MD Guard’s top leader celebrates decades of partnerships with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Estonia during first visit as adjutant general

By Senior Airman Rachel Underwood

BALTIMORE – The commander of the Maryland National Guard made her first visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Estonia since taking command to celebrate the important anniversaries of the partnerships and plan for the future of the mutually beneficial relationships, June 18-23, 2023.

During the visit, Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general of Maryland, and Maryland Army National Guard Col. Andrew Collins, deputy adjutant general for Maryland, along with a delegation of other Maryland National Guard members, met with key leaders in both countries who were from military, defense, business, economics, health and education.

On the first day in Sarajevo, Mr. Zukan Helez, BiH Minister of Defense, hosted a dinner at the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH) Hall to highlight the importance of the National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

“We have 20 years of partnership and cooperation behind us that helped Bosnia and Herzegovina to be a credible partner and candidate for EU membership, as well as an aspirant for NATO membership,” said Helez. “In further transformation of the defense sector, through military-to-military programs, international military education and training, joint training and education, over 8,000 members of the AFBiH and the Ministry of Defense of BiH benefited from cooperation under the SPP.”

Helez and Birckhead led a meeting to discuss future training opportunities together.

“We understand that this relationship is more important than ever, and we must take it seriously,” said Birckhead. “Whether it’s an exercise or training, it’s civilian-to-civilian or civilian-to-military, we inherently stand beside Bosnia and Herzegovina to ensure that we’re moving forward,”

Later the group traveled to Rajlovac Barracks for a capabilities discussion and demonstration of the AFBiH soldiers, who conducted search and rescue training utilizing the UH-1H Huey II multi-mission helicopter, followed by a demonstration of large water bucket drops used during aerial firefighting operations.

At a formal ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary, AFBiH Lt. Gen. Senad Mašović, Chief of the Joint Staff, highlighted the impact of the two decades of working closely together.

“The cooperation between the Maryland National Guard and the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina was built on a large number of joint activities and events,” said Mašović. “But also on understanding and selfless support that contributed to the creation of a long-term friendship based on very strong ties, not only between Soldiers of MDNG and AFBiH, but also the citizens of BiH, the state of Maryland, and the U.S. in general.”

The following day, Birckhead and her delegation met with the chamber of commerce, foreign trade chamber, local hospital officials, and Ms. Benjamina Karić, the mayor of Sarajevo.

Ater a meeting with the University of Sarajevo, Birckhead addressed Emergency Management undergraduate, graduate and doctorial students in STEM and STEAM career paths.

The trip in BiH culminated by meeting with Ambassador Michael J Murphy at the U.S. Embassy to ensure that SPP priorities are nested within those of the U.S Embassy. Birckhead committed to ensuring the interoperability on both sides so everyone is “getting the best out of this relationship” through a robust schedule at every level.

“We will continue to partner in areas like medical, while working with commerce, education, and the whole of government approach to ensure BiH is ready and secure for the future,” said Birckhead. “Maryland is all in and ready to support that.”

After departing Sarajevo and heading to Estonia, Birckhead and her delegation went to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn where they met with Mr. George P. Kent, ambassador to the Republic of Estonia and his country team. Collins, the deputy adjutant general for Maryland, said the group discussed the current relationship between Estonia and the Maryland National Guard and how it will grow in the future.

“I was able to see firsthand the commitment between Estonia and the Maryland National Guard, which continues to strengthen even after 30 years,” said Collins. “We are so similar but even our differences make us stronger. We remain committed to supporting Estonia any way we can and they always reciprocate to push the partnership forward.”

Later the group transited to a working lunch hosted by Mr. Hanno Pevkur, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Estonia, to discuss Estonia’s standing partnership with MDNG and upcoming exercises in the years to come.

Estonia’s Cyber Command hosted a meeting to brief Birckhead and her delegation on its cyber capabilities and prospective future plans.

“The Maryland National Guard and Estonia can proudly say they are one of the only partnerships with operational cyber capability that are regularly conducting real-world activities together,” said Maryland Army National Guard Maj. Harrison Bittenbender, Maryland National Guard SPP director. “As a result, they continue to be an icon of what a great partnership can become. And now Maryland and Estonia cyber experts are asked to export their successes to other partnerships and countries as a team.”

Birckhead and her delegation traveled to Viljandi in the southern part of the country to celebrate Victory Day, an Estonian national holiday that commemorates their victory at the Battle of Vonnu in 1919. The victory marked a turning point in the Estonian War of Independence.

“The war of Independence gave a cast-iron coating to our national pride and confidence,” said Mr. Alar Karis, President of Estonia. “Today, too, we have every reason to believe in Estonia and prepare to defend it. Thankfully, for the time being, we are only required to rehearse that scenario as part of the military exercises that take place in our country.”

The Victory Day celebration began with the festive hoisting of the Estonian national flag and a speech by the Mayor of Viljandi.

Before the Victory Day parade at the Central Square of Viljandi, Birckhead took part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument of the War of Independence.

“It was an incredible trip and very productive as we are unified in our vision to expand the partnerships,” said Birckhead. “I am eager to see how these relationships continue to flourish beyond the military events into various areas across each country. We are very blessed to have such amazing partners and friends.”