Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig | A group of American and Lithuanian dignitaries and Soldiers at the 25 Year Anniversary...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa-The Pennsylvania National Guard hosted a commemoration of the 25th anniversary between the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Military leaders and military bands from both Pennsylvania and Lithuania, the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to the United States of America, and Pennsylvania legislators and representatives from both the federal and state level, were among the many participating in the event.
Both bands played separately entertaining the audience before the ceremony and then performed together for the ceremony.
Although it was a celebration of partnership between the two armed forces, friendship was the focus in speeches from both U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and Lithuanian Col. Arturas Jasinkas, commander of the National Defense Volunteer Force.
No contract, no treaty, nothing says we need to have this partnership, said Carrelli. “We do it because that’s what friends do.”
Jasinkas thanked the Pennsylvania National Guard and said he wishes for the friendship to continue for many years to come.
Highlights from the event were the proclamation June 14th as State Partnership Program Day, read by a representative on behalf of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, awards given to members of both armed forces, and presentations from State Sen. Mike Folmer and Rep. Frank Ryan.
Displays about the Lithuanian Armed Forces as well as Lithuanian food were available to attendees to learn about the people Pennsylvania is partnered with.
Since the inception of the program, the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuanian Armed Forces have conducted over 600 security cooperation engagements, completed 18-co-deployments to Afghanistan in support of Police Officer Mentorship Liaison Teams and Provincial Reconstruction Teams, conducted an annual platoon/company exchange since 2011, and participated together in numerous exercises such as Saber Strike, Iron Wolf, Flaming Sword, Thunder Storm, Dynamic Front, Allied Spirit, and Combined Resolve.
| Date Taken: | 06.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.15.2018 13:34 |
| Story ID: | 281093 |
| Location: | ANNVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 590 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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