NATO FLF Battle Group-Poland celebrates Romanian Armed Forces Day with sports competition
BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland — Romanian forces serving with NATO’s Forward Land Forces (FLF) Battle Group-Poland celebrated Romania’s Armed Forces Day alongside U.S., Croatian and British soldiers at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area on Oct. 25, 2026.
The celebration is especially important in Romania. This year, however, soldiers from the “Transylvanian Gepards” Air Defense Detachment, 20th rotation, marked the occasion with a sports competition far from home while serving on NATO’s eastern flank.
As part of the celebration, soldiers from allied nations competed in a Romanian-led sports competition Oct. 23–24. Events included volleyball, indoor soccer and table tennis.
The competitions took place in the training area gymnasium. On Oct. 23, teams played volleyball. Two U.S. teams stood out with consistent serves and spikes, and a cooperative spirit.
“It was great to share the court with all four nations, and each nation showed up with its own cheer squad,” said Sgt. Pala Fefiti, of 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group-Poland.
On the second day, teams competed in indoor soccer. Romania placed first, while teams from the Croatian 18th contingent took second and third. Players communicated consistently and maintained a strong defensive posture.
Later that afternoon, soldiers gathered around the gym’s two table-tennis tables to compete and cheer one another on. The players ranged from beginners to more experienced competitors, including Sgt. Javier Vazquez of 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, who has taken up the sport as a hobby.
Vazquez said he “enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people, learn from others, and experience different types of play” while playing table tennis with people from different backgrounds.
The competition gave soldiers a chance to come together outside their usual duties in the motor pool, behind the wheel or at the range, and celebrate their Romanian allies.
“Through professionalism, discipline and cooperation with our allied forces, we strengthen interoperability and demonstrate that unity and mutual trust are essential to achieving our common objectives,” said Romanian Capt. Vlad Istrate, the event officer assigned to the “Transylvanian Gepards” Air Defense Detachment, 20th rotation, NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group-Poland.
The “Transylvanian Gepards” held an award ceremony recognizing the competitors. Croatian, U.S., and Romanian leaders presented awards to those who participated in the Romanian Armed Forces Day competition.
During the ceremony, Romanian Maj. Iancu Radu-Nicolae, commander of the “Transylvanian Gepards” Air Defense Detachment, 20th rotation, NATO FLF Battle Group-Poland, said, “Despite the distance separating us from our homeland and our families, we carry with us the Romanian flag, the values of the Romanian Armed Forces, and the responsibility to accomplish our mission with honor and dedication.”
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