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'Tis the Season! Iron Soldiers deliver toys and cheer in Poland

Original source (on modern site) | Article images: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22]

1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army soldiers' acts of kindness resonate through Drawsko Pomorskie, reflecting their dedication to fostering unity and cultural exchange on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Arturo Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team soldiers' footsteps echo their goodwill as they traverse through the streets of Drawsko Pomorskie, delivering gifts and spreading holiday cheer on December 19, 2023.The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Arturo Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Through their 'Pioneer Rush' event, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division , share their holiday cheer with the community of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland exemplifying the Army's values beyond combat, fostering host nation building and goodwill among the locals on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, leads "Pioneer Rush" with leaders in the children's social services and U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Smith, also assigned to the same battalion. Iron Soldiers spread joy, gifting toys to local children during their ruck march in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, takes questions from local media in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023 as apart of his battalion's annual "Pioneer Rush" event. The coined "Pioneer Rush", an annual heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division leads 'Pioneer Rush' an annual holiday ruck march where the unit donates toys and gifts to needy children, with the mayor of Drawsko Pomorskie and U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Smith, also assigned to the same battalion. Iron Soldiers spread joy, gifting toys to the local children's hospital, orphanage, and children's social services during their ruck march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL 7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Amidst rain and determination, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division ,march with purpose, spreading holiday cheer through their generous toy distribution in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL

DRAWSKO POMORSKIE, Poland — Soldiers of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, embarked on "Pioneer Rush" ruck march December 19, 2023.

An annual holiday tradition, the Pioneer Rush is a heartwarming initiative where Soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community.

Due to their deployment, this year's ruck occurred in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. Partnering with the mayor of Drawsko Pomorskie, the 47th BSB identified crucial destinations to bring joy and support to the residents, showcasing the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team's dedication to community engagement and goodwill.

Soldiers traversed the city streets through the rain, each step excited with the anticipation of gifting a child from the local community.

1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, emphasizes the soldiers' commitment to goodwill, illuminating the human side of their dedicated service in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Arturo Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - As they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the community, soldiers form the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, demonstrate the U.S. Army's integral role in host nation building and goodwill efforts visiting an orphanage in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023.The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Arturo Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, embodies goodwill, distributing gifts to pivotal locations including the local children's hospital and orphanage in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Soldiers from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team shine a light of joy, gifting toys and laughter to children after rucking through the streets of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023.The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Smith, assigned to the 47th Brigade Support Battalion echoes soldiers' pride in contributing to the community's holiday joy during the 'Pioneer Rush' in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Maj. Arturo Rodriguez) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Iron Soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, display commitment to community service, sharing laughter and gifts with the community of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland during their annual 'Pioneer Rush' on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division trek through Drawsko Pomorskie, march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland with ruck sacks filled with toys and gifts as a gesture of generosity towards the community they serve on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL

Their mission was clear: spread holiday cheer by delivering gifts to three significant locations in the community. The Soldiers made stops at a local children's hospital, an orphanage and children's social services. Their presence and generosity lit up the faces of the children.

"Events like the Pioneer Rush not only strengthen our bonds within the battalion but allow us to strengthen connections within the local community," stated U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, the battalion commander of the 47th BSB. McDonald emphasized the significance of Soldiers engaging in acts of goodwill, highlighting another side of their service.

U.S. Army Spc. Giovanni Ricardo Bowsell — a human resources specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division — shared his sentiments about the event.

"Being able to contribute to the community, especially during the holiday season, makes me proud to be a Soldier. Witnessing the smiles on the children's faces is all we can ask for," said Bowsell.

1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, a soldier from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, smiles as soldiers march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, with ruck sacks filled with toys and gifts as a gesture of generosity towards the community they serve on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, with ruck sacks filled with toys and gifts as a gesture of generosity towards the community they serve on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, with ruck sacks filled with toys and gifts as a gesture of generosity towards the community they serve on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, with ruck sacks filled with toys and gifts as a gesture of generosity towards the community they serve on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mcferrin McDonald, commander of the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division leads 'Pioneer Rush', an annual holiday ruck march where the unit donates toys and gifts to needy children, with a nurse of the local children's hospital and U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Smith, also assigned to the same battalion. Iron Soldiers spread joy, gifting toys to local children during their ruck march through the city of Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Amidst rain and determination, soldiers from the 47th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, march with purpose, spreading holiday cheer through their generous toy distribution in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023. The coined "Pioneer Rush" is a heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Rainier Steven Juaneza) VIEW ORIGINAL 7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption - Local news stations highlight the significance of community engagement, showcasing the soldiers' commitment to service by interviewing a soldier assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland on December 19, 2023.The coined "Pioneer Rush", an annual heartwarming initiative where soldiers carry toys in their rucksacks and distribute them to children and families within the local community. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trevares Johnson) VIEW ORIGINAL

The Pioneer Rush ruck march is more than a charitable gesture; it symbolizes the embodiment of the military's values beyond the battlefield. The Soldiers' commitment to giving back, camaraderie and their eagerness to connect with the local population displays their pledge to service and sacrifice.

Moreover, these engagements serve as a testament to the U.S. Army's commitment to being an integral part of the communities they find themselves stationed. These experiences celebrate mutual understanding, an exchange of cultures and unity transcending nationalities.

The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team maintains many combat-capable forces in Europe. It exists to deter aggression; if deterrence fails, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and partners against that aggression. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, is forward deployed to Europe in support of the 3rd Infantry Division, V Corps at Drawsko Combat Training Center, Poland.

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