Teacher Institute – Yesterday and Tomorrow: A Look Inside the Global War on Terror

The George W. Bush Presidential Library states, “The Global War on Terror is an international, American-led military campaign launched following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.” The campaign began in October 2001 with the invasion of Afghanistan, followed by the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and concluded in 2021 with the U. S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The campaign used military force, intelligence, and financial disruptions to eliminate violent extremist organizations and prevent future attacks on the U. S. homeland.

VWM’s “Yesterday and Tomorrow” Teacher Institute will explore the Global War on Terror twenty-five years after September 11, 2001. Learn about the experiences of veterans and experts, including Ross A. Berkoff, author of Beyond the Outpost: An Army Cavalry Officer’s War Diary on the Frontlines of Afghanistan, 2003 – 2007. Berkoff served as an Armor and Military Intelligence officer with the 10^th Mountain Division and is the recipient of several commendations, including two Bronze Stars.

We will also be joined by VWM Director Dr. Clay Mountcastle, a retired United States Army officer whose military service took him to Germany, South Korea, and Iraq on assignments with the 82^nd Airborne Division, the United States Army 5^th Corps, and the United States Army Special Operations Command.

New Hampshire Representative Charlie Bass (R) once said, “As the war on terrorism spreads and prolongs, the fruits of ending the threat of terrorism around the world will be tempered with a whole new series of problems to be addressed and resolved.” One must wonder, with Iran being labeled the “world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” has the Global War on Terror been reignited?