Smyrna soldier helping bridge new partnership with Romania

By MICHAEL TOLZMANN
Special to The DNJ

MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRBASE, Romania — On a rural, grassy, wind-blown hilltop near the Black Sea, a group of U.S. soldiers stand on soil that over the ages armies and empires fought for. The Greeks, Romans, Turks and Soviets have all paid the price of blood to stand on this land.

For the son of a Smyrna couple, standing on this land in an American military uniform required no bloodshed. His presence here merely illustrates a newly forged cooperation between the United States and Romania, a NATO nation since 2004.

Army Spec. Joshua Brown, the son of Douglas and Clarise Barton, Smyrna, is a multiple launch rocket system fire directions specialist who is spending a few months in Romania, sharing military tactics and interacting with Romanians. Brown's actions here are helping bridge the new partnership between the two militaries.

"I'm serving with the support unit. We supply food, water, laundry and any basic supplies the soldiers need while serving in the field," said Brown.

Brown is a part of what the U.S. military is calling a "proof of principle" exercise, which means the two countries are building military relations to help prepare for the prospect of future coalitions. With a joint task force comprised of U.S. soldiers, sailors and airmen, this base is helping define future basing and training in the region. Brown is learning from his experience here.

"Romanians are very cool people. Every one is very polite. They love to play and learn new sports with us. So far I've learned a little about their culture and a little of their language," said Brown.

Brown's regular, permanent duty station is located in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, with 1st Battalion, 94th Field Artillery. But while here, Brown is absorbing Romanian culture that will leave a lasting impression.

"I love the beach here. I've never really been to a beach before, but here it is absolutely gorgeous. The city nearby is also very nice," said Brown.

Brown has served for almost five years, and served in Iraq from 2003 to 2004.

For Brown, standing on Romanian soil is but a temporary assignment. Brown now lives with allies who less than a generation ago would have been considered an adversary with Romania a member of the Soviet bloc.