Swietoszow, Poland. (December 21, 2023): In this photo by Sergeant Demetrysean Lewis, Specialist Jack Lingenfelter, a motor transport operator assigned to Kentucky’s National Guard 2113th Transportation Company, plays Santa while collecting high fives from local Polish children. Specialist Lingenfelter and his comrades chose to volunteer their off time to entertain children in local schools during the holidays. To them, it’s just part of being a good neighbor. Throughout the visit, the Soldiers gave out gift bags, and listened to the students sing Christmas songs. A bonus was that students got a chance to practice their English language skills with their American guests.
These 2113th Transportation Company soldiers are in Poland as part of the U.S. military buildup after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Today, units like the Kentucky National Guard rotate throughout the year and the American military has recently established its first permanent presence in the country. The U.S. 5th Corp will be based in the City of Poznan to coordinate the activities of Army forces from the Baltics to Bulgaria. The garrison now oversees a dozen different sites across Poland while deploying some 10,000 troops on a rotational basis.
Of course, equally important are the bonds developed between the average G.I. and the host population whose support is just as vital to the mission. For these Kentucky National Guard soldiers, the reward lies in the delighted eyes of children in the joy of Christmas.