3-4 ABCT Soldiers Create Lasting Bonds at 20th Military Picnic

KALISZ, Poland - U.S. Soldiers with the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, participated in the 20th annual Military Picnic and static display in Kalisz, Poland, June 19, 2022. The Soldiers set up a static display, including two U.S. Army Humvees and a table of military equipment for people to interact with. This event aimed to build relations, interoperability, and trust with Polish allies.

"We want the people of Poland to know that we're here as their partners," said U.S. Army 1st Sgt. James Grider, first sergeant of the Headquarters Headquarters Company, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "We're here to reassure them that we are their allies, and we will help them with whatever they need."

The display allowed Polish civilians to climb into the vehicles, take pictures, and ask the Soldiers questions about their professions and equipment. The presence of the U.S. military gives the host nation a powerful message of reassurance and commitment.

"It feels great that we were invited," said U.S. Army Spc. Jenny Boncad, a U.S. Soldier with the Headquarters Headquarters Company, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. "We are the first Americans to be invited to this event. I enjoy being out here because the Polish people are very accommodating and have been really nice to us."

Training alongside allies enhances the U.S. Army's ability to anticipate, react, move, and communicate as a cohesive team. The partnership is the key to overall strength, and engaging with Polish allies allows the Soldiers to learn new skills that further strengthen interoperability and lethality.

"This event has been a great experience for me and my Soldiers," says Polish Land Forces Cpl. Patrick Patr, a team leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Division. "We can see that we are all very different, but we have the same goal that we are working towards together."

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. Atlantic Resolve aims to improve combined operational capability in a range of missions and ensure the continued peace and stability of Europe.

"We will continue to do joint exercises and training with the Polish," said Grider. "Whatever they require from us we will provide. We want to be good allies, good friends, and show that we are here as a member of their team."