Military Group Welcomes New Commander

June 16, 2008

On June 13, the U.S. Military Group in El Salvador held a Change of Command ceremony with high level military and civilian Salvadoran officials in attendance.

During the ceremony, Colonel Felix Santiago handed over command to Colonel Arie Bogaard.  The incoming commander has previously served in El Salvador on two different assignments.

Colonel Santiago has been the Military Group Commander since July 2002. During those six years the Military Group has carried out many cooperation programs with El Salvador – including two New Horizons exercises, and 37 Medical Readiness Training Exercises (MEDRETE) which have benefitted more than 242,000 Salvadorans.  The bilateral and military to military relations between the United States and El Salvador were significantly strengthened during Colonel Santiago’s tenure.