Estonian knowledge, National Guard State Partnership Program Published March 6, 2015 By Tech. Sgt. David Speicher 175th Wing Public Affairs BALTIMORE -- More than 100 Maryland Guard Airmen participated in a meeting with the Estonian American National Council at Warfield Air National Guard Base here Feb. 8 to discuss future cooperation and collaboration. Marju Rink-Abel, Estonian American National Council president, provided a detailed overview of Estonia, Maryland's National Guard State Partnership Program partner since 1993. "Cultural exchanges have started," said Rink-Abel. Eleven cities in Maryland have been paired with sister cities in Estonia, which is an important civilian initiative. Rink-Abel says it is important that Estonians and Americans get to know each other and that those relationships have fostered growth between the two countries. Many of the Maryland Airmen have either been to Estonia or will go in the near future as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program.