Former battlefield leader in the Global War on Terrorism will continue life of public service by working for a GWOT Memorial on the National Mall
Today the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation announced that General Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Army (Ret.), will join the Foundation’s Board of Directors. General Votel is a retired U.S. Army Four-Star officer and most recently the Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the U.S. military command responsible for U.S. and coalition military operations in the Middle East, the Levant, and Central and South Asia. General Votel served in one of the most active theaters in the Global War on Terrorism by leading the 79-member coalition that successfully liberated Iraq and Syria from the Islamic State Caliphate. He also served as the Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command and the Joint Special Operations Command, whose respective mission sets include combatting terrorist threats.
“I have seen firsthand how America’s service members have fought and served tirelessly to keep America safe from terrorism over the past two decades,”
—General Votel.
“Their noble service must be honored with a Memorial in the most appropriate place of honor: the National Mall. I am deeply honored to join with the Foundation at a critical time, as support for our mission continues to build across military and civilian communities. We will keep pushing to secure the needed funding, build new relationships, and plan thoughtfully for a Memorial that every American can be proud of.”
“General Votel has proved his heart for service to America in the course of his 39 years wearing the uniform,” said Foundation President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. “The Foundation is honored and humbled that such a dedicated leader and warrior will now apply his time and talents to building a Memorial to our Global War on Terrorism heroes. I am confident that his experience with veterans and their families, dedication to the mission, and deep understanding of why the Memorial matters will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation.”
“The entire Board of Directors is thrilled about the addition of General Votel to our leadership team,” said Foundation Board Chairman Ted Skokos. “Our gratitude abounds for his life of servant leadership, and we look forward to making enormous progress on the Memorial’s construction together in the months and years to come.”
For General Votel’s official photograph and full bio, visit the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation team page.
