Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation Announces Enrique Prado to Fellowship Program

Enrique Prado Joins Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation is proud to announce that Enrique "Ric" Prado, a 24-year veteran of the CIA, has joined the esteemed Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program. This appointment comes as the Foundation works to create a memorial honoring the sacrifices of both military and non-military personnel involved in the Global War on Terrorism.

A Distinguished Career

Enrique Prado, who has gained recognition as the author of the New York Times bestseller "Black Ops," brings a wealth of expertise in paramilitary and counterterrorism operations. His extensive career includes critical roles, such as serving as Deputy Chief of Station during the original Bin Laden Task Force and coordinating CIA special operations during the September 11 attacks. His leadership within the CIA's Counterterrorist Center is notable as he worked alongside elite military units like Delta Force and SEAL Team Six.

Prado's transition to the private sector was equally impactful as he took on a leadership role at Blackwater, managing highly classified programs for almost a decade. His experience and commitment to the mission of the Global War on Terrorism make him a natural fit for the Fellowship Program.

Honoring Service and Sacrifice

President and CEO Michael "Rod" Rodríguez expressed his enthusiasm for Prado's involvement, emphasizing the importance of having leaders like him contribute to the Foundation's mission. "Ric's extraordinary career and lifelong service to our Nation speak for themselves," Rodríguez stated. Prado's commitment to upholding the values of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance echoes throughout the Foundation's goals.

Prado acknowledged the significance of the Fellowship and its mission to honor and remember all those affected by the conflict. His words reflect his dedication: "It is an immense honor to help support the team and organization that is building the most inclusive war memorial in history. I look forward to ensuring they are both seen and remembered during this historic moment."

The Operation Jawbreaker Fellowship Program

The Fellowship Program is named after Operation Jawbreaker, a mission that saw CIA operatives deployed to Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks. This initiative highlights the invaluable contributions of civilian personnel during the Global War on Terrorism. The program aims to bridge the gap between military and civilian veterans, fostering unity in their shared experiences and sacrifices.

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation's mission is to create a space that honors the service of all individuals, regardless of their uniformed status. As part of this mission, the Foundation is committed to ensuring that the stories of all those who served are integrated into the memorial being constructed on the National Mall.

A Lasting Legacy

Jennifer Ballou, Chief of Staff at the Foundation, noted the importance of Prado joining the Fellowship Program, both for the significance of the roles they honor and for the diverse backgrounds and experiences they represent. The program serves a dual purpose: to honor those who served and to build awareness about the ongoing impact of the Global War on Terrorism.

As the Foundation continues its fundraising efforts to finance the memorial exclusively through donations, Prado's participation adds a profound layer of commitment to its mission. The dream of establishing a memorial that embodies remembrance and unity is more vital than ever, reflecting the sacrifices made by countless individuals since September 11, 2001.

For additional information about Prado's fellowship and the Foundation's initiatives, visit gwotmemorialfoundation.org/fellows.

Background on the Foundation

Established in 2015 by veterans and supportive citizens, the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designated by Congress to lead the efforts in planning, funding, and constructing the memorial. Their sole mission is to ensure that the sacrifices and contributions of all involved in global counterterrorism operations are honored and remembered for generations to come.