JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Leaders from the Missouri National Guard welcomed José Miguel Alemán Healy, Panama’s ambassador to the United States, and Commissioner Edgar Pitti Valdés, the defense and security attaché from the Embassy of Panama, during an official visit July 15, strengthening the 30-year partnership between the Missouri Guard and Panama.
The visit included a luncheon at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion hosted by First Lady Claudia Kehoe, a tour of the Museum of Missouri Military History to highlight the shared history between the Missouri National Guard and Panama and a briefing on the current status and future priorities of the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program that links Panama and the Missouri National Guard. The briefing was hosted by the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard at the Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters.
The State Partnership Program is a Department of War security cooperation initiative that is administered by the National Guard Bureau. The program pairs National Guard states with the armed forces or disaster response agencies of partner nations to support long-term security cooperation. Rather than focusing on individual events, the program builds relationships through regular exchanges, training and senior-leader meetings.
The Missouri National Guard and Panama established their partnership through the SPP in 1996. Since then, service members and public security professionals from both partners have participated in numerous subject-matter exchanges annually, with the goal of strengthening professional relationships, increasing readiness and sharing expertise in areas of mutual interest.
“The partnership between the Missouri National Guard and Panama has thrived for three decades because it delivers meaningful value to both organizations,” said Maj. Gen. Charles Hausman, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. “By sharing subject matter expertise and fostering professional relationships, we are better prepared to meet common challenges. We remain committed to building on that foundation in the years ahead.”
These activities enable Soldiers and Airmen to exchange professional knowledge with Panamanian counterparts, learn from diverse operational experiences and strengthen their ability to work with multinational partners. Throughout the partnership, Missouri National Guard and Panama have conducted exchanges on emergency preparedness, disaster response, medicine, leadership development, logistics and public affairs. Each engagement helps participants identify shared challenges, compare procedures and develop practical solutions that benefit both organizations.
"Visiting the Missouri National Guard reinforced the strong partnership between Missouri and Panama, built on mutual trust, friendship and cooperation,” Alemán said. “Geographically distant, Missouri and Panama are united by their strategic roles in logistics and transportation. I leave Jefferson City and the great state of Missouri grateful for the warm welcome and confident that our partnership will continue to grow."
The partnership reflects the National Guard’s community-based structure. Guard members contribute both military experience and knowledge from their civilian professions and community service. This combination provides a strong foundation for exchanges with partner nations and helps sustain long-term relationships. Meetings between senior leaders are essential to maintaining a strong long-term partnership. They provide opportunities to review past activities, discuss shared goals and identify areas for future exchanges. These conversations ensure activities remain valuable for both partners.
"For decades, this relationship has contributed to the professional development of Panama’s security forces through training, education and knowledge exchange,” Pitti said. “I sincerely appreciate the warm hospitality and reaffirm our commitment to further strengthening this strategic alliance through continued cooperation, interoperability and our shared dedication to the security and well-being of our nations."
The Missouri-Panama partnership has endured leadership changes and evolving security challenges through consistent interaction and professional trust. Relationships built during exchanges improve communication and create opportunities for ongoing cooperation.
For the past 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panama have remained committed to building on the shared experience gained since 1996. Future engagements will continue to focus on professional development, shared learning and enduring relationships.