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Poland is a key ally in Central Europe, and a strong U.S. partner in fostering regional security and prosperity. Since 2012, the U.S. and Polish air forces have been conducting joint training exercises to improve readiness and responsiveness, and strengthen deterrence efforts.
Airmen from the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, are participating in Aviation Rotation 19.1 here, a bilateral training and deployment designed to enhance partner interoperability. To include joint operations, Airmen also have the opportunity to visit with local schools and attend community events.
“We are here for military operations, but our secondary mission is to build on the ongoing partnership with Poland and to interact with the local community,” said Lt. Col. George Gibson, 181st Airlift Squadron flight surgeon. “I attended at one of the local schools and learned so much about their education structure and the aspirations of some of the students. It was an opportunity to share experiences—to have conversations. I mean, we even discussed some of their concerns in getting into universities when they graduate. It’s about giving back, and building those relationships is meaningful.”
For the high school visit, military members were able to attend the Festival of Science. After a brief tour of the campus, Airmen sat in with more than 150 local students as they demonstrated their final exam projects. Students were also able to interact with their American visitors, asking questions about culture and military life.
“It’s very important to me, being able to talk with native speakers and practicing my English in real life,” said Ola Arend, a Polish senior high school student. “This is very good for our students; trying English and getting to meet new people. I’m happy that Americans visited our school and could meet our Polish students and learn our history. It’s important all over the world to know the history of Poland.
Members also participated in a Foreign Languages Day event that included an exhibition basketball game, and a local media day, inviting members of the Polish press.
“Spending time in the community was definitely one of my favorite parts of this tour,” said Master Sgt. Noelle Nettles, 136th Operations Group vehicle control officer. “The Foreign Languages Day was amazing, and we were able to interact and have fun with the staff and children. It makes me proud to know as a military member that we are contributing to several aspects of the mission, and getting to know and build lasting relationships with our friends here in Poland.”
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 03.27.2019 04:18 |
| Story ID: | 315797 |
| Location: | POWIDZ AIR BASE, PL |
| Web Views: | 59 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Airmen strengthen community relations in Poland, by TSgt Kristina Overton, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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