Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026 – 7:00 AM

In a world where global tensions shift rapidly and communities face increasingly complex challenges, the ability to build trust, foster stability, and prevent conflict has never been more essential.

Global uncertainty makes communities more vulnerable, which is why trust becomes a stabilizing force. Trust enables cooperation, helping people solve complex challenges together rather than fracture under pressure. Stability doesn’t happen on its own — it’s built through consistent connection, shared norms, and a sense of safety. And because preventing conflict is far easier than repairing it, communities that invest in dialogue and empathy are better equipped to withstand tension. In the end, resilience is rooted in people: strong communities can absorb shocks, adapt, and support one another. In a volatile world, human connection remains the most powerful source of stability.

Our speaker, Tommy Doles, will present Service and Stability: Building Influence and Avoiding Conflict Internationally Through the Army and NGOs. This presentation explores how the U.S. Army and international NGOs—two institutions often seen as operating in different spheres—work in complementary ways to strengthen communities, stabilize regions, and build lasting influence abroad.

Whether you’re interested in global affairs, leadership development, community impact, or the intersection of service and diplomacy, this presentation offers a grounded, practical look at how stability is built and how conflict is avoided—through intentional, values-driven action.

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Jeff Kissinger

Service and Stability

1. “Peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers, but only soldiers can do it.”
   ~ Dag Hammarskjöld (UN Secretary‑General)

2. “The most important six inches on the battlefield is between your ears.”
   ~ General James Mattis

3. “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”
   ~ Eleanor Roosevelt