Origin 1993 Ambassador to U.S. Peter Kmec | Country President Ivan Gašparovič Minister of Defense Martin Glváč Ambassador to Slovakia Theodore Sedgwick | |
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The Indiana–Slovakia National Guard Partnership is one of 22 European partnerships that make-up the U.S. European Command State Partnership Program and one of 65 worldwide partnerships that make-up the National Guard State Partnership Program. Since its inception in 1994, the Indiana and Slovakia partnership has grown steadily in its offerings, training events, and personnel.
Contents
History
"There are few subjects as important to me as our State Partnership Program with Slovakia. This is an extraordinary program, which has far exceeded our expectations. We have learned, we have shared and we have been enriched." - MG Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General, Indiana National Guard
Overview
When Czechoslovakia divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, the Department of Defense and the U.S. State Department saw a great opportunity to become allies with these two new nations. The decision to partner Slovakia with Indiana came in large because in the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Slovak immigrants came to work in the factories in northern Indiana and were essential in making Indiana what it is today. The two militaries have exchanged troops, techniques and training procedures in over 200 bi-lateral events since partnership began. Events have included, among other things:
In 2004, Slovakia realized the goal it had set from the start of the partnership - full NATO membership. Slovakia also gained membership into the European Union that same year.
As a further testament to the accomplishments of the Indiana-Slovakia partnership, Indiana Guardsmen and Slovak troops deployed side-by-side to Afghanistan in 2011. For 10 months, they served under the command of an SAF officer as an Operation Mentor and Liaison Team mentoring Afghan logistics troops.
“The advancement of the Slovak military, from a Soviet Era Cold War style force to an ally who is currently fighting alongside our fellow Indiana Guardsmen in Afghanistan is truly remarkable. We were welcomed not only as allies, but as friends and brothers-in-arms amid the backdrop of a beautiful countryside filled with genuinely hospitable people.” - COL Ron Westfall, Director of Plans, Operations, and Readiness, Indiana National Guard
Partnership focus
2013 Panned Events:
MG Umbarger, the Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, has taken on five significant initiatives for consideration in the coming years: