Photo By Sgt. Austin Steinborn | U.S. Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade...... read more read more
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CAMP TAPA, Estonia — U.S. Soldiers assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, along with Soldiers supporting Task Force Voit, participated in Estonia’s veterans day ceremony held at Camp Tapa, Estonia, April 23, 2025. The ceremony honored the sacrifices of Estonian servicemen and women, including those who have lost their lives in service to their country.
The ceremony, attended by U.S. Army personnel and NATO allies, served not only as a remembrance but as a demonstration of unity and support for Estonia.
“Participation in the Estonian veterans day ceremony underlines our commitment to our allies,” stated Pfc. Luke Gregory, a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember assigned to Able Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps.
Gregory emphasized the importance of the ceremony in fostering relationships and interoperability between U.S. and Estonian forces.
“This event helps build trust and understanding, which is critical for effective joint operations,” he remarked.
As part of the U.S. Army participation, a High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS) was on display from 3-321 FAR, which is increasingly relevant and symbolic for Estonia.
In 2022, the U.S. State Department approved HIMARS sales to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania due to increased demand from NATO allies. Six HIMARS units were officially handed over at Lockheed Martin’s Arkansas facility on Jan. 13, 2025, and are en route to Estonia. Their arrival will give Estonia precise long-range artillery capabilities to strike deep behind enemy lines.
As Estonia prepares to integrate the HIMARS system into its defense capabilities, the ongoing partnership with U.S. forces is crucial for enhancing national security and regional stability.
“The Estonian forces are knowledgeable and eager to learn,” Gregory commented. “Their willingness to embrace new technologies and strategies often exceeds what we see in our training.”
This positive relationship is vital for building combined capabilities, enhancing lethality, and increasing overall readiness against potential threats.
Estonian Defense Force Staff Sgt. Marko Virk, an information manager assigned to Brigade Headquarters, conveyed the country’s deep appreciation for its servicemen and women.
“Dear allies, today we are celebrating Veterans Day in Camp Tapa, Estonia. Since 1995, Estonian troops have been deployed to international operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Mali, Lebanon, Kosovo, and elsewhere in defense of freedom and security for NATO, the European Union, and our allies,” said Virk.
More than 300 Estonian servicemen and women have been wounded, with 12 making the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo.
“We will never forget the Estonian troops and their families and salute their bravery by wearing a blue hepatica pin during April,” Virk stated.
This day of honor shows that interoperability is not just about systems and technology; it’s about people, processes, and relationships that build stronger teams, foster overmatch, and increase lethality.
“Attending the Estonian veterans day ceremony was a privilege, and it was a truly moving experience,” said U.S. Army Maj. Adrian Betancourt, Task Force Voit commander. “Being there in person allowed me to witness the deep respect and gratitude that the Estonian people have for their veterans.”
| Date Taken: | 04.23.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2025 07:31 |
| Story ID: | 496174 |
| Location: | CAMP TAPA, EE |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Demonstrating Unity: U.S. Soldiers and Allies Honor Estonian Veterans Day, by PFC Jaidyn Moore, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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