Governor Hassan, New Hampshire National Guard Host El Salvador Armed Force Chief of Defense

Press Release

In a meeting at the State House today, Governor Maggie Hassan, the Adjutant General of New Hampshire Major General William N. Reddel and the New Hampshire National Guard hosted the Chief of Defense of El Salvador Armed Forces, Major General Rafael Melara, and other members of the El Salvador Armed Forces. El Salvador is New Hampshire's partner in the National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP).

"It was an honor to host Major General Rafael Melara and members of the El Salvador Armed Forces at the State House today," Governor Hassan said. "The first job of any government is to keep our people safe, and for the past 15 years, this mutually beneficial partnership has helped strengthen the New Hampshire National Guard, our collective forces and our relationship with our allies."

The New Hampshire National Guard and the El Salvador Armed Forces have been partnered through the SPP since 2000. In that time, there have been more than 125 contact events in both countries in support of United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) priorities, including defense support to civilian authorities, public security enhancement and building partner capacity.

"We are profoundly grateful for the service and sacrifice of our partner force in El Salvador and the support that they have given us around the world, including in Iraq and Afghanistan," Governor Hassan said. "When we see our militaries working together, it reinforces what we all have in common, and I look forward to this important partnership continuing to strengthen."

In January of 2015, the New Hampshire National Guard received the El Salvador Armed Forces Distinguished Service Medal in recognition of excellence in partnership.

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