Building Better Citizens, Stronger Patriots, and Future Leaders
At first glance, it feels like a simple, patriotic community gathering. Familiar faces reconnect. New faces find their seats. Conversations begin over dinner, and the room hums with curiosity, perspective, and shared respect.
But then the conversation shifts.
The speaker at the front of the room might be a former Secretary of Defense, a senior CIA official, a decorated fighter pilot, or one of the nation’s leading voices on China, the Middle East, or military intelligence.
Around the room sit retired veterans, local residents, business leaders, and ROTC students in uniform – some hearing this level of insight for the very first time. This is NDBS, Inc. – the National Defense Briefing Series – one of the most quietly impactful nonprofits operating in our community today.
Representing a portion of the leadership behind NDBS, the board members in attendance for this conversation reflect the depth of experience guiding the organization. That group includes President Charles Daniels, a former U.S. Navy lieutenant and defense industry executive; Vice President John Campbell, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant general and former Associate Director of Central Intelligence; Secretary Steven Solka, a retired U.S. Army colonel; and Treasurer Michael Bofferding, a retired U.S. Air Force major. They are joined by board members Marc Liebman, a retired U.S. Navy captain and bestselling author; Ted Puchacz, a Navy intelligence veteran and Fairview resident; and Richard C. Kaniss, each contributing to a broader board rooted in decades of military service.
Founded by a collective of veterans and civic leaders, NDBS was built around a powerful twofold mission: give civilians direct access to world-class national security conversations while
supporting local veteran, youth leadership, ROTC, scouting, and patriotic programs. What makes the organization extraordinary isn’t simply the caliber of the speakers – it’s the intimacy.
These gatherings remain intentionally small, allowing attendees to ask direct questions of the very people who have shaped military strategy, intelligence operations, and some
of the most defining geopolitical decisions of our time. BY JONATHAN PRICE
That kind of access is rare. That it exists within reach of local families, students, and community leaders makes it powerful. For many first-time attendees, the reaction is immediate: I had no idea this existed.
In a world dominated by headlines and sound bites, NDBS offers something increasingly valuable – clarity, context, and firsthand perspective.
Some of the most meaningful moments happen before the program even begins.
Each speaker spends time privately with ROTC students, creating a leadership environment few young people experience. For these students, it’s a chance to ask candid questions about service,
decision-making, and leadership under pressure.
Imagine being 16 years old and sitting across from a former Deputy Director of the CIA.
For some, it sparks curiosity. For others, it shapes a future path in military service, intelligence, or public leadership. That ripple effect is exactly what the board envisioned.
Yes, the organization raises meaningful support for veteran and leadership initiatives. But the deeper mission goes beyond fundraising. It’s also reflected in one of NDBS’s most meaningful traditions: The Congressman Sam Johnson Defender of Freedom Award.
Presented annually, the honor recognizes a business leader whose lifetime of service reflects the patriotism, courage, and leadership embodied by the late Congressman Sam Johnson. This year’s recipient, John Albers, exemplifies that spirit. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and former test pilot, Albers now leads McKinney-based Albers Aerospace, supporting today’s warfighter through advanced manufacturing, aviation services, and emerging technologies. His continued commitment to national defense and service-driven innovation makes him a natural extension of the award’s purpose.
At its core, NDBS is about rebuilding the connection between civilians and those who serve –preserving patriotism in a way that feels relevant, educational, and deeply human.
As one board member said, “The educated citizen is a better citizen.”
That belief runs through everything NDBS does – from ROTC cadets asking thoughtful questions to residents gaining a deeper
understanding of the realities behind the headlines.
As Memorial Day approaches, that mission feels especially meaningful. Not everyone serves in uniform. Not everyone can. But patriotism takes many forms –mentoring, supporting, learning, and simply choosing to become more informed.
That’s the quiet power of what NDBS has created.
They are building bridges – between generations, between military and civilian life, and between awareness and action.
And right here in our community, that kind of impact deserves to be seen.
For more information, visit ndbsinc.org
