On May 30, 2007, in Ulaanbaatar, more than 25 Marshall Center graduates and distinguished representatives of the Mongolian, German and U.S. governments gathered to officially form the 23d Alumni Association of the Marshall Center. The Mongolian Alumni Association has received the full support of the Mongolian Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, and Parliament, as well as other ministries within the Mongolian government.

Present at the official signing and founding of the association were the Mongolian Minister of Defense, Mishig Sonompil (SES 2007-3); Ms. Munkhtuya, Member of the State Great Hural and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy; Major General Mikhlain Borbaatar (SES 2004-3), State Secretary of Defense; as well as the German Ambassador to Mongolia, Mr. Ulrich Dreesen, and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Brian Goldbeck. The Marshall Center was represented by MG (Ret) Horst Schmalfeld, German Deputy Director, and COL (Ret) Rick Steinke, Chief, Graduate Support Office.

COL Jugder Enkhbayar (EPASS 2006-7) was elected the Association’s first Chairman and COL Zagdsuren Boldbaatar (EPASS 2006-7) will serve as its first Executive Director. During this event MG (Ret) Schmalfeld was also honored by the Mongolian government with a medal established in commemoration of “800 years of the great Mongolian state.”

Click to enlarge Mongolian Alumni of the Marshall Center look on and record the proceedings during the official ceremony establishing the Marshall Center Alumni Association of Mongolia.	Click to enlarge German Ambassador to Mongolia, Mr. Ulrich Dreesen, makes opening remarks.	Click to enlarge U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Brian Goldeck also provides remarks during the ceremony.
Click to enlarge MG (Ret) Horst Schmalfeld addresses distinguished government representatives after receiving a medal from the Mongolian government. From l-r, Ambassador Dreesen, Ms. Munkhtuya, Minister Sonompil, and Mr. Goldbeck.	Click to enlarge It’s official – the Memorandum of Understanding is signed by General Schmalfeld and Colonel Enkhbayar, the Alumni Association’s Chairman-elect.	Click to enlarge MG (Ret) Schmalfeld presents a Marshall Center Mongolian Hall of Nations print to Defense Minister Sonompil.
Click to enlarge The newly-formed Marshall Center Alumni Association of Mongolia gathers for a group photo in Mongolia’s Ministry of Defense.	Click to enlarge Association members toast the founding of their new Association.	Click to enlarge From l-r, COL Namsrai Dumaa (EP 2004-1), Dr. Jamba Bazarsuren (EP 2004-1), COL Jalav Bumnanjid (EPASS 2005-1), Mr. Galsanjamts Sereeter (EP 2004-5).
Click to enlarge l-r, Alumni Association Chairman COL Enkhbayar, COL (Ret) Rick Steinke, Mr. Gankhuyag Damba (EPASS 2007-1), and COL Tseveensuren Tseden (EPASS 2007-1).	Click to enlarge General Schmalfeld enjoys a laugh with (l-r) COL Gerel Myagmarjav (EPASS 2005-6), Mr. Galsanjamts Sereeter (EP 2004-5), and COL Buyanjargal Myagmardorj (EP 2004-5).	Click to enlarge COL Enkhbayar receives a Marshall Center memento while LTC Matt Schwab, the new U.S. Defense Attaché to Mongolia, and COL Tseden look on.