Illinois Airmen train with the Polish Air Force in Peoria

For two weeks, the Illinois Air National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing based in Peoria trained with Polish Air Force C-130 Hercules squadron personnel.

On July 6, Army Maj. Gen. William Enyart, the adjutant general for the Illinois National Guard, visited the air wing to observe the training. The Polish Airmen became more familiar with the aircraft for an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Polish military contingent operations.

The Illinois National Guard maintains a state partnership with Poland. The purpose of the State Partnership Program (SPP) is to link National Guard states and territories with partner countries for the purpose of fostering mutual interests and establishing long-term relationships.

Through the SPP, Illinois Air and Army National Guard servicemembers participate in annual, joint training exercises with military forces of the Republic of Poland.