Moldovan Defense Minister Inducted into the International Hall of Fame

CHISINAU, October 8, 2011 — Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta has become the first Republic of Moldova graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College to be inducted into the International Hall Of Fame (IHOF) within a ceremony on Thursday, October 6, in Fort Leavenworth.

The Moldovan Minister of Defense was included in the International Hall of Fame along with three former graduates of the famous institution such as: Augostino Stephen Karanu Njoroge, ex-commander of the Kenyan Army (class 1985), Lt. Gen. Sean McCann — Chief of Staff of the Irish Defense Forces (class 1990) and Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz, Philippine Army Commanding General (class 2000).

During the induction ceremony, Vitalie Marinuta was awarded the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), a Life Constituent Certificate and an eagle statuette from the CGSC Foundation. Moreover, the Minister’s framed portrait was displayed, along with previous members, in the International Hall of Fame located on the 3rd floor of Fort Leavenworth Lewis & Clark Center.

The International Hall of Fame of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College was established in 1973. Starting with 1894, over seven thousand international students from 155 countries graduated the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College from Fort Leavenworth.

Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta graduated the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in 2000.

NOTA BENE:

For more information or pictures on the induction ceremony see the following links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/usacgsc/sets/72157627833530232/with/6217314363/

http://usacac.leavenworth.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/imsd/ihofcfi.asp