Massachusetts National Guard Leaders Deepen Partnership with Paraguay

Why It Matters

The deepened U.S.–Paraguay defense ties enhance regional stability and bolster joint cyber‑defense capabilities, reinforcing the strategic value of the State Partnership Program.

Key Takeaways

• 25‑year State Partnership Program milestone celebrated in 2026
• New hangars inaugurated at Silvio Pettirossi Air Base
• Cyber‑battalion facility tour highlights joint cyber defense focus
• Medal of Merit awarded to Paraguayan Air Force commander
• Training exchanges expanded to NCO education and humanitarian aid

Pulse Analysis

The State Partnership Program (SPP) has become a cornerstone of U.S. defense diplomacy, pairing individual states with foreign militaries to foster long‑term, low‑profile cooperation. Massachusetts’ relationship with Paraguay, launched in 2001, illustrates how these ties evolve from basic skill exchanges into multidimensional partnerships that address modern security challenges. By leveraging the Guard’s dual state‑federal mission, the SPP enables rapid, cost‑effective engagement that complements larger NATO or bilateral agreements, while providing a platform for cultural and institutional alignment.

During the January 2026 visit, Guard leaders used high‑visibility events—such as the inauguration of new hangars at Silvio Pettirossi Air Base and a familiarization flight in an Embraer A‑29—to showcase tangible benefits of the partnership. The awarding of medals to Paraguayan senior officers underscored mutual respect and highlighted progress in aviation interoperability. Equally significant was the delegation’s inspection of Paraguay’s cyber‑battalion, signaling a shift toward joint cyber‑defense training and information‑sharing protocols that address the growing threat of digital attacks on critical infrastructure.

Looking ahead, the expanded focus on cybersecurity, humanitarian response, and NCO professional development positions the Massachusetts‑Paraguay partnership as a model for other SPP relationships. As Latin America confronts evolving security dynamics—from transnational crime to cyber‑espionage—the ability to coordinate rapid response and share technical expertise becomes a strategic asset for both nations. Continued investment in joint exercises and technology transfer will likely deepen interoperability, reinforcing U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere while supporting Paraguay’s emergence as a regional security leader.

Massachusetts National Guard leaders deepen partnership with Paraguay

By Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy, and Massachusetts National Guard · January 28, 2026

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard (MANG), left, awards Paraguayan Air Force Commander Gen. Julio Rubén Fullaondo Céspedes with the Medal of Merit in Asunción, Paraguay, Jan. 21, 2026. The award recognizes Fullaondo’s leadership and contributions to strengthening aviation cooperation, interoperability and international partnerships between the Massachusetts National Guard and the Paraguayan Armed Forces. Massachusetts and Paraguay marked 26 years of partnership in 2026 through the U.S. Department of War’s State Partnership Program, reinforcing a long‑standing, mutually beneficial security relationship. (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)

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ASUNCION, Paraguay – Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, led a series of senior‑leader engagements in Asunción from Jan. 16–22 to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation between Massachusetts and Paraguay.

During the visit, Keefe and a delegation of Massachusetts Guardsmen met with Paraguayan military leaders and participated in engagements focused on expanding training opportunities, professional exchanges, technical expertise, humanitarian assistance and emergency preparedness. Massachusetts and Paraguay will mark 25 years of partnership in 2026 through the State Partnership Program, a joint initiative of the Department of Defense, the Department of State and the National Guard Bureau.

“I love this country, and I love it because of your values,” Keefe said. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Every Paraguayan you meet, no matter where they come from, shares the values of faith, family and friends. That spirit—whether of a sailor, soldier, airman or civilian—is what continues to drive great nations like Paraguay forward.”

At the start of the visit, Keefe and his delegation joined senior leaders of the Paraguayan Air Force to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the Aerotactical Group, the service’s only fighter unit, at Silvio Pettirossi Air Force Base. The ceremony included the inauguration of new hangars and the presentation of the Aeronautical Medal “Honor to Merit” to U.S. Army Maj. Leonardo Gutierrez, the Massachusetts National Guard’s Paraguay bilateral affairs officer and State Partnership Program director, for his outstanding service to the Paraguayan Air Force.

Following the ceremony, Keefe met with senior leaders of the Paraguayan Armed Forces, including Defense Minister retired Gen. Óscar Luís González Cañete; Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Defense Gen. César Augusto Moreno Landaira; Air Force Commander Gen. Julio Rubén Fullaondo Céspedes; Army Commander Gen. Manuel Rodriguez Sosa; Joint Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Nery Torres Laconich; Logistics Commander Gen. Gustavo Arza; and Navy Commander Vice Adm. Christian José Rotela Valde. Keefe discussed opportunities to strengthen military‑to‑military cooperation and joint security strategies and presented the Medal of Merit to González Cañete and Moreno Landaira for their support of bilateral defense collaboration.

“In my 11 years as the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard, I’ve watched Paraguay rise as a leader in the region and a trusted partner,” Keefe said. “This is the best time for the Paraguayan people and the Paraguayan military to move forward.”

Keefe and his delegation traveled from Asunción to Encarnación aboard a C‑208 aircraft flown by Paraguayan Air Force pilots to visit the Colegio Militar de Suboficiales del Ejército, the country’s premier institution for training Army non‑commissioned officers. Keefe met with Col. Alejandro Raúl Torres Lezcano, the school’s commander, and Lt. Gen. Esteban Rodriguez, commander of the Army Military Education Institutes Command, and observed training programs and professional‑development initiatives.

At Paraguayan Air Force headquarters, Keefe met with Fullaondo and other senior leaders to discuss strengthening cooperation with the Massachusetts National Guard. During the visit, Keefe presented Fullaondo with the Medal of Merit in recognition of his leadership and contributions to aviation cooperation, interoperability and international partnerships.

Following the engagement, Paraguayan Air Force Col. Fabio Crispin Candia, commander of the Aerotactical Group, invited Keefe on a familiarization flight aboard an Embraer A‑29 Super Tucano. After the flight, Keefe briefly met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña.

“I have watched Paraguay ascend as a leader not only in the Western Hemisphere but around the world,” Keefe said. “I love this country. I love its people —their humility, resilience and will to fight to protect it. Paraguay is a country of true warriors, both men and women, and we are proud to be your partner.”

Keefe and his delegation later attended an award ceremony at the Paraguayan Armed Forces Command headquarters, recognizing individuals who support U.S.–Paraguay coordination. Moreno Landaira presented the Medal of Honor, Directorate General of Information and Communications Technologies, to U.S. Air Force Maj. Christina Martinez, defense cooperation officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paraguay, and to Gutierrez. Keefe also presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Paraguayan Army Lt. Col. Daniel Hugo Yamanishi Salas for outstanding service to the United States.

The delegation also toured the Paraguayan Armed Forces’ newly established cyber‑battalion facility.

“We share many of the same concerns: protecting critical infrastructure and defending against cyber‑attacks,” Keefe said. “When computer systems go down, everything comes to a halt. When infrastructure fails, communication fails, and the military cannot protect its citizens. We look forward to supporting where you want to go over the next five years.”

The Massachusetts National Guard’s partnership with Paraguay began in 2001 as one of the earliest State Partnership Program relationships. It was initiated under the leadership of Maj. Gen. George W. Keefe, then the 39th adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard and the late father of Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, the 43rd adjutant general. Over the past two decades, the partnership has expanded from a focus on military skills to include cybersecurity, humanitarian response, peacekeeping and leadership development.

In addition to Paraguay, the Massachusetts National Guard maintains international partnerships with the Kenya Defence Forces, Israel’s Home Front Command, the Irish Defence Forces and the German Armed Forces, reflecting the State Partnership Program’s role in strengthening global security and regional stability.