The Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United State was honored to attend the Clearing the Path Gala hosted by the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C. The annual event celebrates global efforts to remove landmines, support survivors, and promote peace through humanitarian mine action.
Since its founding in 1997, MLI has worked tirelessly to eliminate the deadly impact of landmines through demining operations, survivor assistance, and youth education programs. The Clearing the Path Gala serves as MLI’s largest annual fundraiser, bringing together diplomats, government officials, NGOs, and private-sector partners committed to creating a safer, mine-free world.
Distinguished Guests and Keynote Remarks
This year’s Keynote Address was delivered by Joseph Keith Kellogg Jr., Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine, who highlighted the global importance of mine action and the ongoing challenges faced by conflict-affected regions in restoring safety and stability.
The evening also featured distinguished presenters including:
- Congressman Eugene Vindman, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
- His Excellency Sven Alkalaj, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United States
- His Excellency Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States
- Lieutenant General (Ret.) Joseph E. DeFrancisco, U.S. Army
- Major General (Ret.) Robert M. Dyess, U.S. Army
- Mrs. Susan Dilday, representing the Mine Action community and MLI’s long-standing supporters
Their participation underscored the strong collaboration among the U.S. government, partner nations, and humanitarian organizations united in advancing global demining initiatives.
Honoring Global Heroes of Mine Action
This year’s honorees included:
- Mine Detection Dog Team of the Year: Mace and handler Vusal Allahverdiyev, who have searched over one million square meters of land in Azerbaijan, enabling families to return home safely.
- Survivor of the Year: Mirzet Duran of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who turned personal tragedy into triumph as captain of the Fantomi sitting volleyball team and silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
- Joan Wismer Teacher of the Year: Marian Lien of St. Edmund’s Academy in Pittsburgh, recognized for her innovative global education initiatives and for integrating MLI’s CHAMPS and Peace Through Sport programs into her classrooms.
- American Survivor of the Year: Michael “Monty” Montoya, a former U.S. Marine Corps Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and co-founder of Invictus Global Response, honored for his courage and leadership following a mine blast injury in Ukraine.
Shared Commitment to Humanitarian Causes
The KRG-US team joined attendees from across the humanitarian and diplomatic community to celebrate these remarkable individuals and reaffirm the Kurdistan Region’s support for humanitarian demining and survivor rehabilitation efforts.
For decades, the people of Kurdistan have understood firsthand the devastation caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war. Through close cooperation with international partners, including the Marshall Legacy Institute, the Kurdistan Regional Government continues to prioritize mine clearance and victim assistance programs that restore safety and opportunity to affected communities.
Building a Safer Future
Events like the Clearing the Path Gala serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to build a safer and more hopeful future for all. The KRG-US congratulates this year’s honorees and commends MLI for its unwavering dedication to “clearing the path” toward peace and resilience around the world.
For more information about MLI and the Clearing the Path Gala, visit www.marshall-legacy.org.
