A unique partnership between Oregon and Bangladesh could help to save lives in times of natural disaster. That partnership was strengthened through an international visit to Kingsley Field today…
Lieutenant General Abdul Wadud of Bangladesh is visiting Oregon this week to learn…
“We also work a lot in our country for the disaster management, and we help the civilian community. So, we wanted to learn how the military folks here, they assist the civilian people here.”
Wadud’s first stop was at Kingsley Field, where he was the guest of Colonel Jeffrey Silver…
“The emphasis on this particular visit that General Wadud is making is on emergency response techniques.”
Oregon National Guard Brigadier General Bruce Prunk notes that Oregon will also learn some lessons from the Bangladeshis…
“Bangladesh is also the largest provider of U.N. peacekeepers – so it’s a good opportunity for us to learn from each other, and exchange ideas during this week.” Brunk adds that Oregon and Bangladesh have been linked since 2008 through the ‘State Partnership Program’. “What happens is, the countries will ask for a state partner – then then that’s coordinated through the National Guard Bureau.”
Lieutenant General Wadud was given a briefing on the mission of the base. Wadud also toured Kingsley Field, and met with local elected officials…
“It means a lot to us, this is the partnership between the state of Bangladesh and the state of Oregon.”
Several Oregon Guard members traveled to Bangladesh last month, and in July of last year.
The guests from Bangladesh will attend emergency training exercises in Tualatin, Eugene, and Sherwood this week. Tours have also been scheduled for Army aviation support facilities in Salem and Pendleton.
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