An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | April 15, 2019

W. Va. National Guard hosts Peruvian general as part of SPP

By Edwin Wriston West Virginia National Guard

CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Maj. Gen. Luis Gutiérrez, delegate to the Inter-American Board (IADB) of Defense Organization of the United States, recently completed a visit to the West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Peru and West Virginia.

Gutiérrez serves as Peru’s delegate to the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington, D.C., an international committee of nationally appointed defense officials who develop collaborative approaches on common defense and security issues facing countries in North, Central and South America.

During his visit, Gutiérrez was briefed by Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, adjutant general of the WVNG, on overall operational capabilities of the WVNG, by Brig. Gen. Russell Crane, assistant adjutant general – Army, on special forces operations and training opportunities, and by Brig. Gen. Christopher “Mookie” Walker, assistant adjutant general – Air, on aeromedical rescue operations and training opportunities available between West Virginia and Peru as a part of the SPP program. Additionally, he was briefed on the WVNG’s domestic response, swift water rescue, search and extraction and engineering capabilities.

“Creating a better world requires strong partnerships,” said Gutiérrez. “Collaboration and engagements between the WVNG and Peruvian army have helped to build a strong partnership for more than 20 years and will continue to do so for decades to come. We must embrace the benefits of cooperating with one another after our successful meetings this week.”

“Our SPP relationship with Peru continues to grow and strengthen,” said Hoyer. “Visits like these expose leaders within the Peruvian army and the Peruvian Embassy to the unique assets and capabilities the WVNG has and allows us to foster personal relationships at the highest levels that support increased operational integration and opportunities.”

This senior leader visit provided a forum to discuss each party's respective efforts, present and future, and to promote camaraderie between the military forces of the Republic of Peru and the WVNG SPP.

West Virginia and Peru have been partners through the State Partnership Program since 1996. Through this partnership, the two have participated in more than 130 engagements focusing on regional challenges facing the Andean region, especially in the areas of counter-insurgency, anti-terrorism, emergency preparedness, and disaster response and recovery.

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...