Thomas University to host Gray Zone Conflict symposium

THOMASVILLE — Thomas University’s Center for Military Life will host a “Gray Zone Conflicts and Global Resilience” symposium on April 6 to address the challenges faced by today’s global environment of unconventional political forces, emerging powers and non-state entities that do not meet the standards of conventional military response.

The event will bring together a team of presenters from a variety of disciplines who have “Gray Zone” expertise to address issues facing corporations, the military, first responders and diplomatic leaders.

“TU is geographically located in a constellation of military installations in south Georgia and north Florida,” Thomas University President Andy Sheppard said. “A conference of this sort with this quality of speakers makes an available reference for the entire defense community without the overhead of going to Washington, D.C.”

The keynote address will be presented by Maj. Gen. Michael Lehnert, U.S. Marine Corps retired.

Lehnert’s long and distinguished career includes serving as the assistant deputy commandant for Installation and Logistics, commanding the 2nd Force Service Support Group in July 2001; serving as commander of Joint Task Force 160 in January 2002 where he was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and in 2003, 2nd FSSG deployed and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

As a brigadier general, Lehnert served as commander of the Marine Logistics Command. He was subsequently assigned as chief of staff, United States Southern Command. In April 2005, he took command of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and then in October 2005, Lehnert assumed command of the newly activated Marine Corps Installations West, the regional authority tasked with providing support and oversight of seven United States Marine Corps installations on the West Coast.

Other presenters at the symposium include David Danelo, field researcher, Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime; Bob Rhodes, chief technology officer, Thomson Reuters Special Services; Ilona Teleki, chief operating officer, the Center for European Policy Analysis; Theodore Sedgwick, former U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic, and Jason Thomas, chief of innovation, Thomson Reuters Special Services.

“South Georgia-north Florida is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in the United States,” Sheppard said. “This conference marks the kickoff celebration of TU’s new Center for Military Life so that we can be of service to those who served – and continue to serve – our country.”

The conference is open to the public. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. Seating is limited. Register by emailing [email protected] or by visiting www.center4militarylife.org.