WASHINGTON — Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander Tim Borland traveled to Camp Kościuszko, Poznan, Poland, to visit with U.S. service members and learn about the American mission supporting NATO allies amid tensions with Russia.
VFW National Commander Tim Borland speaks with troops deployed to Camp Kosciuszko in Poland.Accompanied by VFW Washington Office Deputy Director Ryan Gallucci, Chief Borland was able to meet with the forward command element of the U.S. Army’s V Corps and the support team that makes up U.S. Army Garrison - Poland. The purpose of the visit was to get a better understanding of the U.S. military's role in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in eastern Europe, receive a tour of the facilities and check on the quality of life of troops serving there.
“This Corps is in great hands,” said Borland speaking of V Corps and USAG - Poland leadership, who provide services and support to deployed service members. “I am very impressed with the esprit de corps in this unit.”
As America's forward deployed Corps in Europe, V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide command and control for the more than 20,000 U.S. troops and equipment reinforcing the eastern flank across nine countries to deter further aggression in the European theater.
The VFW team also took the opportunity at various stops along their visit to engage V Corps soldiers and share information about the VFW, to include free pre-discharge VA claims assistance for those who are looking to transition back to civilian life upon their return from deployment.
“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 United States Army.”
In partnership with the Departments of Defense and State, directors of the VFW Washington Office plan and coordinate VFW command visits so the organization can better advocate on behalf of veterans, service members and their families, serving as their voice to Congress, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the DoD.
After their time in Poland, the team will travel to Italy to visit with service members stationed in Vicenza and Aviano as well as VFW members and their families at local Posts.
Last year, Borland and Gallucci made their first trip to Europe together, visiting major NATO and U.S. military commands as well as service members and their families stationed at various installations throughout Belgium and Germany.
Photos of Commander Borland’s trip can found here. We’ll continue to add pictures as he completes his trip.