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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

IADCF, 210 B Street S. W. Bldg 52 FT McNair, Washington D.C., DC (2026)

05/18/2026

El 16 de mayo de 2026 se llevó a cabo el Encuentro de las Américas, en las instalaciones de “La Casa del Soldado”.

El evento reunió a alumnos, exalumnos y funcionarios del Colegio Interamericano de Defensa y a sus familiares, de diversas naciones, creando un ambiente verdaderamente multicultural, esencial para el fortalecimiento de los lazos de confianza y amistad entre los países de las Américas.

Registramos, con satisfacción, la presencia de la Presidenta Emérita de la Fundación Colegio Interamericano de Defensa, Joanna Esty, cuya participación refuerza la relevancia del acercamiento entre personas e instituciones en torno a objetivos comunes.

05/08/2026

May 8 marks a defining anniversary in world history: Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).

Eighty-one years ago, as news of the German surrender spread, celebrations erupted around the world to mark the end of World War II in Europe. It was not merely a tactical victory, but a demonstration of the determination of the United States and its Allies.

Today, we pay tribute to those who fought and to those who gave their lives to end tyranny and pave the way for a freer world. The courage of the servicemen, the sacrifice of millions of civilians, and the unity of the Allied nations changed the course of history and reaffirmed the value of freedom as a universal good.

May we never forget those who paid the ultimate price so that we could live in freedom.

04/23/2026

¡Bienvenido Com. Ricaurte Vejarano, nuestro nuevo Life Member (socio vitalicio)!

La Fundación del Colegio Interamericano de Defensa se enorgullece en dar la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo Life Member (socio vitalicio) Com. Ricaurte Vejarano, Clase 65, a la creciente comunidad de colaboradores comprometidos con el fortalecimiento de la seguridad y el liderazgo hemisféricos a través de la educación, el diálogo y la cooperación.

Su membresía vitalicia es más que una simple contribución: es una inversión duradera en la misión del Colegio Interamericano de Defensa y en la próxima generación de líderes de defensa y seguridad en las Américas.

En nombre de toda la Fundación y de nuestros socios, gracias por su constante apoyo y compromiso compartido para construir un continente más seguro y colaborativo.

Conozca más sobre nuestros programas en www.iadcf.org y hágase miembro:
https://lnkd.in/d7zQ66SJ

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa
Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA)

04/22/2026

The Inter-American Defense College Foundation is honored and pleased to welcome Major General Joseph M. Lestorti as the new Director of the Inter-American Defense College (IADC), who assumed his duties on April 19, 2026.

We believe that MG Lestorti’s leadership will further strengthen academic excellence and inter-American cooperation, both of which are essential pillars for developing joint solutions in defense and security among the nations of the Americas.

We remain firmly committed to working enthusiastically and in close partnership with the College, supporting its mission to prepare senior leaders to face the complex defense and security challenges in the Western Hemisphere.

04/10/2026

In March 2026, during the Foundation’s annual meeting, Joanna M. Esty, then President, was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors as the first President Emeritus. This distinction reflects her enduring impact on the Foundation and the respect she earned through years of exemplary service.

Meet the President Emeritus:

Graduating with distinction from the Inter-American Defense College (IADC) in 1997, Joanna M. Esty built a distinguished and trailblazing career as a civilian Intelligence Officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). She made history as the first full-time DIA civilian assigned to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy upon graduation. Her career included assignments in Defense Attaché Offices in Venezuela and Argentina, focusing on political-military affairs, biographic intelligence, transportation, and counter-drug operations. Ms. Esty has also served on the Boards of Directors of the World Affairs Council of Colorado Springs and the Defense Intelligence Alumni Association.

Her commitment to the Inter-American Defense College spans more than three decades. As a member of the IADC Foundation, she served in multiple leadership roles, including Secretary and President of the Board of Directors, where her strategic vision and fundraising leadership strengthened the Foundation’s resources and institutional capacity. She also played a key role in launching internship programs and fostering stronger connections between the College, its alumni, and external partners.

Deeply engaged with the IADC alumni community, Ms. Esty has supported and participated in international initiatives across the hemisphere, including the organization of multiple class reunions and major events that strengthened alumni engagement and institutional visibility.

In recognition of her exceptional leadership, steadfast dedication, and transformative contributions, Joanna M. Esty was appointed by unanimous decision as the first President Emeritus of the Inter-American Defense College Foundation on March 17, 2026—an exceptional distinction that reflects her enduring legacy and profound impact on the institution.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

04/09/2026

In March 2026, the Inter-American Defense College Foundation welcomed its six new members. With distinguished careers and experience in defense, security, diplomacy, the legal field, and international relations, they will actively contribute to strengthening the Foundation and supporting the Inter-American Defense College.

Meet the President of the Foundation – Mr. Craig A. Deare:

Craig A. Deare, Ph.D. is a distinguished expert in national security, civil-military relations, and Latin American affairs, with a career that spans senior positions at the White House, the U.S. Department of Defense, and leading academic institutions.

He served at the White House as Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC), where he advised senior U.S. policymakers on political, security, and defense issues throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In this role, he played a key part in interagency coordination and in shaping U.S. strategic engagement in the region.

Prior to his service at the NSC, Dr. Deare held senior roles within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, where he worked on defense policy, regional security cooperation, and civil-military relations across the Americas. His career includes decades of direct engagement with military institutions, government officials, and policymakers throughout Latin America.

He recently retired after 25 years as a Professor at the National Defense University (NDU), where he focused on hemispheric security, defense policy, and civil-military relations in Latin America.

Dr. Deare holds a Ph.D. in International Relations and is fluent in Spanish. His professional trajectory reflects a unique combination of academic expertise and high-level policy experience in the Western Hemisphere.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

04/09/2026

In March 2026, the Inter-American Defense College Foundation welcomed its six new members. With distinguished careers and experience in defense, security, diplomacy, the legal field, and international relations, they will actively contribute to strengthening the Foundation and supporting the Inter-American Defense College.

Meet the new Executive Director, Ms. Thea Richard:

Ms. Thea L. Richard brings experience in public diplomacy, institutional partnerships, and international program management. Throughout her career, she has led strategic initiatives connecting governments, organizations, and global leaders.

Most recently, she served as Senior Manager of Federal and International Partnerships at America250.org, the nonprofit supporting the U.S. 250th anniversary commemoration. In this role, she led engagement with federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and coordinated national public engagement initiatives and programs honoring veterans.

She has a strong background in international exchange programs, having worked closely with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. embassies, and international organizations to design and implement initiatives for emerging leaders. She played a key role in launching and managing the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), supporting entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Thea has also led public diplomacy and cross-cultural programs involving military officers, law enforcement officials, policymakers, business leaders, academics, and diplomats, focusing on transnational security and community policing.

In addition, she has experience as an educator, having taught Spanish and English as a Second Language, and remains actively engaged in community initiatives and veteran support programs, including Honor Flights.

She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University and a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Spanish from William & Mary. She is fluent in Spanish, proficient in French, and has lived abroad in Spain for 19 years, with professional experience across more than 50 countries.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

04/09/2026

In March 2026, the Inter-American Defense College Foundation welcomed its six new members. With distinguished careers and experience in defense, security, diplomacy, the legal field, and international relations, they will actively contribute to strengthening the Foundation and supporting the Inter-American Defense College.

Meet the Director, Vice Admiral Orozco:

Vice Admiral (Ret.) José Héctor Orozco Tocaven is an officer of the Mexican Navy, with a distinguished and extensive career in the operational, strategic, and academic fields of naval defense.

A graduate of the Inter-American Defense College (Class 52), where he earned a diploma in Hemispheric Defense and Security, Vice Admiral Orozco has a strong international academic background, including a Master’s degree in International Service from American University and a Master’s degree in National Security from the Center for Higher Naval Studies (CESNAV). He has also pursued studies in defense and security in France and Chile.

Throughout his career, he commanded major surface units of the Mexican Navy, including ocean-going and coastal patrol vessels, building extensive experience in maritime operations. He also held key strategic positions in intelligence, planning, international relations, protocol, and public affairs within the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR).

His career includes senior-level roles such as Director of Protocol, Chief of International Affairs, Director of Naval Intelligence Liaison, and Head of the Social Communication Unit of SEMAR. In the academic field, he served as Director of the Center for Higher Naval Studies (CESNAV), leading officer education and the development of naval strategic thinking.

He also represented the Mexican Navy in various international forums and coordinated high-level events involving heads of state and global leaders.

His career reflects a strong commitment to leadership, professional excellence, and international cooperation in defense. He was recently elected to serve a three-year term with the Foundation.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

04/09/2026

In March 2026, the Inter-American Defense College Foundation welcomed its six new members. With distinguished careers and experience in defense, security, diplomacy, the legal field, and international relations, they will actively contribute to strengthening the Foundation and supporting the Inter-American Defense College.

Meet the Director, Dra. Marilin Rejala:

Dra. Marilín Victoria Rejala Altemburger is an attorney, former parliamentarian, and expert in hemispheric security and defense, with a strong background in the public, academic, and international sectors.

A graduate of the Inter-American Defense College (Class 48), she holds a Doctorate in Defense and Development and a Master’s degree in National Strategic Planning. She has held key roles as an advisor and communications specialist at the Inter-American Defense Board and as an academic advisor at the Inter-American Defense College.

From 2003 to 2008, she served as a National Deputy of Paraguay, leading strategic committees on constitutional affairs, defense, security, and foreign relations.

Her profile combines legal, academic, and political experience, with a strong focus on governance, security, and hemispheric cooperation. She was recently elected to serve a one-year term with the Foundation.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

04/09/2026

In March 2026, the Inter-American Defense College Foundation welcomed its six new members. With distinguished careers and experience in defense, security, diplomacy, the legal field, and international relations, they will actively contribute to strengthening the Foundation and supporting the Inter-American Defense College.

Meet the Director, Brigadier General José Burgos:

With more than three decades of service, Brigadier General José R. Burgos has extensive experience in strategic leadership, logistics, and joint operations, having held senior positions such as Commanding General of the 1st Mission Support Command and Deputy Commanding General of the 99th Regional Readiness Division. He also distinguished himself in international missions, particularly in Kuwait, where he was involved in planning and executing logistics operations and port management in an operational environment.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of Puerto Rico, as well as master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Military History. He has also completed several advanced courses at prestigious military institutions, including the Inter-American Defense College in Washington, D.C.

Among his many decorations are the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal. His legacy has been recognized with his induction into the U.S. Army Transportation Corps Hall of Fame (2025) and his induction into the Inter-American Defense College Wall of Heroes in October 2014.

With extensive experience in hemispheric cooperation and international defense affairs, General Burgos brings significant contributions to the Foundation, strengthening its mission to promote dialogue and cooperation in security and defense across the Americas.
Brigadier General (Ret.) José R. Burgos retired from the United States Army in 2018 and was elected as a member of the Inter-American Defense College Foundation for a one-year term.

Inter American Defense College
Junta Interamericana de Defensa

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