California Army National Guard Told to “Stand Ready” for Ukraine

The California Army National Guard commander on Sunday sent a memorandum to soldiers serving in the California Army National Guard, which is partnered with Ukrainian forces under the State Partnership Program, asking them to “stand ready.”

The subject of the memorandum issued by Army Maj. Gen. Laura L. Yeager was titled: “Letter to the Field – Ukraine”

The California Army National Guard commander sent a memorandum on Ukraine to soldiers, asking them to “stand ready.” https://t.co/Bo8fXPy0mr

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) March 10, 2022

Breitbart obtained the memorandum:

“We cannot predict what our role may be at home or abroad, therefore we must stand ready. We ask each of you to self-assess and seize the initiative to improve your personal readiness,” Yeager wrote.

The memorandum said in full:

1. As we watch the war unfold in our partner nation of Ukraine, our role as defenders of democracy is highlighted and increased in importance. Democracy can coexist with all peaceful nations but the actions of President Putin prove that oppressive states choose not to respect the sovereignty of democratic free countries.
2. I am proud of our lasting partnership with Ukraine and their valiant fight to protect their freedom and their nation is inspiring. We are working diligently with our state and federal partners to help facilitate getting the Ukrainian military and citizens the equipment and humanitarian assistance they need to continue their defense.
3. We cannot predict what our role may be at home or abroad, therefore we must stand ready. We ask each of you to self-assess and seize the initiative to improve your personal readiness. I encourage each of you to ensure you are continually working to increase your physical fitness, further your military education and train hard to be ready when needed. Speak to your friends and connect them with a local recruiter if they choose to serve to strengthen the readiness of our formations.
4. Thank you for your service to California and the nation. Peace and freedom will endure with your continue commitment to service and excellence.

California Military Department Public Affairs Office Director Lt. Col. Brandon Hill confirmed the memo was authentic.

“I can confirm that is a memorandum sent by Maj Gen Yeager to the California Army National Guard component and personnel serving under her command. Her statement illustrates the importance of our motto or ‘Always Ready, Always There’ for National Guard service members. It also highlights our special relationship with the armed forces of Ukraine through the State Partnership Program in the 30 years we have partnered and trained with them,” he said in a statement.

As discussed by Ukrinform, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Moffett Air Field in California last September:

In honor of the guests, the military band performed the national anthems of Ukraine and the United States.

Zelensky met with California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and Adjutant General of the California National Guard Major General David S. Baldwin. The head of state was briefed about the activities of the California National Guard, with which the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine actively cooperate.

Zelensky examined samples of weapons and equipment of the California National Guard. He also saw how airborne troops perform training exercises to rescue victims by helicopter with landing elements.

He thanked the commanders of the California National Guard for the warm welcome. He mentioned their close cooperation with the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine and expressed hope that cooperation between them would deepen.

The California Military Department recently published an e-newsletter on its partnership with Ukrainian forces.

Sgt. 1^st Class Amanda H. Johnson writes:

“We have been partnered with Ukraine for 30 years,” said California State Guard Brig. Gen. Peter B. Cross, commander of Youth and Community Programs task force for the California Military Department, during a rally March 6 on the steps of the state capitol in support of Ukraine. “Not just last year. Not just this week. For 30 years.”

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The Ukrainian American House sponsored event brought together lawmakers, military leaders, community members, and all walks of life to focus on the conflict invading every corner of Ukraine.

“We have been training with our Ukraine military counterparts,” said Cross. “We have friends in Ukraine. This is personal for us.”

What does this 30-year partnership between California National Guard troops and Ukrainian forces signify?

That’s my question.

Would California send their troops to fight on behalf of Ukraine under authorization from Biden?

Or, is this a grandiose virtue signal to express the unwavering support of Ukraine during the Russian invasion?