March 12, 2020
Contact: Jessica Moreno
jmoreno7@gmu.edu
703-993-8165
Arlington, VA – President Donald Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom to retired US Army Gen. Jack Keane on Tuesday, March 10, at a ceremony at the White House, describing him as a “visionary, a brilliant strategist, and an American hero.” He is also an Advisory Board Member at the National Security Institute (NSI), located at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
Established by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the award is the Nation’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded by the President of the United States to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Gen. Keane completed 37 years of public service in December 2003, culminating in his appointment as acting Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff of the US Army. As the chief operating officer of the Army for over four years, he directed 1.5 million soldiers and civilians in 120 countries, with an annual operating budget of 110 billion dollars. He was in the Pentagon on 9/11 and provided oversight and support for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Since 2004, Gen. Keane spent a decade conducting frequent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan for senior defense officials with multiple visits during the surge period in both countries directly assisting Gen. David Petraeus. He is currently a senior strategist analyst for Fox News and chairman of the Institute for the Study of War, a national security policy think tank.
“Gen. Jack Keane is a true American patriot and has served our nation with great distinction and honor for more than three decades. We are thrilled at the recognition of his service and commitment to our national security and are proud to have the opportunity to work with him at the National Security Institute,” said NSI Founder and Executive Director Jamil N. Jaffer.
The retired general was joined by members of his family, as well as distinguished leaders, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Defense Secretary Mark Esper, and Gen. Keith B. Alexander, who is also an NSI Advisory Board Member.
“I’m deeply honored by this extraordinary award and to receive it here in the White House surrounded by family, my friends, and by senior government officials, it is really quite overwhelming,” Gen. Keane said.
Watch the video here.
About the National Security Institute
The National Security Institute serves as a platform for research, teaching, scholarship, and policy development that incorporates a realistic assessment of the threats facing the United States and its allies, as well as an appreciation of the legal and practical challenges facing U.S. intelligence, defense, law enforcement, homeland security, and cybersecurity communities. NSI draws on the experience of its visiting fellows, as well as its highly distinguished advisory board and faculty, to produce timely research and policy materials that deliver insightful analysis and actionable recommendations to senior policymakers in the White House and key departments and agencies, as well as those on Capitol Hill.
About the Scalia Law School
The Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University is defined by three words: Learn. Challenge. Lead. Students receive an outstanding legal education (Learn), are taught to critically evaluate prevailing orthodoxy and pursue new ideas (Challenge), and, ultimately, are well prepared to distinguish themselves in their chosen fields (Lead). It has been one of America’s top-ranked law schools for the last fifteen years.
About George Mason
George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 33,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility.