In a landmark moment for the longstanding partnership between the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and the Iowa National Guard, aviator Drini Gashi has officially become the first Kosovar citizen to enlist in the Iowa National Guard. The oath-taking ceremony took place on November 20, at the 132d Air Wing base in Iowa.
Gashi’s enlistment marks a significant step in the deepening ties between Iowa and Kosovo—partners since 2011 under the State Partnership Program (SPP).
The oath was administered by retired Major General Timothy Orr, former Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, who played a central role in bringing Iowa into the SPP.
“Drini’s commitment represents another turning point in the relationship that strengthens the bond between Iowa and Kosovo,” said Orr. “We serve together, work together, and fight together.”
A Journey Rooted in Family and Service
Gashi’s path toward military service in the United States began in 2012, when his family moved from Kosovo to Washington, D.C. His father, Brigadier General (Ret.) Xhavit Gashi, served as Kosovo’s defense attaché at the Republic of Kosovo Embassy in the United States, later becoming Kosovo’s Consul General in Des Moines, Iowa.
It was during the family’s residence at Camp Dodge that Drini first engaged closely with members of the Iowa National Guard.
“I loved living there,” Drini said. “I loved seeing Iowa National Guard members up close.”
Although the family eventually returned to Kosovo, Drini maintained a strong connection to Iowa. He later returned to the United States for college and began his path toward U.S. citizenship through the Expedited Naturalization and Sponsorship Program, made possible by his enlistment in the Guard.
“I love this country and what it represents,” Drini said. “What this country stands for is greater than anything else in the world.”
Strengthening U.S.–Kosovo Security Ties
Former and current directors of the State Partnership Program attended the ceremony, underscoring its significance.
“The State Partnership Program aims to build relationships between U.S. National Guards and foreign militaries, improving cooperation and supporting U.S. national interests,” said Lt. Col. Joel Jacobson, former director of the program. “Iowa has accomplished this through hundreds of exchanges with Kosovo—but now Iowa has a Kosovar serving in its own ranks. This is a major achievement.”
Retired Lt. Col. Kerri Lewers highlighted that Gashi’s enlistment could encourage more Kosovars to join the Iowa National Guard in the future.
“We hope this monumental moment sets a precedent for more Kosovars to join the Iowa National Guard and eventually become U.S. citizens,” she said. “Even though Iowa does not have a large Kosovar community, the friendships and trust built with the KSF have become like family.”
Gashi’s milestone is widely seen as a positive example of deepening bilateral cooperation and an inspiration for future Kosovo–Iowa exchange participants.
