(Feb. 9, 2011) -- When junior Grigori Grigoryan, founder and president of Geopolitics Club, came to the United States, the first role model he had was Herbert Raymond McMaster. “When I first came to America, I watched a Charlie Rose interview in 2008 featuring H.R. McMaster,” Grigorian said. “I had an odd respect for the military in Armenia, so when I came to America, I began to learn about the United States military.”  

Never did Grigoryan think that he would be able to talk to the soon-to-be major-general. However, with the assistance of cinematography teacher Matt Stroup, Geopolitics Club members were able to contact McMaster and set up a teleconference yesterday from 8-9 a.m.

During the teleconference, which was broadcast to students on school television, Grigoryan—along with six other panelists from the Geopolitics Club—asked Brig. Gen. McMaster questions about the war on terror, the future of Afghanistan, and the United States’ geographical strategy. Obviously, Brig. Gen. McMaster could not reveal the exact plans that the United States military has for the near future; however, he did provide insight as to what may possibly occur.

The teleconference did not go as perfectly as the club had hoped for, though. There were few technical difficulties that caused an interruption in the video chat and audio feed for the Skype program used, but thanks to Stroup, who Grigoryan says is “the number one supporter of Geopolitics Club,” the teleconference was able to resume streaming and finish on time.  

“I felt like it was a great honor to ask my question to the General,” said junior David Yerkanyan, a panelist. “Once I was actually sitting on the chair and streaming live to the Brigadier General, I got really nervous, but also felt a sense of pride. After doing this, I have a lot more respect towards the military, government and Geopolitics Club.”