July 31, 2008
Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) spoke on national strategy at a luncheon seminar hosted by The Brookings Institution. Attached below please find Skelton’s speech as prepared for delivery.
"I want to thank Dr. Singer for inviting me to address this luncheon seminar. It’s an honor to be with you and to share the program with one of our country’s most distinguished soldier scholars, my friend Major General Bob Scales.
"From the time I was a young man, reading military history has been my hobby. And while this hobby didn’t necessarily serve a professional purpose when I was practicing law in Lexington, Missouri, it has certainly helped me in my work on the House Armed Services Committee. My background as a student of military history also impressed upon me the importance of professional military education, which is key to developing the strategic thinkers and innovative leaders who will serve as military advisers to the President and to Congress.
http://armedservices.house.gov/apps/list/press/armedsvc_dem/skeltonpr073108.shtml
