Texas and Chile form partnership

By Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada
Texas National Guard

Texas Governor Rick Perry speaks to the crowd after signing a proclamation between the Texas National Guard and the country of Chile, which will link them in the National Guard's State Partnership Program. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Wilson, Texas National Guard)
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AUSTIN, Texas (5/1/09) – The Texas National Guard signed a proclamation with the country of Chile on April 29, which linked the two in the Guard’s State Partnership Program.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Gonzalo Garcia Pino, the Chilean undersecretary of war, signed the proclamation, citing mutual interests and long-term economic and military relationships.

“It is a distinct honor today to enter into our state’s second military training partnership with the proud country of Chile,” Perry said. “The relationships formed through this program have contributed to greater understanding, better interoperability and abiding mutual respect between the United States and countries around the world.”

The signing was held during a ceremony held here at the Texas State Capitol, distinguished visitors from Chile, the U.S. State Department, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Army South, 12th Air Force, the National Guard Bureau and the Texas Military Forces.

Perry praised the first partnership between Texas and the Czech Republic.

“What began as an effort to help the former Soviet block countries through the growing pains of independence … the State Partnership Program now extends all over the world, building bridges between countries, cultures and military communities,” he said.

He said this new partnership will be mutually beneficial. “As the commander-in-chief of the (Texas) military forces, I pledge our state’s wholehearted participation in this important new relationship,” Perry said.

Through an interpreter, Pino echoed Perry’s comments about the importance of partnerships. “It has been more than 100 years, but at last our flags are together,” he said.

The State Partnership Program is an established and vigorous program that includes professional military education, command and control exercises, consequence management, military and civilian medical exchanges, search and rescue scenarios, emergency preparedness, counter drug operations, humanitarian construction, border control and senior leader development.

Maj. Gen. Jose S. Mayorga, the adjutant general of Texas, said he looks forward to the partnership.

“The state of Texas is proud of its people, culture, and achievements,” he said. “It is our belief that a Chile-Texas Partnership will be a productive and mutually rewarding experience that will ultimately enhance our joint military capabilities.

“We look forward to visiting in your country to conduct vigorous training, but more importantly to establish bonds of friendship. You are always welcome in the great state of Texas.”

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