Former Maine Adjutant General receives award from the President of Montenegro

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Retired Major General John W. Libby (center) accepts the Montenegrin flag (second degree) Medal from Montenegro’s Minister of Defense Milica Pejanovi?-?uriši? (left) during a ceremony held in Augusta.

AUGUSTA, ME (09/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Montenegro's Minister of Defense Milica Pejanovic-Durisic presented the Montenegrin flag (second degree) Medal to Maj Gen. John W. Libby (Ret.) during a ceremony in Augusta on Saturday.

The Montenegrin Flag medal was authorized for award by the President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, to honor the contribution Libby made in establishing and maintaining cooperation between the Maine National Guard and Armed Forces of Montenegro within the State Partnership Program.

The ceremony, which was held at the Maine National Guard Headquarters in Augusta Maine, was attended by US Congressional Representative Mike Michaud along with other American and Montenegrin dignitaries.

Montenegrin President Vujanovic stated in the award citation that "General Libby was very dedicated to the cooperation and support to Montenegro in the defense area by providing useful advice and suggestions for development of military capabilities and the overall reform of the defense system. General Libby proved himself as a genuine friend to Montenegro."

Congressman Michaud said, "The Maine National Guard and the Montenegrin Ministry of Defense have formed an effective working relationship that has strengthened ties between our countries and taught valuable lessons to both of our nations. We are forever grateful for his service, and there's no doubt that his contributions will have a lasting impact."

The National Guard State Partnership Program is an innovative DoD joint security cooperation program, managed by the National Guard Bureau and executed by the State Adjutant Generals in support of Combatant Commanders security cooperation objectives and Ambassador Country Plans under the authorities provided by the DoD and Congress.

For over 20 years the National Guard has achieved great success through the various partnerships while supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives.