I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the FBINAA European Chapter—and in particular, to the Belgian Chapter—for sponsoring the 2024 European Getaway raffle. My wife and I were truly honored to be selected for this generous initiative, which provided us with not only a memorable journey but also a reaffirmation of the extraordinary values and connections fostered through the FBI National Academy.
After proudly serving 26 years in the FBI and 30 years in the U.S. Army, much of that in Europe, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the lifelong professional and personal bonds that organizations like the FBINAA make possible. Having served as the FBI Legal Attaché in Sarajevo (2016–2019) and Riga, Latvia (2019–2022), I was fortunate to collaborate with exceptional law enforcement professionals across Europe. The FBINA graduates were always the go-to partners of choice in any investigation or effort. This trip—through Belgium, Italy, Latvia, and Estonia—allowed us to reconnect with many of those partners and friends, while also making new acquaintances among FBINAA graduates, foreign law enforcement officers, and current FBI personnel.
The hospitality we received and the camaraderie we experienced served as a powerful reminder that the FBINAA is more than an alumni association—it is a global network bound by shared experience, mutual respect, and a steadfast commitment to public service. As a security consultant in retirement, I continue to draw upon the relationships and trust built through the FBINAA. This trip reaffirmed just how vital and enduring those connections are. The values of leadership, integrity, and collaboration instilled by the FBI Academy continue to support and guide me even after my Bureau service.
We are deeply grateful to the European Chapter for continuing to strengthen this international community, and to the Belgian Chapter for making this unforgettable experience possible. My wife and I returned home with full hearts and lasting memories, thankful for this incredible opportunity and for the enduring spirit of the FBI and the FBINAA.