House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today announced he is appointing U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) to the Board of Visitors of the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC).

Rep. Gingrey is one of 13 members of the Board, a federal advisory committee charged with providing independent review and advice on curriculum at WHINSEC.

The Institute, based at Fort Benning, was chartered by the U.S. Congress in 2000 to provide education and training for students from nations throughout the Western Hemisphere. Each year, approximately 800 military, civilian, and law enforcement personnel attend the Institute and receive instruction in subjects including: Ethics, Due Process, Rule of Law, Civilian Control of the Military, Role of the Military in a Democratic Society, and International Humanitarian Law.

"I have quickly come to value Congressman Gingrey's insights," said Hunter. "His strong work on the House Armed Services Committee makes him an ideal candidate for this important position. The Institute plays a large role in maintaining peace in the region and we're counting on Congressman Gingrey to help continue this work."

"I'm honored that Chairman Hunter has selected me to succeed Sen. Saxby Chambliss on the Board of Visitors," Gingrey said. "I'm proud to have the Institute in my district because of its role in promoting democracy and peace throughout the Western Hemisphere."

Gingrey is one of two members of the Board from the U.S. House of Representatives. His term will last for the duration of the 108th Congress. Other members are from the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, the State Department, U. S. Southern Command, the Army Training and Doctrine Command, and six other members designated by the Secretary of Defense.