FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than a decade ago, amid the harsh conditions of Afghanistan, two Soldiers from different countries built a bond through shared sacrifice.
The two Soldiers, one from the Pennsylvania National Guard and the other from the Lithuanian armed forces, reunited June 15 during a training event at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, in a moment that symbolized friendship and the enduring power of international military cooperation.
Their story is one of personal connection born from combat and strengthened by the Department of Defense National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, a global initiative that links U.S. states’ National Guard units with partner nations to build enduring relationships and mutual readiness.
A Combat Bond Reforged in Peace
U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Barclay, senior enlisted advisor for 1st Battalion, 111th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ruslanas Gulevas, senior enlisted leader of Lithuania’s Grand Duke Algirdas Infantry Battalion, met in 2010 during pre-deployment training for Afghanistan.
In 2011, they deployed together. Barclay was part of Task Force Grit and Gulevas led a Lithuanian infantry platoon. The mission was demanding. The terrain was unforgiving. Yet, within that crucible, a deep trust and an enduring friendship were forged.
“Back then, we were young, full of energy,” Gulevas said. “We had 20 soldiers and a mission. It was a good deployment with good memories.”
Barclay recounted a key moment when the strength of their partnership proved essential. While operating a foreign route-clearing robot, he turned to Gulevas, whose multilingual skills enabled communication between Ukrainian instructors and U.S. Soldiers.
“Without Gulevas, I would’ve been staring at the machine with no idea how to use it,” Barclay said. “That kind of teamwork saved time, and maybe lives.”
From Kabul to the Keystone State
The reunion at Fort Indiantown Gap, where both men were participating in separate military events, was unexpected.
“Nobody knew we knew each other,” Barclay said. “When I heard his name in a meeting, I was stunned. We hadn’t seen each other in person since Afghanistan.”
Despite the miles and years, they had stayed in touch, exchanging messages, celebrating milestones and reflecting on shared experiences. But standing side by side again, both acknowledged how their relationship represented something larger than a personal friendship.
“It shows that the State Partnership Program is not just about training,” Barclay said. “It’s about connection. Human connection. That’s what endures.”
Investing in People, Not Just Readiness
The Pennsylvania-Lithuania partnership, established in 1993, is one of the most active in Europe. From security force assistance to joint training and professional military education, the collaboration between Lithuania and the Pennsylvania National Guard continues to grow.
Recent milestones include Lithuania’s first-ever participation in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Best Warrior Competition, a testament to how the partnership has matured beyond interoperability into mutual mentorship.
“It’s not just about military skills,” Gulevas said. “This partnership develops the person behind the uniform. It helps us grow, not just as professionals, but as human beings.”
Barclay agreed.
“Soldiers remember the friendships they form more than the formations they stand in. That’s where the real impact happens.”
Leading the Next Generation
Both leaders now serve in senior roles, responsible for shaping the next generation of noncommissioned officers. Their leadership philosophies reflect lessons learned from their deployment and partnership.
“I tell my soldiers, ‘mission, man, me,’” Gulevas said. “The equipment is important, but people always come first.”
Barclay emphasizes accessibility.
“When junior Soldiers see senior leaders from two different countries working together, it makes them curious. They start to ask questions about language, culture and cooperation. That’s how we build future leaders who understand the world.”
The Mission Ahead
As global threats evolve, both men believe the Pennsylvania-Lithuania partnership is more relevant than ever. They hope to see it expand with more exchanges, joint exercises and educational opportunities.
“You never know when you’ll meet someone again or when you’ll need each other,” Barclay reflected. “At the end of the day, we’re all Soldiers. But above that, we’re people. And people remember connection.”
Their reunion at Fort Indiantown Gap wasn’t planned. But, like the best military friendships, it felt inevitable and a testament to the kind of trust and partnership the State Partnership Program was built to foster.
What Is the State Partnership Program?
The State Partnership Program is a Department of Defense initiative that pairs National Guard units with the militaries of partner nations to build long-term relationships that enhance global security, interoperability and mutual readiness. The program began in 1993 and now supports partnerships in more than 100 countries. The Pennsylvania–Lithuania partnership, established in 1993, was one of the first, most active and enduring collaborations in Europe.
The program enables military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals while leveraging whole-of-society relationships to enhance regional stability and improve partner nation capacity.