MR. TERRANCE M. O'CONNELL APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN TO RESERVE FORCES POLICY
BOARD
Secretary of Defense William Perry has announced the designation of Terrance
M. O'Connell as chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board. O'Connell
currently serves as executive vice president for Keefe Company, a governmental
relations firm based in Washington, D.C.
The 22-member Reserve Forces Policy Board was created by Congress in 1952.
Acting through the assistant secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, the
board serves as the principle policy advisor to the Secretary of Defense on
reserve component matters. Members include the assistant secretary responsible
for reserve affairs from each of the military departments, and active and
reserve component general and flag officers representing al service, including
the Coast Guard.
Perry presided over O'Connell's swearing in ceremonies held yesterday afternoon
in the defense secretary's offices. Perry praised him as a person whose life
was "marked by a deep and profound desire to serve his country.
"Terry's knowledge of the military and military history, his life experience,
and his ability to relate to people will allow him to make important and unique
contributions to the challenges facing the Reserve components," said Perry.
O'Connell's career includes military service in Vietnam, where he was wounded
when he used his body to shield another soldier from an exploding grenade. His
military decorations include the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross
and Bronze Star with two devices.
Upon his return to civilian life, O'Connell devoted himself to a life of
service both inside and outside government. In his current position with the
Keefe Company, "he's gained expertise in a broad range of fields, including
defense," said Perry.
O'Connell is a 1967 graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in
Economics. He and spouse, Linda reside in Chevy Chase, Md. The couple have
three children.
