On Page 2:• President’s Remarks (Cont.)

• From the Commandant (Cont.)• Introducing Commandant Hartford

On Page 3:• Point of View: From the Desk of the

Executive DirectorOn Page 4:

• Student Spotlight with Gene Russell and Ron Siudzinski

On Page 5:• Student Spotlight (Cont.)

• Farewell SalutesOn Page 6:

• Student Spotlight (Cont.)On Pages 7 through 9:

• 2014 Scholarship WinnersOn Pages 10 through 11:

• 2015 Pictures• Sports Pictures

In This Issue

Let me give you a report on where your NWC Alumni

Association has been this past year, and where we hope to go. Your additional suggestions will be welcome. First, your Board of Directors has accomplished a lot in the past four years that I have been your president. In terms of our popular programs, we have reestablished the Washington Area Seminars as well as the Regional Conferences around the country for those graduates who are farther away from the great architecture in Roosevelt Hall. Last year, we

President’s Remarkswere in Naples, FL and presented a forum on the start of WWI and the advancement of technology in the last 100 years. Later we held a forum in Colorado Springs, CO on Homeland Defense. We are in the planning stages for two forums – one in the Colorado Springs area on November 6th and one in Naples, FL in February. We have made membership easier by adding more options. In addition to annual memberships and life memberships, we improved the dues structure by providing two additional options. Annual dues remain at $30.00. We added a three-year membership for $75.00, and life memberships for either a one-time payment of $300.00, or $100.00 payments over

a three-year period. This makes membership available easier for younger graduates who want to stay in touch but have a lot of obligations. We are glad they are passing along the benefits of being an NWC graduate. As an additional benefit, annual members receive a 7.5% discount on memorabilia at our Rough Rider Store (Teddy Roosevelt would be pleased), and life members receive a 15% discount. Scholarships! Yes! We have enhanced the benefits of life membership to include offering merit scholarships to the children

Read more on Page 2

From the CommandantAcademic year 2015 had an outstanding close. Two hundred and eight

students entered Roosevelt Hall on the 4th of August, 2014 and graduated on 18 June, 2015. The mix of the student body was pretty much the standard mix of military services making up 50%, 35% interagency, and 15% international fellows. We had a fine representation of combat experience throughout our entire student body, and a cadre of more senior international fellows who also shared significant combat experience. This fine class of 2015 was led by our Class President, COL Christopher Cassibry, USA. The class had unique accomplishments both academically and in extracurricular activities. This was the first class to go through the Joint Education Transformation curriculum developed in the summer of 2014, prior to the start of the academic year. Significant changes occurred on the bookends of the year with a 6-week program in which all students of the University received a package of joint warfighting studies before starting individual college core curriculum, and electives were shifted to occur at the end of the school year, and a 3-week finishing capstone period that emphasizes critical academic assessment and helps mentor the students towards a strategy for lifetime learning. Additionally, every student was required to complete a year-long Individual Student Research Project culminating in a long written paper. In the NDU President’s Sports Cup completion, the class was particularly sharp having won the Little World Series as well as, I am proud to say, the President’s Cup. Read more on Page 2

From the RotundaNational War College Alumni Association: Summer 2015

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 1

of our life members. The program began last year when we awarded eight scholarships: four for graduating high school seniors and four for students in their first three years of college. This year we added another scholarship in each category. More information is on our webpage at www.nationalwarcollege.org. In the planning stages, we are developing a distinguished lecturer series and establishing an Alumni Chair named in honor of Lt Gen Brent Scowcroft, NWC 1968, who still lectures to the resident class every year and regularly wins highest praise. More information on this project soon. It has been my pleasure to be your president for the past four years, and I will soon be stepping down as LTG (USA) Mike Maples, Class of 1993 takes the reins. Look for our annual Alumni Day information in your emails. Come by and visit with Alumni Office on the ground floor of the NWC building (turn right at the fitness center and find us opposite the enigma machine) and look at the great NWC memorabilia we offer.

Within our faculty we had several significant changes. We said goodbye to Dr Bud Cole and Dr Roger George.

With their departures and some lifting of the hiring freeze we have had to endure for a while, we are in the process of hiring 5 new Title X faculty and a new Dean of Faculty. Unfortunately I cannot announce the names until the process of approval is complete. But let me assure you that stepping up behind our distinguished professors is a younger generation of superb scholars who I know will continue our tradition of excellence in the classroom. Recent years have been a real challenge for us fiscally as you may know. Budget reductions across the Department of Defense loom and NDU is being directed to absorb its fair share. As you would suspect, NWC must contribute to that share. We are working to preserve our core programs and try to mitigate any detrimental

effects to our overall program. I have all the confidence that we will be successful in preserving what is near and dear to us as an institution. One other change made over the summer was the entrance of a new Commandant. I officially retired on June 25th of this year. Completing my military career as the Commandant of the National War College is the greatest honor that I could have received. This has been a wonderful tour for Barbara and me. This was more a gift than just an opportunity. Leading and mentoring our future leaders who will carry the heavy responsibility of security for our nation has been a rewarding culmination of 30 years of service. You will be well-served by the new Commandant, Brig. Gen. Darren Hartford, Class of 2008. Last but not least, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how pleased we are to have Gene Russell handling the Alumni Association activities in Roosevelt Hall. His drive and initiative are tremendous and he has energized everyone in the building. We cannot say thank you enough for his generosity and genuine support to ensure that NWC remains the premier College within the Department of Defense. He is but a reflection of you, our wonderful alumni who continue to contribute day-in and day-out to our beloved college. To Gene, and to all of you NWC Alumni, thank you for your continued support.

President’s Remarks, Continued

From the Commandant, Continued

Prior to his assignment as Commandant of the National War College, Brig. Gen. Darren E. Hartford was the Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. This composite wing includes strike; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; mobility; aeromedical evacuation; and command and control assets, which support Operation Enduring Freedom. The wing provides support to more than 8,300 Air Force, joint, and coalition forces. General Hartford has commanded a KC-135 refueling squadron, twice commanded deployed refueling squadrons in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and served as the Vice Commander, 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He has also served on the Joint Staff, the U.S. Air Force Headquarters’ Staff, as well as serving on the Air Mobility Command Headquarters’ Staff three times. General Hartford is a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours in C-5, C-17, and KC-135 aircraft. He is also an alumnus of the National War College, having graduated as a member of the Class of 2008. We are pleased to see him return to Roosevelt Hall.

Gen Gregory S. Martin, USAF Ret., NWC 1986

BG Guy “Tom” Cosentino, USA

Commandant Hartford

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 2

Point of ViewFrom the Desk of the Executive Director

Fellow alumni, it continues to be a privilege and honor to serve as your director. We have been busy

working to increase our services to you; whether you are in the D.C. area or away from Roosevelt Hall. Our job is to serve you and we need to know how we can do a better job. The most challenging activity is keeping up with you as you move. Please add us to your list of people to notify when changing addresses and email addresses. We need to keep you informed on what is going on at the College, the events we are putting on, and the many other activities – such as the Rough Rider Store as it gets new items and puts on sales. Please let us know what we can do to maintain relevance and how to serve you as a student or alumni. I need your assistance. We can’t do much without your monetary support. If you have not renewed your membership, please do. Your membership allows us to provide seminars, scholarships, support to the college, recognition of distinguished student writing programs, assist in keeping contact with your classmates, reunions and other outreaches. While federal funds support the core missions of

the College, the Alumni Association provides support to the College and the class in session. Uniforms, social and other activities that allow for interaction between the faculty and students that grow the excellence that makes our students the best amongst our nation’s future strategic leaders or international leaders. We have forged a trusted partnership with the Pentagon Federal Credit Union. They provide a series of financial assistance that may be helpful to you. If you use their services we receive a small stipend, just as other organizations do. This money, in turn, aids us in our fund raising. If you are looking for a new or used car, need a loan, or other financial services, please consider the Credit Union. Similarly, if you visit Amazon through the link on our frontpage and make a purchase, we will receice a small stipend. Bottom line is we are a two way street. We need your support and with it we can do more and better things for the Association. The Alumni Association is an IRS 501(c) (3) organization so your donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. As always, look forward to hearing from you or when you are in town to stop by and say hi. Happy Summer and thanks for your support.

Memberships & Donations

The Associations main funding comes through memberships, donations and sales from our Rough Rider Store. We ask that if your membership is not current to renew. It is easy to do – just renew on-line by clicking on membership and choose which renewal program you wish to subscribe to – one-year annual membership; three-year membership or the life-membership. You can also send a check to the Alumni Association. If you would like to make a donation to the Association, it would be greatly appreciated. You can donate directly to the education fund or general fund. All memberships and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Reunions

One of the Services that the Alumni Association provides is support to class reunions. Last October, the Class of ’76 held their 38th reunion using the Rotunda for their Saturday night event. In June, the Class of ’85 celebrated their 30th reunion in the Rotunda for its Saturday night event. Earlier that day, the Class of 2010 celebrated their 5th with a BBQ outside. If your class is holding a reunion or event, let us know – we would like to support you.

Publications

If you have published a book, please let us know and we will include in under publications on our website. We have a section for alumni and one for faculty.

Emails

Please update your email and your information so that the Association can keep in touch. The more that receive email updates, the less is spent on postage and associated cost. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated.

@NWCAlumni

National War College Alumni Association

The National War College

nationalwarcollege.org

COL Gene Russell, USA

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 3

Tell me about your background.

I grew up in a deaf family; my parents, my brothers and sisters are deaf. I attended a regular public school. I had several deaf students at that school as well as other typical peers. We had some teachers that taught us in different special class like math, English, history, etc., along with taking other regular classes. I graduated from high school and then I went to Gallaudet University in 1977, which is here in Washington, DC. Gallaudet is the only liberal arts university in the world for deaf people; they offer deaf students full access to sign language communication there. I was there until 1982 and I graduated. I had two degrees, Physics and Computer Science. Following college, I began working with the CIA, and then later with NGA. I’ve worked in the IT field most of my career. I’ve moved up through the ranks and became the Program Manager and the Branch Chief.

Where did you grow up?

Milwaukee, WI

What do you do in NGA?

I’ve been in the IT area most of my career. I worked closely with imagery analysts as my customers and we do in our IT area is provide hardware, software, and network support for the analysts needs. I have become responsible for several overseas missions; deploying IT systems for analysts to provide military support, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As I recall, you have about 33 years of government service.

That’s correct. Yes. Actually,

34 years.

Would you describe the selection process that you went through to become a student here at the National War College?

I was approaching the time when I could retire and I felt like I wasn’t really ready to retire quite yet. I really wanted to take my career in a different path. I wanted to do something memorable before I retired. So, when I talked with my supervisors they encouraged me to apply to few different educational

opportunities and I chose two to apply. One was here at the National War College, and the other was at Harvard Kennedy School. My upper management wanted me to attend the National War College. They really wanted me to do that so they wrote a letter of endorsement and at that point I wasn’t sure what my chances would be to get in, but I went ahead and applied. I was one of two NGA folks who were selected. That pleasantly surprised me. I knew there was a military focus here at the school, and I personally had always wanted to be involved more with military and understand military better. While I was growing up, I was always interested and thinking about becoming a soldier but I couldn’t because deaf people are not permitted to be in the armed services. So, I decided the next best thing would be working in the intelligence community.

I did want to be able to have that opportunity to learn from military folks so the National War College was perfect for me. I chose to come here as a student. I’ve just learned so much here. I’ve met many new friends and had great experiences.

I think it’s wonderful that your management wanted you to come to the National War College. What their reasoning was for that?

Well, my two bosses knew my dedication to my work. I’ve been able to make things happen in Afghanistan and Iraq, and make things good for the analysts and military. My managers were very impressed with me; I’ve always had high ranks on my performance evaluations. The job that I had been in over the last five years was focusing on both, as I said, Afghanistan and Iraq. So, I just felt like I wanted something different. I wanted to have some more broad experiences. My managers felt that it was time for me to have a bit of a break from my job I was doing. They felt like this could be a great challenge for me here. They knew that it went very well with the plans I had all my life.

How do you find the college and its experiences?

When I first came to the National War College, I’d have to say that it was quite eye opening. I started out in the first courses and tried to acclimate myself to the college experience again. I felt like the professors really are helping me to broaden my way of thinking and how we have to support the decisions that we make strategically and to think very broadly when it comes to strategy likelearning about the military instrument of power as well as non-military instruments of power. It’s just been very helpful for me in broadening my understanding. My interactions with the students here, especially the military students of all stripes, has

Student Spotlightwith Gene Russell and Ron Siudzinski

I am hopeful about the future, and hopeful that other deaf people would be able to

come here as students. I’m sure they would find it quite

challenging in the best possible way.

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 4

just been absolutely incredible. Just getting their perspectives on things has helped me much in my understanding of the way things work. That includes our international fellows. It just has been a wonderful experience and opportunity working with them and learning from them and understanding their perspectives from the countries that they come from. I have to say that it has been an extremely educational experience for me. I have graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and also a Masters certificate in Systems Engineering from George Washington University. So, this experience is going to be my third graduate experience. But, I have to say this really trumps the other two. I will definitely miss it when I’ve graduated from NWC.

Tell us about the hearing technologies you have used and how they have improved.

Let me go back a little bit. I do want to thank NGA for supporting me in providing the interpreter services for me here at the National War College. The interpreters function as communication facilitators between me and my fellow students and professors. Of course communication is vitally important in this type of atmosphere. That’s typical for deaf people, when they are involved with classes or meetings that they would have interpreting services. In addition, I have the use of videophone technology that I can use to talk to other deaf people as well as hearing people through a relay service where I can use American Sign Language (ASL.) There is an interpreter on the other end that talks to the hearing party. That is a more recent technology. Prior to that, we had an old way of typing on what’s called a TTY. This took a lot of time over the phone lines. Whereas, when you use videophone technology you can go much faster.

When I was a little boy, the television did not have any close captioning. Today, deaf people are afforded the opportunity of reading close captioning. Almost all TV’s have that capability. When I was growing up we just had to see if we could understand. Most of the time we didn’t even watch TV, we got most of our information from reading. But, if there was a program that I would be interested in watching…for example, an action packed movie like a 007 James Bond movie is what I did watch. Ironically that actually led me to go into the IC field…(The Intelligence Community).

I forget the title...but you also use transcription?

Thank you for mentioning

that. That is another service. When students are in an auditorium and they want to take notes during a lecture, they have the ability to look down and take notes and listen to the lecture and the same time. I have to watch the interpreter, so I don’t have the opportunity to be able to do that in realtime. I’m getting the information visually from the interpreter, so, the best possible scenario is to have what’s called a CART Provider (Communication Access Realtime Translation)…that is realtime transcript and a transcription of the lecture. These are professionals who do this as their job. It’s very much like TV captioning or what might happen in a courtroom…like what a Court Reporter might do. So,

Farewell Salutes 2014James A. Agersborg, ‘72

George A. Aubrey, ‘61

Thomas J. Bigley, ‘68

James R. Brickel, ‘71

Jacksel M. Broughton, ‘65

Robert L. Burke, Sr., ‘74

James J. Cain, ‘84

John M. Chessnoe, ‘86

Willis D Crittenberger, Jr., ‘60

William H Dalton, ‘83

Jonathan Dean, ‘65

Daniel J. Donahue ‘92

Robert B. Erly, ‘63

Lincoln D. Faurer, ‘68

Jean Fitzgerald, ‘70

Richard M. Hayes, ‘99

Merlyn T. Hoar, ‘78

Kenneth T. Johnson, Sr., ‘65

William L. Lemnitzer, ‘67

Harrison Lobdell, Jr. ‘77

Landon F. Overbey ‘70

Robert P. Rice ‘74

F. Michael Rogers, ‘61

Richard U. Sherman, ‘65

Stuart H. Sherman, Jr. ‘72

Norris P. Smith, ‘76

Alfred J. Stewart, ‘97

Maurice L. Stocks, ‘86

Lee E. Surut, ‘68

William J Taylor, Jr., ‘76

Read more on Page 6

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 5

Clifton F. Von Kann, ‘57

it’s a very valuable assistive service to me in order to be able to reinforce what I got through the lecture…and looking at the specific words that are presented in technical terms in the documents. I want to be sure that I’m able to see exactly which English words are being used in addition to what I’ve seen through the interpreter. It’s a great service. How are those notes transferred electronically?

They do come up on the laptop.

Once the lecture is over, the CART Writer who does the transcription will make corrections of the transcript. Then, the corrected transcript will be sent to me by email.

Where do you go after graduation? After I graduate, I haven’t determined exactly where I will be going. I’m going to really open up opportunities to decide exactly where I want to do…perhaps…my last position of my career. So, I’m going to see if there is anything I can do overseas…to gain that type of experience…if I can be beneficial there. Of course that can be challenging because I would need to have interpreters available there as well. If there isn’t an overseas opportunity for me, I would probably work here in the states. Or, possibly right here in DC. I’m considering working at the DNI or another area in the intelligence community. Hopefully I will not be working back in the IT field. I think I’m going to work more on the strategy and policy side of things. Perhaps, policy as it relates to technology…some areas like that. I am going to be looking for new opportunities.

Is there anything that you want to discuss?

Well, I’ve been involved in other activities through the NWC as well. I do tutoring at Brent Elementary School on Wednesdays. There is a student there at the school that has deaf parents. He can hear, but he has parents who are deaf. He knows sign language, so I’ve been able to communicate with him and help him in his studies. I’ve also been involved in some of the other activities like the basketball, volleyball and bowling team. I also wanted to mention the committee structure here. In my committee, I feel like we’ve really gotten to know each other well and that’s been very positive. We’ve also been able to have opportunities such as the Prep T’s and visiting the State Department and Ft. Benning. That was a very enlightening experience as well. Of course, soon were going to have our trip. I’m going to Ukraine with a group of our students. I’m looking forward to that experience as well; it should be a very good one.

I hope you get the chance to meet the other international students from the Ukraine while you’re over there. We’ve had several Ukrainian students.

That’s great to know. I appreciate that information. I am actually trying to see how I can meet the former international fellows in the Ukraine. Also, I wanted to mention a couple of other things. There is a Ukrainian student here currently, and it just so happened that his father was formally a teacher at a school for the deaf in Ukraine. So, he actually gave me a list of deaf associations in Ukraine that I’m going to try to visit when we’re on our trip. I’m looking forward to that. It’s a very small world…very interesting that it would be the case.

You are the lead when it comes to deaf students here at the NWC. What do you see in the future?

Right. I am the first deaf person who has been here as a student at the NWC. I think it’s been an educational experience for everyone here to see how to interact with deaf people…how interpreters are used…that if a video is shown in a class, make sure they turn on the closed captions. I am hopeful about the future, and hopeful that other deaf people would be able to come here as students. I’m sure they would find it quite challenging in the best possible way. Of course these would be deaf people that come from government agencies because deaf people are not part of the military at this time. I certainly will encourage other deaf people who would be interested to take the opportunity to apply.

I think it’s wonderful. I’m very appreciative of the fact the NWC has taken on having a student with hearing difficulties and being able to integrate them into class. It’s a two-way street. You’re learning and the hearing world is learning at the same time at these levels, which is very important. Oh definitely, it is important. As a deaf person I was born deaf and it was something beyond my control. It was something that I grew up with as a normal part of my life. But, of course I do want to serve as an example as to what deaf people can do. Deaf people are very thoughtful and appreciate these types of opportunities. Having 34 years in the government I believe that I attest to that. It has been a fabulous career that I’ve had. I do want people to know that deaf people are a very diverse group of people; there are many deaf people that are able to succeed very well. When I spoke to some of our international fellows, a gentleman from Nepal talked about his country and how deaf people there are at the lower runs of society. He was very impressed that I was a student here and that I was involved.

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 6

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 7

2014 Scholarship WinnersIn June 2014, we proudly announced our First Annual Scholarship Program results. A total of $5,000.00 Merit

Scholarships were awarded in two Categories: Students heading to College and students in their first three years of college. Each category had a $1000.00 and three $500.00 recipients.

We have already contacted scholarship winners for 2015 and we look forward to making an official announcement of winners soon. We are pleased to introduce all of 2014’s High School and College Scholarship recipients to you.High school recipients:

Lydia Frances JabsDartmouth College

Alexandra AltobelliNotre Dame

Ms. Lydia Jabs, daughter of Eric Jabs, Class of 2004. Lydia received the $1,000.00 scholarship and she is attending Dartmouth College.

“I am so grateful to be receiving the NWC Alumni scholarship. It is an honor to be

representing this community and I shall do my best to make your investment in me

worthwhile. Thank you for this opportunity.”

Ms. Alexandra Altobelli, daughter of Mark Altobelli, Class of 2005.Alexandria is attending Notre Dame.

“Receiving this scholarship is important to me because it lessens the financial burden put on me and my family. Rather than focusing

on part-time jobs while I am in college, I can focus on my studies. I am planning on

majoring in engineering, so my workload will be very heavy.”

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 8

Basye PeekWheaton College

Ms. Basye Peek, daughter of Doug Peek, Class of 2012. Basye is attending Wheaton College.

“First of all, I would like to thank the NWCAA for providing such a wonderful

opportunity for children of alumni to further their educations. I am honored to accept this scholarship and truly look forward to continuing my education in International

Relations at the university level. I am sure that with the support of organizations like NWC and the Alumni Association, this generation of students will be able to contribute to the

legacy of those in the past.”

Sean ClearyFort Lewis College

Mr. Sean Cleary, son of Karen Cleary, Class of 2006. Sean is attending Fort Lewis College.

“This scholarship is truly an honor because I understand the importance and prestige of the National War College, and I know how

much my mom’s alumni status means to her. For me this scholarship is a significant step towards achieving my goal of becoming a

doctor. Thank you so much for selecting me as one of your recipients.”

College recipients:

Ms. Kendall Thompson, daughter of Dean Thompson, Class of 2011. Kendall received the $1,000.00 scholarship and attends Christopher Newport University.

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply for the scholarship. This scholarship is providing further funding for my education

so I can dedicate more of my time towards my studies and extra curricular activities. I further appreciate the dedication it shows to the set

of future professionals.”

Kendall ThompsonChristopher Newport University

Ms. Genevieve Agar, daughter of Jim Agar, Class of 2013. Genevieve attends Pomona College.

“From the first moment that I learned about the National War College, the school’s name became synonymous with intellectualism, hard-work and

awareness. In a place that honors diversity of experience and encourages people to work together

in solving important problems, the NWC is, to me, a collection of caring and talented individuals who

share the common goal of making the world a better place. To receive the support of an institution such

as the NWC in my own educational pursuits is a tremendous honor and it is a great privilege to be in

the company of such intelligent people.“Genevieve AgarPomona College

Patrick O’ConnorDavidson College

Mr. Patrick O’Connor, son of Sean O’Connor, Class of 2004.Patrick attends Davidson College.

“I’m extraordinarily grateful for the NWCAA’s generosity in awarding me this scholarship.

This financial supports helps alleviate the burdens of paying for undergrad, which

in turn assists me in my long-term goal of attending medical school. I’m incredibly

excited to return to Davidison and dive back into my academic pursuits. I give many thanks to the Alumni Association for their support.”

Amanda D’AmbrosioProvidence College

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 9

Ms. Amanda D’Ambrosio, daughter of Mike D’Ambrosio, Class of 2013. Amanda attends Providence College.

“I am so grateful that the NWCAA awarded me with this scholarship. As a Global Studies

major, receiving this award from such a prestigious institution has been such a

wonderful accomplishment for me and the financial assistance is greatly appreciated. I

aspire to pursue my education and make an impact on the world in my future. This award will bring me one step closer to achieving my

dreams.”

The Class of 1985 held its 30 year reunion on June 20th in Roosevelt

Hall.

The outstanding Class of 2015 on the steps of

Roosevelt Hall.

The outstanding Class of 2010 honoring

their fifth anniversary in front of the

Ambassador Chris Stevens memorial tree. The class also

celebrated their reunion with a

barbecue on Roosevelt Hall’s grounds.

Events at Roosevelt, 2015

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 10

From the Rotunda | Summer 2015 | 11

Class of 2015: Sports