For almost half a century, Rand Beers has devoted himself to the service of his country and the American people, from commanding a Marine Corps rifle company in Vietnam to serving as a top adviser in the Obama White House. And earlier this month, officials throughout the U.S. Government came together in honor of Rand’s retirement and to recognize his distinguished career in public service.
For his nearly 50 years of dedication to the strengthening of our homeland and ensuring the safety and security of the American people, Rand Beers received the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department’s highest civilian honor.
Rand Beers has been a selfless, diplomatic and skilled public servant. Over the course of his career – one that includes service on the National Security Council Staff of five Presidents from different political parties – he has been at the forefront of the most challenging national security issues we have faced as a country; from counterterrorism to cybersecurity; from border security to advancing the nation’s security relationship with critical North American partners.
Prior to his last appointment, as the Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, Rand served as the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security. Throughout his time at DHS, he provided guidance on a wide range of homeland security-related priorities, including overseeing departmental operations and policies to prevent, respond to, and mitigate terrorist threats to U.S. national security. He also led efforts to reduce risks to physical, cyber, and communications infrastructures for more than four years as the Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate.
Throughout his career, Beers has been a champion for the safety and security of the American public. During his retirement ceremony, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas, on behalf of the entire Department, paid tribute to a great leader and true public servant.
The Department of Homeland Security and the Nation will remember the lasting impact of Rand Beers. We thank him for his service and his patriotism.
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