Andrew M. Borene

Andrew M. Borene is "an outspoken advocate for America's newest veterans. He is an Independent Consultant and currently serves as the President of the National Security & Law Society. A former Investment Banker and football coach, he is pursuing a Juris Doctor at the University of Minnesota Law School using the Montgomery G.I. Bill, and is the 2004 recipient of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers Front Line Forces graduate studies scholarship. He served as an intelligence collections officer with the 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force from 2002 to 2004, and through the invasion of Iraq during the spring of 2003." 

Background
Andrew learned important life lessons about perseverance and patriotism early from his grandfather who was a survivor of the great depression and a World War II veteran. Andrew attended the Edina Public Schools, and graduated from The Blake School in Minneapolis where he was a successful student, athlete and citizen. Borene was a National Merit Commended Scholar, a varsity athlete, an exchange student to Mexico, and an active volunteer in the community.

In 1998, Andrew earned a B.A in Economics from Macalester College, where he was a varsity football captain. After graduation, he helped local governments as a public finance investment banker with Wells Fargo & Co. in Minneapolis and San Francisco. During this period, Borene completed an executive education program on development finance at Harvard University’s Institute for International Development and became a Registered Representative through the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Operation Iraqi Freedom
Outside of Ad Diwaniyah, Iraq, 2003.

In 2000, Borene answered a call to serve his country, by earning a commission as a U.S. Marine Officer. Borene excelled through some of the world’s most thorough small-unit infantry training and graduated with honors from his basic officer training courses, ultimately becoming a military intelligence officer. Borene crossed into Iraq with the 1st Marine Division in 2003 as the coalition invasion began, participating in the major combat operations that resulted in the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Speaking at a "Support the Troops" rally at the Minnesota State Capitol
Source: NPR

After an honorable discharge, Borene returned home to Minnesota to raise a family and pursue a law degree at the University of Minnesota Law School, where he is President of the National Security and Law Society.

Borene’s political activism is a continuation of his commitment to serve his country. At the 2004 Presidential and Vice Presidential debates, Borene brought a pragmatic perspective to the issues of national security, terrorism, and the Iraq War during the election season. Borene has since worked extensively with the media on these important issues by providing guidance and commentary. Additionally, he has written syndicated Op-Ed pieces for The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun and other publications as an advisor to Operation Truth, a non-partisan advocacy organization for America’s troops and newest veterans.

Veterans for Kerry-Edwards event, 2004
Source: Startribune. Andrew has coached high school football in Minnesota and California and currently coaches Edina High School Rugby. He is a former Alumni Board Member of The Blake School, and serves on Mount Olivet Lutheran Church’s Board of Community Concern.

Other Affiliations

 * Board of Advisors, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
 * Senior Fellow, Humphrey Institute