Continuing the Mission…

CGSC Foundation Alumni, Friends, and Supporters –

Greetings from Fort Leavenworth! With the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions and the start of Academic Year 2023, our Foundation has ramped up efforts to conduct its mission and do good things for the good people serving our nation at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and Fort Leavenworth. Please allow me to highlight a sampling of our recent activity.

Argentine Maj. Ezequiel Gonzales, Command and General Staff Officer Course student, explains how to hold a fishing rod to his children, 7-year-old Cristobal and 4-year-old Amaparo, as they reel in a fish during the second annual International Families Fishing Derby Sept. 10, 2022, at Merritt Lake. (Photo by Charlotte Richter/Fort Leavenworth Lamp)

In mid-August to welcome the CGSOC Class of 2023, we partnered with the CGSC commandant to sponsor some of the refreshments served at the Commandant’s Reception spread over a four-day period. We supported Lt. Gen. Ted Martin’s efforts to welcome the students and their spouses to the College and Fort Leavenworth at the evening receptions. These were very nice events that allowed for students and faculty to mingle and socialize and for the students to have a chance to talk with the senior leadership of the College.

In early September we partnered with the College’s International Military Student Division and the Fort’s FMWR Rod and Gun Club to sponsor the second annual International Military Family Fishing Derby. A wonderful family event held at Merritt Lake on Fort Leavenworth that allowed for our international students and their families to learn how to fish (bait, cast, land) and to participate in a truly American family activity – fishing. For many of the participants it was the first time they ever caught a fish and with the efforts of the Rod and Gun Club volunteers all families were treated to a cook out of hot dogs, chips and drinks. This was a great event that allowed for our international families to experience a true piece of Americana.

As in years past, we continue to support the efforts of faculty and staff members to facilitate the Women and Leadership program which affords students the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, and other students to provide coaching and mentoring opportunities both while at CGSC and beyond. We assisted with gatherings to attract program participants conducted at the Frontier Army Museum and a local winery. These interactions and gatherings both inside and outside the confines of the College are being done in support of the College’s effort to support the Women, Peace, and Security Act as directed by the Congress and the White House.

Sen. Pat Roberts

In early September we were honored to have once again presented the College with the gift of the Colin L. Powell Lecture. The Colin L. Powell Lecture Series provides a forum for the discussion of national security issues by a prominent national leader for the professional development of the students and faculty at CGSC. This year’s presenter was former Senator Pat Roberts. Senator Roberts spoke to both the CGSOC and SAMS students discussing issues of national security from his perspective as a former member of Congress. Later in the day he met with business and community leaders over lunch, facilitating a unique outreach event for College faculty and leadership.

Mr. Thomas A. Gray

On Sept. 20, we kicked off our annual I nterAgency Brown-Bag Lecture Series with a presentation on Space Operations by Mr. Thomas A. Gray, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Liaison to the Combined Arms Center and Army University. The next lecture in the series is scheduled for Nov. 15, and will feature a presentation on the State Department by Mr. Terry D. Mobley, the CGSC Diplomacy Chair.

Dr. Harry S. Laver

On Sept. 21, we hosted a Distinguished Speaker Series event in downtown Leavenworth with Dr. Harry S. Laver, CGSC professor of military history, conducting a presentation on the leader development through the lens of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. The next event in the series is scheduled for Nov. 9, with a presentation on Gen. John J. Pershing and the challenges he faced in preparing and leading U.S. forces in WWI by CGSC Professor of Military History Dr. Richard S. Faulkner. These events are supported by community sponsors and while entertaining and educational for the attendees, they also showcase the tremendous talent and expertise of our College faculty.

Mike Meyer, CGSC Foundation Director of Development

New CGSC Foundation Director of Development Mike Meyer

Internally, your Foundation has likewise been busy. We have brought on the team a new Director of Development, Mr. Michael Meyer. Mike is a Vietnam veteran who has decades of experience in both development activities and supporting service members and their families. He will spearhead our fundraising efforts as we grow and continue to execute our mission. At our September board of trustee meeting, we said farewell to four trustees: Tom Mason, Gary Vogler, Wes Westmoreland, and Jeff Colyer. We also welcomed Mauli Agrawal, Joe Burch, Indira Donegan, Wendy Doyle, Kari K. Eder, Scott Leeling, Mark MacCarley, Steve Michael, and Jeanette Prenger. This Class of 2022 Trustees represents a wealth of talent and expertise and we are thrilled to have them volunteer to serve as trustees of our Foundation.

Finally, I invite you to participate in our upcoming activities. In addition to the Distinguished Speaker Series event on Nov. 9, and the InterAgency Brown-Bag Lecture on Nov. 15, that I have already mentioned, we have two major upcoming events. – On Oct. 9, the CGSC Foundation, in partnership with the Greater Kansas City Friends of the Fisher House, will be hosting the first annual Frontier Freedom 5K, a family-oriented 5K run/walk event on historic Fort Leavenworth.

On Oct. 21, we will partner with the Kansas Speedway to host a “bucket list” opportunity event that will consist of a social gathering in the exclusive Victory Lane area in the infield of the track and a opportunity to drive your own car around the Speedway track or to ride in the NASCAR Pace Car.

We always post all of our upcoming events on our website, so check back with us often.

Your support to our Foundation matters. Our Foundation makes a positive difference in the educational experience and leader development of those serving our country at CGSC and beyond. Thank you.

Stay safe.

Roderick M. Cox
President/Chief Executive Officer
CGSC Foundation, Inc.