ASIS News September 2015
Mattis’s Food for Thought
At the first ASIS Seminar in 1955, the daylong meeting included speakers and discussion leaders, then ended with a banquet. On Thursday, October 1, at the Anaheim Convention Center, after four days of insightful speakers and discussions, the 61st Annual Seminar and Exhibits will end with the now-traditional Closing Luncheon.
General James N. Mattis (U.S. Marine Corps-ret.) will assume top billing. Mattis retired in 2013 after 41 years of service, having replaced General David Petraeus in August 2010 as the 11th commander of United States Central Command. In that post, he was charged with overseeing all operations in the Middle East.
Mattis is widely known for his military legacy and insights on leadership. A recent article on his most famous quotes included this observation: “In this age, I don’t care how tactically or operationally brilliant you are, if you cannot create harmony…your leadership is obsolete.”
Throughout his military career, Mattis was consistently rewarded for his leadership abilities during multiple deployments. As a lieutenant colonel, he commanded 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, one of Task Force Ripper’s assault battalions in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. As a colonel, he commanded 7th Marines (Reinforced), which saw action in southern Afghanistan.
When promoted to brigadier general, Mattis commanded the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and then Task Force 58, becoming the first U. S. Marine officer to command a Naval Task Force during the War in Afghanistan. He became known as an officer who engaged his subordinates with real leadership, even sleeping in foxholes with his Marines.
As a major general, he commanded the 1st Marine Division during the initial attack and subsequent stability operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He popularized the division’s motto, “no better friend, no worse enemy,” in a letter to the soldiers who returned with him to Iraq.
Mattis was nominated by President George W. Bush to the rank of a four-star general. Once confirmed, he took control of U.S. Joint Forces Command and was appointed NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation before assuming a three-year stint as head of U. S. Central Command.
Born in Pullman, Washington, Mattis graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He is also a graduate of the Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, and the Defense Superior Service Medal.
Mattis currently serves as a visiting fellow at Stanford University and Dartmouth.
For more information on the ASIS 61st Annual Seminar and Exhibits, which will take place in Anaheim, California, September 28-October 1, visit securityexpo.asisonline.org.
Foundation Night at the Seminar and Exhibits
On Wednesday, September 30, the ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees invites ASIS members and colleagues to a rockin’ night at the House of Blues. Located in Downtown Disney, this legendary hotspot has been reserved from 7 to 10 p.m. for Foundation guests. So gather your fellow chapter members, clients, coworkers, and customers for a great evening to benefit the Foundation’s signature education and research programs.
Tickets for this traditional part of the ASIS 61st Annual Seminar and Exhibits, which will take place in Anaheim, California, September 28-October 1, can be purchased at the registration desk in the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets are $95 per person and include a buffet and unlimited beer and wine.
The University of Phoenix has generously contributed to the event along with Securitas. Johnny Oksam, a rising young blues player and his band, will provide music for this night of camaraderie and fun.
Additionally, all Foundation Night ticket holders will be entered into a drawing for a four-night Royal Caribbean Getaway cruise for two—domestic airfare included. This fabulous prize is made possible by ASIS housing and registration partner, Wyndham Jade.
APPLY NOW FOR BORDES PHYSICAL SECURITY AWARD
Applications from all ASIS International chapters vying for the 2015 Roy Bordes Physical Security Award will be accepted from November 5 to December 21. This annual award, administered by the ASIS Foundation, includes $5,000 to develop and host a local educational program.
All chapters are eligible to apply. However, preference will be given to developing chapters working to expand their membership and educational offerings. Chapters may submit only one application each year. The award pays toward the cost of the instructors, including their travel and accommodations, and collateral materials. Meeting expenses will be the host chapter’s responsibility.
The application can be downloaded under the Foundation tab at www.asisonline.org. In addition to basic chapter information, the application asks who the chapter intends to attract to their program and how many participants are expected. It also includes space for the chapter to answer organizational questions, including the following:
• What kind of physical security education would be most valuable to your membership?
• How would this program expand your chapter’s impact on your community?
• What is the estimated budget?
• Where would the chapter host the program?
In addition, the criteria for winning the award include a request for the chapter to identify an “award champion,” who would work with the Foundation to organize and deliver the program.
This award was established in 2008 to memorialize the professional security career of Roy N. Bordes, longtime ASIS member and volunteer leader over his 30-year career. Bordes was a member of the ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees and a frequent speaker at ASIS educational events.
For more information, visit foundation.asisonline.org.
