GRANVILLE -- Scott E. Rutter commanded the battalion that captured the Baghdad International Airport during the early stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom and then secured Baghdad's financial and banking district. The now retired U.S. Lieutenant Colonel comes to Denison to present "The Liberation of Iraq: A Soldier's Story" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (Oct. 6) in Slayter Hall Auditorium. The presentation, which is sponsored by the College Republicans, is free and open to the public.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Rutter commanded a battalion of the 3rd Infantry division, receiving the Silver Star. Rutter also served in the Gulf War and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service as a rifle company commander.

"He likes to get close to the fight, so close that his soldiers sometimes worry about his safety," wrote Michael Corkery, a Providence Journal reporter embedded with Rutter's battalion. "He insists on traveling into battle with the lead company."

Rutter, a Philadelphia native, was a 1983 Distinguished Military Graduate of Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. He has a master of science degree in management from St. Mary's College.

Rutter is a military analyst in Iraq for Fox News, and national spokesman for TAPS, a grief support organization for families who lost loved ones in military service.

Rutter has spoken at various educational and community institutions, such as The University of Pennsylvania, the Middle East Forum and Purdue University.

CALENDAR INFORMATION: Denison University, Granville College Republicans present U.S. retired Lieutenant Colonel Scott E. Rutter speaking on "The Liberation of Iraq: A Soldier's Story"; 7:30 p.m., Thursday (Oct. 6), Slayter Hall Auditorium (200 North Road). Free and open to the public. Call 740-587-6769 to confirm information.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575