A Guam Air National Guard member returns to her roots, helping strengthen law enforcement in Palau through a special partnership program.

Master Sergeant Misty Palomo of the Guam Air National Guard’s 254th security forces squadron took part in a subject matter expert exchange in Koror, Palau, under the state partnership program.

Raised by her Palauan grandparents on Guam, Palomo helped assess law enforcement capabilities in Palau and discussed future cooperation with Guam and the U.S. Indo-Pacific commands.

She called the experience a deeply personal and meaningful journey, saying it was an opportunity to give back to her heritage while supporting efforts to improve public safety in Palau.

The exchange focused on strengthening training in drug interdiction, human trafficking prevention, and border security, ensuring a safer future for the region.