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LIVESTREAM: http://usglc.org/tampa-livestream

TAMPA — Retired General Stanley McChrystal joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition along with over 350 Florida business, faith, and veteran leaders to discuss how America’s engagement abroad spurs economic growth here in Florida and promotes our national security.

“We have got to stop thinking of problems as military problems and start thinking of them as problems,” said Gen. McChrystal. “We have to start educating kids that way. We can elect leaders who believe and represent that. It is much easier to advocate for guns and military assistance than it is to advocate for aid, but it is less effective.”

Commissioner Adam Putnam of the Florida Department of Agriculture said, “In an age that’s never been more divisive, it is nice to see so many people who are committed to common American values, America’s national and economic security, and to find ways to solve problems. That’s what the USGLC is all about.”

Representative Kathy Castor said, “American leadership across the globe is vital to ensure that our economy continues to grow, our neighbors are safe, and that our alliances are strong to tackle the challenges ahead. Florida can help lead the way to a more secure and prosperous America because our state’s economy and jobs are tied directly to international stability especially in the Western Hemisphere.”

President and CEO of Save the Children Carolyn Miles said, “Through strategic investments in foreign assistance, humanitarian and development programs strengthen America’s engagement abroad. By providing clean drinking water, reducing preventable diseases, and improving education, we help create healthy, prosperous, and safe communities where children can grow and thrive. This represents the best of America and is an issue that candidates can run on.”

USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer said, “Our world is more interconnected than ever before — and the leaders here in the battleground state of Florida clearly get that what happens overseas matters for our security, economy, and values. They understand how the small but strategic investment our nation makes in development and diplomacy is vital to keeping us safe and creating opportunity here in the Sunshine State.”

Impact 2016 is the USGLC’s nonpartisan initiative to engage and educate all the presidential and congressional candidates on the critical importance of strengthening American global leadership. The initiative is co-chaired by Secretaries Tom Ridge and Madeleine Albright and former Senate Majority Leaders Bill Frist and Tom Daschle.

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The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.