Lockheed Martin Corporation has become the premier sponsor of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) annual Dean Acheson Lecture for five years beginning in 2009. In addition to prominently recognizing the company as a sponsor in all lecture-related materials, Lockheed Martin will be included as a Founding Corporate Partner for the Institute's new National Mall headquarters and public education center campaign.

The $1 million gift to the Institute's endowment fund will enable the continuation of USIP's Dean Acheson Lecture, an annual event that featured Defense Secretary Robert Gates as its first keynote speaker in October 2008.

J. Robinson West, chairman of USIP's board of directors, said, "As USIP celebrates its 25th year of operations and prepares to move to our permanent office and training space, we are proud to have launched a lecture series worthy of its namesake and that Lockheed Martin is partnering with us in this endeavor."

Robert J. Stevens, President, Chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin, said, "As the world's leading global security company, we are pleased to support the work of the USIP and its international partners. With thousands of employees supporting peacekeeping, stability operations and capacity building efforts around the world, Lockheed Martin understands the importance of working to prevent conflict and promote peace as vital components of global security."

The next Acheson Lecture will take place in Washington, D.C. The series is named for former Secretary of State Dean Acheson, who played a large role in shaping U.S. diplomacy and vital institutions such as the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

USIP's permanent headquarters project is expected to be completed within the next two years. Located at what can be seen as the 'war and peace' corner of the National Mall near the Vietnam, Korean and World War II Memorials, the building will host a public education center for some 500,000 visitors each year. Lockheed Martin's contribution to USIP's endowment will be recognized in the building.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation; United States Institute of Peace