RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio – Five Serbian Military Medical Academy members visited the 121st Air Refueling Wing Feb. 4 as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program.
The Serbian delegation included Col. Aleksandar Radunovic, Col. Branko Kosevic, Lt. Col. Nenad Nicic, Sgt. Maj. Milos Djokic, and Lt. Col. Zoran Radomirovic. The visit’s purpose was to foster ongoing relationships between the Ohio National Guard and the Serbian Military, exchange knowledge on current operations, and coordinate future collaborations.
The Serbians observed the Homeland Response Force operations in the 121st Medical Detachment and operations in the Medical Group clinic. They also toured a KC-135 Stratotanker.
“The Serbians were a welcoming group and easily felt just like members of the Ohio National Guard,” said Lt. Col. Shelly Brackman, chief nurse with the 121st Medical Group. “During the HRF case scenario, they were able to share education with Airmen on creating best outcomes when caring for certain patients in the field.”
The Serbians then visited the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and learned about its partnership with the Ohio National Guard. They also toured the new emergency department at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Defense Supply Center Columbus and the Ohio Army National Guard Medical Detachment.
“This visit was an amazing opportunity for relationship building and sharing best practices,” said Brackman. “This partnership will continue to grow and help strengthen Ohio National Guard and Serbian medical responses and care.”
The State Partnership Program is a Department of Defense National Guard Bureau program that pairs nations with National Guard units from each state. The program aims to increase regional security, advance U.S. interests, and produce enduring relationships that improve interoperability and increase readiness. The Ohio National Guard is partnered with the Republic of Serbia and Hungary.
This year will mark the Ohio National Guard’s 18th year of partnership with the Republic of Serbia.