The Michigan National Guard (MING) and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) commemorated 15 years of collaboration under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP). The anniversary was marked by events from June 10-13 at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Michigan.
The celebration began with a ceremonial tree planting and concluded with MING’s annual Pass-In-Review parade. Maj. Gen. Davidson Forleh, AFL Chief of Staff, attended as a distinguished reviewing official.
“In the business of defense and security, we can never rest on our laurels. Our profession demands vigilance and action in a dynamic and ever-evolving environment,” stated U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, MING adjutant general.
The Liberian delegation included AFL Lt. Col. Francis Gbodi, military advisor to the chief of staff; Lt. Col. Stephen Tarplah, chief of public affairs; and Maj. Urias Zogaa, chaplain general.
On June 10, Zogaa joined Col. Brian Martinus, MING State Chaplain, to dedicate a white pine near the Camp Grayling chapel as a symbol of partnership strength.
“The tree is a symbol of life, growth, fertility, and a legacy for the next generation,” said Zogaa.
The SPP was established in 1993 to promote security cooperation between U.S. states’ National Guards and partner nations. Liberia joined in 2009 due to its strong Liberian-American community in Detroit.
Forleh observed training events including drone operations with MING’s 1st Battalion, medical readiness activities aligned with AFL’s 14 Military Hospital, and a patient extraction exercise on Lake Huron.
Forleh also met with Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilcrist II before the June 13 parade and discussed Liberia's recent election to a non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council for 2026-2027.
Between 2013-2023, AFL participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations in Mali while maintaining adherence to law and human rights standards.
“What makes the AFL strong is our focus on discipline, training, and welfare,” Forleh noted during his visit.
MING leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Liberia's post-conflict defense transformation through ongoing engagements across various sectors.
“There was tremendous foresight in establishing this partnership,” said Rogers.