HOLSTEBRO, Denmark - Citizens from Denmark came out in full force May 21, 2016, to support Dragoon Day hosted by the Jutland Dragoon Regiment in Holstebro, Denmark.
Dragoon Day allowed citizens the opportunity to view simulated military operations, receive hands-on military equipment demonstrations and meet and interact with Soldiers from various NATO countries participating in the upcoming Nordic Tank Challenge. Soldiers from Sweden, Norway, Canada, Germany, Poland, Denmark and the U.S. will participate in the event, which will test their abilities to carry out missions as members tank crews.
Representing the U.S. for Dragoon Day were Soldiers of 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, who displayed the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
"The people here today have been really excited to see the M1 Abrams," said Sgt. Robert Mikulecky, a health care specialist with the 3rd Bn., 69th Armor Regt. "The people who've visited have asked tons of questions about it. The kids were most excited because they were able to climb on, sit in the driver's compartment and get a feel for it."
Mikulecky said that many of those who visited their display said that it was their first time seeing the tank up-close, in person. He said that the Dragoon Day event was important for the building of relationships across NATO countries.
"Today's event was very important in letting everyone know that we are all working together," Mikulecky said.
Those in attendance were able to view many different weapons systems and munitions. Citizens received hands-on demonstrations for the Carl Gustav anti-tank missile, M60 Machine Gun, and M2 .50 Caliber Machine Gun, to name a few.
"Today has been nice because people got to try our weapons," said Pvt. Julian Yuce, an infantryman with the Royal Danish Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Company. "Children have especially enjoyed seeing our weapons. Here, they've been able to touch, pick up and experience how heavy some of them are."
Mikulecky stated that the event was a huge success. He his interaction with the citizens in attendance as his favorite aspect of Dragoon Day.
"The people here have been really friendly and really accommodating," said Mikulecky. "There's not much of a language barrier so we've been able to explain and understand what each other had to say. Today has been really fun for me."
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