NATO

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STAVANGER, Norway – Brigadier General Mark A. Cunningham, NATO Joint Warfare Centre’s (JWC) new Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff, hosted his first All Hands Call in the Centre’s Harald Haarfagre Auditorium on September 26, 2022.

During the event, Brigadier General Cunningham introduced himself, his family, and talked about the values and principles that guided him throughout his life.

Speaking passionately about his family, Brigadier General Cunningham explained how they have inspired him in many ways and shaped him into the person he has become.

Brigadier General Cunningham noted that his first observation about the JWC was its “great mission and, even better, people.”

“I know that I am going to enjoy being here and serving with you in the next two years,” he said. “But please remember that, more than anything else, I am here to enable your continuing success.”

Brigadier General Cunningham came to the JWC from the Force Headquarters Group, a major subordinate command within Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served as the Deputy Commander.

A native of Lancaster, Ohio, with a residence in Dayton, Ohio, Brigadier General Cunningham enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992 and was commissioned as an officer in 1996.

Brigadier General Cunningham is a graduate of The Ohio State University, University of Dayton, and the U.S. Air War College.

His awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, amongst others.

As for his expectations from the JWC’s One Team and personal organizational culture philosophy, Brigadier General Cunningham shared his three principles, 1) treat everyone with dignity and respect, 2) take care of each other, and 3) do your job, but even more importantly, do your duty, which he explained, was based on a clear sense of purpose.

“NATO readiness is crucial and that’s why the JWC exists. What I like to have everybody do is, wake up in the morning and feel energized, because you are contributing to something great and have a clear purpose behind what you are doing every day.”

Brigadier General Cunningham said he also valued hard work, warrior ethos, resiliency, and honest feedback. “It is an absolute honour to serve at the JWC with you,” he said.
 

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