2014 Spring National Leadership Meeting in Washington, DC
On June 9-10, JINSA held its National Leadership meeting in Washington, DC. JINSA Leaders from across the country came to participate in a high-level briefing and tour at FBI Headquarters and to listen to an impressive list of speakers and experts at the famous Willard Hotel.
The briefing and tour at FBI Headquarters covered important issues of the day on Cyber security and counter terrorism.
That evening, JINSA leaders were treated to an intimate evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist, author, and political commentator Dr. Charles Krauthammer. The group spent over two hours discussing various current events and foreign policy issues.
The next day began with a report from JINSA CEO Dr. Michael Makovsky, who detailed the recent successes of the organization as well as upcoming programs that form the backbone of JINSA’s mission.
Following his report, JINSA leaders heard panels on the critical topics of Russia, Iran, and Turkey with experts such as Gemunder Center Senior Advisors Steve Rademaker, Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), and John Hannah as well as other experts.
JINSA was honored to host Lt. Gen. Bradley Heithold, USAF, Vice Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command as a representative for Admiral William H. McRaven and U.S. Special Operations. He attended the meeting to present former JINSA Director of Programs, Marsha Halteman, with the U.S. Special Operations Command Outstanding Civilian Service Medal.
On behalf of JINSA, David Steinmann presented Marsha with the first ever JINSA Outstanding Achievement Award for her 25 years of service to JINSA and the community.
The day also included an update on our highly successful Generals and Admiral program as well as a briefing on our upcoming LEEP program.
JINSA’s National Leadership meeting concluded with briefings from Senate Armed Services Committee member, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart who serves on Appropriations, and Congressman Brad Sherman who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Each gave JINSA leaders Congressional insight into current events and the U.S.-Israel relationship and took many questions from the audience. The Daily Caller, Haaretz, and the Jerusalem Post all covered the briefing by Senator Ted Cruz.
