Contacts:
Beth LaGuardia, American Military University
703.396.6421, blaguardia@apus.edu

Carolyn Russell, Russell Public Relations
316.932.9000, news@russellpr.com

American Military University’s Homeland Security Conference: Challenges and Solutions for Outlying Communities

‘Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect,’ Feb. 6-7, Washington, D.C., features Hon. Bennie G. Thompson, LTG Honoré, Joint Task Force Katrina commander, other senior official

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Oct. 31, 2006 — American Military University (AMU) has announced that U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Lieutenant General Russel Honoré, commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, will speak at its February homeland security conference. Other speakers include a former governor, former senator and other homeland security officials.

“Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect” is one of the first-ever homeland security conferences to address the needs of smaller communities after a catastrophe. It is set for Feb. 6-7, 2007 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

“Until now, there have been few forums to help smaller communities prepare for natural disasters or terrorism,” says Dr. Frank McCluskey, provost. “Our ‘Ripple Effect’ symposium will present integrated approaches — and real tools — for outlying cities and counties.”

AMU was among the first to offer homeland security degrees, even before 9/11 attacks on U.S. soil. It remains one of the nation’s leading homeland security programs, recognized because of the depth and breadth of its curriculum.

Online registration is available at the homeland security conference web site, www.apus.edu/disaster. Registrants may also call Potomac Management Resources at 888.767.5561 or 703.683.5561. Early bird registration discounts end Nov. 30. Group discounts are also available.

The symposium “call for papers” deadline is also fast approaching. Academics, emergency managers, law enforcement and public safety officials, federal policy makers, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may submit papers until Nov. 15.

Symposium speakers
Speakers for the homeland security conference also include:

• Gary Hart, former senator and presidential candidate and chair of the University of Colorado’s Graduate School of Public Affairs
• James Gilmore, former Virginia governor, chair of the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, now partner in the international law firm Kelley Drye and Warren
• James Spears, homeland security advisor and secretary of Military Affairs and Public Safety, state of West Virginia

Program details
The homeland security conference tracks are planning and preparation; training, education and awareness; and command, control and operations. Conference sessions include:

• Funding and resources
• Healthcare systems in outlying communities
• Transportation and mobility
• Training, education and public awareness
• Local government planning: ensuring continuity after disaster strikes
• Emergency preparation and response for special populations
• Food and water safety and emergency response
• Federal response: policy gaps

Call for papers details
Those interested in submitting papers for the homeland security conference should send an abstract and biography to events@apus.edu by Nov. 15. Presenters should address questions to that e-mail address or call Bob Jaffin, program director, at 603.377.0711.