(Johnston, Iowa) – Iowa National Guard leaders wrapped up a weeklong visit to Kosovo to foster and strengthen the state partnership with the Kosovo Security Force this week. Maj. Gen. Ben Corell, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Hjelmstad, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, joined the Kosovo Minister of Defense, U.S. Embassy personnel and KSF members in touring several cities to learn more about Kosovo history, traditions and culture.

Maj. General Ben Corell, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, visits Iowa troops and Kosovo Security Force members during a state partnership visit to Kosovo in August 2022. (Photos courtesy Capt. Kevin Waldron, Iowa National Guard Deputy Public Affairs Officer)

The Iowa Air National Guard’s 132d Wing, based out of Des Moines, Iowa, also conducted a large joint medical exercise with the KSF. The exercise was the culmination of a five-year training cycle that included multiple bilateral training events. Corell, Hjelmstad and senior KSF leaders observed as the Airmen and KSF troops worked side by side to focus on point of injury care, moving patients to a ROLE I hospital and then transporting the critically wounded to a higher level of care.

The trip comes after a recent visit from KSF leadership to the U.S., during which the Iowa National Guard and KSF renewed their dedication to continue strengthening the partnership through training and cultural understanding. They had the opportunity to tour Camp Dodge facilities, observe a joint cyber competition at Iowa State University and recognize Iowa Army National Guard and KSF troops for their efforts during joint maneuver training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

Airmen with the 132d Air Wing, based in Des Moines, IA conduct joint medical training with Kosovo Security Force members in Pristina, Kosovo in August 2022.

The Iowa National Guard is planning several more joint training events with the KSF in 2023. To stay informed regarding all Iowa National Guard activities and events, visit the Iowa National Guard website, iowanationalguard.com.