American Legion staffer presents at NATO summit

American Legion National Security Director Mario Marquez, a retired Marine Corps sergeant major, presented at the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Public Forum on July 10 in Washington, D.C.

The discussion, featuring Marquez and Canadian Lt. Col Melanie Lake, focused on their experiences while serving under NATO. Marquez, who served for 31 years, was in Kosovo under NATO forces, did four tours in Iraq and two earthquake areas in Japan. Lake, a combat engineer, served three tours in Afghanistan and commanded Canada’s training mission in Ukraine.

Marquez expressed appreciation for NATO’s support of the U.S. in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. “That was the only time that Article 5 has ever been invoked by NATO,” he said. “We are grateful for that and we will never forget it.” 

Lake noted a similar feeling in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, where she had been four months earlier. “I had the feeling that we had to do everything we can do to help our Ukrainian partners as they defend their democracy — and ours.” 

This year marks the 75th anniversary of NATO’s formation when 12 countries signed the historic agreement in Washington, ensuring their collective defense in a volatile world.

Since then, NATO has expanded to 32 allies. They are meeting this week in Washington to make key decisions on steps to protect their one billion citizens as the world faces its most dangerous security environment since the Cold War. 

Marquez discussed his first exposure to NATO, while he was serving in Kosovo. He recalled the support from German and Austrian troops who were already there. “We seamlessly began operations like we had been operating together for years,” he said. “I will never forget that. It allowed us to serve the people of Kosovo much better.” 

Lake recalled when Kabul fell back into the hands of the Taliban. Like most Afghanistan veterans she questioned whether all the efforts were worth it but then found hope. 

“It was the Afghanistan women who said, ‘this gave us 20 years to pursue our education, get jobs and be a part of public life here.’ And we’ve seen what our country can be and we’re not willing to give up on that.’ Right now, they are the fiercest resistance the Taliban is facing, both at home and at exile around the world.”