WASHINGTON, D.C., April 9, 2018 – Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced that Michael “Rod” Rodriguez will serve as its Director.
In his new role, Rodriguez is tasked with refining strategic initiatives for the Foundation while maintaining partner and donor relationships, and nurturing new ones.
“Following Congress’ approval of the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act in August, the Foundation now faces an exciting new future as we move toward site selection and the 24-step process for establishing a national memorial in the nation’s capital,” said David Burke, president of the GWOTMF Board of Trustees. “Rod has been an active member of our Board of Trustees for the past 18 months. With his institutional knowledge and extensive background, we are confident that he is ideally positioned to lead the Foundation through the vital steps that lie ahead.”
Rodriguez served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, 15 of which were as a Special Forces Green Beret. He sits on the advisory council for President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative and is the Executive Ambassador for the Green Beret Foundation. In addition to his own service, Rodriguez’s wife served for 21 years in the U.S. Army and his eldest son recently returned home from Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division, marking the Rodriguez family’s 16th deployment.
Over the months ahead, Rodriguez will lead the Foundation in advocating for land within the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Together we have an opportunity to honor all those who have selflessly served in our nation’s longest war and educate all Americans and visitors to this country on the ever-evolving, multi-generational conflict. This honor and privilege is a charge we do not take lightly,” said Rodriguez. “In the view of the Foundation, it is imperative that a memorial befitting everyone who served in the longest war of our 242-year history, and all who support them, be conspicuously placed on America’s front yard.”
For more information about GWOTMF, visit gwotmf.org or facebook.com/gwotmf.
About Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF) is the congressionally-designated nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the organizing, fundraising, and coordinating efforts to build a memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to honor our fallen warriors, United States services members, their families, and all those who support our nation’s longest war. Through its dedicated efforts, the Foundation seeks to build a tangible symbol of the sacrifices made by our country’s service members and their families.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3 million Americans have deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Of those servicemembers, close to 7,000 have been killed, with 52,000 wounded in action and an estimated 20 percent of veterans returning home grappling with the invisible wounds of war such as post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation believes that our service members and their families deserve a fitting memorial where our country can reflect and honor their endurance and sacrifice. To learn more, visit gwotmf.org or facebook.com/gwotmf.
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Media Contact:
Julie Colman, Largemouth Communications (on behalf of GWOTMF)
[email protected] | 919-459-6459
