A landmark visit strengthens global Lithuanian defense ties, diaspora engagement, and support for Šauliai youth camps.
St. Petersburg, FL – In a historic visit to the Lithuanian-American community, General Raimundas Vaikšnoras, Chief of Defense of Lithuania, met with members of the Lithuanian National Guard (Lietuvos Šaulių Sąjunga Išeivijoje, LŠSI) and local diaspora leaders. The event highlighted three vital pillars of Lithuanian strength: national defense cooperation, diaspora unity, and the continued development of Šauliai youth camps abroad.
High-Level Delegation Visits St. Petersburg Community
General Vaikšnoras was accompanied by a distinguished delegation that included his wife, Asta Vaikšnorienė, Chairwoman of the LDK Birutė Officers’ Families Women’s Association. Together, they were welcomed by Lithuanian National Guard representatives and prominent Lithuanian-American community members in Florida.
The military delegation included
- Colonel Mindaugas Mažonas, Lithuanian Defense Attaché to the U.S. and Canada
- Lt. Colonel Aristidas Gerasimavičius, Aide to the Chief of Defense
- Lt. Colonel Rūta Montvilė
- Major Modestas Petravičius, Adjutant to the Chief of Defense
- Captain Edvinas Urbonas, Public Relations Officer
- Sergeant Major Gintaras Daunoravičius with his wife Jolita
- Warrant Officer Andrius Jankeliūnas, Assistant to the Defense Attaché
Šauliai Representatives Show Up in Force
Representing the Lithuanian National Guard (Šauliai in exile) were:
- Commander Ovidijus Bernatonis
- Juozas Apolinaras Radvila, longtime Sea Scout
- Giedrius Blotnys, Commander of the Romas Kalanta Company (St. Petersburg), joined by Šauliai Rimantas Šniževičius, Arnas Zubernis, and Eduardas Slavinskas
- Vytautas Orentas, Commander of the Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas Company (West Palm Beach), accompanied by Linas Natkevičius and Honorary Commander Klemensas Petras
Lithuanian-American Community Participation
Active engagement also came from the Lithuanian-American community:
- Vaida Kovalick, Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter
- Skaistė Ašmonaitė, Founder and Board Member
- Vilma Jennings, Board Member of the Southwest Chapter
- Representatives from the St. Petersburg Chapter
- Audra Varkhaloff, Vice-Chair of the American Lithuanian Club, with Board Members Nomeda Baronas, Rūta Stecher, Jolanta Nikolov, Irma Kriščiūnienė, Paulius Pugžlys, and volunteer Giedrė Šaučiūnaitė
Honoring Lithuanian-American Patriotism and NATO Contributions
One of the most touching moments came during a speech by Lucia Eglė Garsys, widow of the late Colonel Algimantas V. Garsys, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and staunch supporter of Lithuania’s re-established military and NATO accession.
Honorary Consul Algimantas Karnavičius also addressed the audience, offering gratitude for the diaspora and military guests’ continued service and love for Lithuania.
“Our strength is in our unity. Together, we protect not just a homeland, but a heritage.”
– General Raimundas Vaikšnoras
Official Invitation to Honor “Lituanica II” Hero
Ovidijus Bernatonis, Commander of the Lithuanian National Guard, presented General Vaikšnoras with an official invitation to attend the 90th anniversary of the transatlantic flight “Lituanica II” by Feliksas Vaitkus, an honorary Šaulys and U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.
The commemoration will occur on September 19, 2025, at the Pagėgiai railway station, a symbolic location tied to Vaitkus’s aviation legacy.
Read more about Lituanica II.
General Vaikšnoras Backs Diaspora-Led Youth and Defense Cooperation
In his address, General Vaikšnoras praised the LŠSI’s mission abroad and emphasized the vital role of diaspora Lithuanians in national preparedness.
“In case of crisis, we must ensure our soldiers can serve knowing their families are safe. This is where our diaspora becomes an extension of our national defense.”
He encouraged vigilance and readiness among Lithuanian-Americans, highlighting the diaspora’s critical role in supporting military families and sustaining Lithuania’s security.
Endorsement of Šauliai Youth Camps in the U.S.
The Chief of Defense’s enthusiastic support for the Lithuanian National Guard’s youth camps was a significant event highlight. He applauded the initiative to expand Švyturys 2025 into two separate camps – in California and Michigan – providing more opportunities for young Lithuanian-Americans to connect with their heritage and military-inspired discipline.
His wife, Asta Vaikšnorienė, also endorsed the idea of “friendship camps” for children, noting their importance in fostering transatlantic understanding and patriotism.
“Every child who connects with their roots becomes a guardian of Lithuania’s future.”
Explore Švyturys 2025 Pre-Registration
A Look Back at Švyturys 2024
Participants of Švyturys 2024 were previously honored by both General Vaikšnoras and Stasys Ignatavičius, President of the V. Putvinskis-Pūtvys Club. Their messages brought encouragement and pride to the campers.
The camp also featured interactive sessions with the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ Panevėžys Recruitment Division, where officers introduced young attendees to military structures, NATO missions, and the value of international cooperation. See Švyturys 2024 Wrap-Up, Visit YouTube, or Read about Švyturys camp on Wikipedia.
Brotherhood, Gratitude, and a Shared Mission
Following the official program, guests mingled over traditional Lithuanian treats, sharing ideas for future cooperation and building personal connections with military and community leaders.
This encounter reaffirmed a powerful truth: no matter where Lithuanians live, their shared mission of safeguarding freedom, culture, and youth leadership remains unbreakable.
📸 View more moments from this event in the photo gallery below.
LTNationalGuard is the voice of the Lithuanian diaspora, focused on reflecting the unity and spirit of the global Lithuanian National Guard community. As the main writer for sauliai.org, LTNationalGuard shares the experiences and values of the Guards, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve Lithuanian heritage. Each piece of content connects with the community, capturing the essence of the National Guards and helping members stay connected worldwide.
Silvija Motiejunas has been an active member of the Lithuanian National Guard’s “Klaipėda” Company since March 2024 and joined the LAC Marquette Park chapter board in June 2024. She is committed to preserving the history of the Lithuanian National Guard. Silvija records and shares events that matter to both Lithuanians and the wider community. Her work has appeared in local Lithuanian newspapers like “Draugas” and is now featured in the Chronicles and other parts of our website. Silvija’s writing reflects the spirit and activities that keep our cultural heritage alive.
Skaistė Ašmonaitė is the founder of the Lithuanian American Community’s Tampa Bay chapter. Outside of her professional work, she actively organizes cultural events and community gatherings while volunteering with various Lithuanian organizations. Her dedication helps strengthen the ties between the Lithuanian diaspora and their heritage across Florida.
