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The first volume in the autobiography of Gen. Al Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, is significant because it chronicles the early life and career of a renowned leader. Now, “Al Gray, Marine” is being honored by the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
The MCHF selected "Al Gray, Marine, The Early Years" for the Foundation's 2014 Colonel Joseph Alexander Award, created to recognize a distinguished book, either biographical or autobiographical, about a Marine. The award recognition includes placement of an engraved brick in Semper Fidelis Park adjacent to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. An awards dinner in April will honor book author Scott Laidig and Gen. Gray.
Gen. Gray is the Chairman of Potomac Institute’s Board of Regents and a Senior Fellow. Book Author and Marine Vietnam Veteran Scott Laidig is also a Senior Fellow at the Potomac Institute. Proceeds from the sale of “Al Gray, Marine,” which is published by Potomac Institute, go to the Semper Fi Fund, which since 2004, has provided immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the post 9/11 U.S. Armed Forces and their families. The Semper Fi Fund has given more than 67,000 grants totaling more than $85 million to over 11,000 service members and their families.
Translating Scientific Understanding into Effective Policy is Program's Goal
PIPS Research Fellow and OSD Minerva Research Initiative director Erin Fitzgerald is working with the DoD Strategic Multilayer Assessment team to organize a teleconference-based lecture series on the African continent, including at least nine talks featuring Minerva scholars.
As the director of the Minerva program, Ms. Fitzgerald works with SMA to help identify appropriate subject matter experts who can help inform the final assessment.
The Potomac Institute, like Minerva, aims to bring the best scientific understanding of DoD-relevant phenomena to light and then help translate it into effective national policy to secure the Nation, according to Fitzgerald. The four PIPS academic centers – looking at neuroscience, terrorism, cyber security, and future revolutionary breakthroughs – all share goals with the Minerva program.
Read more: Minerva and PIPS Research Fellow Working with AFRICOM on Sub-Saharan Engagement Options
Discussion Will Focus on Understanding Challenges and Potential of Data Sharing
Data sharing is increasingly critical in this time of shrinking research budgets and increasing public demand for breakthroughs, especially given the interest generated by the BRAIN Initiative.
The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and AAAS are co-sponsoring a one-day symposium March 21 on “Neuroscience and Data Sharing,” which provides an opportunity for attendees to discuss and understand the challenges and potential of data sharing and discuss potential policies that could encourage and facilitate data sharing.
The President announced the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies on April 2, 2013, a new research effort to revolutionize understanding of the human mind and uncover new ways to treat, prevent and cure brain disorders and traumatic brain injury.
Read more: “Neuroscience and Data Sharing” Seminar Scheduled for March 21
A panel of experts with experience in legal, military, diplomatic and academic experience recently reviewed security challenges resulting from the most recent Winter Olympics in Sochi, as well as from Olympics dating back to Munich.
Video of the event is available on C-Span and can be viewed here.
The Potomac Institute co-hosted the event that reviewed cyber and physical challenges, as well as the unique legal framework and changes made for this Olympics.
Read more: Olympic Security Lessons - Seminar Video Available