As I reflect today on our current war-torn world and those who have lost their lives in military service for our country in and outside conflict zones, I also am preparing for time next week embedded in an educational mission with current and emerging U.S. and foreign military leaders. I am privileged to be a participant in the 2026 National Security Seminar at the Army War College teaching and training facility in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I was nominated for service in this program by a friend who is a retired valuation expert that guest lectures in my Corporate Finance course. He is on the Board of Trustees of the Army War College Foundation. We have had many conversations over the years about military service and strategy.

As the National Security Seminar website notes:, the National Security Seminar seeks:

⋅ To enhance student learning through exposure to a cross-section of American society and perspectives.

⋅ To reach out to civilian leaders in communities across America and provide an opportunity for them to become better acquainted with the U.S. Army War College and prospective future leaders of our Armed Forces.

⋅ To synthesize the Army War College academic year of study through examination of current national security issues.

⋅ To create an environment for our students and NSS guests to candidly evaluate current policies and strategies.

More information on the National Security Seminar is available here.

I can only hope that I am able to contribute something valuable to the students at the Army War College while I am there for a few days. Maybe my A.B. degrees in International Relations and History (focused on American political history in the 20th century), as well as my legal expertise (including in asylum and refugee work with immigrants), will help inform my commentary . . . . We shall see.

My father and father-in-law (both now deceased) were U.S. Army veterans. This may be but a small way for me to give back and honor the service and lives of both of them and so many others, but it is meaningful to me. I will hold all of this in my heart as I observe Memorial Day today in Las Vegas, where many of us are converging for the next few days for the National Business Law Scholars Conference. I hope to see some of you all there.