U.S. Army Europe
June 16, 2015
President of Estonia visits Army Europe
By Sgt. Daniel Cole, U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs
FRANKFURT, Germany: Estonian President Toomas Ilves paid a special visit to Army Europe headquarters here, June 13.
President Ilves met with Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges to discuss current U.S. and Estonian military relations as well as to accept the general’s invitation to speak as the guest of honor at the Army Europe Ball in Frankfurt.
Discussions ranged from Operation Atlantic Resolve, current exercises, and the current illegal Russian occupation of Crimea.
“When it comes to reassurance I think what we really need is to make sure that Russia understands that NATO is serious,” President Ilves said. “NATO will defend its allies.”
Additionally, the president spoke about the growing relationship between his nation and the U.S. The president emphasized that it is not only Estonian service members who openly welcome the U.S. presence the civilian population as well.
“We are a very pro-American country and we highly value the role the U.S. has played in defending liberty,” President Ilves emphasized. “There is fundamental belief in my country that the United States is a force for good and for freedom.”
Hodges also spoke with approximately 450 guests at the ball about the personal friendship he’s developed with President Ilves over the short time in command at Army Europe.
The general stated that it is because of the dedication and leadership of countries like Estonia that Army Europe has been able to “get it done” and keep moving forward.
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About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
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