Current atmospherics for LGBT service members in the United States military

When:  August 17, 2016 / 14.00
Where: Event Room/ 6th floor

We are pleased to invite you to the discussion about current atmospherics for LGBT service members in the United States military with Clarke Cooper.

R. Clarke Cooper is a Department of Defense analyst and advisor having served with the Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa, United States Africa Command, Special Operations Command Africa, and Special Operations Command Central. He has a specialized background in foreign policy, intergovernmental affairs, counter-terrorism and rule of law with a focus on Africa and the Middle East region.  His diplomatic and military tours in Africa and the Middle East have included capacity building training with host nation governments and partner militaries. Cooper also has extensive experience working with the United States Congress.

During the first term of the George W. Bush Administration, Cooper was appointed as an Assistant Director of National Park Service where he advocated for greater access to public lands and was part of Interior ministerial efforts to challenge the Bill Clinton Administration executive orders restricting use and access of public lands.

Cooper was first called to active military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as Aide-de-Camp for the general in charge of Civil Military Operations.  He is a combat veteran of this campaign.

During the second term of the Bush Administration, Cooper served several diplomatic postings including United States Embassy in Baghdad, where he often travelled with members of Congress in the Middle East to secure appropriations for US security and capacity building in the region. His final Department of State posting was at the United States Mission to the United Nations where he served as Counselor for United Nations Management & Reform and as an Alternative Representative to the United Nations Security Council.

After the change of government from George W. Bush to Barrack Obama, Cooper served as executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, the LGBT ancillary organization of the Republican National Committee. Social conservatives took issue when Cooper was invited to join the Republican National Committee's finance committee, and remained critical of Republican members of Congress who supported Cooper and Log Cabin Republicans legislative efforts to secure open service in the military and employment non-discrimination protections in the private sector.

Cooper is married to a fellow Army officer and combat veteran.  They reside in Washington where they are parishioners of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church and members the Army and Navy Club.

The lecture is held in English.

Admission free
Join us on Facebook