Gary Tabach

Gary (Yuri) Tabach (born February 1962) is a retired United States Navy captain, the first Soviet-born citizen to be commissioned an officer in the Armed Forces of the United States. Tabach was an advisor to the U.S. ambassador and special presidential envoy to the former Soviet Union. He held various positions in NATO missions and recognized for his expertise on military affairs, defense reduction strategy, national security issues and counterterrorism.

Early life and education Gary Tabach was born in Moscow, USSR, to Zinovy Tabach, a dentist, and Rima Tabach, a hematologist. In 1976, he emigrated to the United States with his parents, older sister, and grandmother.

From 2008 to 2011, he was the Chief of Staff of the NATO Military Liaison Mission coordinating contacts with the Russian Ministry of Defense in Moscow.

Tabach received military awards for his service, including the Legion of Merit, one of the highest U.S. military honors.

Tabach retired from the U.S. Navy in 2011 and is the CEO of Fort Seal.

Military decorations Defense Service Medal Legion of Merit Joint Defense Meritorious Service Medals (4 awards) Defense Meritorious Service Medal Joint Commendation Medals (2 awards) United Nations Medal Navy Commendation Medal Meritorious Honor Award Joint Achievement Medal Naval Achievement Medals (2 awards)

Personal life Tabach is highly critical of both Putin's foreign and domestic policies and actively supports Ukraine in their fight for sovereignty and freedom.

His daughter, Michelle, also became a naval officer, as a lieutenant-commander on a combat ship and leading the combat operations control section.

Publications