Republic of Moldova Recognizes North Carolina State Partnership Program Director

RALEIGH, N.C. - U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michal Sterling, North Carolina National Guard State Partnership Program director assigned to the 60th Troop Command, was awarded the National Army Medal Oct. 8 in recognition of his commitment, leadership and contributions to the enduring partnership between the North Carolina National Guard and the Republic of Moldova.

Brig. Gen. Sergiu Cirimpei, Defense, Military, and Air Attaché to the U.S., awarded the medal to Sterling on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, Republic of Moldova.

"I'm happy to present this award to you for all your hard work and leadership shown to Moldova," Cirimpei said during the ceremony at Joint Force Headquarters.

Sterling's recognition reflects years of work strengthening the relationship between North Carolina and Moldova through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, a partnership established in 1996. In 2017, then-Capt. Sterling began serving as the Bilateral Affairs officer for Moldova, working to strengthen military cooperation and maintain relationships between the North Carolina National Guard and its Moldovan counterparts.

Two years later, in 2019, then-Maj. Sterling became the North Carolina National Guard's State Partnership Program director, responsible for coordinating engagements and advocating for the state's international partnership. The success of this partnership was recognized in 2023, when the North Carolina National Guard and Moldova received the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership of the Year award, highlighting the hard work and dedication between the two partners and their continued commitment to shared security objectives.

As the State Partnership Program director, Sterling oversaw partnerships with Moldova, Botswana, Malawi and Zambia, coordinating military-to-military and civilian engagements designed to strengthen partner capabilities and promote long-term self-reliance. Under his leadership, the program directed more than 200 security cooperation events across Europe and Africa, giving North Carolina National Guard personnel and international partners opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop capabilities and build relationships that extend beyond individual missions.

In addition to receiving Moldova's National Army Medal, the National Guard Bureau recognized Sterling as the 2025 State Partnership Program Director of the Year for his management of the North Carolina National Guard's partnerships. As State Partnership Program director, Sterling oversaw the program's annual funding allocations supporting the two partners' security cooperation objectives, ensuring resources aligned with strategic priorities and partnership goals.

"You've been such a great asset and leader to both NCNG and the great State of North Carolina," said Secretary Elaine Marshall, North Carolina's Secretary of State. "Congratulations and thank you for all that you do."

Sterling's recognition highlights the impact of continued commitment, showing how sustained relationships and strategic leadership can strengthen both the North Carolina National Guard and its international partners.

"I am honored to have worked with Mike in the NCNG State Partnership Program, I've learned so much from him and he is the most deserving of this award," said U.S. Army Col. Patrick Szvetitz, North Carolina National Guard director of Strategic Plans and Policy. "Mike cares deeply about the organization and the State Partnership Program; he is the main reason why our program is so successful."