An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Soldiers Visit Polish Cadets at Local School

You have accessed part of a historical collection on defense.gov. Some of the information contained within may be outdated and links may not function. Please contact the DOD Webmaster with any questions.

Soldiers from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, met with Polish military cadets at a local school in Rzepin, Poland, Jan. 15, in an effort to continue building upon Polish-U.S. relations.

Army Cpl. Kevin Freeman, right, a human resource specialist with Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, views cell phone video shared by a high school cadet in Rzepin, Poland.
Army Cpl. Kevin Freeman, right, a human resource specialist with Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, views cell phone video shared by a high school cadet in Rzepin, Poland, during a class visit, Jan. 15, 2018. The purpose of the visit was to give the cadets the opportunity to learn more about the U.S. military and its involvement in Operation Atlantic Resolve. Army photo by Spc. Dustin D. Biven
Army Cpl. Kevin Freeman, right, a human resource specialist with Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, views cell phone video shared by a high school cadet in Rzepin, Poland.
Poland Visit
Army Cpl. Kevin Freeman, right, a human resource specialist with Headquarters Company, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, views cell phone video shared by a high school cadet in Rzepin, Poland, during a class visit, Jan. 15, 2018. The purpose of the visit was to give the cadets the opportunity to learn more about the U.S. military and its involvement in Operation Atlantic Resolve. Army photo by Spc. Dustin D. Biven
Photo By: Spc. Dustin D. Biven
VIRIN: 180115-A-ED017-1517

Soldiers sat at tables throughout a room in the school answering a wide variety of questions from the cadets, who sought to learn more.

"It was great being able to meet with the cadets,” said Army Sgt. Demetri Richardson, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to Headquarters Company, 2nd ABCT. “They had a lot of great questions.”

Sharing Smiles, Laughter

Though shy at first, through conversation, the cadets began sharing smiles and laughter with the American soldiers.

“They asked about the day-to-day activities of a soldier, what my hobbies were and even my favorite music,” Richardson said. “I feel like not only did they get something out of our visit, but we did too. I loved it and I look forward to being able to do it again.”

After the cadets finished asking the soldiers questions and learning about the United States' mission in Poland, Command Sgt. Major Craig A. Copridge, Dagger Brigade, showed the cadets step by step how to properly prepare meals ready to eat, or MRE.

Julianna Fedorowicz, a 16-year-old cadet at the school, volunteered first and tried the MRE.

“It was actually really good,” said Fedorowicz, when asked how she enjoyed the MRE. “It was great to meet with the U.S. military, they were all so kind and I learned a lot talking with them.”

Ewa Winiarczyk, principal of the school, helped arrange the visit between the cadets and the U.S. military to help the students learn firsthand what the United States is doing in Poland.

“While teaching our cadets about the military, a visit like today is a great opportunity,” Winiarczyk said. “We want our cadets to learn why the U.S. is in Poland and what it is they are doing here to help. This is our first time having the U.S. visit the school, but we look forward to many more.”

Cadets were able to learn more about the U.S. military’s presence in Poland and the United States’ commitment to providing collective security and America's dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.

Related Stories