The city of Emporia and American Legion Post 5 were proud to welcome hundreds of foreign military officers Tuesday as part of an annual international military program.
Each year hundreds of officers from various countries are selected to attend the prestigious Command and General Staff College based out of Fort Leavenworth. As part of their time in America, the foreign representatives tour the state of Kansas and make a regular stop in Emporia such as they did Tuesday.
The visit included a stop at the Emporia All Veterans Memorial and lunch at American Legion Post 5. The ten-month program provides attendees with a comprehensive education on United States military tactics, history and American culture.
Panamanian National Police Lt. Colonel Rolando Villarreal (VILL-uh-REE-Al) says he views being chosen for the program as both a “mission” and a great honor.
Major Yaahya Idriss Dokony of the National Army of Tchad says he has greatly appreciated how respectful and welcoming everyone has been since he arrived in the U.S.
Post 5 Commander Ron Whitney is hopeful that in future years the annual event in Emporia can be moved to a larger venue to allow the general public to attend. Whitney says it is “mind-boggling” to see the number of countries represented through the program and to learn about their relationships with the United States.
The contingent of officers attending this year’s program represents 88 different allied countries.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
