Decorated Army Officer to Speak at PAAVA Luncheon

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.—Kerry C. Kachejian, a much-decorated officer during his tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, is returning as a speaker when the Philadelphia Armenian-American Veterans Association (PAAVA) “honors all who served” at its annual Veterans Day luncheon on Nov. 14.

Kachejian, then a colonel on active duty, spoke at the PAAVA luncheon two years ago, giving an illustrated talk on the experiences of his units in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now a civilian, though in the reserves, Kachejian will discuss and sign copies of his book, SUVs Suck in Combat: The Rebuilding of Iraq During a Raging Insurgency.

Currently the director of Homeland Security at Raytheon, Kachejian is also a much sought-after speaker at conferences and private events, discussing such topics as “The Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan,” “The Psychology of Terrorism,” “Contractors on the Battlefield,” and “Critical Infrastructure Protection.”

A 28-year Army veteran, Kachejian is a graduate of West Point and earned a master’s degree in systems engineering from Virginia Tech. He holds the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, the Bronze de Fleury medals, and the Combat Action Badge. He is Airborne and Ranger qualified.

A native of nearby West Chester, Kachejian now lives in Springfield, Va., with his wife and three children.

PAAVA is supported by all five churches in the Philadelphia area, members of which serve on the Board. Each church plays “host” in turn; as it is St. Gregory’s turn, PAAVA is returning there—its birthplace—for the lecture and luncheon, which will be held in the church’s new Founders Hall.

The event begins at 1 p.m. at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 8701 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia.  (All veterans and their spouses, as well as the spouses of deceased veterans, will be PAAVA’s guests.) No tickets will be sold at the door. Reservations ($20) must be made in advance by calling Larry Der Hagopian at (215) 672-4188, Philip Der Pilibosian at (215) 638-3974, Diran Shakarjian at (856) 608-0048, or Richard Weinsheimer at (215) 673-8116.