(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

For many Mountain State residents, their knowledge of the work of the West Virginia National Guard begins and ends at disaster response and recovery. Maybe we know a little about the work that was done during the COVID-19 pandemic, or when other states ask for our help.

Far less familiar are the international relationships the West Virginia National Guard builds through the State Partnership Program.

Last month, Maj. Gen. William Crane, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, joined a delegation that met in Peru. Officials discussed everything from upcoming humanitarian projects to leader professional development. Crane says the relationship continues to “deepen and strengthen.”

The WVNG also partners with Qatar on matters such as increased intelligence cooperation, NATO interoperability with Qatari forces, and even potential academic partnerships with West Virginia colleges and universities.

The U.S. State Department has seen fit to expand West Virginia’s role, developing a third partnership for the WVNG with Gabon. Those visits will begin this summer.

“Our SPP partnerships form a core strength of our organization, and our team’s efforts are a testament to our Guard’s influence and ability to contribute to global security,” Crane said. “Every West Virginian can be proud of the work we do both here and abroad supporting defense and security cooperation objectives around the world.”

West Virginia has had a strong connection to our nation’s military for generations. There have been periods in our history during which military leaders understood if they wanted a job done right, they would send in troops from West Virginia. It seems as though military leaders in other countries are starting to figure that out, too.

Crane’s right. We already know we can depend on the WVNG here at home. We should be proud that knowledge is spreading across the globe.