International Council

One of ABMF’s most strategically important initiatives is the ABMF International Council. International Council members include private sector and public figures – former and current government officials, global business leaders, philanthropists, and other influential people.

International Council Members:

Are visible and vocal advocates for ABMF, engaging leaders from their personal and professional networks.

Host virtual or in-person small gatherings of prospects or donors to champion ABMF’s mission, value and goals.

Play a role in community engagements in the U.S., Europe and Asia to promote ABMF to potential coalition and corporate partners.

Make a multi-year financial commitment to ABMF.

International Council members receive special invitations and recognitions at ABMF and ABMC events, on the ABMF website and on marketing collateral, and assistance with visits to ABMC American military cemeteries and memorials overseas.

General Steve Townsend,

U.S. Army (Ret)

  • Independent consultant, executive advisor, and public speaker
  • Recently retired 4-star Army general and infantry officer with more than 40 years of service around the world with the U.S. Armed Forces in peace and war
  • Former Commander, United States Africa Command
  • Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command
  • Former Commanding General, US Army XVIII Airborne Corps, and 70-nation Combined/Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve to defeat terrorist Islamic State in Iraq and Syria
  • Former Commanding General, U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)

Lt. Gen. Michael L. Howard,

U.S. Army (Ret)

  • Retired (Oct 2022) from the Army with 36 years. Founded MLHoward Consulting, in Atlanta
  • Advises / teaches about Europe, Ukraine-Russia, China, National Security and Leadership
  • Culminated career in Europe as Deputy Commanding General for US European Command
  • Served principally in infantry assignments, also served with Joint Special Operations Command and the Ranger Regiment
  • Experience includes joint, interagency, multinational (NATO) assignments, primarily in US Central and US European Commands.
  • Awards include Combat Stripes (11), Bronze Star Medal (5), Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2), Ranger Tab, and Master Parachutist Wings
  • Holds BS from Mercer University, Macon, GA, MS from the National War College, National Defense University, Washington, DC

Lt. Gen. David J. Furness,

USMC Headquarters (Ret)

  • Currently serving as, Executive Vice President for Defense Programs at JA Green and Company
  • Former Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policy and Operations, Headquarters, United States Marine Corps.
  • Commanded 2d Marine Division, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and the 1st Marine Regiment.
  • Director, Marine Corps Legislative Liaison Office, United States House of Representatives
  • Legislative Assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps
  • Director of Expeditionary Warfare School
  • Awards include: Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3), Bronze Star Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon (3), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
  • Graduated from the Virginia Military Institute, with Masters Degrees from both the Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the National War College.

Maj. Gen. Douglas C. Crissman, U.S. Army (Ret)

  • 33+ years of service with duty throughout the United States, Egypt, Germany, Turkey, and the United Kingdom including combat leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan
  • Former Deputy Commanding General, United States Army Central
  • Former Director, Mission Command Center of Excellence, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
  • Former Deputy Commanding General, 3rd (United Kingdom) Division
  • Former Deputy Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division
  • Board Member, Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIA)

International Council Members:

Are visible and vocal advocates for ABMF, engaging leaders from their personal and professional networks.

Host virtual or in-person small gatherings of prospects or donors to champion ABMF’s mission, value and goals.

Play a role in community engagements in the U.S., Europe and Asia to promote ABMF to potential coalition and corporate partners.

Make a multi-year financial commitment to ABMF.

International Council members receive special invitations and recognitions at ABMF and ABMC events, on the ABMF website and on marketing collateral, and assistance with visits to ABMC American military cemeteries and memorials overseas.

International Council Members:

Are visible and vocal advocates for ABMF, engaging leaders from their personal and professional networks.

Host virtual or in-person small gatherings of prospects or donors to champion ABMF’s mission, value and goals.

Play a role in community engagements in the U.S., Europe and Asia to promote ABMF to potential coalition and corporate partners.

Make a multi-year financial commitment to ABMF.

International Council members receive special invitations and recognitions at ABMF and ABMC events, on the ABMF website and on marketing collateral, and assistance with visits to ABMC American military cemeteries and memorials overseas.