CHARLES TOWN, W.Va., Oct. 31, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- American Military University has announced that U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, and Lieutenant General Russel Honore, commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, will speak at its February homeland security conference. Other speakers include a former governor, former senator and other homeland security officials.
"Homeland Security: The Ripple Effect" is one of the first-ever homeland security conferences to address the needs of smaller communities after a catastrophe (www.apus.edu/disaster). It is set for Feb. 6-7 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
"Until now, there have been few forums to help smaller communities prepare for natural disasters or terrorism," says Dr. Frank McCluskey, provost. "Our 'Ripple Effect' symposium will present integrated approaches - and real tools - for outlying cities and counties."
American Military University (www.amu.apus.edu) was among the first to offer homeland security degrees, even before 9/11 attacks on U.S. soil. It remains one of the nation's leading homeland security programs, recognized because of the depth and breadth of its curriculum.
Online registration is available at the homeland security conference web site, www.apus.edu/disaster. Registrants may also call Potomac Management Resources at 888.767.5561 or 703.683.5561. Early bird registration discounts end Nov. 30. Group discounts are also available.
The symposium "call for papers" deadline is also fast approaching. Academics, emergency managers, law enforcement and public safety officials, federal policy makers, representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may submit papers until Nov. 15.
Symposium speakers
Speakers for the homeland security conference also include:
-- Gary Hart, former senator and presidential candidate and
chair of the University of Colorado's Graduate School of
Public Affairs
-- James Gilmore, former Virginia governor, chair of the
Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response
Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass
Destruction, now partner in the international law firm
Kelley Drye and Warren
-- James Spears, homeland security advisor and secretary of
Military Affairs and Public Safety, state of West Virginia
Program details
The homeland security conference tracks are planning and preparation; training, education and awareness; and command, control and operations. Conference sessions include:
-- Funding and resources
-- Healthcare systems in outlying communities
-- Transportation and mobility
-- Training, education and public awareness
-- Local government planning: ensuring continuity after
disaster strikes
-- Emergency preparation and response for special populations
-- Food and water safety and emergency response
-- Federal response: policy gaps
Call for papers details
Those interested in submitting papers for the homeland security conference should send an abstract and biography to events@apus.edu by Nov. 15. Presenters should address questions to that e-mail address or call Bob Jaffin, program director, at 603.377.0711.
About American Military University
American Military University is a member of the American Public University System. The University System is a regionally and nationally accredited distance learning institution that serves more than 15,000 students worldwide. The 15-year old institution provides relevant and affordable distance learning in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs - taught by professors who are experienced in the real-world subjects they teach. AMU prepares students for careers in homeland security, intelligence, national security, criminal justice, emergency management, business and more.
Russell Public Relations
Carolyn Russell
(316) 932-9000
news@russellpr.com