Guard Leaders Gather for Senior Leaders Conference

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Guard Leaders Gather for Senior Leaders Conference

Speakers include Governor-elect John Carney, Governor Jack Markell and

National Military Legislative Advisor, Sherman Patrick

On Saturday, January 7th, the Delaware National Guard will host its 18th Annual Senior Leaders Conference.  The event begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, Del.  More than 500 Soldiers and Airmen from the Delaware National Guard will attend the conference to discuss the future of the Guard. Media are invited to attend.

Keynote panelist is Sherman Patrick, who is the Military Legislative Assistant to Senator Patrick Leahy. Sherman Patrick is a former staffer for Delaware Senators Ted Kaufman and Chris Coons. He advises Senator Leahy on defense policy, defense appropriations, and coordinates Senate National Guard Caucus activities.

7:50 am - Governor Jack Markell and Governor-elect John Carney address troops

8:15 am - Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, The Adjutant General, will deliver the State of the Delaware National Guard address and induct the Class of 2017 Honorary Commanders.

9:30 am - Maj. Gen. (ret) Gus Hargett, President, National Guard Association of the United States, and Sherman Patrick, National Military Legislative Advisor, will be part the of the keynote panel, where they will field questions from Soldiers and Airmen.

12:30 pm - Director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice, will address Air Guard leaders on future Air challenges.

"This conference is an opportunity for our leaders to engage in a national discussion, network, and evaluate our force to prepare for the future," said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala.

Media opportunities include photo, video, and interviews.

For more information please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302-540-0134   (leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil ) or 2nd Lt. Wendy Callaway at 302-270-0720   (Wendy.m.callaway.mil@mail.mil )