American soldiers on reassurance mission bring life to small Polish town

Stars & Stripes ^ | February 3, 2017 | MARTIN EGNASH

[GonzoII]

ZAGAN, Poland — This hamlet in the wooded countryside is hours from Wroclaw, the nearest sizeable city, with narrow winding streets and large communist-era prefab block buildings.

It’s in a need of a makeover, and it just might get one.

The town is home to an expansive military installation, where Poland’s 11th Armored Cavalry Division is based. Earlier this week, the United States sent an armored combat brigade here as part of a NATO effort to assure eastern allies concerned about potential Russian aggression since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

But the U.S. brought more than tanks and equipment to Poland. They also brought 3,500 consumers who are boosting the local economy and giving their hosts a snapshot of American life.

[GonzoII]

I wish Poland were a duty option when I was in..if only the Russians hadn't been already there.

[datura]

I was in Berlin during the 80’s - make a wrong turn coming back from the zone and you ended up in Warsaw.

[Vigilanteman]

Some of the specialties the Americans are enjoying are perogies (dumplings), potato pancakes and, of course, the sausage Poles call kielbasa. There are dozens of traditional eateries throughout town, primarily in the main square, which wraps around a stark white watchtower.

They could eat this in the Pittsburgh area, just sayin'.

God bless the Poles. I wish they would send another Pope to replace the apostate Pope Frank.

[2banana]

Yawn. Poland spends less than 2% GDP on defense. The Baltic States even less.

America is around 3.5% GDP.

They really don’t take the Russian threat seriously. So why should we?

[BigEdLB]

Plus a lot of Polish women are very cuute

[Wyrd bið ful aræd]

Agreed. Certain countries tend to get a hearty pat on the back from conservatives. Poland is one of them, even though private ownership of firearms and right to self defense are absolutely stomped on by the Polish gov and they expect us to defend them, among other faults.

[PIF]

[metmom]

They could eat this in the Pittsburgh area, just sayin'.

Buffalo.

I grew up with all three.

YUM!!!!!!!

[editor-surveyor]

.
Francis truly is the final pope.
.

[Vigilanteman]

Polish chicks are so cute and adorable. That top knot is so reminiscent of King Jan Sobeski and his Winged Hussars that saved Vienna from the Muslim hordes.