Jonathan Powers

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Jon Powers, Chief Operating Officer of the Truman National Security Project, was previously the Veterans Program Director for The Eleison Group, LLC, where he worked on developing the outreach efforts of the progressive community to the veterans and military families. Prior to joining The Eleison Group, he served for four years as an Officer in the U.S. Army, including a 15 month tour in Iraq as part of Operation Iraq Freedom I. In 2005, Jon founded War Kids Relief after returning to Iraq as a civilian to develop programs to engage Iraq’s youth and minimize recruitment by radicalized elements. The youth and counter-terrorism research and program development efforts led to War Kids Relief becoming a leading advocacy organization working to create a bridge between American and Iraqi youth to build a foundation for peace. In 2008, Jon was a Democratic candidate for New York’s 26th Congressional District.

Mar 19, 2010

Jonathan Powers: 7 Years Later – Iraq veterans are standing up to fight at home.

Seven years ago I was one of the anxious Americans standing by a television set watching the first few hours of the War in Iraq unfold. Unlike many of my friends at home, I was surrounded by soldiers; we were watching while we prepared to deploy to this same war. In less than two short [...]

Feb 17, 2010

NEW REPORT: Oil Addiction – Fueling Our Enemies

By Jon Powers

A comprehensive energy strategy – one that cuts our addiction to fossil fuels, boosts clean energy technology, and moves our nation dramatically towards greater energy independence – is vital to our national security, to the safety of our men and women in uniform, and to the fight against terrorism.

Click Here to Read the Full Report: http://www.trumanproject.org/files/papers/Oil_Addiction_-_Fueling_Our_Enemies_FINAL.pdf

Sep 9, 2009

Why the Military is Worried about Climate Change

Cross-Posted from Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-powers/why-the-military-is-worri_b_280529.html

Months ago, when veterans got into the fight over Clean Energy, we did so because of the firm link between Middle East oil profits and terrorism. Late last month Richard Holbrooke even stated that the Taliban is being funded by Persian Oil. In short, we’re unintentionally funding both sides [...]