 of Minister Chimoniak, Ambassador Maul and Joe Maieschi, and other general officers who are here today. It's an honor for me to represent the United States European Command and the United States Army in Europe. And in the name of all the soldiers of the United States Army in Europe, especially those before you, we thank you for the great welcome and hospitality. This is a great day for NATO. This is a great day for the United States of America, and this is a great day for Poland. Poland joined NATO in 1999, and since that time has been a major contributor. When NATO needed Poland, Poland was there. Poland was capable, Poland was committed, and Poland had the will to live up to its obligations to the Alliance. Today, the beginning of this training exercise demonstrates that the NATO Alliance is committed to Poland as well. And just as Poland has demonstrated her commitment to the Alliance, so too has the United States of America. We have participated in and will continue to participate in an active, vibrant training and exercise schedule all over Europe in support of NATO priorities. The most elite airborne soldiers from Poland and the United States have trained together many times. And in two weeks, they will participate in a long planned airborne training event. But they are only one example of our persistent partnership that is the best that can be compared to any countries. Today, the linking of this company from the US 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team with their Polish brothers from the 6th Airborne Brigade is a tangible manifestation of the United States' commitment in this region. They have come to Poland for an important bilateral exercise to train with their elite airborne comrades to learn from each other and to continue their ongoing, persistent partnership that has matured over time. Relationships are important. Lieutenant General Campbell speaks with General Goetzel, the chief of the general staff, frequently. General Tomaszewski, the operational commander of Polish Armed Forces, was just at General Campbell's house Monday night for dinner. The relationship that Colonel Mike Foster of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team has with Brigadier General Jokes of the 6th Airborne Brigade didn't happen overnight. It happened over a series of meetings and gatherings in places like Krakow, Aviano, Italy, and others. These relations begin as serious military to military affairs. They progress to discussions among warriors and they continue as friends. Friends who know intimately of the other's sacrifice to the nation, to this partnership and to this alliance. The bilateral training that these soldiers are gonna participate in is ambitious. They will train as individuals, as squads, as platoons, as companies in combined organizations with live ammunition and under diverse, complex conditions. This is graduate level training. Usually only achievable after months of planning. We can plan it faster because of our relationships. These relationships which have matured into mutual trust. Despite the uncertainty of the world and this region, I am certain of one thing about the United States Army in Europe. We have the capacity. We have the commitment. We have the will to fulfill our NATO obligations. This exercise and the persistent presence that follows affirms our commitment to all of our NATO partners and allies that we will always be ready. And let me reiterate, making clear to all who may be listening, make no mistakes. The United States of America will honor its commitments. This is an ironclad promise. Once again, thank you to the government of Poland and to her military leaders for inviting our soldiers to your great country. We feel very welcome. The interoperability of our militaries has never been better. The relationship between our countries has never been stronger and the commitment from the NATO Alliance has never been more resolute. And for that, we should all be grateful. Thank you.