Building championship caliber partnership

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Larsen | U.S. Army Capt. Brad Beyer, right, a civil affairs team leader, and a Polish military cadet, from the Cadets Military University of Land Forces of Wroclaw, walk off the field during the opening ceremony of the Liga Futbolu Amerykanskiego (LFA) title game in Wroclaw, Poland, June 29, 2019. The title game was between the Bialystok Lowlanders and the Wroclaw Panthers. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kyle Larsen)  

WROCLAW, POLAND

06.29.2019

Story by Sgt. Kyle Larsen 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

Building championship caliber partnership
Story by U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Larsen
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Wroclaw, Poland (June 29, 2019) – There was a mystique in the air throughout Wroclaw, Poland, as roads were closed, fireworks displays were prepared and two American style football teams prepared to face off in a rematch of last year’s title bout.
June 29, 2019, marked the second annual matchup between the Bialystok Lowlanders and the Wroclaw Panthers for the Liga Futbolu Amerykanskiego (LFA) title game in Wroclaw, Poland. In that game the Bialystok Lowlanders were victorious over the Panthers by a score of 14 to 13. This game was also unique as it marked the first time U.S. Forces participated in an opening ceremony of the LFA title game in Poland.
“I am a huge sports fan,” said Spc. Brian Johnson, a supply specialist with the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “I never thought that I’d have the opportunity to watch American style football in Poland. It’s a great experience. I love being a part of this moment and being able to show the Polish citizens that we are here to support them and embrace their culture."
U.S. Soldiers from the 286th CSSB provided two High Mobility Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), as part of a static display that allowed the Soldiers to teach the spectators how the vehicle works. As fans outside the park visited the display, Soldiers from B Co., 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, and the 286th CSSB walked to midfield accompanied by Polish military cadets holding their country’s flag.
“I really appreciate the U.S. Army coming out and showing support for the team and the sport here in Poland,” said Val Gunn, head coach of the Wroclaw Panthers. “This gives an opportunity for the Soldiers to build a bond with the community and show the Polish people that there is a presence here. This allows the community and the military to create a better understanding and I love having them here.”
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump, the U.S. forces commander-in-chief, announced the shift of 1,000 U.S. Soldiers from other European bases to be stationed in Poland. This move demonstrates the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and its allies and partners throughout Europe.
These moves bring more than just troops to Poland, it spreads and promotes the culture of the American people. By building cultural bonds with Poland it creates a potential of strengthening the U.S. and Polish alliance as they create a common bond that gives a greater feeling of shared understanding.
“Having the U.S. military at these games ties the community and the sport together,” said Alex Burdette, the Lowlanders head coach from South Carolina. “The military is a big part of the game in the U.S. and it is just amazing to see that bond continue overseas.”
As the attendees focused on strengthening their bond, the game continued on with a defensive back from the Panthers scooping up a fumble and a few plays later delivered the decisive blow. The Panthers defeated the Lowlanders by a score of 28-14.

• Date Taken: 06.29.2019
• Date Posted: 06.29.2019 20:05
• Story ID: 329786
• Location: WROCLAW, PL