The SPP was developed to pair state National Guards with established European countries during the dissolution of the Soviet Union to facilitate cooperation with all aspects of civil-military affairs and encourage state-level ties.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Maj. Gen. Stephen Osborn, the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard, are marking the occasion by recommitting their support for the program.

In 1993, 13 states began to build ties with European countries. Since then, the program has expanded to include partnerships in 100 different countries across the globe.

In 2011, the Iowa National Guard formed a unique partnership with Kosovo never seen before in the program. The sister city relationship between Fort Dodge and Gjakova in Kosovo is an outgrowth of that partnership.

-U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha Hircock Sgt. Samantha Welch, right, and Staff Sgt. Jordan Dowell, left, squad leaders with the 186th Military Police Company, stand with Sgt. Ylli Kadriu, Sgt. Faton Isufi, Sgt. Liridon Sverkaj, and Staff Sgt. Arsim Hetemi, military police with the Kosovo Security Force at Camp Dodge in Johnston on July 9, 2022. With Welch as their sponsor, Kosovo Security Force MPs were working together with the 186th MP Company to train and share professional knowledge and experience through the State Partnership Program.

The strength of the civic partnership was on display recently when Reynolds traveled to Kosovo to meet with President Vjosa Osmani on an international trade mission.

“Having had the opportunity to recently visit Kosovo, it reconfirmed to me the benefits of the State Partnership Program and I look forward to growing this relationship,” said Reynolds said in a written statement.

Today, the partnership between Iowa and Kosovo continues to grow and thrive. The Iowa National Guard is focused on developing its relationship with the Kosovo Security Force by developing their capabilities in leadership, cyber defense, maintenance, and medical training.

“The State Partnership Program continues to build strength through a partnership that is increasing security operations, military capabilities, and readiness,” Osborn said in a written statement. “We look forward to more opportunities to grow through training and exchange programs with the Kosovo Security Forces and the Iowa National Guard.”

Iowa soldiers and airmen have had the opportunity to train alongside the Kosovo Security Force, as well as participate in cultural exchanges. mutually benefited from the collaborative effort and building relationships that will last a generation.