Aakash Patel, president of Elevate, Inc, attended and graduated from the 65th annual National Security Forum last week. The NSF, which took place May 8th – 11th, was held at the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama. This forum is held each year to bring together influential citizens and senior U.S. and international officers as well as civilian equivalents. During the 4-day event, these individuals discuss ideas and perspectives on Air Force, national, and international security issues.
As a former honorary commander at Tampa’s MacDill Airforce Base, Patel was one of 4 individuals to represent the Tampa Bay region at NSF.
Last week, the group of 140 civilian leaders in government, education and business gathered from all around the United States to meet with senior military leaders and discuss current and future national security issues facing our nation today. The forum allows for attendees, Air War college students and senior military and civilian leaders to gather together and participate in open, in-depth discussions and social events.
At this year’s forum, Patel had the chance to attend seminars and lectures in addition to conversing with students and officers. Attendees were also welcomed by US Airforce Secretary Heather Wilson. “I am honored to have participated in this year’s forum.” says Patel. “The NSF provided me a great opportunity to learn about the issues facing those brave men and women who serve our country every day. I have a new-found respect for our military members.” Patel continued. “After attending last week’s NSF, I am reassured that we have the best men and women to continue to protect us from harm every day. I am incredibly thankful to these leaders for their service to our country.”
Air War College is the senior professional development school in the Air Force officer education system at Air University. At AWC, selected senior officers are educated to lead at the strategic level in the employment of air and space forces. The AWC curriculum focuses on coalition war fighting and national security issues, with emphasis on the effective employment of aerospace forces in joint and combined combat operations.
Air University is a major component of Air Education and Training Command, and the intellectual and leadership center of the Air Force. Air University consists of eight colleges and schools that provide the full spectrum of Air Force education, from pre-commissioning to the highest levels of professional military education. This includes degree granting and professional continuing of education of officers, enlisted and civilian personnel throughout their careers.
For more information on the National Security Forum, visit their website.
