United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will keynote the 50th Anniversary Gala, in honor of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) on Saturday, October 1, 2011. The event will be hosted by the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), a premier intelligence and national security organization that brings together public, private and academic sectors to collaborate on the most challenging policy issues and solutions.
“INSA is honored that Secretary Panetta will be reuniting with several fellow DIA alumni for this historic evening,” said Fran Townsend, INSA Chairwoman. “I know INSA members are looking forward to celebrating the DIA’s 50th Anniversary, and Secretary Panetta’s participation will truly make this a memorable event.”
Panetta previously served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and joined the Army as an Intelligence Officer from 1964 to 1966. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 1993 and served as former President Clinton’s Chief of Staff. On April, 23, 2011, President Barack Obama appointed Panetta as the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
The event will bring together several hundred members of the intelligence community that will include public officials, DIA alumni and private sector professionals. The gala will feature live music, dinner and dancing.
The DIA is a primary supplier and manager of all-source intelligence to senior policy makers, military branches and the President of the United States.
INSA President Ellen McCarthy said, “Since 1961, the men and women of the DIA have time and again risen to the challenge to support our armed forces and countless missions around the globe. INSA is honored that so many current and former DIA employees are looking forward to celebrating this important anniversary with our membership.”