KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Col. Greg Nelson, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, meets with members of the Ecuadorian Air Force during a tour of the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky, on March 1, 2011. The Ecuadorians were visiting as part of the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, which fosters stronger relations between the United States and foreign governments by promoting bilateral military cooperation. Ecuador and the Kentucky National Guard have been partners since 1997. (U.S. Air Force by Master Sgt. Phil Speck)