American becomes first US soldier in Latvia’s defence service

Kārlis, the first soldier from the United States to join Latvia’s state defence service, is serving in the Kurzeme region with the National Guard’s 4th Brigade, LSM reports. He is learning military skills in the region where his grandparents were born before fleeing during World War II.

Kārlis, who was born and raised in the United States, is based near Skrunda, close to the Mežaine state defence service training centre. He spends his nights in the forest.

He studied international relations and had planned to live in Latvia for at least a year. He said joining the service offered a chance to try something new, experience life beyond civilian work, enjoy Latvia’s nature and food, meet people and develop professional skills.

Military life has meant being away from friends and family, but relatives live in Skrunda. He also knew some people in the National Guard before joining. His nickname is Washington, because he lives in Washington. He said his treatment is no different from that of other soldiers and that two others in the service are also from abroad.

Kārlis said he grew up attending Latvian schools and summer camps and took part in song festivals. This was his first Lāčplēsis Day in Latvia. He attended a memorial event for Oskars Kalpaks and said the service places emphasis on patriotic education and military history.

Latvia is closely connected to his grandmother Stella, who recently turned 101 and lives with his family in Washington. She fled Latvia, and the war in Ukraine has prompted memories and reflections on what it means to live in freedom, Kārlis said.

He has seven months of service remaining and has not decided what he will do afterwards. He is considering staying in Latvia.