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Dear Board of Directors,

I am still absorbing all of the insights I gained from yesterday’s board meeting – particularly our closing dinner with the inspiring General Selva. As Carolyn Miles said “He is amazing!”

Thank you for your flexibility with the schedule, and tenacity in powering through a long day. It is always hard to forecast our meeting schedule as we seek to secure the most relevant outside guests. Yesterday was a bit denser than we would normally have in the late afternoon, but we certainly moved our agenda forward. The discussions – and your masterful inserts with first-hand accounts – clearly moved the goal posts on our issues:


§ Vice President Pence’s National Security Advisor, Andrea Thompson’s willingness to meet is a real testament to the power of the Board and a strong signal that our issue is resonating with the VP’s office. As Andrea was leaving, she indicated her interest in further interactions, including with the Vice President.


§ While barely settled into his new position at the NSC, it was impressive that Clete Willems not only joined us, but he has already been in touch with John about a salon dinner next month.


§ I am sorry for those that had to miss the dinner with General Selva – our newest rock star among our band of military leaders. Perfect timing as he was scheduled to have breakfast with General Mattis this morning, and hopefully passed on our sincere thanks for his support on the budget.


§ And of course, it was a real honor to have a chance to congratulate our fellow Board member, Ambassador Mark Green as he gears up for his confirmation hearings for USAID Administrator.

I thank my colleagues for their exceptional presentations, and to each of you for helping guide us in this complex environment. I hope you had a chance to review the richness of material in the Board binders reflecting the extraordinary work going on inside and outside the beltway.

Here are a few links to the information we promised to forward:

§ Carolyn Miles and ABC’s David Muir Visit to Somaliland<http://abcnews.go.com/International/desperate-plea-african-nations-famine-crisis/story?id=47163415>

§ State Department Employee Survey<https://www.dropbox.com/s/irsxdl5a1u9jidz/State%20Department%20Survey.pdf?dl=0>

§ USGLC’s Video<https://vimeo.com/217909527> of Military Leaders Impact on Budget Narrative
(Password: USGLC2017 – Note, just for viewing internally, no posting.)

Next week, the Administration will release the full budget request. In addition to a complete budget analysis during the week, on Monday, USGLC will launch the “business letter” to Secretary Tillerson – now with 220 signatures! Thank you again to Chris, Andrew, John, Bill, Sarah and all of our business signers.

And a heartfelt congratulations to all for another productive, informative, and inspiring Board meeting.

Liz
Liz Schrayer, USGLC