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Home  News Air Force Secretary Michael Donley Highlights Speakers Program at the Pentagon
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Air Force Secretary Michael Donley Highlights Speakers Program at the Pentagon |
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009 |
On June 25, 2009, Junior Statesmen Summer School students had the extraordinary opportunity to hear from some of the top strategists and advisors to U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates at the Pentagon.
The Defense Department program commenced with The Secretary of the Air Force, Michael B. Donley, who discussed a spectrum of topics ranging from the production of F-22s to the privatization of the military. James Alverson III, the Country Director of Brazil and Paraguay of the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, emphasized the pressing need to think about security and defense in new ways in the high-tech world that is evolving at an exponential rate. He encouraged the students to learn a second language, to be open to different, nontraditional experiences, and to be prepared to serve in various ways. On a more personal note, Mr. Alverson recounted his experience on September 11, 2001 when the Pentagon was stricken and shared his admiration for his fellow co-workers that risked their own lives to help others. Christian P. Marrone, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, open-mindedly discussed the issues surrounding Guantanamo Bay prison and Abu Ghraib and expressed his gratitude for his former mentors, expressing his will to guide and advise the next generation of leaders. Lastly, Major General Irving L. Halter Jr., the Vice Director of Operations of the Joint Staff who retired the following day, shared some bittersweet highlights of his years in service, warning that going to war should not be taken lightly – it means “losing friends, seeing the worst that people can do to each other, but also the best things.” The Junior Statesmen Foundation thanks Major General Halter for his service to the country and wishes him well in all of his future endeavors.
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