The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies connected with its Washington, D.C.-based alumni network during an April 9 event, bringing together more than 60 U.S. and international graduates.

The gathering included more than 40 U.S. and 20 international alumni. Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Ambassador Marie Damour; Timor-Leste Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Gutteres; Nepal Defense Attaché Brig. Purna Dhakal; Nepal Chargé d’Affaires Sharad Aran; and Henry Rector of the U.S. State Department.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff David Isom served as the guest speaker. Isom reflected on the continuing value of the DKI APCSS network and highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leaders-Subject Matter Expert course in educating and connecting senior enlisted leaders across the region.

During the event, DKI APCSS Deputy Director Russ Bailey presented Isom with the 2025 DKI APCSS US Alumnus of the Year Award.

Bailey also recognized the broader achievements of the network, presenting nearly 20 alumni with congratulatory letters for recent promotions, new assignments and retirements.

Additionally, the Center celebrated U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Panjeti, who recently completed his Fellow Project on Indonesian security issues. For his accomplishments, Panjeti was awarded the coveted Laulima Lanyard.