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 | Sept. 25, 2012

New York National Guard meets face to face to strengthen South Africa relationships

By Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo New York Army National Guard

PRETORIA, South Africa - Senior military leaders from New York and South Africa met to share perspectives and build relationships during an international trade and air show Sept. 19-24.

Representatives from the New York National Guard took advantage of being at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Airshow and Exhibition here to meet with their counterparts from the South African National Defense Forces.

"New York's partnership has been strengthening over the past nine years, and meeting face to face is an important aspect to continue building these relationships," said Col. Franz Michel, who oversees the State Partnership Program.

Maj. Gen. Roy Andersen, chief of the South African National Defence Reserve Forces, echoed these same sentiments.

"We have built a strong relationship with New York and having these personal meetings allows us to plan for future opportunities."

"This interaction is very important. Meeting in person and establishing a level of trust and respect allows us to be effective," Andersen added.

The State Partnership Program is a National Guard initiative that encourages relationships, enhances international security and builds capacity across all levels of society with developing nations. Each state and territorial National Guard is partnered with the military of a developing friendly nation.

Participation in this air show is part of the New York National Guard's ongoing relationship with South Africa.

The air show is hosted every two years and is comprised of nearly 60 civilian and military aircraft and vehicle demonstrations from some of the biggest names in aviation and the defense industry.

In addition to sharing aircraft and equipment capabilities, the meeting participants discussed several areas of interest, to include the New York National Guard's emergency management capabilities and reintegration programs.

"We have found the National Guard's resiliency and Yellow Ribbon programs to be exceptional and we wish to model these initiatives," Andersen said.

Identifying the interest and recognizing the mutual benefit, New York has invited representatives to meet with program experts in the future.

"Based on these meetings, our plan is to get our folks together to advise and help them develop a program that meets their specific needs," Michel said.

"Our primary focus is identifying future training opportunities that will benefit both our services," said Maj. Gen. Verle Johnston, commander of the New York Air National Guard. "I'm pleased that we were able to accomplish this."

 

 

Related Articles
The 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company conducts training exercise, Operation Golden Corridor in Dahlonega, Georgia, August 15, 2025. Throughout the duration of the exercise, Soldiers simulated peer and near-peer electromagnetic warfare scenarios and enhance unit proficiency in spectrum mapping, RF detection, and alternative radar awareness capabilities under austere conditions.
Georgia Guard Company Leads in Electromagnetic Warfare Modernization
By | Aug. 27, 2025
DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The Georgia Army National Guard’s 111th Electromagnetic Warfare Company, based in Forest Park, Georgia, is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in the Army’s modernization efforts within the...

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy Shooting Match, August 21, 2025, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. The history of the Logan Duffy Rifle Match goes back nearly 90 years to the first match, which was held in 1936.
Massachusetts, New York Guard Members Compete in Historic Logan-Duffy Rifle Competition
By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Eaton,   | Aug. 27, 2025
DEVENS, Mass. – Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, and the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, New York Army National Guard, participated in the annual Logan-Duffy...

An Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk assigned to the 210th Rescue Squadron a real-world rescue operation at Point MacKenzie, Alaska, Sept. 1, 2022. After a Christen A-1 Husky crashed into a marsh, National Guardsmen rappelled and conducted a rescue operation, ensuring the aircraft was safely vacated. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)
Alaska Air Guard Rescues Individual With Facial Laceration Near Knik Glacier
By Alejandro Pena, | Aug. 27, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — Alaska Air National Guard members with the 176th Wing rescued an individual with a facial laceration Aug. 25, about 40 miles northeast of Anchorage in the vicinity of Knik Glacier.The...