Submission: Martin Havlovic
In April, I had the opportunity to accompany the Wisconsin National Guard on a visit to Nicaragua. The purpose of this trip was to begin a State Partnership Program (SPP) between the Wisconsin National Guard and Nicaragua. The SPP, a U.S. military program that partners state national guards with foreign countries, discusses how to utilize available resources and foster positive relationships. The SPP is attempting to create an understanding and working relationship similar to our civilian partnership through W/NP. The Wisconsin National Guard seeks a role in helping the Nicaragua military respond better to natural and human disasters. They will also assist these officials in becoming more professional and accountable to the government and general public.
Major General Wilkening referred to the great working relationship the Wisconsin National Guard has with W/NP and felt that duplicating that partnerhsip with the Nicaragua military would only serve to strengthen this connection. As president of W/NP, I agree with him whole-heartedly.
While W/NP is a non-political organization, I believe it is in our best interest to have the military forces and other disaster relief organizations of Nicaragua trained, equipped, and prepared to respond in a quick and timely manner to protect people and property.
I met with the U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua as well as USAID and other U.S. Embassy staff. Because they were familiar with W/NP, they were convinced of the good work we do and had favorable impressions of our efforts.
As a result of this trip, ten Nicaraguans representing the various government ministries of education, environment and natural resources, health, transportation, emergency management, land study, agriculture, etc. will be arriving in Wisconsin from August 23 to August 27 as guests of the Wisconsin National Guard. They will be getting acquainted with their "counterparts" here in Wisconsin and learning how we function in providing services and assistance to citizens of Wisconsin.
I'd like to thank the Wisconsin National Guard, as well as Governor Jim Doyle, for allowing me to be a part of this delegation. This is a good example of where we can partner with other Wisconsin organizations/entities in meeting the needs of the people of Nicaragua.
