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  • Ukraine Delegation Visits Washington National Guard Leaders

    CAMP MURRAY, Wash. - A delegation from Ukraine visited Washington National Guard leaders March 15 to thank them for supporting the country.“We know your unit deployed to Ukraine in 2021 to help our military and we want to take this time to thank them for their support of the people of Ukraine,” said

  • Hokanson Announces new State Partnership Program Nations

    WASHINGTON – A program that pairs the National Guard in the states and territories with foreign allies and partners is set to grow by several nations this year, the National Guard’s top officer announced March 7.Finland, Palau, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Sweden and Tanzania will be added to the

  • In Finland, Hokanson Sees a Country’s Cold Will to Defend Itself

    HELSINKI, Finland – The National Guard’s top officer recently visited Finland as part of a larger Northern European itinerary to strengthen the Guard’s security cooperation ties in the region.The Guard has worked with Finland for more than 20 years. The framework for an even deeper partnership is

  • Senate Recognizes 30-year State Partnership Program

    WASHINGTON - After a summer marked by anniversary celebrations, the U.S. Senate formally recognized 30 years of the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program Sept. 27.In a room crowded with Guard leaders, Senate staff members and foreign counterparts, the Senate National

  • Hokanson: Bilateral Defense Relations with Serbia on Positive Trajectory

    BELGRADE, Serbia – In the wake of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Serbia instituted a pause on military drills with other nations.On June 13, Serbian troops resumed bilateral training with Ohio National Guardsmen and multinational forces in exercise Platinum Wolf, marking the

  • Cal Guard Stands with Ukraine a Year After Russian Invasion

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. - One year ago, Russia invaded Ukraine to try to overthrow the democratically elected government of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.“It’s truly a grim milestone,” U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, acting California National Guard adjutant general, said at a commemoration rally

  • In Central Europe, Guard Chief Sees Enduring Partnerships and Growth

    VIENNA, Austria – In the heart of Europe, as a new security cooperation partnership takes its first steps, another prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary.Here in Austria, Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson witnessed the Austrian Armed Forces and the Vermont National Guard cement the newest partnership in

  • Three Nations, One Goal: Continued Freedom

    VILNIUS, Lithuania – Three Baltic nations are laser-focused on one goal: defending their independence and territorial integrity.The chief of the National Guard Bureau heard the same message in visits to each country, part of a five-nation trip to recognize and strengthen National Guard security

  • National Guard Supports Armed Forces of Ukraine

    ARLINGTON, Va. – Pinned down by a Russian tank and armed with only a failed anti-tank missile, a Ukrainian soldier recently turned to an unlikely source as the most effective weapon available — his cell phone. On the other end was a member of the Washington Army National Guard. Because they had

  • National Guard Leaders Emphasize Value of State Partnership Program

    ARLINGTON, Va. – The adjutants general from California, Florida, Nebraska and Vermont discussed the value of the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program during a media roundtable June 2.The true worth of the SPP has been evident in recent months throughout the