Business Executives for National Security

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from everyone at Business Executives for National Security (BENS)! Here's to a 2023 of great collaboration and partnership!

12/31/2022

"For 40 years, BENS has remained laser-focused on our mission...a mission that requires partnership, collaboration, and trust." ~ General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.), BENS President & CEO

One of our favorite memories from 2022 was our 40th Anniversary Business Executives for National Security (BENS) Fall Forum. Thank you to everyone who came together - our members, staff, partners, presenters - to make that event such an amazing success.

We truly are , and we can't wait to see the great things we can all do together in the new year!

12/30/2022

Have you set a goal to read more in the coming year? We're here to help!

To advance the conversation around critical topics in and the U.S. role in the world, our President and CEO General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.) has published a list of representing all-time favorites and new releases. The list includes essential works on , , and civil-military relations, as well as emerging challenges in and .

📚: https://bit.ly/3vimmSl

12/28/2022

The holidays are the perfect time to catch up on episodes of our BENS "Building the Base" !

We've had so many fascinating and informative conversations with incredible leaders in our community, and are excited to share those with you.

Click here to access all episodes: https://bit.ly/3vilk8X

12/26/2022

Biden Signs National Defense Authorization Act Into Law

President Biden has signed the Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act into law allotting $816.7 billion to the Defense Department, including funds to accelerate implementation of the National Defense Strategy.

Read more ⬇️ from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)

President Joe Biden has signed the Fiscal 2023 National Defense Authorization Act into law, allotting $816.7 billion to the Defense Department. 

12/24/2022

Happy Holidays from everyone at BENS!

Click here for a special holiday message from our President and CEO General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.): https://bit.ly/3GheVkN.

12/22/2022

We really love to see our members gathering throughout the country!

Business Executives for National Security (BENS) Southeast members recently gathered together, in their largest outing since the beginning of , at the Buckhead Club in . The evening was filled with great conversations, reconnections, and great food. Members had a wonderful time being together!

12/20/2022

Happy Birthday to the United States Space Force! Thank you to all of our nation's for your service, dedication to mission, and the essential and innovative role you play in improving our capabilities in space.

12/19/2022

First on CNN: Retired top military officials push for bill to help Afghans | CNN Politics

"The United States has an obligation to uphold the commitments it made to our partners in Afghanistan.

I join nearly two dozen of my former colleagues urging Congress to act quickly to include the Afghan Adjustment Act in the omnibus spending bill. The legislation is not only a moral imperative, it furthers the national security interests of the United States." - General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.), former Commander, US CENTCOM and USSOCOM

Read more from CNN below. https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/17/politics/us-military-officials-afghanistan-assistance/index.html

Roughly two dozen former leaders of the US military -- including retired chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a former Supreme Allied commander of NATO and several former commanders in Afghanistan -- sent a letter to US congressional leaders Saturday evening urging them to act quickly to save Afgh...

12/18/2022

We want to thank our members who followed our Giving Tuesday call to support Wreaths across America by sponsoring wreaths or volunteering at a cemetery near you to place wreaths on Saturday, December 17th - Wreaths Across America Day.

Thank you for taking time to honor and remember our nation’s fallen and veterans, who are laid to rest in national and veterans’ cemeteries at home and abroad, in such a meaningful way this holiday season. 🇺🇸

12/16/2022

In this week’s episode of our Building the Base , BENS hosts Jim "Hondo" Geurts and Lauren Bedula interview Lieutenant General Michael Groen, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), former Commander of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, to discuss the future of the industrial network.

General Groen emphasizes the need for consistent between our nation’s and those who are developing innovative technologies. To that end, the DoD must experience a cultural transition by acting in partnership across not only the public and , but also the varying branches of service.

🎧 https://bit.ly/3FSzoME

12/13/2022

Happy 386th Birthday to The National Guard!

At BENS, we salute all members of the today and every day for their service, the role they play in maintaining our , and for being "Always Ready, Always There" to support missions at home and abroad. 🇺🇸

12/12/2022

As we prepare to recognize the birthday of The National Guard, we want to recognize and thank General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for visiting recently with Members in Chicago.

GEN Hokanson discussed that with long-term and multiple to combat theaters, since the terror attacks of 9/11, and women have tirelessly served on the front lines at both home and abroad. They assisted with the evacuation and resettlement of Afghan refugees, vaccinated millions of Americans during the , trained members of Ukraine’s in Germany and provided them with material support…all while responding to persistent, record-breaking across the U.S.

Thank you, GEN Hokanson, for spending the day with us, and sharing how the is "always there, always ready!"

12/12/2022

In November, a delegation visited U.S. Coast Guard Southeast (District 7) and Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami to learn about their mission and the role they play in maintaining our .

We are grateful for these opportunities to learn more about all those that work daily to keep our nation safe, and ways that our members can aid in that effort.

Immigration And Customs Enforcement (ICE)

12/11/2022

Our President and CEO, GEN Joe Votel, U.S. Army (Ret), leadership and members had a great time gathering today at Lincoln Financial Field for the Army Navy Game, sponsored by USAA, in Philly.

We are grateful to all of our special guests that dropped in to say hello during America’s Game including Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, General Mark Milley, 20th Chairman of The Joint Staff, and U.S. Navy VADM Frank M. Bradley, Commander of JSOC.

What a game! ⚔️⚓️🇺🇸🏈

12/10/2022

It's Gameday! Today, our nation will come together to watch "America's Game", the annual meeting of Army and Navy, West Point - The U.S. Military Academy vs the United States Naval Academy. We come together in the spirit of sport, but also to honor and recognize the commitment of these college athletes and their classmates to serve as the future leaders of our nation's military.

Who will you be pulling for? Let us know in the comments.⚔️⚓ 🇺🇸 🏈

📸: Army Navy Game

12/09/2022

BENS was honored to host Lieutenant General Dagvin (DAG) Anderson, United States Air Force, the Director for Joint Force Development (J7). Lt. Gen. Anderson discussed how the current crisis in Ukraine has highlighted a number of important challenges related to supply chains and future technology needs.

12/08/2022

BENS recently held its first organized engagement with the Drug Enforcement Administration - DEA in NYC with the DEA's New York Division.

The visit included discussions with leadership, a tour of the Northeast Regional Laboratory, case briefings, meetings with the New York Investigations Group, and a visit to a training facility where members were fully immersed in the tactics and training of the 's Special Response Teams (SRT).

The information and accessibility members were given really helped to shine a light on the immense scope and scale of today's illegal drug challenge. Our members were deeply impressed with the dedication to mission by all those serving within the DEA, a mission vital to our .

12/07/2022

On this Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor and remember those lost on the "date which will live in infamy," and dedicate our efforts of working together to solve our nation's most pressing security challenges to their memory. 🇺🇸

12/06/2022

Fun Fact: Did you know that all U.S. Coast Guard ships are called cutters?

BENS Chicago members recently had an exclusive experience aboard the CGC MACKINAW. Master Chief Matthew Buckham and the cutter’s captain, Commander Jeanette Greene, treated BENS members to a private tour and discussed recent advances in US ice breaking technology with the cohort. We learned so much and had a great time! 🇺🇸 🚢

U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes

12/02/2022

Our BENS member gatherings throughout the country are great chances to connect, network and to learn from one another and others in the about challenges and innovations in the industry.

We want to thank U.S. Navy VADM Whitworth, Dir. of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, for recently visiting with our New York members to discuss “The Geospatial Intelligence Advantage” – what brings to U.S. leaders & to strengthen . We learned so much!

11/29/2022

Learn about Wreaths Across America's Mission to Remember, Honor and Teach

On this Giving Tuesday, join BENS as we honor and remember our country’s fallen heroes by sponsoring a remembrance wreath that will be laid on the grave of a fallen service member or veteran at locations across the country on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 17.

Click below to sponsor a wreath or to sign up to volunteer.

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 3,400 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Help us by sponsoring Veterans....

11/27/2022

Building the Base Episode 15: Secretary Leon Panetta, Former SecDef, CIA Director, White House CoS, and U.S. Representative from California | Business Executives for National Security

ICYMI: In our most recent episode of the Building the Base , we were proud to host Secretary Leon Panetta, the 23rd Secretary of Defense and former Director of the CIA, White House Chief of Staff, and Congressman from the State of California, in a fascinating conversation emphasizing the need for a strong industrial base to ensure the U.S. remains the strongest global power and force for good.

Don't miss this episode as he covers a broad range of other issues.

Click Below To Listen ⬇️

Listen to all episodes of Building the Base at: https://bit.ly/3fAcrn8.

In this week’s episode of Building the Base, we were proud to host Secretary Leon Panetta. Secretary Panetta served as the 23rd Secretary of Defense, the 3rd Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, the 18th White House Chief of Staff, the 29th Director of the Office of Management and Budget, ...

11/25/2022

On November 16, 2022, Group partner and Section Leader John Geiringer hosted a Business Executives for National Security (BENS) meeting featuring General Joseph L. Votel, the President and CEO.

We’re grateful for these opportunities for our members to gather together to network and collaborate. Thank you Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP for your support!

11/24/2022

We wish everyone a safe and a happy Thanksgiving! 🍂 🦃 🇺🇸

11/16/2022

We were proud to partner with Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center and Freedom House recently to create an evening of important conversation that featured a distinguished panel of guests, including BENS President and CEO, Gen. Joseph Votel (Ret.), Michael Abramowitz of Freedom House, and Lt. Governor of Vermont, Molly Gray, discussing how businesses can fight authoritarianism at home and abroad.

Thank you to everyone who took part, both in-person and online!

11/11/2022

“This , we honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifices that generations of have made on our behalf. BENS supports the tireless work of Veteran Service Organizations throughout the nation, and we encourage you to learn more about the important work of the following organizations.”
- General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.), BENS President & Chief Executive Officer

Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program
The Honor Foundation
Team Red, White & Blue
Travis Manion Foundation
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Homes For Our Troops

11/11/2022

On Veterans Day and every day, we honor and salute all those who have served or are serving in our nation’s military. We are grateful for all they have done and continue to do for our country. 🇺🇸

11/10/2022

Happy Birthday to the U.S. Marine Corps!

11/03/2022

In this week’s episode of Building the Base, our own Hondo Geurts and Lauren Bedula talk with Michael Gallagher, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 8th District.

Congressman Gallagher touches on the role of increased automation in cutting edge technology, investing in the workforce, and the Pentagon’s procurement efforts. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between DoD and the Hill, especially enhancing our domestic infrastructure and abandoning our dysfunctional budget cycle.

🎧: https://tinyurl.com/Listen-To-The-Episode

10/31/2022

BENS 40th Anniversary Celebration Recap Video

During our 40th Anniversary celebration, we gathered and reflected on BENS' founder's Stanley A. Weiss's vision for an organization that had a lasting, tangible impact on our nation's security: not a "think tank" but a "do tank."

As evidenced by our series of courageous conversations, collaborative project work, and our recognition of public and private sector leaders throughout the weekend, we have seen his vision come to fruition.

We look forward to continuing to engage with our partners in the important work of securing our nation for many years to come.

10/30/2022

BENS 40th Anniversary Policy Forum and Eisenhower Awards Dinner Recap

Our 40th Anniversary Fall Forum was an extraordinary day of courageous conversations about the role of trust in securing our nation, followed by our Eisenhower Award Gala where we honored the Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and IBM Chairman & CEO Arvind Krishna, all highlighting the importance of partnerships in making us .

Check out our video recap of the day, as well as highlights from the Awards Dinner.

10/30/2022

“I think the role of mentors to be learners and sensemakers and encourage has never been more important...Don't underestimate mentorship.” - General Dempsey, USA (ret.) (Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff)

Thank you to General Martin E. Dempsey and Ginni Rometty (Former Chairman, President & CEO, IBM)for their candid discussion at our 40th Anniversary Policy Forum about the “Critical Importance of Trust to Our National Security”, led by David Rubinstein (Co-Founder, Co-Chairman, The Carlyle Group).

10/29/2022

Inspirational words from our President and CEO General Joseph Votel, USA (Ret.) at our 40th Anniversary Eisenhower Award Gala, remind us that we are because of innovative partnerships.

“In the face of a challenge that kept us apart…the BENS community grew stronger…while the world faced unprecedented change…we kept doing what we do best: bring the public and private sectors together to tackle big problems.”

10/28/2022

President Bush Speaks At BENS 40th Anniversary Policy Forum

Thursday Night, we were honored to kick off our 40th Anniversary Policy Forum by having a fireside chat with George W. Bush - 43rd President of the United States. Click below for highlights of our evening. Tune in for more to come!

10/28/2022

Thursday night, we were honored to kick off our 40th Anniversary Policy Forum by having a fireside chat with George W. Bush - 43rd President of the United States. Tune in for more to come!

10/25/2022

Secretary Carter was an outstanding leader who had a profound impact on national security over five administrations. He was a lifelong scholar who devoted his life to public service, making our Nation safer and serving all those who serve in uniform.

He was the epitome of what we should expect from our civilian leaders. We are deeply saddened by this loss. His leadership and wise counsel will be profoundly missed.

09/30/2022

09/25/2022

Our thoughts remain with the families of our fallen.

09/18/2022

Happy Birthday to the Air National Guard!