WASHINGTON, D.C., April 9, 2018 – Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced that Michael “Rod” Rodriguez will serve as its Director.
In his new role, Rodriguez is tasked with refining strategic initiatives for the Foundation while maintaining partner and donor relationships, and nurturing new ones.
“Following Congress’ approval of the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act in August, the Foundation now faces an exciting new future as we move toward site selection and the 24-step process for establishing a national memorial in the nation’s capital,” said David Burke, president of the GWOTMF Board of Trustees. “Rod has been an active member of our Board of Trustees for the past 18 months. With his institutional knowledge and extensive background, we are confident that he is ideally positioned to lead the Foundation through the vital steps that lie ahead.”
Rodriguez served in the U.S. Army for 21 years, 15 of which were as a Special Forces Green Beret. He sits on the advisory council for President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative and is the Executive Ambassador for the Green Beret Foundation. In addition to his own service, Rodriguez’s wife served for 21 years in the U.S. Army and his eldest son recently returned home from Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division, marking the Rodriguez family’s 16th deployment.
Over the months ahead, Rodriguez will lead the Foundation in advocating for land within the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
“Together we have an opportunity to honor all those who have selflessly served in our nation’s longest war and educate all Americans and visitors to this country on the ever-evolving, multi-generational conflict. This honor and privilege is a charge we do not take lightly,” said Rodriguez. “In the view of the Foundation, it is imperative that a memorial befitting everyone who served in the longest war of our 242-year history, and all who support them, be conspicuously placed on America’s front yard.”
For more information about GWOTMF, visit gwotmf.com or facebook.com/gwotmf.
