U.S. Army Europe and Africa
March 23, 2023

Soldiers receive NATO Medal from Estonian Minister of Defence

Soldiers assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment (1-14 FA), 75th Field Artillery Brigade, supporting the 4th Infantry Division in Europe, were presented NATO medals from the Estonian military and civilian leadership during a ceremony, March 22, 2023 on Tapa Army Base, Estonia.

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Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Estonia, delivered a speech saying, his gratitude for the United States’ presence in Estonia is reassuring.

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Throughout their rotation, the Soldiers from the 1-14 FA trained Estonian allies on the M142HIMARS a high mobility artillery rocket system a light multiple rocket system. The battalion also introduced the artillery system to Estonian officials, both military and civilian, while also displaying the M142 HIMARS throughout the country.

The award citation mentioned participation in international military operations through outstanding contributions towards strengthening security along the Eastern flank of NATO.

Gabrielle Cowan, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Estonia…said. “Your work has enhanced inoperability with the other NATO allies that are here in Estonia as well.”

Staff Sgt. John Barnes, a HIMARS section chief assigned to 1-14 FA, was one of 54 Soldiers to receive the medal….

The 4th Infantry Division’s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.