AHEPA Welcomes News of Stavridis' Recommendation to NATO's
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Former AHEPA Honoree Expected to Lead Supreme Allied Command Europe
WASHINGTON, DC (March 19, 2009)-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.
AHEPA was established in 1922 by visionary Greek-Americans to protect all from prejudice from the KKK. In its history, AHEPA has joined with the NAACP and B'nai B'rith International to fight discrimination. It has grown to become the largest membership-based association for Hellenic-Americans and Philhellenes in the world.
