DVIDS – News – Demonstrate Unity: US soldiers and allied honorary Estonian veteran day

Camp Tapa, Estonia – Us Soldiers Assigned to 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3RD Infantry Division, Along with Soldiers Supporting Task Force Voit, Participated in Estonia’s Veterans Day Held at Camp Tapa, Estonia, April 23, 2025. The Ceremony Honored the Sacrifices of Estonian Servicemen and Women, Including Those Who Have Lost Their Lives in her country.

The ceremony, which was visited by the US staff and NATO allies, served not only as a memory, but also as a demonstration of unity and support for Estonia.

“Participation in the Estonian veteran day ceremony underlines our commitment to our allies,” said PFC. Luke Gregory, a multiple -start system (MLRS/HIMARS) crew member, the capable battery, the 321st field artillery regiment, which was assigned 18th field artillery -Brigade, XVIII airborne corps.

Gregory emphasized the importance of the ceremony for the promotion of relationships and interoperability between the USA and Estonian forces.

“This event contributes the trust and understanding of what is of crucial importance for effective joint operations,” he remarked.

As part of the participation of the US Army, a rocket system (Himars) with high mobility of 3-321 FAR was exhibited, which is increasingly relevant and symbolic for Estonia.

In 2022, the US Foreign Ministry approved Himar’s sales to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania due to the increased demand from NATO allies. Six Himars units were officially handed over to Lockheed Martin’s facility in Arkansas on January 13, 2025 and are on the way to Estonia. Its arrival enables Estonia precise artillery skills with long-term artillery to beat deep behind the enemy lines.

While Estonia is preparing to integrate the Himar’s system into its defense skills, the ongoing partnership with US armed forces is of crucial importance for improving national security and regional stability.

“The Estonian forces are knowledgeable and ready to learn,” commented Gregory. “Your willingness to use new technologies and strategies often exceeds what we see in our training.”

This positive relationship is of crucial importance for the structure of combined skills, improving the lethality and increasing the general willingness against potential threats.

Estnian Defense Force Staff Sgt. Marko Virk, an information manager who was assigned to the Brigade headquarters, conveyed the country’s deep appreciation for its soldiers and women.

“Dear allies, today we are celebrating the veteran day in Camp Tapa, Estonia. Since 1995, Estonian troops for international operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, in the Central African Republic, Mali, Lebanon, Kosovo and elsewhere to defend freedom and security for NATO, the European Union, and our allies, and our allies Allies, and our allies, used.

More than 300 Estonian soldiers and women were wounded, with 12 serving the ultimate victim at Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.

“We will never forget the Estonian troops and their families and their bravery in April wear a blue Hepatica pin,” said Virk.

This day of honor shows that interoperability is not just about systems and technology. It is about people, processes and relationships that build stronger teams, promote overmatch and increase the lethality.

“Participation in the Estonian veteran day ceremony was a privilege and it was a really moving experience,” said Adrian Betridourt of the US Army, Commander of the Task Force Voit. “Since I was there personally, I allowed myself the deep respect and gratitude that the Estonian people have for their veterans.”