Updates & Announcements

General Barry R. McCaffrey, USA (Ret.) Named as United States Military Academy Class of 1964 Distinguished Graduate of 2010

Throughout a career of professional excellence, General Barry McCaffrey’s service has epitomized the West Point values of “Duty, Honor, Country.” His record as an exceptional military leader, accomplished public servant, and lifelong contributor to the United States Military Academy and its mission make him a superb choice for the Distinguished Graduate Award.

Following graduation from West Point in 1964, General McCaffrey was commissioned in the Infantry and began 32 years of active military service, including four combat tours (one in the Dominican Republic, two in Vietnam, and one in Iraq) during which he earned three Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat. He earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Bronze Star as a parachute infantry platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division during the Organization of American States’ intervention in the Dominican Republic. A few years later, as a rifle company commander leading troops in Vietnam, he was twice awarded the Silver Star for exceptional valor. He was also twice awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in Vietnam. One of General McCaffrey’s former platoon sergeants recalled seeing him being evacuated in March 1969 after having sustained serious wounds during an intense fire-fight. He said, “I wondered how we could get along without his leadership. It then occurred to me that he had done his job of preparing us to take care of ourselves because of what he taught us.”

In 1970, General McCaffrey received a Master of Arts degree in Civil Government from American University and would return to teach in the Department of Social Sciences at his alma mater. During his final combat tour, as Commanding General of the 24th Infantry Division (Mech), he led the remarkable 370-kilometer left-hook attack into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. For this bold maneuver, General McCaffrey was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. General McCaffrey has also demonstrated his leadership in complex political-military assignments. In addition to serving as Special Assistant to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, he also served as the Chairman’s liaison to the National Security Council, the Secretary of State, and the Ambassador to the United Nations. In his last position prior to retirement, General McCaffrey received a fourth star and was assigned as the Commander-in-Chief of US Southern Command. In this capacity, he coordinated US international security policy with foreign heads of government, ministers of defense and foreign affairs, and US ambassadors in 19 countries in Central and South America. He advised the President, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of State on US Latin American security policy and created the first Human Rights Council and Human Rights Code of Conduct for an American military joint command.

In 1996, following his retirement from military service, President Bill Clinton reached out to General McCaffrey to serve as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), a cabinet-level position. He was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate and remained in the position for five years, making vital contributions to US national interests by authoring the US National Drug Control Strategy and developing and supervising multi-billion dollar drug control budgets. In the words of Raymond Kelly, current Police Commissioner for the City of New York, “General McCaffrey made ONDCP a force to be reckoned with. He brought a fierce intellect, compassion, and vision to the job. In short, he brought leadership.”

Though his accomplishments as a military leader and public servant are remarkable, General McCaffrey’s commitment to West Point and its mission to educate, train, and inspire cadets is of equal consequence. In 2001, he became the Bradley Distinguished Professor of International Security Studies where he developed a superb course in international security for the top 20 junior and senior cadets from all academic departments at the Academy. His service as the Bradley Professor extended well beyond the conduct of a single course. He contributed across the curriculum through his participation in numerous guest lectures, professional development classes, panel sessions, and social activities. Since leaving the Bradley Chair in 2005, he has been an Adjunct Professor of International Affairs in the Department of Social Sciences. The hallmark of his tenure at West Point has been the mentorship which he has willingly provided both cadets and faculty. As one faculty member stated, “the General has been my most inspiring mentor – in my view, a true model of integrity, personal sacrifice, and moral courage.”

In addition to his current role as a military analyst for NBC News, where he helps explain complex national security issues to the American public, General McCaffrey is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is on the Board of Advisors of the National Infantry Foundation. In 2007, he was inducted into the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

General McCaffrey’s service to the nation in war and peace, combined with his lifetime support of West Point, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the Academy.

Accordingly, the West Point Association of Graduates of the United States Military Academy takes great pride in presenting the 2010 Distinguished Graduate Award to Barry R. McCaffrey.

VVMF's First Ever Benefit Gala Is a Success

Old friendships were renewed, outstanding individuals were honored and money was raised to build the Education Center at The Wall at the first annual Build the Center Benefit Gala, which was hosted by VVMF on Friday, Nov. 12, at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.

The high-dollar fundraising benefit attracted around 200 veterans, family, friends and former congressional staffers, who gathered to remember the formative days when the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built and lend their support to VVMF's newest endeavor, the Education Center at The Wall.

A highlight of the evening was the award presentations. Former Sen. John Warner received the Senator Charles McCurdy "Mac" Mathias Jr. Award, which recognizes exemplary and courageous service to the country, such as Mathias displayed during his lifetime. The award was presented by Mathias' sons, Charles and Robert, assisted by Michael Heisley, an Education Center supporter and owner of the Memphis Grizzlies basketball team.

The James V. Kimsey Award for Public Service was presented by Jim Kimsey himself to former Sen. Bob Kerrey, a Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who came home from war to become governor of Nebraska and then a U.S. senator from that state. Kerrey is currently the president of The New School in New York City.

The master of ceremonies for the evening was WTOP radio's "Man About Town" Bob Madigan. Gen. Barry McCaffrey, USA (Ret.) gave the keynote address. Click here to read more about this year's gala.

VVMF is planning its second Build the Center Benefit Gala for Fall 2011.

General McCaffrey to Deliver Speech to the Pentagon Protection Force Agency's Distinguished Speaker Series on December 9, 2010 in Washington, DC

General McCaffrey to receive the Government Security News 2010 Extraordinary Leadership and Service in Homeland Security Award

Government Security News has announced that retired four star General Barry McCaffrey has been named as the winner of its 2010 Extraordinary Leadership and Service in Homeland Security Award.

The award is designed to salute an individual whose career has exemplified the dedication of America’s government, military and private sector in protecting the United States from all dangers, and whose career has reflected an abiding concern for the safety and welfare of the American public and citizens of the world.

As recipient of this award, General McCaffrey will deliver the keynote address at GSN’s 2010 Awards Dinner, which will take place on the evening of Monday, November 8, at the JP Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC.

According to Government Security News publisher, Edward Tyler, General McCaffrey has a lengthy record of public service, as a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; an associate of the Inter-American Dialogue; Chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Education Center Advisory Board; and a long association with the Phoenix House Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to drug and alcohol treatment, prevention and therapy.

“General McCaffrey exemplifies the best qualities in public service,” said Tyler, “and he enthusiastically joins us in wanting to acknowledge and salute the federal, state and local government agencies and the physical and IT security companies whose public-private partnership keeps our nation safe and secure.”

The Society of the 30th Infantry Regiment presents General McCaffrey with the “Footsie” Britt Award

General McCaffrey with USMA Cadets and Colonel (Ret.) Jack Jacobs

On March 11, 2010, General McCaffrey was presented the “Footsie” Britt Award by The Society of the 30th Infantry Regiment at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. This award is in memory of Capt. Maurice L. Footsie Britt, Company L. For “conspicuous gallantry, and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty” on Mount Rotondo, Italy on November 10, 1042, is awarded to an individual who has served in the 30th Infantry Regiment and excelled while on active duty and honorably discharged members of the 30th Infantry regiment, who through their efforts, perpetuate the spirit and traditions of the 30th Infantry Regiment.

NNOAC presents General McCaffrey with the J. Dennis Hastert Lifetime Achievement Award

On September 17, 2009 General McCaffrey was presented with the National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition J. Dennis Hastert Lifetime Achievement Award by Mr. Ronald E. Brooks, President. This award is presented by the National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition to a prominent individual committed to the fight against drug abuse.

Click here to see the NNOAC J. Dennis Hastert Lifetime Achievement Award

General Barry McCaffrey Addresses Boston Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) 27 May 2009

(left-right) Deputy Chief Fontana, Captain James Bruynell, General McCaffrey, Jennifer Ryan, Commissioner Fraser and District Chief Paul Burke

Retired General Barry McCaffrey was the guest speaker at the Boston Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting held May 27, 2009 on the campus of the Boston College Law School. General McCaffrey spoke on a subject that he is very familiar with, "Leading during Crisis."

Barry McCaffrey served in the United States Army for 32 years and retired as a four-star General. For five years after leaving the military, McCaffrey served as the nation's Cabinet Officer in charge of U.S. Drug Policy (Drug Czar). He is currently the President of McCaffrey Associates, LLC, serves on the Board of Directors for HNTB Corporation and also as an Adjunct Professor of International Affairs at the US Military Academy at West Point.

The LEPC is tasked with developing an emergency plan to prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies in the community. Because the LEPC's members represent the community, they should be familiar with factors that affect public safety, the environment, and the economy of the community. That expertise is essential as the LEPC continues to develop plans tailored to the needs of our community.

General McCaffrey's presentation was especially important in today's environment of uncertainty in the war on terror. The general's frank discussion on leadership and his views on challenges facing our nation was very well received by the LEPC membership. "Having top caliber speakers like General Mccaffrey address the LEPC is essential to keeping the LEPC a vital and working entity" stated Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser, Co-Chairman of the LEPC, "I am very grateful to General McCaffrey for taking time out of his schedule to speak to us and discuss the threat of terrorism to our community."

VVMF Education Center at The Wall Reception – February 2, 2009

BR McCaffrey Associates, LLC was proud to host the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund reception on Monday, February 2, 2009 welcoming Actor Tom Selleck, national spokesman for the new Education Center being built on the National Mall, and Honorary Chairman, General Colin Powell.

The reception was a great success, reaching out to several sponsors and gaining momentum on raising more funds for the Education Center at The Wall.

It is obvious by the growing support both locally and nationally, that we will reach our fundraising goals. BR McCaffrey Associates, LLC is honored to work with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

From left: General Colin Powell (Ret.), Senator Chuck Hagel, Jan Scruggs (VVMF Founder & CEO) , Actor Tom Selleck and General Barry McCaffrey (Ret.)

(Washington, DC)— BR McCaffrey Associates, LLC was proud to host this years B Company, 2nd-7th Cavalry, Vietnam Veterans Reunion over the Veterans Day Holiday. This educational outreach event included speeches by RADM (Ret.) Patrick Dunne, Under Secretary for Benefits, Department of Veterans Affairs; a group of active duty, non-commissioned officers and Sergeants from the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Military District of Washington; and a visit to the Vietnam Memorial Wall for the Veterans Day ceremonies hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.

RADM Dunne presented the latest accomplishments by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs to the B Company Veterans, providing information on the extensive variety of programs of non-medical benefits and services authorized by law to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

The non-commissioned officers and Sergeants from the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and the Military District of Washington provided an enriching and interactive outlet for the B Company Veterans to compare the United States Military from Vietnam, to the United States Military of today. The Veterans were able to gain inside knowledge of today's soldiers, their combat tours, and the great appreciation they have for all Veterans of the United States Military. The Sergeants from the Audie Murphy Club also offered information and handouts regarding their club, which honors Sergeant Audie Murphy, the most decorated American combat soldier of World War II.

BR McCaffrey Associates, LLC was also honored to work with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund by sending the B Company Veterans to attend the Veterans Day ceremonies, hosted by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at the Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC. The ceremonies at the Wall included fantastic speeches by Command Sergeant Major Cynthia Pritchett, USA, and Diane Carlson Evans, Founder and President of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation. This Veterans Day commemorated the 15th Anniversary of the Vietnam Women's Memorial. B Company Veterans were also recognized during the ceremony.

The B Company Reunion proved to be a gratifying and educational experience as BR McCaffrey Associates, LLC brought together these different groups of active duty soldiers, Veterans, and leaders from the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide an overall perspective of life in and out of combat.

AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES W. STUART SYMINGTON AWARD TO GENERAL BARRY MCCAFFREY

(Washington, DC)—The Air Force Association will present retired Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey, the former U.S. Drug Czar and a former commander in Desert Storm, now Adjunct Professor at West Point, with the W. Stuart Symington Award on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 at AFA’s annual anniversary dinner in Washington, DC.

AFA awards this honor every year to the most significant contribution by a civilian in the field of national defense, and presents it in conjunction with the 2008 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exhibition.

This year, the Air Force Association announced a prestigious slate of recipients for the 2008 National Aerospace Awards, including the recognition of General McCaffrey.

“General McCaffrey’s knowledge and advocacy of the vital role of airpower is very important to the public debate,” said Bob Largent, Chairman of the Board for AFA. “The Air Force Association is proud to recognize his contributions as well as his years of service to our nation.”

“AFA commends General McCaffrey for his public role in our nation’s defense policy discussions,” said Mike Dunn, President of AFA. “He understands the needs of the warfighters on today’s battlefields, including the essential role of the Air Force. He has enormous credibility on these issues.”

The W. Stuart Symington Award will be presented at AFA’s anniversary gala dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington D.C. A complete listing of the 2008 National Aerospace Awards is available from AFA and at http://www.AFA.org.

Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers to Present Award to General Barry McCaffrey

(Washington, DC)—Retired Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey, the former U.S. Drug Czar and a former commander in the Gulf War, now Adjunct Professor at West Point, will be presented the “Spirit of the Buffalo Soldier” award by the Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers on Saturday, 27 September 2008 at the group’s annual gala dinner in Sierra Vista, AZ. The organization recognizes General Barry McCaffrey’s service to the US Army while also honoring his deceased father, Lieutenant General William J. McCaffrey’s service with the all black division during WWII.  General Barry McCaffrey is a recipient of the NAACP Roy Wilkins Renowned Service Award.  He is also a life member of the NAACP.

Southwest Association of Buffalo Soldiers Award Press Release

Fire and Ice Ball: A Moving Salute to Our Armed Forces

The American Red Cross of the National Capital Area Board of Directors and Gala Chair Teresa Carlson of Microsoft hosted a beautiful and inspirational salute to our nation's Armed Forces on Saturday, April 5, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. This was a moving tribute to the men and women who serve our country and their families. General Barry McCaffrey was honored with a Lifetime of Achievement Award, and several awards were given to individual service people, military medical personnel and Red Cross volunteers. This was an opportunity to celebrate and honor those who make our lives of freedom possible. We thank them, and we thank you for your support.