PRETORIA, South Africa (Sept. 26, 2012) -- Three New York National Guard Soldiers from New York City got a chance to talk about their Guard service with the American ambassador to South Africa when he visited their station at Africa's largest air show and defense exhibition on Wednesday, Sept. 19.
The three Soldiers from the Queens-based 442nd Military Police Company also put their M1117 Armored Security Vehicle through its paces for Ambassador Donald Gips, when he visited the Africa Aerospace and Defense Airshow and Exhibition.
"It was really cool to have the ambassador interested in what we do," said Spec. Sebastian Petion, a military policeman from Brooklyn, N.Y.
"He was really impressed with the security, speed and fire power of the vehicle," Petion added.
The Soldiers discussed the vehicles' capabilities with Ambassador Gips and other dignitaries, as the air show began at the South Africa National Defense Force's Waterkloof Air Force Base.
The Soldiers are part of a U.S. military contingent displaying aircraft and equipment at the international air and trade show this week.
The show is hosted every two years and is comprised of nearly 60 civilian and military aircraft and vehicle demonstrations, and flying and static displays from some of the biggest names in aviation and the defense industry.
"We are not just representing New York in our state partnership program, we are representing the United States military as a whole," said Col. Franz Michel, who oversees the State Partnership Program for New York.
"I can't think of better ambassadors representing our country than our New York Army National Guard Soldiers," he added.
Participation in this air show is part of the New York National Guard's on going relationship with South Africa.
The State Partnership Program is a National Guard initiative that encourages relationships, enhances international security and builds capacity across all levels of society with developing nations. Each State and territorial National Guard is partnered with the military of a developing friendly nation.
"This is a once in a life time opportunity to meet our counterparts and familiarize them to our vehicle," said Sgt. Anewrys Rosario, a military policeman from Manhattan. "It looks similar on the outside but the functions inside are totally different, they were really impressed with the three weapons systems and the turrets 360 degree rotation," Rosario added.
Related Links:
New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs
New York National Guard Soldiers participate in South African military skills competition
New York National Guard adjutant general takes part in South African Reserve conference
South African military leaders learn about New York Army National Guard logistics
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