In hopes of better understanding the U.S. mission to support NATO allies, VFW’s Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland visited Camp Kościuszko in Poznan, Poland, on Feb. 2, kicking off a European tour of military installations and VFW Posts.
Borland flew to Poland and met with the forward command element of the Army’s V Corps and support team at the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) – Poland, receiving a first-hand account of the U.S. military's role in NATO’s presence in eastern Europe.
At Camp Kościuszko, Borland also received a grand tour of the facilities and insight into the quality of life from the troops.
VFW Commander-in-Chief Tim Borland, left, speaks with U.S. Army troops at Camp Kościuszko in Poznan, Poland on Feb. 2. Borland and then-VFW Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci received a first-hand account of the U.S. military's role in NATO’s presence in eastern Europe. Photo courtesy of the VFW.“This Corps is in great hands,” Borland said. “I am very impressed with the esprit de corps in this unit.”
V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide command and control for more than 20,000 U.S. troops, as well as reinforcing the eastern flank across nine European countries.
A big part of Borland’s visit was to engage with V Corps soldiers and share information about the VFW, touting the organization’s free pre-discharge VA claims assistance for those transitioning to civilian life upon their return stateside.
“I think it meant a lot to the troops, and it was an ideal opportunity to communicate with key partners in the VSO community,” said V Corps Public Affairs Senior Enlisted Advisor Sgt. Maj. Michael Pintagro about the visit. “We appreciate your outreach, your engagement and your advocacy on behalf of our soldiers and vets across the U. S. Army.”
In partnership with the departments of Defense and State, the VFW Washington Office directors plan to coordinate VFW command visits to promote and advocate on behalf of veterans, service members and their families, serving as their voice in Congress, VA and DoD meetings.
As part of his visit to Europe, Borland also met with troops in Italy stationed in Vicenza and Aviano Air Base, as well as VFW members and their families at local Posts. The Chief wrapped up his European tour by spending time at Aviano, where he visited airmen of the Air Force’s 31st Fighter Wing.
This trip follows a successful one last fall, when Borland traveled to Europe, visiting major NATO and U.S. military commands. He visited with military members and their families in installations throughout Belgium and Germany.