NEW YORK--Leaders from the New York National Guard and Swedish military sign an agreement for joint training as part of the National Guard State Partnership Program at New Yorks Freedom Tower on July 12 2024. Major Gen. Ray Shields left the adjutant general of New York; Pal Jonson Sweden's Minister for Defence; Marcos Soler Deputy Secretary for Public Safety for the State of New York; and Major Gen. Johan Pekkari Sweden's Chief of Policy and Plans sign the document. The State Partnership Program pairs state National Guards with the militaries of countries around the world in bilateral training and exchange partnerships. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Stephanie Butler)