CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— The Arkansas National Guard received top national honors for its security cooperation efforts, securing an impressive three out of the nine possible awards presented at the National Guard Bureau’s annual State Partnership Program (SPP) conference.
The state earned the prestigiousStrategic Partnership of the Yearaward for its work in Central America, whileMaj. Debora Lopezwas named the SPP Director of the Year. Rounding out the sweep,Maj. David Nevarezwon theBilateral Affairs Officer (BAO) – Small Military Group of the Yearaward.
Together, these honors recognize a historic, record-breaking year in which the Arkansas-Guatemala partnership executed over 85 security cooperation engagements.
TheStrategic Partnership of the Yearaward recognizes the team that most effectively advances U.S. security cooperation goals. Arkansas captured this top honor by demonstrating unparalleledstrategic alignmentwith Department of War (DoW) priorities and U.S. Southern Command objectives. The partnership delivered profoundstrategic impactthrough measurable outcomes such as a ministerial cyber-defense initiative that reduced host-nation security gaps by over 50%, and a critical road infrastructure feasibility assessment. Ultimately, the award highlights theenduring, trust-based relationship Arkansas has built with Guatemala over 23 years, spanning from senior leader engagements down to tactical operators training side-by-side.
In the individual categories,Maj. Debora Lopeztook home theSPP Director of the Yearaward. She was recognized for driving the most productive period in the partnership's history. Maj. Lopez synchronized all engagements with the U.S. Embassy’s Integrated Country Strategy and managed an increase in Arkansas participant involvement. Her leadership was also pivotal in coordinating Arkansas’s 60-personnel contribution to exercise CENTAM GUARDIAN 2025.
Operating forward from the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City,Maj. David Nevarezwon theBAO-Small Military Group of the Yearaward. He was honored for his mastery of cross-agency collaboration and execution of U.S. national security objectives. He was instrumental in establishing Guatemala’s first-ever Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law School and its first formal NCO Academy. His diplomatic efforts elevated the partnership to the presidential level, placing Arkansas Guardsmen directly before Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and securing critical U.S. funding for sustainable host-nation military education.
Through the State Partnership Program, the Arkansas National Guard continues to share vital technical, medical, and leadership expertise, building enduring global relationships that enhance regional security and protect U.S. interests.
For more information about the Arkansas National Guard and its State Partnership Program initiatives, please visit https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Farkansas.nationalguard.mil%2F.