that they want us to be involved.”
While taking a photograph with Soldiers was a free activity at the festival, many of the 611 students in attendance were selling desserts, flowers, and art while other activities included face painting and raffles to raise money for the school.
“Five parents coordinated activities to raise money for the school,” said Kwiatkowska. “Last year the money went for lockers and this year it is for new projectors.”
Members of HHC, 218th MEB and students painted pottery provided by the city known for its famous pottery and had dessert with the headmaster and Kornel Filipowicz, the vice president of Boleslawiec.
“We were able to learn a Polish version of baseball, paint pottery, enjoy traditional Polish food,” said Maj. Emily Lynds, a personnel officer assigned to HHC, 218th MEB. “Participating in local events like today helps build cohesive relationships and trust amongst our host nation.”
The sunny day was filled with Soldiers playing games with the students who ranged from 1st to 7th grades. The games included soccer, foot races around the track, Zumba, and the traditional culminating event tug of war.
“The Soldiers had a great time today,” said Lynds. “The experiences and memories from today will stay with the Soldiers, children and families for years to come.”
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2018 02:16 |
| Story ID: | 279132 |
| Location: | BOLESLAWIEC, PL |
| Web Views: | 215 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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