Statement to Employees by Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Leon E. Panetta on the Associate Director for Military Affairs.
November 15, 2010
On Friday, Lt. Gen. Mark Welsh, our Associate Director for Military Affairs, will conclude over two years of exceptional service to the CIA. Next month, he will begin a new chapter in his distinguished career: He has earned a fourth star and will take command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).
During his time with the Agency, Mark has made decisive contributions to our mission as the principal bridge to our military partners. His experience and leadership have helped guide the teamwork that is essential to America’s fight against al-Qa’ida and its violent allies. He built even closer ties to commanders in the field and troops on the ground. Mark has also done great work to strengthen collaboration on cyber security.
Mark is one of the military’s brightest stars. His talent, advice, and constant good humor will be missed by CIA officers at all levels. As he heads to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, we wish him continued success. We will always be proud to count him as a colleague and friend. I had the honor last week of presenting him the Director's Award for his outstanding service to the CIA and the nation.
Beginning this week, you’ll see a new three-star Air Force general here at CIA. Lt. Gen. Kurt A. Cichowski will be our next ADMA, effective November 22nd. Kurt comes to us after serving as Vice Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. He received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1977 and holds advanced degrees in business administration and airpower art and science. Kurt is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours flying everything from fighters to special operations gunships. He has held a wide variety of operational, command, and staff positions. The CIA is very fortunate to have him. Please join me in welcoming Kurt to our mission and our Agency family.
Leon E. Panetta
Source: CIA - No implied endorsement
November 15, 2010
On Friday, Lt. Gen. Mark Welsh, our Associate Director for Military Affairs, will conclude over two years of exceptional service to the CIA. Next month, he will begin a new chapter in his distinguished career: He has earned a fourth star and will take command of U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE).
During his time with the Agency, Mark has made decisive contributions to our mission as the principal bridge to our military partners. His experience and leadership have helped guide the teamwork that is essential to America’s fight against al-Qa’ida and its violent allies. He built even closer ties to commanders in the field and troops on the ground. Mark has also done great work to strengthen collaboration on cyber security.
Mark is one of the military’s brightest stars. His talent, advice, and constant good humor will be missed by CIA officers at all levels. As he heads to Ramstein Air Base in Germany, we wish him continued success. We will always be proud to count him as a colleague and friend. I had the honor last week of presenting him the Director's Award for his outstanding service to the CIA and the nation.
Beginning this week, you’ll see a new three-star Air Force general here at CIA. Lt. Gen. Kurt A. Cichowski will be our next ADMA, effective November 22nd. Kurt comes to us after serving as Vice Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida. He received his commission from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1977 and holds advanced degrees in business administration and airpower art and science. Kurt is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours flying everything from fighters to special operations gunships. He has held a wide variety of operational, command, and staff positions. The CIA is very fortunate to have him. Please join me in welcoming Kurt to our mission and our Agency family.
Leon E. Panetta
Source: CIA - No implied endorsement
