AUK students of the Global Internship Program had a full schedule of meetings during their recent visit to the Pentagon: Laura Cooper, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for russia, Ukraine and Eurasia; Lieutenant General Ronald P. Clark, senior military assistant to the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.; John F. Kirby, Former Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs; and Mr. Young J. Bang, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology).
At the official press briefing room where the NATO working group meets to discuss the military support to Ukraine, AUK students met with John Kirby, Former Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, and took the opportunity to discuss the potential aid to Ukraine.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Ronald P. Clark and Mr. Young J. Bang discussed with AUK students potential threats and developments on the battlefield, the impact of strategic thinking on reaching the goals, etc. Laura Cooper also told the students that young Ukrainians can help their country by spreading the word about what is happening in Ukraine. Although the majority of the world is aware of russia's invasion, she claimed that messages from young people who are actually in Ukraine are essential for generating international support.
Alongside the official meetings, students also toured the Pentagon and visited the 9/11 Memorial in the building.
The Pentagon visit provided AUK students with a better understanding of how the United States government works, to learn more about the Defense Department and gain insights into how the United States provides support for Ukraine's defense against russia. Additionally, it was a momentous occasion for them to serve as "informal ambassadors" from Ukraine.
Photos courtesy of Secretary of Defense Public Affairs