Thank you, Tony [Tyler, IATA Director General and CEO] for that kind introduction. I’ve been told I’m the first person to represent the Intelligence Community speaking at AVSEC World, and that’s probably a precedent we should have set a long time ago. Since this is my first time speaking publicly with IATA at all, I really appreciate you extending this invitation.

Good morning. I love “firsts,” and I’m glad we set this summit up. Thank you, Rita [Sampson, director of Intelligence Community equal employment opportunity and diversity], for inviting me to kick this off. I’m particularly happy that we’re putting some devoted thought into meeting the needs of disabled members of our workforce.

This is truly remarkable, to see INSA and AFCEA co-hosting this summit. It’s extra special for me, because I’m somewhat of an “INSA hipster.” I was into INSA before it was cool. [laughter]
Actually, I was into INSA before it was INSA. In the late ‘90s, I was president of SASA for a year or two, and I tried to promote – a word you’ll hear again from me – integration with AFCEA. For a lot of reasons, that was an idea whose time just hadn’t come yet. Now, it has.

Last week and again this morning, the President spoke directly these concerns, calling ISIL an “immediate threat to the people of Iraq and people throughout the region.” Likewise, the British Prime Minister announced that the UK was raising their threat level, citing information that ISIL is targeting Europe. So, this morning, I would like to spend a few minutes talking about the nature of the terrorism threat we see in Syria and Iraq.

I want to thank Chairman Kean, Vice Chairman Hamilton, and the 9/11 Commissioners.