( CNN ) A convoy of U.S. Army armored vehicles is drawing crowds , cheers and tears as it makes an 1,100-mile journey from the Baltics through Poland and the Czech Republic to Germany . The trek is being made by troops from the 3rd Squadron , 2nd Cavalry Regiment and is dubbed a `` Dragoon Ride '' after the unit 's nickname , the Dragoons . It is designed to show solidarity to allies in the wake of recent Russian actions in Ukraine and Crimea that have Eastern Europe on edge . `` The engagements will provide a highly visible demonstration of U.S. commitment to the residents in each of the nations and the resolve of NATO as an alliance , '' according to a Pentagon statement . According to reports from the route , it seems to be delivering on that . `` This really means a lot to us . We see that we are not alone , that there is someone to defend us , '' Zdzislaw Narel , 60 , told The Associated Press as the convoy made a stop in Bialystok , Poland . `` I 've read about the former times . For me , what 's happening now is a little scary . I think it ( the American presence ) makes people feel safer , '' Viktorija Maciulyte , 18 , told Stars and Stripes newspaper at a stop in Panevezys , Lithuania . Troops say they can see the effects , too . `` The older people start getting emotional . I had one lady came up to me crying , '' Spc . John Zagozdon , 25 , told Stripes . `` They were all really grateful . '' `` It makes a difference when you see U.S. soldiers parked in your parking lot , '' Capt . Jon Challgren is quoted as saying in the Stripes report . The convoy , which began on Saturday , is expected to take 11 days to its end at Rose Barracks in Vilseck , Germany , about 40 miles from the Czech border . It is being supported by NATO military units and U.S. Air Force planes and Army helicopter units for reconnaissance and resupply , according to an Army statement .
1,100-mile convoy designed to reassure allies of U.S. commitment . Convoy moving through six European countries . `` It makes a difference when you see U.S. soldiers parked in your parking lot , '' captain says .