Military officers representing 93 nations visit Kansas capital

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A group of military officers from 93 countries stopped by the Kansas capital to learn about American culture and state government on Wednesday for State Government Day.

The military officers visited Kansas as part of an international class to learn about the organization and duties of the Kansas National Guard, the state’s legislative process and the state judiciary system.

The officers were escorted to the Capitol Building by the Topeka Police Motorcycle Unit before stopping by the first-floor rotunda to be greeted by State Representative Dan Hawkins and Brig. Gen. Paul Schneider, the director of the Kansas National Guard Joint Staff.

27 News spoke to British Army Logistics Corps Maj. Kathryn Smith, who said it’s important for international students to learn how laws are passed in Kansas. The group will later visit Washington, D.C. to learn about government at the federal level.

“So it’s different from every country,” Smith said. “It’s different from the UK. For example, yesterday we talked about how it works in the city and the county, and now we’re seeing it on a bigger picture.”

This year marks the 71st year that international officers have made the trip to the Kansas State Capitol as part of their U.S. Congressionally-mandated field studies program.

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