On August 24th, please join the American Security Project and the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council, in partnership with ADAPT, in Jacksonville, Florida for a panel discussion with Lieutenant General John Castellaw USMC (Ret.) and City of Jacksonville Council Members Randy DeFoor and retired U.S. Navy Captain Aaron Bowman, and others on progress made in Jacksonville on resilience, what the future holds, and why combating climate change in the greater Jacksonville area is imperative for America’s national security.
As the home of two major Naval installations, a Coast Guard sector headquarters, a Marine Corps logistics facility, and a major national guard base, Jacksonville has an outsized impact on America’s national security. Rising sea levels, more frequent and powerful hurricanes, and increasing temperatures in Florida, however, all threaten training and readiness. Efforts by the City of Jacksonville and local bases are key, both for the local community and Americans who depend on forces stationed in Northeast Florida.
Event Details:
This in-person event is open to the public. If you are unable to join in person but wish to watch the livestream you may register here. Otherwise, please register using the button at the top of the page.
WJCT Studios
Studio A, 100 Festival Park Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202
August 24, 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 AM EDT
Speaker Details:
Lieutenant General John Castellaw, USMC (Ret.)
John “Glad” Castellaw is co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Farmspace Systems LLC., a provider of aerial data collection, management, and equipment.
During a 36-year career, he led Marines around the world ashore and afloat, flew over two dozen different aircraft, served on the UN staff during the Siege of Sarajevo, planned and executed humanitarian operations in Asia, Africa, and Europe, commanded the American forces instability and security operations in East Timor, and was the chief of staff for the U.S. Central Command during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. His final assignments were in the Pentagon where he oversaw Marine Aviation and the Marine Corps budget.
A recognized national security expert, he has testified before a Senate committee on food security and is affiliated with several Washington-based think tanks providing expertise on the impacts of climate, food, and energy insecurity. He frequently travels overseas recently visiting Cuba, Israel, Qatar, the Central African Republic, Rwanda, and Australia. He lives on and operates his family farm in Crockett County, Tennessee.
Randy DeFoor, Jacksonville District 14
Randy DeFoor is Senior Vice President and National Agency Counsel for Fidelity National Financial, a fortune 500 company. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of the South, Sewanee and JD degree from Cumberland School of Law. Randy served as a commissioner of the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission from 2006-2012. She recently served as the chair of the Jacksonville International Airport Community Redevelopment Area. She served as a trustee on the boards of Episcopal School of Jacksonville for twelve years and Riverside Presbyterian day school for eight years.
Randy was appointed by Governor Scott to the District Board of Trustees for Florida State College at Jacksonville for four years where she formerly served as Chair. She also serves on the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital, the Cathedral Arts Project and the Innocence Project of Florida. Randy and her husband have six grown children and two grandchildren.
Aaron Bowman, Jacksonville District 3
Aaron Bowman is the Senior Vice President of Business Development for the JAXUSA Partnership where he leads the business recruitment and expansion efforts for the Northeast Florida Regional Economic Development team.
Aaron served 28 years in the United States Navy and retired as a Captain after serving as the Commanding Officer of Naval Station Mayport. He began his navy career following graduation from the United States Naval Academy and attended flight school and received his wings in September of 1985. During his early career in the navy, Aaron was an aircraft carrier pilot flying both the A-7 Corsair and F/A-18 Hornet. Following 15 years of flying, Aaron earned a Masters of Business Administration and was selected to the Aeronautical Engineering Duty Officer Corps (AEDO). As an AEDO, he was involved in the research and development, testing, and development of numerous advanced weapon systems. He is one of two AEDO’s ever selected to Command an Operational Naval Station and assumed Command of Naval Station Mayport in September 2007 until his retirement.
He is active in the community where he has served as Duval County Commissioner for the Florida Inland Navigation District, as a commissioner for the St Johns River Ferry Commission, an Advisory Board member for the Salvation Army, and on the Dean’s Leadership Council for the University of North Florida. As a member of the Jacksonville City Council, Aaron served as Council President for the 2018-2019 council year and currently serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and is a member of the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health & Safety Committee, as well as the Tourist Development Council.
Aaron is married to his childhood sweetheart, Deborah and they have a son Blaise who attends the University of Florida where he is studying Engineering.
Additional Information:
Climate Security in Florida
Tampa Event Recap
As Climate Change Worsens Storms, the US Military Must Prepare
