FORT DEVENS, Mass. –
A team of four marksmen from the Cabo Verdean special forces competed in the annual NHNG TAG Match at Fort Devens, Mass. from July 27 to 30.
It was the first of many exchanges planned between New Hampshire and it's newest state partner, the Republic of Cabo Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, according to Capt. Mario Rey, director of NHNG's State Partnership Program.
"This is the first time for all us in the United States," said 1st Sgt. Hernani Lopes through an interpreter. "So far everything's completely different except for the temperature."
During the four-day competition, "Team Delta" shot the M4 rifle and M17 pistol for the first time.
"I am learning a lot on how to use new weapons in a new environment, " 1st Sgt. Admir Monterio said. " I am learning a lot of new techniques."
The day after the match, the Cabo Verdeans had a chance to explore the city of Boston. They returned home Aug. 1, a seven-hour flight from Logan International.
"My biggest takeaway is the relationships and spending time with the new friends I have made here," Cpl. Antonio Silva said.
--compiled by Sgt. Nulise Francois, 603rd PAD.