Major General Perry M. Smith, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, holds a PhD in international relations from Columbia University. During his thirty years in the Air Force, Smith commanded an F-15 fighter wing in Germany, served as the Air Force's top planner, and was the Commandant of the National War College. He has served in leadership positions in four nonprofits, including as secretary of the board of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. He has had extensive experience as a motivational speaker, workshop leader, and military analyst for both national and local media.