Nation's Top Counterterrorism Expert Shares Personal Experience Of Working Under The 40th President Of United States: Ronald Reagan

As the nation mourns the passing of former President Ronald Reagan America needs to keep its guard up against terrorist attacks even during times of mourning," said Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) June 9, 2004 -- As we mourn the passing of former President Ronald Reagan, I remember the Cold War, 1980s terrorism acts against the United States, world affairs of that time, and how my intelligence achievements impacted US policy decisions made by President Reagan," said Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee, Lee who worked under four United States presidents, including Mr. Reagan.

Lee is currently CEO and Founder of Advantage SCI (www.advantagesci.com), El Segundo, CA. Advantage SCI provides risk management and security consulting and training to protect people and corporate assets from sabotage, espionage, cyber attacks, and terrorism.

Lee, who has two decades of counterterrorism experience, including at the White House, also noted that of the four Presidents under whom she served, no president stood out more in her mind. A less guarded president, but a man of quick wit and always ready to give a helping hand she noted was President Reagan.

There are fond memories here and there, but my favorite is the one where a young technician installing cable in the oval office said to the figure behind him 'don't just stand there, get down here and help me out. The technician was stunned when he fixed his eyes on President Reagan as he got on his knees and replied 'Well okay, in the familiar presidential voice of that time."

Lee also observed that things haven't changed much since her days working in the Oval office. Terrorism was the hot topic of the day. US Army Europe was receiving its share of bomb threats. Americans were being kidnapped by terrorists. GIs were being killed for their military ID so terrorists could get onto US military installations undetected, and the intelligence community was scrambling to deter the next attack."

As for parting words for our 40th president, Lee said, Today, I am grateful and proud to have served under President Reagan, a man who served his country in a way that I can only describe as superior. There will be thousands of people, journalists, heads of state, and the public at large gathering to pay last respects. This is a world event where we will all need to be security conscious while mourning, because terrorists thrive on the publicity that can be gained at major events, on important historical days, and on anniversaries."

The Department of Homeland Security has designated all the events surrounding Reagan's state funeral to be a National Special Security Event to be overseen by the Secret Service. From the time his body arrives in Washington DC on Wednesday to the time it returns to California two days later, an army of Secret Service agents will follow the late President's coffin, protecting it and the people who have come to pay their last respects from all over the world.

Vigilance should be exercised to ensure peaceful gatherings are enjoyed, regardless of the terrorist threats in California and in Washington DC," said Lee. People can do their part by being highly aware of anyone who might be considered to be disruptors, terrorists, disgruntled citizens, or any potential lurkers in the background or in the midst of the crowds."
                  
Reagan's decorated viewing and funeral follows a stern warning last month from Attorney General John Ashcroft that terrorists are prepared or "almost ready to attack the United States," possibly this summer. American Airlines travelers appear to be the ammo desired, which promises to clog our nations airports. Lee offers Americans and tourists visiting America as first responders the following advice:

•Be aware of the people in your immediate circle for suspicious people, packages, odors, or vehicles
•Report lurkers who appear to be casing the area
•Know where to report suspicious activities
•Provide good descriptions of people, vehicles, or packages to authorities and, Dont be an obstacle to crowd control measures

On the traveling front, whether its vacation or business travel that takes you outside of US borders, one of your priorities should be security planning," explained Lee. Security planning is easy to overlook if its not something people are in the habit of doing .For those people who are making last minute travel plans, security is even more critical, because their mind may be focused on just making it to the destination. Vacation planning should a three phase plan with pre travel, travel, and a post travel actions."

For Summer Travel Lee offers these tips:
•During pre-travel, a family member or companion should conduct a quick scan of news for that region, identify where hospitals are located, address and phone number to the nearest US Embassy, and if possible an idea of where the police stations are located.

•Plan to take only bare essentials. Leave your valuables and non prescribed medications at home.

•Take clothing that allows you to blend with the local environment and which does not immediately identify you as an American. You dont know where the terrorist sympathizers are these days so you dont want to become a target or victim of terrorist or criminal activity by showing your patriotism on uncharted territory.

•Give a copy of your itinerary to a friend or family member and make arrangements to check back in with them when your return from your trip. Let them know when to worry and what point they should consider taking some form of action.

•Visit the Department of State website for travel advisory about the region youre visiting.

Lee contributed to the nations only Homeland Security study on terrorism threats to rail, which was produced by Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and Rand Corporation, Santa Monica, CA. Since the March 2004, deadly bombings in Spain, that injured more than 1,000 people and left 200 dead, Congress has expressed renewed interest in the study, which was released on the anniversary of 9-11 last year. The study shows what America has learned since 9-11, what we are doing today and what Homeland Security should address in the near future regarding our rail system and goods movement.

[Editors note: For more on counterterrorism travel tips and first time responder information visit Advantage SCI website at: www.advantagesci.com For more on Elsa Lee contact: George McQuade at: 818.340.5300 or 818.618.9229 or visit: www.MayoCommunications.com.
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