Ray Bilger—Veteran, Security Specialist, International Advisor—to Keynote Democratic Banquet
- Hank Knerr
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Ray Bilger, a distinguished combat veteran and accomplished international advisor, will serve as the keynote speaker for the Annual Indiana County Democratic Banquet on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Ohio Room of the Hadley Union Building on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus. It is presented by the Indiana County Democratic Committee (ICDC) and the IUP College Democrats.
A resident of State College, Pennsylvania, Bilger brings decades of experience in international diplomacy, intelligence operations, and data analysis. His multifaceted background also encompasses linguistics, training, process improvement, management, systems engineering, personal security, and the humanities.
Recognized as a dynamic speaker, Bilger is well-known in federal government circles for his adept problem-solving skills. He has been selected for U.S. Secret Service details providing protective services to high-ranking officials including the President and Vice President of the United States, the Secretary of State, and directors of the FBI and CIA.
In his civilian career, Bilger was chosen by the U.S. Army Special Forces to serve with an elite Special Mission Unit. He also contributed significantly to the repatriation efforts of a U.S. Air Force pilot’s remains from southern Laos, where the pilot was killed in action in 1967. His work has extended to the Department of Justice, the National Security Agency, and the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Trained in Instructional Systems Design, Bilger has developed programs in areas such as linguistics, history, code-breaking, foreign language translation, intercept system operations, and intelligence reporting and analysis. He holds degrees from Penn State University/University of Maryland Global Campus, and the Community College of the Air Force. He also possesses a wide array of training certificates and credentials in various languages, training methodologies, data analysis, and survival techniques.
His numerous awards include the NSA/CSS Intelligence Collector of the Year, National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, U.S. Army Commander’s Civilian Service Award. Other commendations include the NATO Medal, Air Force Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Air Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Valor, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
The banquet will feature additional speakers, the introduction of county-wide candidates, a full buffet, and a silent auction. Tickets are priced at $45 per person and can be purchased online through the ICDC website. Sponsorships and ticket donations are also available through the web link. For more information, please contact ICDC at indianadems@gmail.com.
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