Sabre Strike
Key members of the Michigan National Guard pose with newly appointed Latvian president during the Latvian Partnership Day on June 10, 2015. Starting from the left: Maj. Deryck Castonguay, and Lt. Col. Jon Wiesinger, both 171st Air Refueling Squadron pilots, Michigan State Command Sergeant Major, Dan Lincoln, newly elected Latvian President, Raimods Veonis, Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Vadnais, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard, Brig. Gen. John D. Slocum, 127th Wing commander, Michigan Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. Timothy Brock, Michigan Air National Guard member serving as the bilateral affairs officer for the U.S. Embassy. The DOD sponsored State Partnership Program between Michigan and the Latvian government began in 1993 being one of the models for an ongoing program that has united 68 unique security partnerships involving 74 nations around the globe. Exercise Saber Strike 15 has brought 14 ally and partner nations together to increase interoperability between military forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Capt. Anthony J.Lesterson)