As we celebrate 239 years of freedom in the United States on this July 4th, we honor the millions of Americans who defend the cause of freedom here at home and around the world. It seemed a fitting opportunity to post the first of many upcoming conversations with members of USGLC’s Veterans for Smart Power. Nearly 30,000 strong, these former servicemembers understand firsthand why we need a strong, balanced foreign policy to keep America safe and secure, and share a commitment to elevating and strengthening civilian tools of development and diplomacy, alongside defense. Captain Jim Morin is one of them.

Secretary of State George Marshall called on Congress to pass what would become known as the Marshall Plan, the economic recovery plan to rebuild Europe following World War II. Many of the beneficiaries have since become some of America’s strongest allies and trading partners; models for how foreign assistance can transform countries and unlock their potential. Since that time seven decades ago, the military has continued to be one of the strongest voices of support for America’s development and diplomacy programs.

In case you missed some of the news coverage on the USGLC State Leaders Summit and Tribute Dinner, here are some of the stories and interviews that feature our fantastic leaders from across the country.

The recently released Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) might be an instance when the process is as important as the product. What may matter most is that the State Department and USAID have begun to institutionalize a regular strategic process of looking ahead and strengthening their capacity to deal with threats and opportunities. The report is best understood as the next step in reforms begun after 9/11 under Secretaries Powell, Rice, and Clinton, as well as initiatives like USAID Forward.

The end of World War II and the beginning of the Pax Americana continue to remind us of the power we have to shape the world for the better. With the political debate heating up and polls suggesting that we spend too much on foreign aid, we should remember what we have done in the past to lead the world and how it can have an incredible impact on the future.

The International Affairs Budget is one of the smallest parts of the federal budget, but it does a huge amount of good around the world. It fights diseases, feeds the hungry, and is an integral part of who we are as Americans. It does all of this – while also promoting our economic and security interests – for the price of three cups of coffee a month.