Courtesy Photo | A contingent of leadership from the Pennsylvania National Guard with Ambassador Ann...... read more read more
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VILNIUS, Lithuania–A contingent of leadership from the Pennsylvania National Guard spent time during Feb. in Europe with dignitaries from U.S. Department of State, U.S. Army Europe, Ministry of National Defence Republic of Lithuania and Lithuanian Armed Forces leadership.
The discussions centered on strengthening existing partnerships as well as conducting shared mutual training events and missions with both the active duty troops stationed in Europe and with Pennsylvania National Guard’s long-standing partner Lithuania. Shared events enhance interoperability between U.S. armed forces and NATO allies, and enhance regional partnering.
The first set of meetings were held with Lt. Gen. Christopher Cavoli, Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Maj. Gen. John Gronski, Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard, U.S. Army Europe. Prior to assuming his duties in Europe, Gronski was a Pennsylvania National Guard member, and is a former commander of the 28th Infantry Division.
In 2017 the Pennsylvania National Guard participated in several U.S. Army Europe exercises including Combined Resolve VIII at Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany and Austere Challenge 2017 in Grafenwoehr, Germany.
The contingent of leadership met with civilian leaders including Ambassador Anne Hall, the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania, followed by a meeting with the Lithuania Minister of Defense Raimundas Karoblis.
Finally, extensive discussions were held with Lithuanian armed forces leadership. The Pennsylvania National Guard has a partnership program with Lithuania. Dozens of training exercises and exchange events are held annually both in Europe and in Pennsylvania to enhance professional relationships, training and overall coordination.
At the end of the visit, the Pennsylvania National Guard leaders attended the opening ceremonies for Lithuania’s Centennial restoration of its independence celebration as honored guests. While Lithuanians have more than a thousand years of shared history and the nation signed its Act of Independence from the Russian Empire on February 16, 1918.
The opening ceremonies included a flag raising ceremony and parade.
"I'm very pleased, that U.S. colleagues joined us on celebration of 100 years of Restoration of an independent State of Lithuania. Long lasting relations between Lithuanian Land Forces and Pennsylvania National Guard are very strong and significant. I believe that this great coalition between our nations is mutually beneficial and is getting even stronger every day," said Brig. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys, commander of the Lithuanian Land Forces.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2018 16:20 |
| Story ID: | 271664 |
| Location: | VILNIUS, LT |
| Web Views: | 331 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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