Aleksander Einseln

Biography

Aleksander Einseln served in the U.S. Army before returning to his ancestral homeland to help establish the modern Estonian Defence Forces, becoming the first commander-in-chief after independence from the Soviet Union. He blended American military discipline with deep respect for Estonia’s aspirations, guiding the Baltic nation through its earliest reforms and toward a NATO future.

Throughout his life, Einseln advocated for transatlantic cooperation, encouraging resilience and democratic reform in the region while supporting veterans on both continents, and Arlington National Cemetery now honors the dual legacy of a life dedicated to the security of two nations.