The Cold War Museum and VInt Hill Craft Winery Present:
SEE THE ATTEMPTED SOVIET COUP OF 1991 THROUGH THE EYES OF AN EXPERT EYEWITNESS
In August 1991, the USSR came close to becoming hardline Communist once again when members of the Soviet government attempted to wrest control from Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. The failed coup had the effect of destabilizing the Soviet Union and contributed to the dissolution of the USSR.
Col. Bruce Slawter (USAF ret.) served twice as a military attaché at the U. S. Embassy in Moscow and personally witnessed key coup events while on official business as the Air Staff’s Chief of the Russia and East Europe Branch. He’ll discuss what he saw and heard, and what he thought about those events at the time and subsequently.
Bruce is a Russian-speaking Vietnam combat pilot who is also a nuclear weapons expert, serving later as Director of the Office of Nuclear Warhead Protection for the U. S. Department of Energy, helping the Russians secure 84 of their highly sensitive facilities against possible terrorist attack. He has a total of 25 years of experience living or traveling in Russia and working first-hand with the Russian military. He was also Director of Soviet & European Studies at the Air Command and Staff College.
This is the first in a series of presentations sponsored by the Museum and Winery featuring expert eyewitnesses to significant Cold War events and activities. Presentations occur at the Winery, followed by special access to the Museum (next door) with a tour for event participants.
Date: Sunday, November 6.
Time: 2:30 PM (Arrival: 2:00-2:30 PM)
Cost: $25, including the presentation, a glass of wine, a $10 contribution to the Cold War Museum, and special access to the Museum (next door) for event participants following the presentation. Buy Tickets Here.
Location: The Vint Hill Craft Winery, 7150 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill, VA 20187, http://www.vinthillcraftwinery.com/, and the Cold War Museum, 7142 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill, VA 20187, www.coldwar.org
Agenda:
- 2:00-2:30. Participants arrive; they may get their glass of wine at this time
- 2:20. Jason Hall, Executive Director of the Cold War Museum, introduces the Museum and Bruce Slawter
- 2:30-3:30. Bruce presents on Eyewitness at the Coup
- 3:30-4:00. Q&A opportunity for the audience
- 4:00-4:30 Audience members may claim their glass of wine at this time or buy additional wine.
- 4:30-5:30 The Museum (next door) will be open for event participants, with staff providing a tour for those interested.
Event seating at the Winery is limited, so we suggest that you secure your tickets promptly. Questions? Call or email Jason Hall, 703-283-4124 (cell), jason@coldwar.org