WHINSEC Commandant, Col. Keith Anthony, presents a depiction of the three 'homes' of WHINSEC: Ridgway Hall (the old Infantry School), Richardson Circle and now, Bradley Hall and the Baltzell Avenue campus, to Col (Ret) Richard D. Downie, the first co...

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Jan. 21, 2015) -- The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation celebrated 14 years of service with an observance in the institute's auditorium Jan 15.

More than 200 people, including leaders from all the MCoE units and local supporters, watched a video depicting the Institute from its inaugural ceremony in 2001 in Ridgway Hall to recent activities on its new campus along Baltzell Avenue.

Retired Col. Richard D. Downie, the institute's first commandant (2001-2004), was the featured speaker, describing the early growing pains and contradictory guidance he received in the very first days of his command.

Two other previous commandants, retired Cols. Glenn R. Huber Jr. and Felix Santiago joined in the festivities.

In a finale to the ceremony, the commandant, Col. Keith Anthony, was joined by the assistant commandant Col. Gustavo Nuñez Kocher (from Chile), Command Sgt. Maj. Carlos Olvera, Col. Walter Navarro (the senior Partner-Nation instructor from Costa Rica) and 1st Lt. Sophia Navedo (the youngest U.S. employee) in cutting a WHINSEC cake.

The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation was established by federal law and opened in January 2001 to provide professional education and training to military, civilian and law enforcement personnel from eligible nations of the Western Hemisphere.

Now in its 15th year of operation with the U.S. Army as the executive agent, the institute provides the nations of the Western Hemisphere the opportunity to enhance the professional level of their national military, uniformed police, and civilian security workforce and to provide them with tools for successfully confronting regional security challenges.

Establishing professional and personal relationships within and among participating nations and encouraging cooperation at all levels are equally crucial components of the WHINSEC mission.

WHINSEC men and women have trained and educated more than 19,000 students-military, law enforcement and civilian-representing 36 countries during its existence.