 Strong relationships build strong partnerships that can endure and respond to any crisis. Our relationship began as part of the United States Army's program to connect the National Guard from U.S. states with militaries from other countries across the globe. This was done with the purpose of senior leader engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, familiarization visits, cooperative training and exercises like Agile Spirit, and co-deployments in response to crisis. In our military our National Guard handles deployments but we're also some of the first to respond in cases of natural disaster. Normally we assist with responding to weather events like hurricanes and floods but over the past year and a half we've been heavily involved in the state and the nation's COVID response. Serving in the military, serving my community and serving my nation has been one of the best decisions I've made. I initially did it to honor my grandfather who served. I encourage my children to serve their community and nation as I encourage you to serve your community and nation.