Givhan

Major Gen. Walter Givhan, commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education, discusses his experiences with the State Department during the River Region Forum May 23 at the LeMay Center. (U.S. Air Force photo by Melanie Rogers Cox)

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Givhan shares his experience at State Department with River Region Forum

Published May 31, 2013
By Donovan Jackson
Air University Public Affairs

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- Harmonizing the instruments of national power through joint ventures with the State Department was one of the main topics discussed at this quarter's River Region Forum, held at the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education May 23.

Major Gen. Walter Givhan, LeMay Center commander, was the guest speaker at the forum. He discussed the recent experiences he gained while working with the State Department.

"I was the deputy assistant secretary for plans, programs and operations, in the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs," Givhan said. "I was also the first two-star general to hold that position."

Givhan worked with the State Department from July 2011 to January 2013. He oversaw the bureau's offices of plans, policy, analysis, weapons removal and abatement and international security operations.

In addition, Givhan also oversaw conventional weapons destruction efforts, handled coordination between the State Department and Defense Department on significant military exercises and helped to manage personnel exchange matters between the two departments.
While working with the State Department, Givhan traveled to Afghanistan, Indonesia, Russia, Jordan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, promoting diplomacy and safety within those countries.

The State Department was created in 1789 and is responsible for promoting peace and stability in areas of vital interest to America as well as helping developing nations establish economic environments.

"A lot of the significance of General Givhan working in the State Department is how important it is for the Defense Department and State Department to be able to work together," said Maj. John Redfield, director of Air University Public Affairs. "Members of both departments work in many of the same countries, so there needs to be common understanding between the two departments."

The quarterly River Region Forums are important community relations events, said Amy Richardson, chief of civic outreach for Air University Public Affairs. "It offers our River Region business and community leaders insight into current Maxwell and Gunter initiatives and organizational activities."

Invited guests to this quarter's forum included the county commissioners, city council members, local legislators and members of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.