We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of our Chairman Emeritus, Joseph E. Robert, Jr.

“Joe served as the BENS Chairman for over three years and was honored in May for exemplifying President Eisenhower’s charge to the Nation for ‘an alert and knowledgeable citizenry,’” said BENS President and CEO, GEN Montgomery C. Meigs, USA (Ret.). “He was more than a successful entrepreneur, champion for children, dynamic diplomat, and caring father – he was a true patriot. We in BENS will miss him greatly.” (Here is the link to the Obituary in the Washington Post and their photo slideshow)

In honor of Veteran’s Day:
BENS President and CEO, General Montgomery C. Meigs, USA (Ret.), was asked to give his thoughts on “the number one way the military could create even better leaders than it has today.”  (click here for the Washington Post article)

BENS member Roger Staubach shares his views on the values of what makes military men and women the ideal candidates for any job — particularly jobs in the business world. (click here for the The Dallas Morning News article)

“The recent passing of BENS board member David Beaham is a tragic loss to our BENS family and our Kansas City region. His patriotic spirit and great support of BENS will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
– GEN Montgomery C. Meigs, BENS President and CEO (click here for the Kansas City Star article)

BENS hosted a conversation with Admiral Mike Mullen, USN, who asked business leaders to offer their insights on the Defense Department’s approach to and strategy for looming budget reductions. Click here for full press release.

Incase You Missed It: Articles from Mullen's Remarks to BENS Audience. Click here.

CQ Article on BENS: "Report: Public Private Partnerships Need Institutional Support"
Click here for full article from Congressional Quarterly.

BENS National Advisory: BENS' Impact on Public / Private Partnerships. Click here for Advisory

Testimony of BENS member Alfred R. Berkeley III, before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee, on Emerging Threats and Capabilities - July 26, 2011. Click here for prepared written testimony. Click here for full press release.

Media Note -- On July 12, 2011 the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) met with Under Secretary Bill Burns, Under Secretary Ellen Tauscher, Assistant Rose Gottemoeller, Assistant Secretary Andrew Shapiro, and Acting Assistant Secretary Vann Van Diepen. The Board provides independent insight and advice on scientific, technical, and policy aspects of arms control, disarmament, proliferation, international security, and related aspects of public diplomacy .  Click here for full press release.

BENS Co-hosts Failed States Index Event with Fund for Peace -- Keynote Address by Admiral Mike Mullen. Click here for full press release. For additional articles on this event click here.

“BENS in Action” -- Highlights the recent efforts of our members in the Kansas City region who have played a key role in public-private coordination in the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes in Joplin, Missouri.  Click here.

National Security News Articles of Interest:

Allies Paying More Attention to Cyber Vulnerabilities
The Wall Street Journal, May 31, 2011

America's Freedom Opportunity in the Middle East
The Wall Street Journal-Opinion, May 20, 2011

The Hot-Money Cowboys of Baghdad
New York Times Magazine, May 18, 2011

BENS Announces Doris Mariani as Vice President for Policy and James Whitaker as Director of Policy
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) today announced two new additions to the policy team. Doris Mariani, Vice President for Policy, is responsible for managing several policy portfolios, including work with U.S. Combatant Commands, counterterrorism, and illicit networks. James Whitaker, Director for Policy, oversees the energy portfolio. Click here for full press release. 

Joseph E. Robert, Jr. to receive BENS 2011 Eisenhower Award
BENS today announced that the 2011 Eisenhower Award will honor Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Founder and Executive Chairman, J.E. Robert Company, with a dinner keynote address by General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret.), former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. Click here for full press release. 

BENS Executive Director of Warrior Gateway Featured in Federal Computer Week Magazine
Devin B. Holmes, Executive Director of Warrior Gateway, was featured in the March 28 edition of Federal Computer Week magazine  Click here for full article.

Fiscal Deficit and National Security
BENS has enjoyed its partnership with David Walker, President/CEO, Comeback America Initiative.  He has spoken to BENS audiences around the country about our nation’s fiscal situation and its impact on national security. For an update on his campaign offering solutions to the nation’s fiscal problems,  Dave was featured in the March 8 edition of the Washington Post on his efforts to offer solutions to the nation’s fiscal problem.  Click here for full story.

BENS Washington D.C. Metro Regional Director Selected for Maryland Leadership Program
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) today announced that Laura J. Willoughby, BENS Washington, D.C. Metro regional director, has been selected for the Leadership Maryland Class of 2011.  Click here for full press release.

BENS Executive Director of Warrior Gateway Selected for the "Federal 100" Award
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) today announced that Devin B. Holmes, Executive Director of Warrior Gateway, was selected as a 2011 “Federal 100” award winner.  Click here for full press release.

BENS Announces Laura Keehner Rigas as the New VP of Communications
Business Executives for National Security (BENS) today announced that Laura Keehner Rigas is their new Vice President for Communications. In that role, she is responsible for managing the internal and external communications activities of BENS and its public outreach strategy. Click here for full press release.