U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) hosted General (Ret.) Michael V. Hayden, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, for a forum on national security matters at the State Capitol building Thursday.
The event, “U.S. National Security in the 21 st Century: Challenges and Opportunities,” included members of Utah’s national security community and focused on past, present, and future efforts to protect our country.
“General Hayden understands the important role Utahns have played in keeping our country safe, and I appreciate him accepting my invitation to come to Utah today,” Hatch said. “Today’s forum was also a great opportunity for Utahns working in the national security field to hear directly from the former CIA director about the importance of the technologies being developed and produced in Utah.”
“Anyone who has served to protect our nation’s security understands that it requires the collaboration and support of many,” said General Hayden. “It is an honor to join Senator Hatch, a strong and consistent supporter of American security, and visit today with such a notable group of Utahns working to support and protect the U.S. from today’s evolving threats.”
There were approximately 200 individuals at the forum representing businesses from across Utah.
“Senator Hatch’s leadership has been critical in helping Utahns understand how they can contribute to the Federal Government’s national security efforts,” added forum attendee Jeff Woodbury, Vice President-Legal/Development for the Woodbury Corporation. “The state of Utah has proven to the Federal Government that it is a willing partner to ensure long term job growth in industries related to our nation’s advancement and security. We will stand ready to assist in meeting these goals.”