Defense experts discuss the challenges of keeping America secure, especially during a government shutdown

DENVER, Oct. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab's (CELL) next national security forum, U.S. Leadership in Shaping Global Security, welcomes former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta and U.S. Senator Mark Udall who serves on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Intelligence. More than 3,000 people are expected to attend this important public discussion taking place on Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

"Our nation faces a series of challenges at home and abroad, from a looming federal government default to pervasive domestic surveillance to upheavals in the Middle East," Sen. Udall said. "This forum, hosted by the CELL, will give Coloradans and the public a front row seat to these and other timely discussions." 

This dialogue, moderated by Andy Alexander, formerly of The Washington Post and Cox News, will cover numerous topics shaping our nation's security policy including the impact of the government shut down and ongoing budget debates, concerns in Syria and Iran, Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, the drawdown in Afghanistan, and the long-term implications of the Snowden leaks on Americans' privacy and security. 

Event Details

Where: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204

When: 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 (Media registration begins at 5:30 p.m.)

Sponsors:  The Denver Post, the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), Noble Energy, Branded Cities, FirstBank, DaVita, The Thiry-O'Leary Foundation, DigitalGlobe, United Launch Alliance, El Pomar Foundation, Braddock Financial, American United Capital Inc., American Furniture Warehouse, and Stratton-Carpenter & Associates. 

RSVP: Media credentials are REQUIRED for admittance. RSVP to egold@thecell.org or (303) 570-3304 required by end of day Oct. 16, 2013

LIVE Webcast: This sold out event can be viewed live online at www.thecell.org

About the CELL The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL) is dedicated to preventing terrorism through education, empowerment and engagement. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan institution, its one-of-a-kind exhibit, renowned speaker series and training initiatives provide a comprehensive look at the threat of terrorism and how individuals can play a role in preventing it, ultimately enhancing public safety.

Media Contact: Emily Gold (303) 570-3304 egold@thecell.org 

SOURCE Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL)

RELATED LINKShttp://www.thecell.org