One of the Nation’s Lead Cyber Defenders, Gen. Paul Nakasone (Ret.), to Headline Army Birthday Dinner June 13 for the Army Heritage Center Foundation
(CARLISLE, PA) – Paul M. Nakasone, a four-star general and former Chief of the Central Security Service, will be the keynote speaker at the Army’s 251st birthday dinner on Sat., June 13 at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill.
Gen. Nakasone assumed his duties as Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, Director of the National Security Agency, and Chief of the Central Security Service in May 2018, serving in these positions until Feb. 2024.
“As we commemorate America’s 250th birthday and the Army’s 251st year of service, it is especially fitting to welcome Paul Nakasone as our keynote speaker,” AHCF Julie Germany said. “His career embodies the enduring evolution of the Army’s mission—from the Continental soldiers who fought for independence to today’s defenders operating in cyberspace and across the globe.”
Prior to these roles, he commanded the U.S. Army Cyber Command from October 2016 through April 2018. A native of Minnesota, Gen. Nakasone has held command and staff positions across all levels of the Army with assignments in the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
He has also commanded a company, battalion, and brigade, and served as the senior intelligence officer at the battalion, division and corps levels. On two occasions, he served as a staff officer on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Nakasone is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, the Command and General Staff College, and Defense Intelligence College. He holds graduate degrees from the U.S. Army War College, the National Defense Intelligence College, and the University of Southern California.
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His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Defense Superior Service Medal (with three oak leaf clusters), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal (with oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (with four oak leaf clusters), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge.
“General Nakasone’s leadership at the highest levels of national defense reflects the Army’s continued commitment to safeguarding the nation’s founding ideals in an increasingly complex world. In him, we see the living legacy of 251 years of soldier service protecting 250 years of American freedom,” Germany said.
Nakasone also serves on the National Advisory Council of the nonprofit Army Heritage Center Foundation (AHCF) in Carlisle, PA.
The Army Heritage Center Foundation is a nonprofit that shares the stories of U.S. Army soldiers from all eras, fostering understanding and building meaningful connections between the military and civilian communities.
The foundation is a private, non-governmental entity that is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. For more information on the foundation, please visit armyheritage.org.
Tickets to the Army Birthday dinner can be purchased at armyheritage.org/events.
Both members of the military and the general public are welcome.
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The Army Heritage Center Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit dedicated to sharing the stories of U.S. Army soldiers from all eras, fostering understanding and building meaningful connections between the military and civilian communities. The primary beneficiary of the foundation’s philanthropic contributions is the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, which collects, preserves, and presents materials related to the evolution and application of land power as well as the experiences of American soldiers, to build a foundation for strategic thought and to connect the public to the U.S. Army. The Army Heritage Center Foundation (armyheritage.org) is a charitable organization separate from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status.
Army Heritage Center Foundation
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Diane Marie McNaughton Communications Specialist
- April 06, 2026
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