MILITARY & VETERANS AFFAIRS
NEWS RELEASE

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Patrick Daugherty at 609-530-6939/

cell 609-847-6093 or Kryn P. Westhoven at 609-530-6950/

Cell 609-902-1758

Maj. Gen. Glenn K. Rieth (left), The Adjutant General of New Jersey and His Excellency Mr. Gazmend Oketa (right), Minister of Defense, Republic of Albania cut a special anniversary cake commemorating the 15-year partnership between New Jersey and the Republic of Albania. The Albanian Defense Minister and his delegation were honored at a luncheon at the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Headquarters on Dec. 3. Mr. Oketa's visit coincides with the 15th Anniversary of his nation's participation in the Partnership for Peace with the New Jersey National Guard. During the course of the partnership, New Jersey Soldiers and Airmen have assisted Albania's military as the nation transitioned from a communist regime to a representative democracy. Troops from New Jersey assisted with all aspects of the transition, from the drafting of Albania's constitution to the professionalization of its military's non-commissioned officer corps. The partnership yielded results. In April, Albania will achieve its long-standing goal of membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Olsen, 177FW/PA.