DVIDS – News – Cultural connections: Sky Soldiers embrace Slovenian culture in Postojna

Postojna, Slovenia (March 3, 2024) — A hidden gem in the heart of Europe, Slovenia is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich culinary tradition. From stunning landscapes to cultural treasures, soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade can relax, connect with history, and create lasting memories as they explore Slovenia.

“I like it,” Private said. said Military Intelligence Analyst 1st Class Javier Anguiano. “It’s a very peaceful place. The architecture and the forest are very nice.”

Anguiano and his fellow paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade took a break from bayonet readiness training in Slovenia to explore the quaint town of Postojna. He and his friends enjoyed Eastern European kebabs, schnitzels, and burgers mixed with local spices and served with pickled vegetables and local sauces. The cuisine was a fusion of traditional Slovenian flavors and international culinary influences.

“It’s a nice break,” Anguiano said. “It’s nice to be able to come out here and eat real food instead of doing MREs all day.”

Postojna’s central square is decorated with attractive buildings of different architectural styles. From the ornate building facades to the colorful houses, the style reflects the Slovenians’ ability to adapt to changing times while retaining their historic charm. For the Sky Soldiers, the unique and fulfilling experience of exploring Postojna was a much-needed break from training.

“This is a time for us to not only enjoy our culture, but also to reset,” said Staff Sgt. Jerome Johnson of Spartan Company, 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion.

Johnson heads a company of culinary experts and mechanics. While in Slovenia, he and his paratroopers, along with Slovenian soldiers, rose before dawn to provide the paratroopers with local bread, sausages, fruit, and milk for breakfast.

“It’s a nod and a handshake,” Johnson said. “One of my soldiers exchanged patches with a Slovenian soldier. It bridged the gap between the two armies.

Mr. Anguano appreciated the Slovenian military’s logistical support for the 173rd Airborne Brigade’s on-site training.

“Before, we had to take a shower after not having showered for a week, but the Slovenians let us go into the barracks and use it to cleanse ourselves,” Anguiano said. said.

“I think we are people living in the same world, just in different places, but raised within the same structures,” Johnson said.

In the fields and on the streets, the Sky Soldiers believe the Slovenians made them feel welcome.

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army’s contingency response force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the U.S. Europe, Africa, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Front-lined in Italy and Germany, the brigade regularly trains with NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.