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Greater Dallas Military Ball
April 20, 2013
World Affairs Council, Navy League Co-sponsor Free Panel Discussion on National Defense Issues in Light of Looming North Korean Crisis, WWII Veteran to Speak During Lunch at the April 20 event
With ominous threats coming from North Korea on a daily basis, national defense issues are of concern to the American public and military leaders. In conjunction with the 2013 Greater Dallas Military Ball, the World Affairs Council Dallas Fort Worth and the Navy League are sponsoring a series of activities leading up to the ball. The first event is a symposium featuring key members of the military and supporters to discuss how constrained budgets and new threats affect national security in the U.S. The symposium will take place at 10 a.m. April 20, at the InterContinental Hotel in Addison.
The symposium is free and open to the public. However, reservations must be made for the noon luncheon featuring Lieutenant Colonel James (Maggie) Magellas, and the Greater Dallas Military Ball. Luncheon reservations may be made with the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth at www.dfwworld.org/navyleague. To attend the 2013 Greater Dallas Military Ball, reservations can be made through the website at www.dallasmilitaryball.org/reservations/2013Ticketsl.html. Guests that want to stay overnight can contact the InterContinental Hotel directly at 972-386-6000. Be sure to mention the Greater Dallas Military Ball to receive a special rate.
“The entire day is full of activities that engage new thinking on topics such as the looming North Korean threat, while also providing an opportunity to enrich the lives of Americans concerned with national security. All three events are expected to draw a crowd, especially the Military Ball which honors military dignitaries, recognizes business leader H. Ross Perot and features country and western entertainer Mark Chesnutt. The popularity of these events may make seating limited,” said Rear Admiral Jim Eckelberger, USN (Ret.) and 2013 Military Ball President.
The 90-minute symposium entitled, “Vectoring to a Robust Defense Posture with Constrained Resources,” will be moderated by Admiral Pat Walsh, United States Navy (Ret.). A Dallas native, Admiral Walsh is the president of strategic programs at Academic Partnerships, LLC., as well as a senior fellow and acting director of the Tower Center Program in National Security and Defense at Southern Methodist University. He is the immediate past commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The panel will include:
- Congressman Pete Sessions: Congressman Sessions is the incumbent of the 32nd District of Texas and in his ninth term representing the Dallas area. He is a Texas native, an Eagle Scout and firm supporter of the U.S. Military.
- Secretary Gordon England: Secretary England lives in Fort Worth and is currently President of E6 Partners, specializing in mergers and acquisitions of defense and security firms. At the time of his appointment as the Secretary of the Navy, he was president of General Dynamics Fort Worth Division (now Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company). He subsequently served as Deputy Secretary of Defense and was the first Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
- Admiral Bill Gortney: Admiral Gortney is the honored guest at the 2013 Dallas Military Ball. He has been a combat commander for most of the past decade, and is the senior aviator in the U.S. Navy. Currently, he serves as Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
- Dionel M. Aviles, VP of Lockheed Martin: Mr. Aviles is a past Under Secretary of the Navy and is currently vice president of acquisition, budget and logistics at Lockheed Martin, Washington, D. C., where he manages responses to the decreased federal budgets.
Following the Symposium will be a luncheon featuring Lieutenant Colonel James (Maggie) Magellas author of, “All the Way to Berlin.” Lieutenant Colonel Magellas is a WWII paratrooper and the most decorated officer of the famous 82nd Airborne in WWII. A renowned speaker, the 96-year-old will discuss his personal recollections of fighting in Europe as a member of General Eisenhower’s Army, a part of military history where first-hand experiences are rapidly disappearing.
The Greater Dallas Military Ball, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Dallas on April 20, 2013, is a black-tie affair, complete with military pageantry, live entertainment and a strong military presence that includes several high-ranking officers. Military, civic and business leaders of the Greater Dallas and Fort Worth communities come together to salute the troops and their service to our country. Underwritten by North Texas citizens and business organizations, net proceeds from the ball are distributed to military relief agencies.
About The Greater Dallas Military Ball:
The Greater Dallas Military Ball is dedicated to honoring active and retired military personnel as well as members of the National Guard, Coast Guard and Reserve forces. It offers a unique opportunity for all citizens and businesses in the area to salute those who are serving, thank those who served and pay tribute to those who make the ultimate sacrifice. In all its activities the organization seeks to promote honor, awareness, and respect for the military community. For more information, visit www.DallasMilitaryBall.org.