RUKLA, Lithuania - Lithuania's top army leader and members of the public welcomed U.S. Soldiers to the former Soviet-bloc country Oct. 8 in a small ceremony, briefing and public static display of Lithuanian and U.S. military vehicles and arms.
Soldiers of the Vilseck, Germany-based 2nd Cavalry Regiment and the Fort Hood, Texas-based 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, are in Lithuania for Atlantic Resolve, a multinational combined arms exercise taking place across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to enhance multinational interoperability, to strengthen relationships among allied militaries, to contribute to regional stability and to demonstrate US commitment to NATO.
Maj. Gen. Almantas Leika, commander, Lithuanian Land Forces, discussed the importance of Atlantic Resolve, in light of the history of the country, which was invaded by Russia in 1940, then by Germany in 1944, then reoccupied by Russia after WWII. After the Russian occupation, Lithuanians fought a guerrilla-style war for nearly a decade and many were killed or deported to Siberia.
"We fought alone from 1944 to 1953," said Leika. "No one came to assist us in our fight. Today we don't feel alone. We are part of the strongest military alliance. We very much appreciate that you are here."
The senior Lithuanian Army leader told U.S. Soldiers that interoperability will be an important focus in Atlantic Resolve.
"You came at a very good time," said Leika. "Soon we will have a very large exercise - Iron Sword - and you will be training with many multinational Allies and partners."
Leika said that Canada, Hungary, Estonia, Germany, Luxembourg, Czech Republic and others will participate in the Lithuanian exercise.
After the briefing, Soldiers joined their peers outside and met with members of the Lithuanian public and talked about the US mission and capabilities.
Spc. Patrick Jenkins, mortarman, C Troop, 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, posed for pictures with school children and talked about the Stryker Mortar Carrier Vehicle with curious members of the public.
"It was great, because we got to interact with them and that, in itself, builds a great partnership," said Jenkins, a native of Brooklyn, New York. "It lets Lithuanians know that we're here to grow together."
Having Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Strykers, and small arms on display is a great way to introduce the U.S. Soldiers to the Lithuanian public, said Capt. Michael Sims, commander, C Troop, 1st Sqd., 2nd Cav. Regt.
"It's another opportunity to display our presence here and to demonstrate our equipment to NATO allies," said Sims. "Our troops are acting as Soldier statesmen, reinforcing the message that we are present and dedicated to our NATO Allies."
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