Ambassador & Mrs. Stafford share their

experiences following the movie.

L-R: ASAC Mike Anderson, Stacy LeBlanc, Cindy Macias,

Ambassador Joseph Stafford, Mrs. Kathleen Stafford

Houston Chapter FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association A Sold Out ARGO Movie and Speaking Event – 19 August 2014 The Houston FBI hosted a private viewing for the Houston FBICAAA Chapter and the Houston World Affairs Council of the blockbuster ARGO, winner of the 2013 Academy Award for Best Picture, directed by and starring Ben Affleck. The sold out ARGO movie event at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema with Ambassador Joseph Stafford, and his wife Kathleen (two of the six rescued American diplomats portrayed in the film), was a huge success. Ambassador Stafford, who retired from the U.S. State Department’s foreign service in April, saw the film for the first time with the Houston FBICAAA. Immediately after the viewing of the movie, the Staffords chronicled the “true” events and facts that did not make it into the hit movie on their escape from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran

thirty-five years ago, as Iranian radicals scaled the walls and seized control of the compound, to their safe return home 80 days later. The Staffords shared information of the cover story that included a fake Hollywood production company and concocted identities as Canadian filmmakers not shown in the film

and also discussed the use of cinematic license with the audience. 2014 FBI Teen Academy On 12 June 2014, teens from Houston’s diverse communities spent an entire day at the FBI office, learning about issues that affect teens. Civil rights, hate crimes, internet predators, computer security, teenage prostitution, gun safety, and ethics in the workplace were discussed by FBI personnel with the students. The Houston Police Department sent over a cruiser and two officers and taught the kids, most of whom are new drivers, about how to behave during a traffic stop. Two CAAA alumni assisted during the day, and the chapter provided an FBI tee shirt to each attendee. Lunch was sponsored by the Houston Better Business Bureau, which has several CA alumni.

Sarah Campbell, program

coordinator for the Holocaust

Museum’s Law, Justice, and

Society Initiatives, gave us an

outstanding overview of how the

NHMM partners with law

enforcement.

FBI Headquarters and Academy Tour - 10-13 May 2014 The Houston FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association trip to Washington, D. C., was an unforgettable experience! The trip began on Monday with a visit to the Capitol. The tour included visits to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and Statuary Hall. The group also visited the

Holocaust Museum, which gave us an extremely poignant and moving view of mankind’s most heinous crimes. On Tuesday, we visited FBI Headquarters. After a greeting by Michael Kortan, the Deputy Director of Public Affairs, the group heard presentations by SIOC- SSA (supervisory special agent) Michael Melcher, Weapons of Mass Destruction SSA Kevin Sheehan, Terrorism and Intelligence Analyst (soon to be

Special Agent) Matthew Deragon. After lunch in the FBI Cafeteria, we enjoyed viewing the spectacular exhibits of FBI history. We saw the former Director J. Edgar Hoover’s desk and viewed a demonstration by FBI sharpshooters. That evening, some of us visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial to pay respects to those who have given their lives in the line of duty. It was a humbling experience to

be in DC during National Law Enforcement Memorial Week. On Wednesday, we visited the FBI Training Academy at Quantico, VA. Kurt Crawford, was knowledgeable and fun tour guide. One of the most fascinating, not to mention eerie, exhibits

viewed was the Behavioral Science Unit’s exhibit of art by serial killers. Especially striking were the self-portraits these murderers created. A presentation by Steven Conlon, the Director of the BSU, took us inside their twisted minds. We also had the

opportunity to visit the Hostage Rescue Unit, the Tactical Firearms Training Center, and Hogan’s Alley. Helping Teens Build Healthy Relationships – 10 June 2014 Elizabeth Smart delivered the keynote address for the UTHealth School of Public Health’s sixth annual Adolescent Sexual Health Course. Ms. Smart, who was kidnapped when she was 14 years old, is a motivational speaker and advocate for survivors of rape, kidnapping and human trafficking. Her rescue was made possible by a tenacious FBI agent who refused to give up on her. His reaction upon hearing of her rescue speaks volumes about his commitment and dedication. Houston FBICAAA members were invited to attend. Those who did reported it was one of the most powerful hours they’ve ever experienced.

L-R: SA Pat Villafranca, SAC

Stephen Morris, Chuck Goldstein,

Chuck Fischer

Incoming SAC Perrye Turner and

Outgoing SAC Stephen Morris

Going Away Reception for FBI Houston SAC Steve Morris And Hello to the new incoming SAC Perrye Turner – 29 April 2014

Houston SAC Stephen Morris has been named Assistant Director of the Criminal Justice Information Services Division. While new SAC Perrye Turner was in town to receive an overview of the field office by

SAC Morris, the Houston FBICAAA took the opportunity to say goodbye and welcome to both! The reception, held at

FBICA Alumnus Rafael Galindo’s Red Onion Seafood Y Mas Restaurant, was a fun event. SAC Morris was presented a custom ink pen made from native Texas wood, handcrafted by Chuck Goldstein, as a memento of his time with us. Challenge Coins The Houston FBICAAA held a design contest for our Houston Chapter challenge coin. Several outstanding designs were submitted. Members selected the official challenge coin at the annual membership meeting in February 2014. The winning design, by Houston FBICAAA Life Member Stacy LeBlanc, depicts Houston’s major industries and concerns including medicine, transportation, and child safety. Houston FBICAAA Annual Meeting with Guest Speaker, SA Kenny Ivy - 25 February 2014 The FBI Citizen's Academy Alumni Association Annual Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, at the Children’s Assessment Center. Guest Speaker SA Kenny Ivy spoke about his experiences in undercover work. He shared a pretty harrowing story of a particular undercover mission in which they successfully took down a group of drug dealers. Sam Houston Racetrack Event – 25 January 2014 The Society of Former Special Agents sponsored an event at the Sam Houston Race Track and invited all members of the FBICAAA. Along with a buffet dinner in the clubhouse, attendees enjoyed action packed horse racing. HICC-FCPA Foreign Corruption Luncheon – 14 Junuary 2014 FBICAAA Board Member Reggie Gray, of the Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce extended a free lunch invitation to the first 30 FBICAAA members to RSVP to their event featuring SSA Douglas Thompson and an analyst from the FBI DC Headquarters to speak about the FCPA (Foreign Corruption). SSA Thompson is the Division Head of the Corruption Unit.

SAC Morris presents an

appreciation gift to Don

Woo, president of

Mission Constructors.

Rose Mary Valencia (left) and Stacy

LeBlanc (right) with a CAP

representative.

FBI CAAA Special Speaker Event and Park Dedication - 3 December 2013 The Houston FBI CAAA Alumni Park was dedicated with a reception and ceremony. The Park began as an idea and took a few years to complete. All who participated in the creation of this beautiful park were honored to dedicate the park to Houston FBI employees and their partner task force members.

Immediately following the park dedication, alumni and their guests were honored with Mr. Hipolito Acosta who was our guest speaker. Mr. Acosta, former head of the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services office in Houston and author of The Shadow Catcher, A U.S Agent Infiltrates Mexico's Deadly Crime Cartels, provided a chronicle of his undercover experiences as a federal agent infiltrating ruthless human smuggling and narcotics trafficking organized crime groups. He also provided his insights into the current efforts at immigration reform and graciously signed books.

Distribution of Child ID Kits - 19 October 2013

Members of the FBI CAAA distributed Child ID Kits to families attending a Health Care Event (See, Test, and Treat) held in a neighborhood HOPE Clinic in Houston. See, Test & Treat provides free cervical and breast cancer screenings, diagnoses, and access to follow-up care to vulnerable women in medically underserved communities throughout the United States. College of American Pathologists (CAP) member

pathologists partner with a team of health care professionals in volunteering to provide these services in one day and at no cost to the women served. FBICAAA & SFAFBI Happy Hour – 6 September 2013 The Houston FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association along with the Society for Former Special Agents of the FBI had an informal Happy Hour. Several members of both organizations attended.

L-R: Chuck Goldstein, Reggie Gray, Rose

Mary Valencia, Byron Sage, SAC Stephen

Morris, Cindy Macias, Stacy LeBlanc

Rose Mary Valencia tries out the sniper rifle

Heroes Behind the Badge" Movie Screening - 18 June 2013 On 18 June 2013, the Houston FBICAAA presented a special screening of the movie, "Heroes Behind the Badge” was held at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center’s Kaplan Theatre. The film is a documentary featuring some of the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line and survived, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Area law enforcement, especially our own FBI, joined us for this special evening. FBI Headquarters and Academy Tour - 13-15 May 2013 The Houston FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association visited Washington, D. C., for a tour of FBI Headquarters and the FBI Academy at Quantico. Waco in Perspective: Exactly 20 Years Later On 28 February 2013, our speaker event featured retired Special Agent Byron Sage, the FBI's chief hostage negotiator during the standoff at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. On February 28, 1993, the FBI was called to the scene of a shootout between the ATF and Branch Davidians that left four federal agents dead. A standoff ensued, and Special Agent Sage and his teams negotiated with the Branch Davidians for over 50 days. This was a fascinating perspective from Agent Byron Sage. Marksmanship Clinic On 11 March 2013, FBI Firearms Instructors reviewed firearms safety, trigger control and sight

alignment with FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association participants, then it was out to the range for hands-on training. There was a chance to show off participant skills for a try at the Texas Star and Swinger Dueling Tree targets, generously provided by 2012 alum Joe Woolley, President of F.O.R.T. Texas. Prizes were awarded for shooting skills, and lack thereof. A great time was had by all.

From Hatred to Harmony: The Story of Frank Meeink On 28 March 2013, the Anti-Defamation League and the Houston FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association presented "From Hatred to Harmony - The Story of Frank Meeink." Meeink is a former neo-Nazi racist skinhead and the author of "Autobiography of a Re covering Skinhead." Mr. Meeink’s message promoted understanding as to how young people can be lured by message of hate and what we as a community can do to save them.

Bruce Voss, Laura Thurmond, Rose Mary Valencia,

Stacy LeBlanc, Ali Soufan, Ben Gillis, Cindy Macias.

Pakistan Independence Day Festival 2012 & Silk Road Festival 2012 The Houston FBICAAA assisted the Houston FBI office at the Pakistan Festival held at Constellation Field and the Silk Road Festival held at the Stafford Center. In addition to a recruiting booth, the FBI was offering Child ID information, do-it-yourself Child ID kits, and also on-site Child ID documents including fingerprints and photo. Children Kids could also learned how to dust for fingerprints and then identified their own print pattern. The Houston FBICAAA alumni Stacy LeBlanc, Kelly Campbell, and Dr. John Beerbower, and his wife Michelle helped at with the booths, creating on-site ID packets.

Joint Anti-Gang Task Force Anti-Gang Program On 21 June 2012, a multi-agency anti-gang program was held at the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) center at Driver Park in Houston. Over 200 children, aged 7 through 17, heard the message that it's important to be strong and stay away from gangs. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Brian Ritchie stressed that "It's very easy to do the wrong thing and very hard to do the right thing." He also stressed the importance of staying in school and staying away from gangs. Victor Gonzales, of the Mayor's Gang Unit, urged the kids to "get involved in something positive," such as sports, music, or school clubs, and reiterated the importance of their lives. Following the presentations, the younger kids ran drills with representatives from the Houston Texans, while the older kids met two Houston Texans Cheerleaders. FBI personnel along with FBICAAA members Ben Gillis, Trey Mitchell, Millie Hast, and Stacy LeBlanc, helped serve the kids hot dogs, cookies, and sodas. An Evening with former Houston Special Agent in Charge Richard Garcia On 24 January 2012, former Houston SAC Richard Garcia, portrayed by actor Gary Coles as Rich Garces in the movie Breach, provided his personal account of the sensitive investigation of a colleague believed to be committing espionage by providing highly classified national security information to Russia and the former Soviet Union. The Association proudly presented this event at the Federal Reserve on Allen Parkway. An Evening with former FBI Special Agent Ali Soufan On 21 May 2012, former FBI Special Agent Ali Soufan, author of The Black Banners, was our featured speaker. Mr. Soufan shared his experiences as one of the world's foremost experts on alQaeda and lead investigator on the USS Cole bombing and the 9/11 attacks. His insight on interrogation practices and the nature of the threat posed by alQaeda and other radical extremists was truly fascinating. In

SA Pat Villafranca, Stacy

LeBlanc, and Sandra Gartrell

present the donation at the WFSC.

addition to Mr. Soufan's presentation, our silent auction was a huge success. With 15 outstanding items, the bidding was lively. All silent auction proceeds benefited the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. The WFSC

provides coordinated services to patients and family with a primary focus on Wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors. Brooke Army Medical Center is one of the world's best trauma centers and many seriously injured Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,

and Marines receive their medical care there. At the WFSC, Wounded Warriors and families are able to comfort and support each other by drawing upon their shared experiences for strength and understanding in a home-like setting. The anonymous bidder who won the painting, The Hope Oak, an original oil painting by Jerry Granacki, donated the beautiful painting to the WFSC. FBI personnel and FBICAAA board member Stacy LeBlanc

traveled to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio to present the silent auction proceeds and The Hope Oak painting. FBI Houston Office's Holiday Open House with special guest speaker DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier Pena The FBICAAA members and their guests were invited to visit the Houston Office on 12 December 2011 where we were treated to refreshments baked by FBI employees! The store was also opened for us to stock up on FBI gear. A highlight of the Open House was our special guest speaker, newly arrived DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier Pena. SAC Pena shared his experience as the lead investigator on the Pablo Escobar/Medellin Cartel case. SAC Pena has been featured in programs on the History Channel and Discovery Channel discussing this famous narcotics case. During the Open House, a flag was flown over the building, a flag that will fly over each office of the FBI and that will be presented to Director Mueller upon his retirement. Open House visitors also filled up a collection box for the annual Toys for Tots toy drive. An Evening with (retired) Special Agent Gerry Downes Before there was a Behavior Analysis Unit (BAU) at the FBI facility in Quantico, there was the Child Abduction and Serial Killer Unit (CASKU). Assigned to CASKU, Special Agent Gerry Downes made his living by interviewing serial killers and gaining insight into their methods and motivations. With the inception of the BAU, Gerry began profiling, using his knowledge to help investigators catch serial killers. The Association proudly presented retired Special Agent Downes at the West Club at Reliant Stadium on 27 September 2011.

An Evening with George Piro "After his capture, Saddam met every day with one man, an American he knew as "Mr. George." Mr. George is FBI Special Agent George Piro, who was the front man for a team of FBI and CIA analysts who were trying to answer some of the great mysteries of recent history. What happened to the weapons of mass destruction? Was Saddam in league with al Qaeda? Why did he choose war with the United States?" The Association proudly presented SA(ret) George Piro at the Morris Cultural Arts Center, Belin Chapel, at Houston Baptist University on 3 May 2011. Rose Mary Valencia President, Houston Chapter Rose.Mary.Valencia@uth.tmc.edu