MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE, Romania -Soldiers from Task Force 1-8 Infantry hosted Romanian school-children of Grigore Moisil School at a static display of military vehicles and other equipment as part of Kids Day at Mihail Kogalniceanu International Airport, Romania on March 21, 2017.
The event was in honor of an annual Kids Day event where local school children take a break from class to observe different types of institutions to learn about how they work. This year's event gave the children the chance to see U.S. and Romanian forces working together up close as well as to see what U.S. Soldiers are up to.
1st. Lt. Samuel Jolley, Protection Officer for Task Force 1st Infantry, 8th Regiment spoke on the importance of the event.
"We get the opportunity to get children to see what we're doing here at Mihail Kogalniceanu," said Jolley.
According to Jolley, the day's events were scheduled by the task force over the last month, and were designed to appeal to the public as well.
The Kids Day event showcased the cohesion of Romanian and U.S. forces as they support Operation Atlantic Resolve, a NATO mission between the U.S. and European Allies to enhance international relationships as well as deter aggression in Europe. This part of the mission was a part of enhancing relationships with the local community, giving the Romanian people the chance to meet the new guests in their country.
The event was broken up into several parts. The children got a tour of multiple vehicles including a M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle, a UH-60 Black Hawk and a Romanian MiG-21 fighter jet. They also experienced what it was like to wear equipment such as Improved Outer Tactical Vests, helmets, and to don camouflage face paint. There was also a first-aid station available to the kids for them to practice medical techniques on willing Soldiers.
Spc. Adam Struckmeier, a fire engine driver with the 557 Fire Detachment, 62nd Forward Support Company reflected on what he saw in the children at the event.
"By the looks on their faces they had a lot of fun. It's nice to see they're not afraid of us," he said.
Mihail Dumitrascu, a local parent of one of the school-children agreed, summing up the feelings of many at the event. .
"I don't think the children expected all this and they enjoyed it very much." said Dumitrascu.
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