Foundation supports third annual international military family event in KC

Local entertainment hub Zona Rosa turned into a global meeting ground on February 1 as 248 International Military Students (IMS) and their families gathered at the Main Event for a “Welcome Back” celebration hosted by the CGSC Foundation made possible through generous donations by major contributors to the Foundation.

The event marked the return of officers to the AY26 Command and General Staff Officers’ Course (CGSOC) following their winter break. Representing five continents, from 82 nations, the students and their families spent the afternoon building international camaraderie through bowling, laser tag, high-ropes challenges and fellowship with their peers and families.

“It was an amazing opportunity to spend time after many months of focused work in CGSOC, making our transition back to classes easier and our focus for the last half of the course much easier for our families,” said Maj. Amable Aria-Jimenez from the Dominican Republic Navy. “We are amazed at how the citizens of the US support us while we are here and how our CGSC Foundation’s supports so many positive activities like this, the Family Fishing Day and Know Your Worlds; these events make the experience much better for our families,” stated MAJ Liam Wright from Canada.

Beyond the competition in the laser tag arena, on the lanes bowling or together in the arcade, the gathering served as a formal introduction to the CGSC Foundation, and its donors, as a cornerstone of partnership and friendship that impacted all who attended.  The IMSD leadership emphasized how continued membership in the CGSC Foundation and support from those key and critical donors to the international officers and their families is critical in maximizing their time in the U.S. and helps maintain professional ties long after they return to their home countries.

David Bornn, the Chair of the Field Studies Program for the International Military Student Division, credited Foundation CEO Lora Morgan and Vice President Stephanie Cole for making the international officers a focus for their efforts; as well as making the international events an annual tradition through their foundation fundraising ensuring that donations are earmarked for the international events for years to come.  These events are the ones that will be remembered for many years to come, by the officers attending the course, as well as their families; and will have generational impacts to our nation’s future security cooperation outcomes,” said Field Studies Program Chair David Bornn. “We couldn’t do it without the trust and support of the Foundation’s board, its amazing donors and above all its exceptional foundation staff and leadership. Thank you for continuing to support our strategic program here at Fort Leavenworth.”

CGSC Foundation President and CEO Lora Morgan also extended thanks Mr. John Wagner for his generous support of the International Military Students and their families, which made this event possible.