Veterans Day Luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago

Join us for a special luncheon in honor of Veterans Day, featuring keynote speaker retired U.S. Army Major General William Walker, a proud son of Chicago’s South Side and a leader who exemplifies service both in and out of uniform. From his distinguished military career—including his command of the District of Columbia National Guard during the events of January 6, 2021—to his role as the former Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives, General Walker’s life of leadership and dedication to the nation offers an inspiring message for all.

This luncheon will not only recognize the service of our nation’s veterans but also explore the strength and resilience they bring home—building successful lives, leading in every sector, and continuing to serve their communities. General Walker will share his personal reflections on the ongoing challenges facing veterans today, the growing recruitment crisis in the military, and the need for unity in divisive times.

Cost: $44.00 | Dress Code: Smart Casual

Major General William J. Walker (USA, Retired)

The Honorable William J. Walker served as the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 117th Congress. The Sergeant at Arms is the chief law enforcement, security, and protocol officer of the House of Representatives. General Walker approved all matters relating to the safety of Members of Congress, their staff and visitors, and security of the Capitol complex. He was also a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Board and served as Chairman in 2022.

Previously, General Walker served as the 23rd Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG). He ensured Army and Air Force units were manned, trained, and equipped for war or any emergency including military support to civil authorities. General Walker led National Guard support to the U.S. Capitol Police following the January 6, 2021, attack of the Capitol, and subsequently commanded over 28,000 Guardsmen supporting the Secret Service for the 59th Presidential inauguration.

As Commanding General, he also directed National Guard support to the Secret Service, the U.S. Park Police and the Metropolitan Police during the riots of 2020 following the M**der of George Floyd. General Walker served as Chairman of the National Guard Bureau (NGB), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program from 2018 to 2021. He provided strategic advice to the NGB Chief on the management of DEI initiatives and equal opportunity plans to build trust, achieve mission readiness and demonstrate National Guard commitment to an inclusive culture that represents the diversity of our Nation. General Walker is a Veteran of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. He simultaneously served at American Embassy, Kabul and with the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

General Walker concurrently served as a National Guardsmen and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent for thirty years in varied national and foreign investigative and leadership positions of increasing trust. In 2003, he was promoted to Senior Executive Service (SES) III rank at the New York Field Division. Mr. Walker directed intelligence, enforcement and pharmaceutical regulatory control operations throughout New York State. In 2004, he was promoted to Deputy Assistant Administrator, SES IV, and served as Director, DEA Pharmaceutical and Chemical Regulatory Control Division. From 1999 to 2005, he was also a member of a U.S. District Court Ordered monitoring committee to ensure DEA complied with and remained committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. In 2009, he was appointed an Intelligence Community, Senior National Intelligence Service Officer by the Director of National Intelligence and served in an Intelligence Community, SES IV Joint Duty Assignment. In 2014, Mr. Walker retired from DEA as Director of Strategic Intelligence, SES IV.

General Walker is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Academy of Public Administration.

Host or Publisher Union League Club of Chicago