Santa Barbara AHEPA Chapter 243

News Release



AHEPA Welcomes News of Stavridis' Recommendation to NATO's Top Post
Former AHEPA Honoree Expected to Lead Supreme Allied Command Europe
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the nation's three million American citizens of Greek heritage, and countless Philhellenes, welcomes news agency reports that Admiral James G. Stavridis is expected to be nominated NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe by President Barack Obama, announced Supreme President Ike Gulas.

"We are thrilled to hear news of Admiral Stavridis' appointment," said Gulas. "We are extremely proud of his outstanding accomplishments, and we are confident, upon his confirmation, that he will serve our nation and lead the Alliance with excellence and distinction."

Admiral Stavridis received the 2006 AHEPA Medal of Freedom Award at the 84th Supreme Convention in Hollywood, Fla.

In a follow-up letter to AHEPA after receiving his honor, Admiral Stavridis wrote: "Thank you for your part in my award of the AHEPA Medal of Freedom .... It meant the world to me and my family to be so honored, and made me feel very proud to be a Greek-American."

President Barack Obama, upon the recommendation of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, nominates a senior officer for the position of supreme commander.. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and NATO's North Atlantic Council, he would be the first naval officer to hold the post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Among his many responsibilities would be overseeing NATO's operations in Afghanistan.

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