WASHINGTON, D.C., April 29, 2009 – The Lint Center, a non-profit charity, focused on supporting the educational pursuits of the next generation of America’s Counterintelligence (CI) and National Security Workers, today formally announced that Special Agent John T. Mendoza, Jr. was awarded the Richard Eaton Jr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is dedicated in honor of Richard Eaton, a United States Army Counterintelligence Special Agent (SA) and two-time Bronze Star recipient who died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, in, 2003.

“It is a distinct privilege to be awarded a scholarship from the Lint Center and it is an exceptional honor that this award memorializes the legacy of a fallen American hero as well as a fellow member of the U.S. Counterintelligence community,” said John T. Mendoza, recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart for actions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “I feel that Special Agent Eaton and I are of the same breed, so to speak. While it may be impossible for me to achieve the level of impact Eaton had, his legacy illustrates the impact a dedicated individual can make and he is an inspiration for me as I endeavor to make a meaningful contribution to better this nation and ensure our national security.”

“The Lint Center through its dedication, tireless effort, and with profound reverence for the legacy of my son has awarded this memorial scholarship to a candidate worthy of its namesake,” said Sharon Noble Eaton, Special Agent Richard Eaton’s mother. “Mr. Mendoza shares my son’s passion for counterintelligence, his disciplined valor in action, unsurpassed courage and fortitude of purpose, and a track record of duty faithfully performed on behalf of this great nation. Mendoza embodies the fundamental qualities necessary in nurturing future leaders tasked with the responsibility of keeping America strong and safe in the years to come.”

As Special Agent Rick Eaton’s former CI instructor and a Moderator of the Army Counterintelligence Discussion Group (ACIDG), Gary Scher observed, “Rick’s passion for CI work and his dedication to national service endears many service personnel to the legacy he leaves behind.” Mr. Scher further stated, “I am glad such an example of a hero lives on, serving as a testament to the very commitment needed for the continuance of the contest against those who seek to harm America. Special Agent Mendoza typifies the mutual confidence the previous and current generation of America’s National Security Workers share in getting the job done right. The Lint Center and I expect Rick’s example to inspire SA Mendoza to achieve great things.”

“The Lint Center is pleased to support the educational efforts of an emerging leader,” said Jim Lint, Chairman and CEO of the Lint Center for National Security Studies. “In addition to the Lint Center scholarship, Special Agent Mendoza will also receive a one year membership to the US Army Military Intelligence Corps Associations (MICA) which has been graciously donated to advance his pursuits. We are delighted that MICA stands with the Lint Center in recognizing the great potential of Mendoza.”

Due to the generosity and continued support of the world’s leading private intelligence company, Strategic Forecasting, Inc., John T. Mendoza will also receive a one-year subscription to Stratfor’s Subscription Service which includes industry leading intelligence reports providing situational awareness, geopolitical analysis, and analytically rigorous forecasting.

About Special Agent Richard Eaton Jr:

Special Agent Richard Eaton was awarded the Bronze Star for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to numerous other medals and citations, Staff Sgt Eaton received the Thomas G. Knowlton Award from the Military Intelligence Corps Association which recognizes those individuals who have significantly contributed to the promotion of Army Intelligence. For more information about Staff Sgt. Rick Eaton, please visit: http://www.chinapost1.org/divisions/korea/Eaton.htm or http://www.militarycity.com/valor/256727.html.

About Special Agent John T. Mendoza, Jr: Currently a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI), SA Mendoza has spent over 10 years serving his country in various positions throughout the intelligence community.  After graduating from McCollum High School in San Antonio, TX, SA Mendoza enlisted in the USAF as an intelligence apprentice.  Following 13-months of an intense training pipeline, he was assigned to the Medina Regional Security Operations Center performing various facets of intelligence operations.  Following this assignment, he was reassigned to Europe to conduct intelligence collection and was subsequently recruited by his current unit of employment, the Air Force OSI. 

About Military Intelligence Corps Association:

MICA is the professional association of the US Army’s Military Intelligence Corps. Members represent the active duty, reserve component, and retired Army (military and civilian) as well as defense contractors and others who support the MI mission and are dedicated to ensuring that Army Intelligence remains “Always Out Front!” For more information, please visit www.micorps.org/.

 About Stratfor:

Stratfor is the world’s leading private intelligence company providing individuals and corporations with breaking intelligence, in-depth analysis, assessments and forecasts on global political, economic, security, and public policy issues. Through its unrivalled blend of strategic and tactical expertise, Stratfor helps clients protect their assets, diminish risk and increase opportunities to compete in the global market. Stratfor’s services include free intelligence reports, subscription-based access and confidential consulting. For more information, please visit www.stratfor.com.

About the Army Counterintelligence Discussion Group:

The Army Counterintelligence Discussion Group mailing list (ACIDG-L) is open to all active, reserve, former, and retired Army Counterintelligence Special Agents. Requests will be approved after verification of a subscribers CI status. ACIDG-L is privately run by unpaid volunteers and is not affiliated with the US Army, Department of Defense or any subordinate activity. For more information, please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ACIDG-L/

About the Lint Center:

The Lint Center for National Security Studies, Inc., founded in 2007, is a non-profit IRS 501 (c) (3) organization created to award merit-based scholarships for Counterintelligence and National Security Workers, their children and scholars, and to advance the study of National Security, cross-cultural studies, and global understanding. The Center, an IRS approved charity, is Veteran and minority operated and managed. For more information, please visit www.LintCenter.org.