By Army Sgt. Gregory T. Summers, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs
Detachment
KAZLU RUDA, Lithuania -- Army Spc. Lukas Natkevicius, a
cavalry scout and Lithuanian native assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters
Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment based in Vilseck, Germany, returned
to his birth country during Exercise Saber Strike 18.
Saber Strike is an annual NATO military training exercise
that tests capabilities and enhances relationships among 19 participating
countries. This year’s exercise was held June 3-15 at training areas in
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.
“It feels good to be back in Lithuania, and this experience
has been amazing. I recognize so many places and I feel comfortable here,”
Natkevicius said.
Natkevicius was born and raised in Marijampole, a one-hour
drive just outside of the training area at Kazlu Ruda.
In 2004, when Natkevicius was 13, his father entered and won
the U.S. permanent resident card immigrant diversity program lottery. This
program allows those who enter and are selected from qualifying countries to
receive a United States permanent resident card.
U.S.-Bound
“At the time, out of three-million people, my dad was
extremely lucky,” Natkevicius explained. “We were extremely thankful and
excited to be able to go to the United States.”
Natkevicius and his family moved to Florida and eventually
relocated to New Jersey.
“Florida was great and I enjoyed surfing, but New Jersey was
cold and it wasn’t much fun,” Natkevicius said with a laugh.
He finished high school in New Jersey and upon graduation
returned to Florida.
“I enjoyed the area much better and I wanted to make it on
my own,” Natkevicius explained. “I intended to go to college as I was saving
money while working retail.”
Then, one of Natkevicius’ closest friends who was in the
Army, had recommended the military to him.
“She was a mechanic and received her education while serving
and now works at Google,” Natkevicius said. “I was interested in that
opportunity to better myself and that is what the Army provided.”
Joining the U.S. Army
In January 2015, Natkevicius joined the Army as a cavalry
scout and has been serving with the 2nd Cavalry Regiment in Germany for almost
two years.
“The Army has helped me with everything I was struggling
with and put me back on my feet,” Natkevicius said.
Natkevicius recalled his first visit back to Marijampole
once he had the opportunity to take a weekend pass.
“At the time, I hadn’t seen my mom or other family in nearly
three years,” Natkevicius said. “I surprised my mom and called as I was driving
from Germany to Lithuania to let her know I was coming home and she was so excited.
Eventually, so many members of my family had called me once they found out, I
had to pull over to talk to all of them.”
With only a 13-hour drive between his home and duty station,
Natkevicius goes to Lithuania to see his family every chance he gets.
“Everything has changed for me since I joined the Army,” he
said. “It’s been great.”
Natkevicius also serves as his unit’s armorer – he’s
responsible for the inventory and maintenance of individual-level weapons
systems.
‘I Love Being a Scout’
“I love being a scout and I am enjoying being the armorer so
much; I’ve considered re-classing to a small-arms repairer,” Natkevicius said.
Army Capt. Jared Moore, commander of Headquarters and
Headquarters Troop, said that it has been a privilege working with Natkevicius.
“He is a very smart, intellectual soldier and having him in
our arms room was a great choice for our organization,” Moore said. “Conducting
Saber Strike in Lithuania is not only a great opportunity for him, but it’s
also a special opportunity for us to share, experience and witness his
journey.”
Natkevicius, Moore and other soldiers of HHT are responsible
for moving supplies during Saber Strike 18.
Natkevicius is grateful to be back in Lithuania but is
focused on the mission.
“I feel the same as everyone else; I do my job and I am
happy to do it,” he said. “It’s great to train here and partner with Lithuanian
soldiers and help strengthen our countries’ relationships.”
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