To All Members of the Army and Air National Guard,
May is the time we celebrate our partnerships. Partnerships constitute one of the enduring missions of the National Guard and include the State Partnership Program; the long-standing, productive relationships we have established with local, State and Federal agencies; and the bonds forged fighting side-by-side as a part of the Army and Air Force. Each relationship is unique and often complex, but they all serve to ensure America's safety and strengthen global security.
This month, we will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of our State Partnership Program. This program assures our allies, deters our enemies, provides access to critical regions, and forges long-lasting relationships around the globe. We remain committed to maintaining these relationships to help ensure U.S. strategic access, sustain and increase U.S. presence and influence, and enhance our partner nation's defense and security force capabilities.
In our State role, it's our partnerships with local, State, and Federal law enforcement and first responders that enable us to rapidly respond in support of disasters at home. Our interagency partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency supported 2017's hurricane season and we support the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with Soldiers and Airmen in the border states.
We will continue to maintain and sustain these important partnerships. We must continue to strengthen every partnership to ensure we are capable of responding to challenges across the full spectrum between war and peace. We are "Always Ready, Always There!"
Sincerely,
Joseph L. Lengyel
General, U.S. Air Force
Chief, National Guard Bureau
CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED