now cochaired by senator haigel and tom henders, the group is engaged again on these difficult issues and we're working to help shape and influence the debate on nato strategic concept. so with that, it's my honor to turn over to our chairman, senator chuck haigel. [applause] >> thank you, fred, and it's a glowing introduction that was overpowering. it does give you some sense of my reach into mccarthy's views and ford's and also the fact that really stand for very little. [laughter] and have no principles, thank you, fred. these are actually lecture series, which many of you know, so it's about all i've got to say. the hell with you, fred, if that's the way you want it. but that's what they do to the chairman, they kick him around and there's really no use for him, other than to finally do something useful and that is to introduce general jim jones who many of you, if not all of you, not only know who he is but have worked with general jones for many years on many projects. i don't know of a wider lens thinker, not only in our government but in our country in the world today than gen