From The Desk Of:
Maj. Gene Enriquez
Greetings Vermont National Guard colleagues,
It has been a blessing to serve as the director of the Vermont National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) for the last two years. This National Guard program continues to provide our servicemembers and civilian counterparts the opportunity to collaborate with partners overseas representing the best of our state.
This year has been a signature year for Vermont's SPP with our partnerships in North Macedonia, Senegal, and Austria. So far, over 160 of our Guardsmen have served as diplomats of our state and nation in these countries, sharing the best we have to offer in the spirit of international cooperation. These exchanges improve our readiness, resilience, and cultural awareness in today's uncertain global security environment.
Most recently, the Vermont National Guard led the 2024 Senegal Medical Readiness Exercise (MEDREX 24) with thirty Vermont and five New Hampshire Guardsmen, and two surgeons from the Austrian Armed Forces. The MEDREX occurred in two remote and austere locations a half day's travel away from the comforts of the capital. In Tambacounda and Kedougou, our Guardsmen partnered directly with Senegalese civilian and military health professionals and treated over nine hundred patients in ten days. Ailments were cured, lives were saved, and newborns were brought into this world... an experience that will remain dear to our servicemembers forever. The New Hampshire and Austrian contingents truly enhanced the exercise and demonstrated solidarity.
At the same time, twenty Senegalese firefighters traveled to Vermont to train with our 15th Civil Support Team (CST). The training, organized through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) focused on area decontamination and evacuation procedures during a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threat. This was the largest exchange of its kind to date.
In January, the 40th Army Band traveled to Austria to perform at the Viennese Officer's Ball. This once of a lifetime experience took place at the Hofburg, the former imperial palace of the Habsburg royal family. The band closed down the party in the early hours of the morning. While in Vienna, the 40th also performed at a refugee center and with a local university, supporting the public diplomacy mission of the U.S. Embassy.
Last week, the 158th Fighter Wing hosted Austrian Air Force planners to plan what will be the largest Vermont Air National Guard exercise in Austria to date, scheduled in early September. The exercise, Maple Tiger, will build interoperability between Vermont's F-35s and Austria's Eurofighters. While in Austria, our fighters will also participate in the Air Power 2024 airshow.
This summer, we look forward to see a platoon from Austria's 4th and 7th Infantry Brigades conduct live fire exercises with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Fort Drum, then participate in the annual TAG Match marksmanship competition at Ethan Allen Firing Range.
Last but not least, planning continues in North Macedonia and northern Greece for the U.S. Army Europe exercise Immediate Response 2025. Representatives from all Vermont Army Major Subordinate Commands (MSC) are collaborating closely with our partners to deploy over one thousand Vermonters to the region next spring.
Over the last two years, our SPP has expanded beyond our traditional military cooperation. In March, through our state partnership, the City of Burlington signed a sister city partnership with Thies-East in Senegal opening doors for cultural and educational exchanges. We also look forward to continued work with the Austrian Embassy in DC, who will partner with Burlington on the 2024 Christmas Market this December. These events will undoubtedly benefit our communities and present unique international experiences for Vermonters.
I would like to express my profound gratitude for the continued support from our leadership, our civilian partners, our state partners of North Macedonia, Senegal and Austria, and most importantly, our Guardsmen. I know our Adjutant General shares the same sentiments of pride for our Guardsmen who continue to represent our state with distinction globally through the SPP.
- Maj. Gene Enriquez - SPP Director
158th Fighter Wing Hosts JPO-SAG
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The 158th Fighter Wing proudly became the first operational F-35 wing to host the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) Sustainment Advisory Group (SAG) on June 30. This prestigious event brought together senior leadership from multiple services and international partners in a collaborative effort to enhance the global sustainment of the F-35.
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The SAG serves as a critical forum for developing plans to ensure the F-35 program remains affordable, interoperable, and operationally effective throughout its lifecycle. By hosting this advisory group, the 158th Fighter Wing underscored its pivotal role in supporting the ongoing success and evolution of the F-35 Lightning II.
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The SAG's discussions focused on creating a comprehensive global sustainment solution that prioritizes safety, suitability, and operational effectiveness. The collaborative efforts of the SAG members aim to ensure that the F-35 program continues to meet the highest standards and remains a cornerstone of international defense capabilities.
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Meet Your Guard Members
VTNG Educator Days
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The Vermont National Guard hosted an Educator Day on Saturday, June 29, bringing together educators from across Vermont and New York. The event aimed to provide these educators with an immersive experience into the daily operations and responsibilities of the Vermont National Guard.
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Throughout the day, educators participated in various hands-on activities, including equipment demonstrations, physical fitness exercises, and interactive discussions with Guard members. The event offered a unique opportunity for educators to gain firsthand insight into the training, skills, and dedication required to serve in the National Guard.
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"We want our educators to see the full scope of what we do and the vital role we play in both state and national defense," said Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. "By engaging directly with our educators, we can ensure that they are well-prepared to share our story and the opportunities available within the National Guard with their students and communities."
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The primary goal of Educator Days is to equip educators with a comprehensive understanding of the Vermont National Guard's mission and capabilities. By fostering this understanding, the Guard hopes educators will be better informed to relay accurate and detailed information to their communities.
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Basic Mountain Training Course
Sachkhere, Georgia
TAG Visits Senegal
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Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight and a delegation of Vermonters are visiting Senegal military leadership in Dakar, Senegal. Part of the exchange was a meeting with MG Ndiaye, the Chief of the Army in Senegal.
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The Vermont National Guard and Senegal have been state partners since 2008. The visit from the Vermont delegation comes during the same time as our Soldiers and Airmen work with Senegal hospitals and staff in Goudiri, Tambacounda, and Kedougou. Burlington also recently signed a sister city agreement with Thies East. Safe to say the partnership is going strong!
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MEDREX 2024
Senegal
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The Vermont National Guard has embarked on a critical mission to enhance medical readiness in its ranks and in Senegal as part of MedRex (Medical Exercise 2024). This year’s operation spans three key locations, including the austere environments of Tambacounda and Goudiri, and a modern hospital in Kedougou. Tambacounda is the main region in the area with its city nearing a population of a million people.
Senegal is known for its hospitality, often referred to as “Teranga,” which signifies the warm, welcoming nature of its people. The MedRex team embraced this spirit, emphasizing their ability to impart “Teranga Healthcare,” providing compassionate and comprehensive care while building strong relationships with the local communities.
The team brought a wealth of knowledge in fields such as ophthalmology, emergency medical services (ambulance), obstetrics, service and logistics, prenatal care, biomedical technology, emergency care, pediatrics, dental, and surgical care. This diversity of expertise allowed for a comprehensive training experience that addressed a wide range of medical needs.
The mission is further strengthened by the presence of airmen from the New Hampshire National Guard and two doctors from the Austrian Bundesheer, highlighting the importance of the state partnership program.
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Tambacounda:
Training Amidst Challenges
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In Tambacounda, Vermont and New Hampshire National Guard medical professionals faced challenging conditions head on. The remote and under resourced area tested their skills and adaptability. Despite these challenges, the team provided essential medical training to local healthcare providers, focusing on trauma care, emergency response, and preventative medicine. Their efforts not only improved the medical capabilities of the local staff but also fortified their own readiness for future deployments.
Col. Laura Woodson, Physician Assistant, remarked, “Tambacounda is the largest city in the region with over a million people. This facility can become quickly inundated with patients. We hope to be here to help take some pressure off the system and add value to the way they move forward with their practice while also keeping in mind their limitations and needs for having to operate in nuanced ways as they do now. It is truly eye opening for the team to see such different, unique ways to handle certain interventions in a place where technology and supply is very limited.”
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Goudiri:
Building Local Capacity
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Goudiri presented similar challenges to Tambacounda (See Tambacounda article), with limited medical infrastructure and resources. The Vermont National Guard team stationed there conducted intensive training sessions, emphasizing practical skills and resourceful problem-solving. They worked closely with local health workers to develop protocols for handling medical emergencies and routine care under constrained conditions. This collaboration has significantly boosted the local medical community’s ability to respond to health crises and improve overall patient care.
Goudiri medical center operates much like an urgent care center mixed with primary care. It is a small facility in a very remote part of Senegal that still requires medical access for its population. Much of the support staff at the center are locals who learn on the job. The Vermont National Guard team was able to impart some knowledge and also learn about how they adapt and overcome situations that arise.
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Kedougou:
Leveraging Modern Facilities
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In contrast to Tambacounda and Goudiri, the hospital in Kedougou is a relatively recent construction, equipped with more advanced medical facilities. Here, the Vermont National Guard focused on high-level medical training and the exchange of advanced techniques.
The team integrated into complex surgical procedures, advanced diagnostics with the use of modern medical equipment. The interaction fostered a rich exchange of knowledge, enhancing the capabilities of both Vermont National Guard personnel and Senegalese military healthcare professionals.
“Even though the facility is of a much higher standard it is evident that mortality and morbidity factors are still very high” said Capt. Peter Lannon, Medical Care Nurse, “the technology this facility provides does give the patients an edge over other hospitals in the region.”
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SPP Adjutants General Conference
U.S. Army Col. Roger Zeigler, Deputy Chief of Staff - Operations, Vermont National Guard, attends the State Partnership Program (SPP), in Gaborone, Botswana, June 24.
U.S. National Guard leaders attendeded the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) June 24 to integrate states with combatant commands’ strategy and share best practices.
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ACHOD 2024 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 35 African countries, the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, representatives from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Southern Europe Task Force, Africa in Gaborone, Botswana. Cohosted between the Botswana Defence Force and U.S. Africa Command, ACHOD provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as counter terrorism, collaboration in crisis response, and the importance of civilian and military relations.
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State Partnership Program & Educator Day on Vermont Viewpoint
Honoring D-Day
VTNG Hosts Marketing and Social Media Experts for Training Session
Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight warmly welcomed a group of distinguished guests to the Vermont National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, June 20. Among the guests were Sgt. 1st Class Tyler Butterworth, known on social media as @butterworthdasyrup, Sgt. 1st Class Lewis Swartz of @teamswartz, Sgt. 1st Class Jason Wells from the official New York National Guard (@officialnyng), and Dr. Stephen Hull.
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Earlier in the day, these experts delivered insightful presentations on various aspects of marketing, social media management, and analytics. Their audience comprised members of the Vermont Army National Guard's retention and recruiting, marketing, and public affairs office (@vtarng802).
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Maj. Gen. Knight expressed his appreciation for the guests' contributions, emphasizing the importance of innovative strategies in strengthening the National Guard's outreach and engagement efforts. The event highlighted the Guard's commitment to adopting cutting-edge marketing techniques and leveraging social media to enhance recruitment and retention.
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