Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 MD Guard leaders visit Estonia during Independence Day By Senior Airman Sarah McClanahan
                Maryland National Guard
 TALLINN, Estonia – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the adjutant general of Maryland, made his first visit to Estonia as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program during the nation's 102nd Independence Day celebration Feb. 24. Gowen was appointed the 30th adjutant general of Maryland Sept. 1 and is responsible for daily operations of the Maryland Military Department, including bilateral military cooperation between the MDNG and Estonia. U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Perlisa D. Wilson, senior enlisted leader of the Maryland National Guard, also traveled to Estonia. "It's a testament and honor to see Maryland National Guard service members invited to participate, front and center, in their ceremonial events," said Gowen. "I'm proud to be able to continue a strong partnership between our countries while learning about their diverse culture and history." Estonia declared its independence and sovereignty on this day in 1918, following centuries of rule by foreign powers. Places like Kuberneri Garden, the former late 1700s fortress that is now an open garden, began the day with a ceremonial flag-raising. Following the sunrise flag-raising, wreaths of flowers sporting the nation's colors were laid at the Monument of the War of Independence in Vabaduse Square. A military parade ensued. "We are free, we have a rich culture, we live in good conditions, and we have many friends and allies who share the same values," Maj. Gen. Martin Herem, Estonian Defence Forces commander, said at the start of the parade. "We decide for ourselves which direction our country is developing." Since 1993, the Maryland National Guard has been partnered with Estonia through the State Partnership Program. The two nations have worked together to support Estonia's security goals through military-to-military events and exercises. "The great thing about the partnership between Estonia and the Maryland National Guard is that we are a perfect match," says Gowen. "They learn a lot from us and we learn a lot from them. For 27 years, both partner countries have fostered a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship." The relationship has been used as an example for developing future partnerships in the SPP. Both countries plan to conduct joint exercises to train to respond to regional crises and improve border security. "It is imperative to highlight the activities of our soldiers in international military operations, where we are not only reliable allies but certainly contributing to the well-being of the people who live in these regions," Herem said in his Independence Day speech. "It is safe to say that we will not stand alone in defending our national independence." The State Partnership Program has been building relationships for over 25 years and includes 78 partnerships with 84 nations. SPP links a unique component of the Department of Defense – a state's National Guard – with the armed forces or equivalent of a partner country in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship. The Maryland National Guard has partnered with Estonia since 1993 and with Bosnia since 2003.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course
 By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith,
  38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise
 By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry,
  Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska
 By 156th Wing
  More
 Pennsylvania Army Guardsmen Complete Combat Lifesaver Course Guard News • 7 hours ago
 38th Infantry Division Soldiers Conduct Warfighter Exercise Guard News • 15 hours ago
 Puerto Rico Air National Guard Trains at Red Flag-Alaska Guard News • 15 hours ago
 Air National Guard Conducts Sentry Savannah Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 Hawaii Air National Guard Hosts Sentry Aloha Joint Exercise Guard News • yesterday
 2024 (196)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil