During his visit to the U.S., Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas presented the Lithuanian National Defence System Medal of Merit for Civilians to Donald E. Parman, former representative of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
The award was bestowed in recognition of his outstanding merits, high level of professionalism and personal contribution to development of cooperation between Lithuania and the United States in the field of defense and strengthening Lithuania’s defense capabilities.
“Donald E. Parman made a significant contribution to cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S. regarding chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. His efforts helped to enhance Lithuania’s environmental radiation monitoring capabilities and facilitated the installation of mobile radionuclide monitoring equipment. Now, this equipment is an integral part of our radiation monitoring system,” – said Minister Robertas Kaunas.
The equipment installed at the General Silvestras Žukauskas Training Area in Pabrade facilitates the early detection and more accurate assessment of changes in the radiological situation. It is capable of detecting even exceptionally small quantities of airborne radioactive materials, including xenon radionuclides produced during nuclear reactions. In this way, the equipment supplements Lithuania’s radiation monitoring system and provides more data for the assessment of potential radiological threats.
The installation of mobile monitoring equipment in Lithuania is a significant outcome of the cooperation between Lithuania and the U.S. in the CBRN field, and Donald E. Parman made a substantial contribution to this cooperation.
“I am glad I was able to help Lithuania and other countries at the right time. I am proud of our joint efforts“, – said D. E. Parman receiving the award.
