SULECIN, Poland - Soldiers with P Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment visited several elementary schools Sept. 3, 2015 near Sulęcin, Poland.
During the school visit, the Soldiers introduced themselves and told the children about their individual jobs and Army life. Additionally, the Soldiers brought some of their gear for the students to wear.
"It was pretty good," said Cpl. Andrew Hernandez, a cavalry scout with P Troop. "The kids were excited, they loved it and they said the gear was kind of heavy."
However, in addition to providing a break from the classroom, the students asked the Soldiers questions, giving them the opportunity to practice their English-speaking skills.
"I think the kids are really happy about this visit," said Marek Stadnik, an English teacher at Firefighters' Elementary School. "They learn English in our school, but meeting face-to-face with native speakers is very important."
A school of approximately 100 students, learning English is a requirement for all the students, said Stadnik.
"I think there should be more meetings like this," he said, "because it makes school life much more interesting."
By working with children, some of the Soldiers hope it will create better relations with the parents as well.
"It starts out with the kids," said Hernandez. "They take it to their parents and they tell them we're good people and we're here for good things. If it's good for their kids, then parents are going to love it. It brings everybody together."
Although the visited was aimed at helping students improve their language skills, the visit proved to be beneficial for the Soldiers as well.
"It uplifts us," said Hernandez. Working with kids lets Soldiers know there's more to Army life than training for combat, there are "good things around too."
The U.S. Soldiers are in Poland as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, an ongoing multinational partnership focused on combined training and security cooperation between NATO allies. Led by the mission command element of the 4th Infantry Division and in conjunction with European partner nations, Atlantic Resolve is intended to improve combined operational capability in a range of missions and ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe.
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