(TAPA TRAINING AREA, Estonia) - Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, participated in an opening ceremony prior to occupying new barracks at Tapa Training Area, Estonia June 27.
Soldiers from 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. are currently in Estonia as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve, a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region
Several Estonian Army and local dignitaries attended the ceremony with their family members while U.S. Soldiers stood in formation.
An Estonian band played the country's national anthem and a couple of speeches delivered prior to the ribbon cutting marking the official opening of the barracks.
U.S. Army 1st Lt. Victor Mclean, the executive officer for 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., was with the company during their rotation to Estonia last fall when the new barracks were being built.
"Both sets of barracks pretty much have the same layout, except everything in the new barracks is more modern than the old barracks," said Mclean.
The new barracks have ten twin-size beds, ten large wall lockers, a desk area, and a sink with mirror combination in each room. There is also a sauna on each floor, and a common area with a full kitchen and television on the second floor.
"The Soldiers are excited about moving into the new barracks, that's all they have been talking about since our arrival back in Estonia," said Mclean.
There are also garages in the new barracks and an empty room on the first floor, which may end up becoming a gym for the Soldiers.
Sgt. 1st. Class Julio Nicholls, the First Sergeant for Company A, 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt., said that everything is accessible for the Soldiers right in the new barracks.
"This is a morale booster for our Soldiers because the barracks are brand new and nobody has lived in them," said Nicholls. "The accommodations are better and they can do their day-to-day operations in it."
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