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David W. Brown

In 1980, David W. Brown attended boot camp at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, where he was selected as the Navy League award recipient. Afterward, he became the Radarman School Dam Neck, Virginia honor graduate. David graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training in Coronado, California, class 115 in December 1981, then completed Army Airborne training in Fort Benning, GA. He served with distinction at Underwater Demolition Team-21 in Little Creek, Virginia, and SEAL Team 4 until 1985, participating in operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. David transferred to shore duty at Naval Air Station Pensacola and taught Naval Aviation Water Survival while attending night school at Troy State University.

In 1987, having obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, David transitioned from active military service to a civilian role as a Special Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). His career path led him from Beaufort, South Carolina, where he worked at the Marine Recruit Depot Parris Island, to the Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. His exemplary work in Hawaii resulted in a promotion and transfer to NCIS headquarters in Washington, D.C.

David’s journey continued at the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division in St. Louis, Missouri, where he advanced to the position of Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Region 7. He later took on the Special Agent in Charge role at the Department of Interior Office of Inspector General in Sacramento, managing operations across the western United States, the Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Territories, and Freely Associated States.

After 35 years of federal service, David retired as a Senior Executive. He lives in Sanford, Florida, where he proactively advocates for public safety in his community.

In addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, he graduated from the Center for Creative Leadership and the Federal Executive Institute. He has attended leadership courses at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, as part of the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program.

Robert Gettlin

Robert H. Gettlin, a journalist, author, and national bestseller, has left an indelible mark in his career. He has held various roles, from a newspaper reporter to a magazine editor, and a senior communications officer in Washington, D.C. His expertise spans national politics and government at all levels, and he has spearheaded numerous investigative journalism projects. Bob’s ability to distill complex and contentious subjects into lucid, persuasive prose has earned him acclaim. He is also a seasoned public speaker and instructor, imparting his writing skills to diverse audiences.

Bob’s literary achievements are significant. He co-authored the nonfiction hit Silent Coup: The Removal of a President, a groundbreaking investigative tome that brought new perspectives to the Watergate scandal and enriched the narrative of Richard Nixon’s tenure. The book’s impact was profound, securing a 12-week presence on The New York Times bestseller list in 1991 and featured on other prominent national charts.

Bob’s professional journey has been enriched by a decade-long friendship and professional camaraderie with Dave, a testament to their shared values and mutual respect. He and his wife Arlene live in Woodstock, Georgia, outside of Atlanta.