The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies Welcomes a New Director.

The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) held a change of director ceremony on August 14, 2001 in Newport, RI, and honored the accomplishments of its outgoing director, Commander Burton J. "Buzz" Waltman, Judge Advocate General's Corps, USN. CDR Waltman served as the fourth Director of DIILS, from June 15, 1999 to August 14, 2001. The new Director of DIILS, Colonel Richard A. B. Price, USAF, became the first Air Force officer to be named as director.

Lieutenant General Tome H. Walters, USAF, Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) was the officiating officer for the change of Director ceremony. Lieutenant General Walters awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal to Commander Waltman and recognized Waltman for bringing DIILS to new levels of achievement. The Defense Institute of International Legal Studies is recognized as the leading provider of expanded international military education and training programs in the world, having presented 483 seminars to more than 15,000 participants in 83 nations since its inception in 1992. During Commander Waltman's two-year tenure as director of DIILS, 120 seminars were presented in 40 countries worldwide. CDR Waltman was instrumental in the shift of DIILS from a Navy command under the Naval Justice School to a Joint Agency Activity under DSCA. Under his leadership, DIILS increased its staff by more than fifty percent and its operating budget increased by over two hundred percent to meet its growing mission. Cooperative efforts were initiated with the Center for Civil-Military Relations, the Agency for International Development, the Department of Justice, and the International Health Resource Management Program. Commander Waltman also took steps to ensure the continued location of DIILS in Newport, thereby taking advantage of its proximity to major Department of Defense Schools, the United Nations, and civilian institutions of higher learning.

The future outlook of DIILS is just as bright as its past under the leadership of the new Director, Colonel Richard A. B. Price. Colonel Price has served in nine overseas assignments, including England, Germany, Greece, Guam and three tours in Korea. He has extensive experience in the field of international law and military operations.

Present for the ceremony were many distinguished visitors including: Deputy Judge Advocate General Rear Admiral Michael Lohr, Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Navy; Brigadier General (select) Kevin Sandkuhler, United States Marine Corps; Brigadier General Richard O'Meara, United States Army Reserve; Dr. Craig Brandt, Acting DISAM Commandant; and Captain Dennis Bengtson, Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Navy, Commanding Officer, Naval Justice School.