Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to Receive Henry M. Jackson Award From JINSA

Business Wire, Oct 15, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will be honored at a dinner event at on Monday, October 15 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel, Arlington, Virginia. Gates will receive the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs' (JINSA) Henry M. Jackson Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Robert M. Gates was sworn in on December 18, 2006, as the 22nd Secretary of Defense. Before entering his present post, he was the President of Texas A&M University, the nation's seventh largest university. Prior to assuming the presidency of Texas A&M on August 1, 2002, he served as Interim Dean of the George Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M from 1999 to 2001.

Secretary Gates served as Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993. He is the only career officer in the CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director. He served as Deputy Director of Central Intelligence from 1986 until 1989 and as Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser at the White House from January 20, 1989, until November 6, 1991, for President George H.W. Bush.

Secretary Gates joined the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966 and spent nearly 27 years as an intelligence professional, serving six presidents. During that period, he spent nearly nine years at the National Security Council, The White House, serving four presidents of both political parties.

Each year, JINSA honors leaders who, throughout their careers, have honored the tradition of the late Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson. JINSA was formed in part to perpetuate Senator Jackson's legacy. He inspired Americans with his dedication to a strong U.S. defense posture and his abiding interest in helping oppressed peoples. Most recent recipients of the organization's highest honor include Senator John McCain in 2006 and Gen. Peter Pace, USMC, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in 2005.

The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian educational organization established in 1976 to educate the public on national and international security issues, including the importance of an effective U.S. defense capability and the key role of strategic allies, including Israel, to promote democratic values in the Middle East.