Remarks by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. David J. Kostelancik
on Operation Load Diffuser Distinguished Visitor Day
in Kecskemét
Thank you, General Wolters and Lieutenant General Orosz, and all of the men and women in uniform here today working so hard to make this exercise a success.
I am honored to be here representing the United States Government. As an American, I am proud when I have the opportunity to see the United States military in action. As a believer in NATO and the transatlantic alliance, I am energized when I see the United States military in action side-by-side with our NATO allies.
Exercise Load Diffuser is emblematic of what it takes to have a functional and effective defense alliance. Behind all of the ideas and planning and agreements and discussions and paperwork, it comes down to talented, committed men and women in uniform who will reach across language, cultural, and historic divides and do the difficult work of communicating, coordinating, and solving problems, and that’s what we see here today.
I commend the Hungarian Air Force and its personnel here at Kecskemet Air Base for their leadership in hosting this exercise and for their hospitality to the American, Slovakian, Slovenian, Croatian, and Czech forces assembled here.
I would especially like to recognize Hungary and the Ohio Air National Guard for their long-standing cooperation through the State Partnership program. This relationship has endured for more than 2 decades, and it stands out as a real achievement in the history of American and Hungarian military cooperation.
For all of the participants: thanks to your work during Load Diffuser, we are a stronger alliance, and we are more prepared to defend freedom, peace, security, and our shared values, including individual liberty, human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Thank you very much.
