Yesterday, (March 7) at the invitation of Major General Gregory Knight, a delegation from the Army, led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Army, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, attended the official Change of Command Ceremony at the Vermont National Guard (NG), USA.
The ceremony took place at the 158th Fighter Wing at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in Burlington, where the outgoing commander, Major General Gregory Knight, handed over the duty to the incoming commander, Major General Henry “Hank” Harder. General Harder, who assumes this position from his previous role as Deputy Commander of the Vermont National Guard, has held numerous positions throughout his career, including Deputy Commander of the 158th Fighter Wing.
On this occasion, General Lafchiski also held his first meeting with General Harder, during which the 34-year partnership was reaffirmed, along with the need for continued cooperation in the future. The meeting also addressed the potential of the Army Training Area “Krivolak”, as well as the past contribution of the Vermont National Guard to the development of this training facility’s capabilities.
The presence of the Army delegation at yesterday’s ceremony represents a clear confirmation of the long-standing strategic partnership between the Macedonian Army and the Vermont National Guard, which has been successfully developing for more than three decades and stands as an example of mutual commitment and strong partnership.
