Virginia Beach, VA—Key military, business and faith-based leaders gathered for a timely discussion of U.S. foreign policy and its impact on Virginia families and businesses today at Regent University, saying U.S. global engagement protects our national security and creates jobs in the Commonwealth.

Following a welcome from Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, a panel moderated by Emmy-award winning journalist David Brody included remarks from Lt. Gen. Pete Osman, USMC (Ret.), former U.S. Congressman Tom Davis, Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal, and Vice President of Advocacy at World Vision Rev. Adam Russell Taylor.

Osman, a graduate of Old Dominion University with 37 years of experience in the U.S. Marine Corps, focused on the importance of U.S. global leadership to our national security. “Today, we face new and ever increasing threats.   In order to keep our nation safe, we must invest in a comprehensive strategy that includes development and diplomacy alongside defense,” Gen. Osman said. “These programs  not only enhance national security, they potentially save service members’ lives by ensuring that ‘boots on the ground’ are  worked in concert with other instruments of national power  and are not  always  the first or only option.”

As President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Barry DuVal focused on the job creation gained for Virginians by engaging in today’s global economy.  He noted that over the past five years, exports from Virginia companies have increased more than 50 percent as local business owners find new international markets for their goods and services.  When local businesses have markets for their products overseas, particularly in the development world, their growth allows them to hire new workers and create jobs right in the Commonwealth.

Titled “A Conversation on National and Economic Security,” today’s event was sponsored by the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Regent University, the Greater Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and the Virginia Beach World Affairs Council.

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating diplomacy and development alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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