FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov.11 2015) -- The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation's Board of Visitors met at the institute Nov. 5 for the 14th annual public session.
WHINSEC Commandant Keith W. Anthony's report to the board, the centerpiece of the meeting, laid out the institute's operation and accomplishments for the past year, and then focused on the vision and plans for the future.
Alex Lee, deputy assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Lt. Gen. Joseph P. DiSalvo, deputy commander of U.S. Southern Command; Maj. Gen. Michael A. Loh, deputy commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command; and David A. Sobyra, with the Policy Division of the Office of the Secretary of Defense; presented the institute's contributions to their missions. (Lee, DiSalvo and Loh were representing board members for the secretary of state, USSOUTHCOM and USNORTHCOM, respectively; Sobyra represented the DASD-Western Hemisphere Affairs.)
Lee called the institute "a strategic resource for the United States," adding, "from human rights training to leadership and strategic development courses, WHINSEC programs and the relationships formed at the institute strengthen the bonds of trust and cooperation among nations in the hemisphere."
The board also addressed the issues they had raised at the 2014 meeting, beginning with a search for someone to write a comprehensive history of the institute and its predecessor Army schools. Dr. James Martin, assistant dean of Army University, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, reviewed his analysis of the issue, gave a recommendation and the board directed continuing the effort.
Secretary of Defense appointee to the board, former Ambassador Swanee Hunt, commended the institute on its progress in implementing the National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security, saying the institute was far ahead of most organizations worldwide in doing so.
Members of the board were unanimously commendatory of the institute's activities and enthusiastic about its campaign plan for the coming year.
The board is a federal committee that adds an additional level of oversight to the operation of WHINSEC. Its annual reports are delivered to the secretary of defense and Congress, and published on the web in the Federal Committee database.
Twelve of the 14 members were either present or sent designees to the meeting. In addition to Hunt, the other five civilian members: Dr. Johanna Mendelson Forman (re-elected to chair the committee), Dr. Louis Goodman (re-elected as vice-chair), Dr. Joseph Palacios, former Ambassador John Maisto and federal Judge Dan Trimble attended.
Brig. Gen. John S. Kem, deputy commandant of the Command and General Staff College, represented the commanding general of Training and Doctrine Command.
Maggie McNamara, professional staff member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was the designee of Sen. Jack Reed, and Annie Yea, military legislative assistant to Rep. Loretta Sanchez, sat in for the congresswoman.
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