PNG State Partnership Program Reaches 1,000th Engagement Milestone
The Pennsylvania National Guard State Partnership Program marked the 1,000th Military-to-Military engagement with Lithuanian Armed Forces during Exercise Allied Spirit 25 in Hohenfels, Germany. Allied Sprit, a recurring exercise held at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC) from February 24 to March 20, featured an allied unit as the primary training audience. This year, the Lithuanian Griffin Brigade was selected as the rotational unit, joining units from other NATO nations, demonstrating interoperability in a dynamic, combat training environment. The Pennsylvania National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division staff joined the exercise, working shoulder-to-shoulder with their Lithuanian partners.
The 28th Infantry Division participated as the higher headquarters element for the exercise, providing the Griffin Brigade an opportunity to integrate into and operate with an allied partner’s division. In addition, the 28 Infantry Division provided embedded subject-matter experts as staff officers and non-commissioned officers to the Griffin Brigade. These staff members integrated across the Griffin Brigade staff to support warfighting functions as fire supporters, logisticians, maneuver planners, intelligence, and targeting advisors.
In January, prior to the exercise, the Pennsylvania National Guard conducted a week-long staff leader training program event with Griffin Brigade leaders, preparing Lithuanian partners to execute their war-fighting tasks. This event allowed the 28th Infantry Division to familiarize Griffin Brigade staff with processes, tactics, techniques, and procedures to succeed at JMRC.
The Pennsylvania National Guard partners with Lithuanian Armed Forces across multiple lines of effort, supporting EUCOM milestones to build partner capacity, and NATO capability targets to increase the readiness of the alliance. This event demonstrated a culmination of several lines of effort to develop combined land forces capability, centered around the new Lithuanian Division.
The 28th Infantry Division is already engaged in a multiple-year initiative to train Lithuanian Division staff to synchronize brigade operations. Exercise Allied Spirit served as a validation of that effort, and a testing ground for lessons learned. The demonstrated ability of the Griffin Brigade to operate within an allied division is the result of more than 30 years of mutually beneficial partnership. Allied Spirit provided the opportunity for Pennsylvania National Guard and Griffin Brigade members to learn from one another as well as demonstrate the trust and friendship built as the result of the State Partnership Program. Trust and friendship that has carried the partnership through 1,000 engagements and beyond.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Continues At Fort Indiantown Gap
The new Alcoholics Anonymous meeting has started at the Chapel, Bldg. 0-8, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA. The meeting takes place either in-person or via Zoom every Wednesday starting at Noon. This confidential and supportive group is open to all active duty, Reserve and National Guard (Army and Air) regardless of rank or branch, and Fort Indiantown Gap civilian employees who are seeking help with alcohol abuse or addiction.
Learn and practice the principles of the 12-step program to achieve and maintain sobriety. Share your experiences, strength and hope with those who understand the unique challenges of civilian and military life. What is shared in the meeting, stays in the meeting. This is a safe space free of rank or judgment. We are all here to support each other. Come in uniform, PT gear, or civilian clothes.
Alcoholism can affect anyone, including service members. Sobriety can lead to improved mental well-being, reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Alcoholics Anonymous will help those who are struggling to repair and build stronger relationships with family, friends, fellow service members, and civilians. Participants will also be able to meet others who struggle with alcohol consumption, learn strategies that lead to sobriety, and focus on their career and reach their full potential without the hindrance of alcohol. If you are struggling with alcohol, you are not alone. Attending this AA meeting can be the first step toward a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
POCs are James Ring at 717-861-5076, or email at james.a.ring6.mil@army.mil, and Joanne Tresco at 717-861-2259, or email at joann.p.tresco.ctr@army.mil.