First US Soldier Joins Latvia's National Defence Service in Kurzeme

Latvia's National Defence Service (VAD), the country's compulsory military service, now includes its first soldier from the United States. Kārlis has been serving for several months in the 4th Brigade of the Latvian National Guard in Kurzeme, the region his grandmother left as a refugee during the Second World War. The story was reported by Latvian public media LSM.

Kārlis was born and raised in the US and studied international relations. He originally intended to live in Latvia for at least a year, and the idea of joining the defence service came after that. He saw it as a chance to experience something impossible in civilian life, to get to know Latvian nature and people, and to develop his professional skills.

The nickname "Washington"

His fellow soldiers call him "Washington" because he lives in the US capital. Kārlis stresses that he is treated like everyone else. Two other soldiers in his unit are also from abroad. His grandparents come from Liepāja. Relatives live in Skrunda, and he has friends in the National Guard whom he knew before enlisting.

He learns military skills in the forests around Skrunda, near the VAD training centre "Mežaine", and sleeps outdoors in the forest. He admits that military life is not easy, as it means being away from home, friends and family.

Ties to Latvia

Kārlis attended a Latvian school and summer camps and took part in song festivals. This is his first Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia, and with fellow soldiers he attended a commemoration for Oskars Kalpaks. The service places emphasis on patriotic education and military history.

For him, Latvia is first of all linked with his grandmother Stella, who recently turned 101 and lives in Washington. The war in Ukraine brings back memories and reflections on what it means to live in freedom.

His service will last another seven months. Kārlis does not yet know what he will do afterwards but is considering staying in Latvia. In his view, every person in Latvia is more important and influential than in the US. Next week he will celebrate his first 18 November, Latvia's Independence Day, in the country.