Photo By Sgt. Austin Steinborn | U.S. Soldiers, supporting Task Force Voit and NATO Allies, salute for the national...... read more read more
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CAMP TAPA, Estonia — U.S. Soldiers from various units supporting Task Force Voit received the NATO Kaitsel "Defender" Medal in an Estonian-led award ceremony at Camp Tapa, Estonia, June 4, 2025. The medal, awarded by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Estonia, honored the service of U.S. Soldiers and NATO troops for their contribution to the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence mission in Estonia.
"We do this to send a clear message of defense and deterrence," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ian Dietz, the senior defense attaché with the U.S. Embassy in Estonia.
The ceremony underscored the importance of providing combat credible forces on NATO’s Eastern Flank.
"You have served far from home in a mission that was not easy but of great importance," said Kaimo Kuusk, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Estonia. "NATO is not just a military alliance; it is a family of nations united by trust and belief in democracy and the rule of law."
Task Force Voit, consisting of rotational Soldiers, originally deployed to Estonia on short notice in 2022 and has played a key role in training members of the Estonian Defense Force on the use of M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) prior to receiving their own.
Originally purchased in 2022, Estonia's six new HIMARS were officially unveiled April 30, 2025.
“The recent addition of HIMARS by Estonia fosters cohesive training and cross-training opportunities between U.S. and Estonian forces, enhancing preparedness for future exercises,” said U.S. Army Capt. Emma Abusch, commander of Able Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps.
One of the key cross-training exercises leading up to Estonia receiving their own HIMARS was Winter Camp, which focused on direct fire mission processing with the Estonian Defense Forces. Exercises like this allowed Estonia to begin to become proficient with the HIMARS before even receiving their own.
“The experience was valuable in building trust and efficiency between our forces, ensuring we are ready to respond together,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Allyson Smith, a fire direction officer assigned to Able Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps.
Following Winter Camp, Exercise Hedgehog 25 was Estonia's largest annual military exercise, consisting of over 16,000 Estonian and allied troops. Task Force Voit participated in the exercise by supporting Estonian and NATO allies with long-range precision fires, once again integrating Estonia in the process of using the HIMARS.
“It is very fulfilling and worthwhile to help train them,” said 1st Sgt. Albert Connelly, assigned to Able Battery, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, XVIII Airborne Corps.
As the ceremony concluded, Kuusk offered a heartfelt thank you to all the service members, emphasizing the importance of their mission and reminding the troops of their critical role in ensuring the security of Estonia and the broader NATO alliance.
“This award gives me a profound sense of purpose and acknowledgment for the hard work we have put in," said 1st Lt. Smith.
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.07.2025 03:06 |
| Story ID: | 499805 |
| Location: | CAMP TAPA, EE |
| Web Views: | 35 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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