Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and 2011 Liberty Medal recipient Robert M. Gates has been all over the news. His latest book, Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War - a strikingly candid account of his experience serving as secretary of state under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama - has been causing a stir. After some contents of "Duty" were reported last week, the media used the words "bombshell" and "White House betrayal."

Today, Gates said Britain's defense spending cuts could limit its ability to be a full partner with the United States in military operations.

What will he say next?

You could hear it first hand when Gates speaks at the Seattle Town Hall Series Feb. 13 in the Great Hall. The former head of the Pentagon will discuss how he juggled multiple wars abroad, as well as the political realities at home. His talk also will focus on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, national security, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and the mission to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden.

ROBERT GATES TOWN HALL, Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m., Great Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, $5, 206.652.4255