BUCKEYE GUARD, Vol 39, No 5 (Sept./Oct. 2021)
Video by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Vega, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs
Celebrating 15 years working with Serbia through the State Partnership Program
By Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio Adjutant General
The Ohio National Guard has partnered with the Republic of Serbia since 2006 as part of the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program (SPP).
The SPP links U.S. states with a partner country to promote regional stability and develop military relationships.
I was there when Maj. Gen. Gregory Wayt, the adjutant general at the time, visited Serbia for the first time in September 2006. What an honor to be greeted by the Serbian president and begin the process of forming a partnership.
I’m pleased to report, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary, the Ohio-Serbia partnership is still going strong.
I believe the relationships we’ve built have been the most important part of the partnership between Serbia and Ohio. Those relationships start at the highest levels of our two organizations and include friendships throughout the ranks.
We have trained side-by-side to achieve common goals of peace and security.
We have trained side-by-side to achieve common goals of peace and security.
The partnership has made Ohio better, not just in the military, but other areas as well. We’ve seen educational and economic partnerships develop between Ohio and Serbia, which serve to intensify our relationship and builds trust.
With the trust built these last 15 years, we can continue to push each other for excellence. Our lasting friendship serves as the foundation for future success.
Please take a moment to watch this new video that showcases the importance of our partnership with Serbia, as well as commemorates the 15th anniversary of our great relationship.
