Today, June 29th, marks the first anniversary of the passing of Secretary Rumsfeld. Over the past year, we have reflected extensively on the many lessons and insights imparted by our founder. In addition, among the Foundation’s networks and broader community of partners and supporters, we have been delighted to witness Rumsfeld’s legacy being carried forward in a number of terrific ways. One particular example that we are excited to feature in this blog post is a meaningful initiative honoring Rumsfeld’s significant impact on the Republic of Georgia.
On May 25th, 2022 a special ceremony was held for the opening of the new Rumsfeld Auditorium at the Georgian National Defence Academy (NDA). The auditorium honors and memorializes Rumsfeld’s contribution to the transformation of the Georgian Defence Forces and U.S.-Georgia military-to-military relations, as well as Rumsfeld’s long-standing friendship with Georgia since his last tour as U.S. Secretary of Defense. An important part of this legacy was Secretary Rumsfeld’s role in launching the first Georgia Train and Equip Program in 2002, which was established to address the need to enhance Georgia’s security and guarantee its sovereignty. The program worked to assist Georgia with its border security, anti-terrorism and crisis response capabilities, as well as to implement overall military reforms.
Mr. Grigol Giorgadze, Deputy Minister of Defence of Georgia spoke at the ceremony noting, "Secretary Rumsfeld played an immense role in strengthening Georgian Statehood and its defense and security capabilities. We, the Georgian people, express our deepest gratitude and appreciation towards Secretary Rumsfeld for his contribution and dedication, as well as towards our strategic partner, the U.S. and its people."
Brigadier General Mamia Balakhadze, Rector of the National Defence Academy stated, "The opening of the Donald Rumsfeld Auditorium serves to become an important part of the history of Georgia-U.S. cooperation. Donald Rumsfeld was Secretary of Defense when the first Training and Equip Program was launched and I had the honor of being the first Georgian Commander of the Georgian Defence forces which were a part of this program."
The Rumsfeld Auditorium will serve as a focal point for a diverse series of future seminars and lectures on U.S.-Georgia Cooperation, Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration, and other important issues related to the country’s democratization process.
Ms. Rian Harker Harris, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Georgia noted, "Secretary Rumsfeld recognized that our joint values made us natural partners. Last year, the U.S. and Georgia started a new chapter in the long history of cooperation in the defense and security field and we are ready to support Georgia in building state resilience and a comprehensive defense and security architecture."
In addition to the opening of the new auditorium, a “Rumsfeld Stipend” was established that annually funds 12 outstanding cadets of the Georgian National Defence Academy. At the opening ceremony, six talented cadets were awarded the inaugural Rumsfeld Stipend Certificates.
"I am honored that today, with my friends, I have the opportunity to launch such an important initiative that establishes the Donald Rumsfeld Stipend for Georgian Cadets and the opening of the Donald Rumsfeld Auditorium at the Georgian Defence Academy. Secretary Rumsfeld was a great friend of Georgia. It was under his leadership that the first Training and Equip Program was launched which played a crucial role in the transformation of our Georgian Defence forces and the strengthening of the defense capabilities of Georgia. In his civilian role, he continued to support Georgia through the CAMCA Fellowship Program and contributed to raising a new generation of leaders and representatives of various groups of Georgian society," said Ms. Tamar Kekenadze, CAMCA Fellowship alumni and former CAMCA Network Board Chair.
These special initiatives were spearheaded by the Georgian alumni of our CAMCA Fellowship Program. Alumni in attendance at the opening ceremony included Ms. Tamar Kekenadze, Ms. Nino Zambakhidze, Ms. Ekaterina Gvelesiani, Ms. Mariam Lashkhi, Ms. Marika Laliashvili, Mr. Tengiz Pkhaladze and Mr. Giorgi Arveladze.
Other honored guests at the recent ceremony included Brigadier General Mamia Balakhadze, Rector, NDA Georgia; Mr. Grigol Giorgadze, Deputy Minister of Defence; Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, Deputy Chief of Georgian Defence Forces; Ms. Rian Harker Harris, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in Georgia; and James Thompson, Marine Attaché, U.S. Embassy in Georgia. Watch coverage of the opening ceremony here.
Pictured below on the far right, Ms. Tamar Kekenadze, Managing Director of the CAMCA Regional Forum and former Board Chair of the CAMCA Network, presented a briefing on these initiatives for attendees at the recent 2022 CAMCA Regional Forum during a session titled, "Remembering Secretary Rumsfeld." A recording of this session will be made available on the Forum Youtube channel in the coming weeks.
The Rumsfeld Foundation is most grateful to our Georgian CAMCA Fellowship alumni for taking the initiative to develop and implement these thoughtful tributes commemorating Secretary Rumsfeld’s support of Georgia and its independence, as well as his personal investment in each of them as rising leaders of their country.
