On May 31st, LTC Todd Scattini ’96, Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché to the Republic of Slovenia hosted the first annual Joint Founders Day celebration in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The Slovenian Armed Forces proudly boasts eleven graduates of US Military Academies; six from West Point, four from the Air Force Academy, and one from the Naval Academy.
The purpose of this joint Founders Day was to celebrate the common histories, values, and leadership capabilities learned at the academies. It was also designed for other graduates to hear firsthand from their leadership the appreciation for and confidence that the Slovene Armed Forces have in each of their abilities.
Due to continued training in US military schools and operational deployments the Slovenes represented with six of their graduates. Present during the dinner and ceremony were Maj Klemen Mijatov (USMA ’02), Cpt Jure Himelrajh (USMA ’06), Maj Majcen Slavko (USAFA ’99), 1LT Matija Zupancic (USAFA ’12), 2LT Marko Podplatnik (USAFA ’13), and LT(N) Miran Balazic (USNA ’01). Many of the graduates were also accompanied by their spouses who were appreciative to be included. LTC Todd Scattini (USMA ’96), represented the US, along with LTC John Frick (USMA ’96), and Maj Matthew Manning (USAFA ’00). The US Ambassador, Mr. Joseph Mussomeli was in attendance, and the Slovenian Chief of Defense, Major General Dobran Bozic gave the keynote address.