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Feature: FREEDOM 250

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Happy 250th birthday, America!

America's 250th birthday is a story that started long before this year, and one that continues today across Europe and Africa.

This Fourth of July, USAREUR-AF joins the nation in commemorating Freedom 250, a historic milestone marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Thirty-one of our forty-five presidents served in the military before taking office. That legacy of service is woven into the story of America itself, and while we celebrate the past, we remain focused on the present. Every day, our formations train alongside NATO Allies and partners, strengthening readiness and demonstrating the same pioneering spirit that has always defined the American military, from innovations that shaped daily life at home to the warfighters who continue shaping deterrence abroad.

As we look to the future, that spirit endures in every exercise, every partnership, and every Soldier who wears the uniform far from home this Independence Day.

250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - Freedom 250

U.S. Army Europe and Africa is celebrating this historic milestone by participating in Independence Day events across Europe and Africa.

Related:
Visit the Freedom 250 in Europe feature page

USAREUR-AF Commander Relinquishes Command

U.S. Army Europe and Africa honored its outgoing commander, Gen. Christopher Donahue, during a relinquishment of command ceremony July 2 on Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Donahue relinquished command of the organization to Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, deputy commanding general of USAREUR-AF, who will serve as the acting commander until a permanent successor is nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

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U.S. Army Col. Michael Filanowski awarded the Purple Heart

July 1, 2026 | 2:18

U.S. Army Col. Michael Filanowski, deputy chief of staff for operations for Multinational Division North East, NATO, is awarded the Purple Heart on June 25, 2026, in Boleslawiec, Poland. Filanowski was wounded while conducting a patrol in Afghanistan in 2005, along with his driver, gunner, and assistant gunner, by an improvised explosive device. The Purple Heart was introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington in 1782 and is awarded to U.S. military service members who are wounded or killed in action as a direct or indirect result of enemy action.

U.S., Romanian, and Croatian forces complete challenging military obstacle course in Poland

June 28, 2026 | 1:49

U.S. Army Soldiers, with the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, Croatian soldiers, with the 17th Croatian contingent, Croatian Armed Force, and Romanian soldiers from the 348th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, Romanian Land Forces, all of the NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) Battle Group - Poland, participate in a military obstacle course in celebration of Romanian Flag Day at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, June 27, 2026. Teams of four finished the course within minutes or seconds of each other; events included tire and litter carries and pushing a Romanian URO Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico, among others. The course reinforced the interoperability and readiness of the NATO FLF Battle Group along the alliance’s eastern flank.

EFDI Hackathon

June 26, 2026 | 0:14

U.S. Army Cpt. Bennett Hellman, a data scientist with USAREUR-AF Operational Data Team, leads a team of NATO engineers in the first Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) Data Backbone Hackathon on Clay Kaserne, Germany, June 17, 2026. They intend to consolidate incompatible computer systems in a convenient collection system that efficiently shares information among us and our allied partners anywhere in the world.

This is USAREUR-AF June 2026

June 25, 2026 | 1:00

This Is USAREUR-AF June edition showcases the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day. It features Gen. Donahue, Maj. Gen. Norrie, Command Sgt. Maj. Mullinax, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

Advanced Manufacturing Forum drives readiness through innovation and collaboration

Leaders from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa, Army Materiel Command and industry and partner organizations gathered on June 17 for the Advanced Manufacturing Forum to discuss how advanced manufacturing can strengthen readiness, accelerate sustainment solutions and expand production capabilities across the European theater.

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U.S. Army Europe and Africa leader emphasizes production at speed and scale at Eurosatory 2026

Kevin Marcus, U.S. Army Europe and Africa deputy chief of staff, G-5, highlighted the need for faster production, stronger industrial cooperation, and capabilities that can meet operational demand in Europe during a panel at Eurosatory 2026.

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U.S., U.K., French soldiers participate in commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race in Estonia

June 17, 2026 | 0:29

U.S., U.K. and French soldiers participate in a Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French and French Foreign Legion forces mounted a determined defense for 16 days against Axis troops in 1942, and challenged participants with a series of obstacles designed to test endurance and teamwork.

Grit, Teamwork, Readiness: III Armored Corps Crowns Best Squad

After five days of competition, the squad representing 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, was named the IIIAC Best Squad and will advance to represent the Corps in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition later this year.

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Army secretary highlights counter-UAS cooperation, acquisition reform at Eurosatory 2026

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll called for faster acquisition, stronger interoperability, and closer cooperation with allies and partners during a letter of intent signing ceremony held during the second day of Eurosatory 2026. The agreement is intended to expand the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Marketplace granting allies and partners access to counter-drone capabilities that have been proven on today’s battlefields.

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III Armored Corps Hosts 2026 Best Squad on Fort Hood

June 9, 2026 | 7:50

III Armored Corps hosted the U.S. Army Best Squad Competition, which brought together Fort Hood’s top-performing Soldiers to compete in a series of rigorous events designed to assess knowledge, leadership, fitness, and squad cohesion, Fort Hood, TX, June 1-5, 2026. The winners will move on to compete in the 2026 U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Squad Competition.

U.S. Army air defenders in Europe highlight the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative and innovation at Eurosatory 2026

U.S. Army air defenders from the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command highlighted the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative and the need for faster military innovation during a presentation at the Association of the United States Army’s Speakers Corner on the opening day of Eurosatory 2026.

U.S. Army Col. Tom Noble, deputy commanding officer of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, and British Army Maj. Ben Johnston, a G-5 plans officer and U.K. exchange officer with the command, spoke to an audience of military leaders, allies, partners, and defense industry representatives about what it takes to adapt at the pace of the modern battlefield.

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AFN Europe Report - June 12, 2026

June 12, 2026 | 2:00

In this Europe Report:

U.S. and Allied dignitaries, service members and veterans gathered to commemorate the 82nd Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.

(U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Olivia Marino)

Happy 251st Birthday

Since June 14, 1775, generations of brave men and women have stood on the front lines of freedom. From the mud of the Revolutionary War to operations across the globe, the U.S. Army has remained the bedrock of our nation's defense.

Happy 251st Birthday to all Soldiers past, present, and future.

The Centre for Army Leadership Podcast - Episode 62 - Leading The Warfighter with General Christopher Donahue

In Episode 62 of “Leading the Warfighter” featuring Gen. Christopher Donahue talks about his insights on character, team building, and leadership in today’s Army. Twenty deployments, three divisions, and a lifetime of lessons.

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Listen to the podcast

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Birthday

June 8, 2026 | 0:57

For 84 years, U.S. Army Europe and Africa has stood at the forefront of America’s commitment to allies and partners. As the Army Service Component Command for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa enables deterrence, strengthens partnerships, and provides ready and capable forces to defend the homeland from forward positions. From the Arctic to the Mediterranean, and from the Baltic to Africa, the command remains committed to enhancing readiness, assuring allies, and deterring aggression along NATO’s eastern flank.

Known as the Sword of Freedom, U.S. Army Europe and Africa continues a legacy forged through generations of Soldiers who have preserved peace through strength and stood ready to answer the nation’s call.

This video contains AI-generated imagery, graphics, music, and visual effects used for historical visualization and storytelling purposes. AI-generated scenes are artistic representations and are not authentic archival footage.

USAREUR-AF 84th Birthday

We are celebrating the 84th anniversary of U.S. Army Europe and Africa.

Since 1942 U.S. Army Europe and Africa has transformed to meet every challenge by building partnerships, leading innovation, and ensuring readiness.

Explore our timelines to see the legacy.

USAREUR-AF timeline 1942 - 1949

Since 1942 U.S. Army Europe and Africa has transformed to meet every challenge by building partnerships, leading innovation, and ensuring readiness.

Explore the timeline to see our legacy.

USAREUR-AF timeline 1952 - 2020

Since 1942 U.S. Army Europe and Africa has transformed to meet every challenge by building partnerships, leading innovation, and ensuring readiness.

Explore the timeline to see our legacy.

Screaming Eagles honor WWII Medal of Honor recipient at Cole Monument

June 4, 2026 | 0:20

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) honor Lt. Col. Robert G. Cole at the Cole Monument in Carentan, France, June 4, 2026, during events commemorating the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.

Col. Ryan Bell, commander of the 3rd Mobile Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gave remarks during the event.

On June 11, 1944, Cole led surviving soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in a bayonet assault against German forces near Ingouf Farm. Cole later received the Medal of Honor for his courage and leadership.

(U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

Screaming Eagles honor Carentan’s liberation during Cabbage Patch ceremony

June 4, 2026 | 1:07

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David W. Gardner, Commanding General of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gives remarks during the Cabbage Patch ceremony at Cabbage Patch Square in Carentan, France, June 3, 2026. Located eight miles inland from Utah Beach and behind what were once enemy lines, Cabbage Patch Square marks the site where U.S. service members began the bloody, close-combat fight to liberate Carentan during World War II.

Following the ceremony, Gardner, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher C. Goodart and Screaming Eagles marched from Cabbage Patch Square to the Signal Monument near Carentan City Hall during events commemorating the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. (U.S. Army video by Capt. Jennifer French)

Retired Gen. Richard Cody reflects on 101st Airborne Division legacy

May 31, 2026 | 0:34

Retired Gen. Richard A. Cody speaks about the legacy of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Cody, who led Task Force Normandy as a lieutenant colonel during Operation Desert Storm, reflected on the division’s connection to generations of Screaming Eagles who served in Normandy, Bastogne, Vietnam and beyond.

“The Screaming Eagle isn’t just a patch; it’s a link to those who fought in Normandy, Bastogne and Vietnam,” Cody said.

Cody later served as the 31st vice chief of staff of the U.S. Army from June 24, 2004, to July 31, 2008, and retired Aug. 1, 2008. The 101st Airborne Division story is still being written.

Related:
Visit the D-Day page

Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative

May 8, 2026 | 3:56

The Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative is a NATO-led effort supported by U.S. Army Europe and Africa to strengthen defense and readiness across NATO’s eastern flank. The initiative focuses on improving coordination between Allies, increasing combat readiness, and integrating new technologies to deter aggression and defend the region.

Related:
Visit the EFDI page

Are you ready for the European Entry/Exit System?

The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders. EES will capture biometric data, such as fingerprints, facial image, and other travel information, gradually replacing the current system of passport stamping.

Related:
Visit our EES page for more info
Visit the travel Europe EES page for more info
EUCOM EES FAQs
EES Passport Card printable

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command Video 2025

Aug. 15, 2025 | 3:28

U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command video showcasing key operations, missions, or initiatives of U.S. Army Europe and Africa Command and highlighting collaborative efforts across Europe, Africa, and NATO partnerships.

More News, Photos and Videos from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa

More News, Photos and Videos from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa

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Happy 250th birthday, America!

250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - Freedom 250

USAREUR-AF Commander Relinquishes Command

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U.S. Army Col. Michael Filanowski awarded the Purple Heart

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