Letter

CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF WASHINGTON, D.C. 20318-9999 14 August 2025 Lieutenant General Andrus Merila Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Joint Headquarters of the Estonian Defence Forces Juhkentali 58 15007 Tallinn Republic of Estonia Dear Gene~ Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your recent promotion to Lieutenant General. Your promotion is a testament to your exemplary leadership and dedicated service to your nation. It is also fitting that this honor was bestowed on Victory Day, in celebration of the independence that you and the Estonian Defence Forces continue to protect. Thank you for the example Estonia has set as a leading investor in defense modernization and a strong supporter of NATO's spending and capability targets. We face many challenges around the world , and I am grateful for Estonia 's readiness to take a stand in the defense of Europe. It was good to see you in Brussels in May, and I look forward to working with you again at the Military Committee Conference in Riga. I hope we have the chance to meet more formally soon.