National Military Familes Summit Set Nov. 9-10

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The University of Maryland is joining the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in hosting a National Leadership Summit on Military Families Nov. 9-10 beginnning at 8 a.m. at The Inn and Conference Center, University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, Md. Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gail H. McGinn will deliver the keynote address.

Prof. David Segal (Professor of Sociology and Director, Center for Research on Military Organization) talks about the National Leadership Summit on Military Families at the University of Maryland Nov. 9 and 10

More than 300 leaders who provide support to military families are scheduled to attend.  They comprise leaders in the office of the Secretary of Defense, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, the National Guard and Reserve, land-grant universities including the University of Maryland, and other non-governmental partners.

The summit will begin with a call to action reviewing the Defense Department's commitment to family support and readiness. In addition, participants will learn about what current research is telling us about the status of military families, and what challenges we anticipate families will experience in the future. Following the summit, DoD and the University of Maryland will produce a report for leadership with recommendations on ways to improve family support and readiness programs.

Journalists may cover the event from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Nov. 9 and should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please contact Major April Cunningham at 703-697-6727 or 571-309-4734 or via e-mail at April.Cunningham@osd.mil  indicating your plan to attend.   

09197