America’s Veterans Deserve Honor, Homes, Healthcare

Throughout my life, I have always held the highest honor of American patriotism as exemplified by the men and women who serve in our military.

Military service is the pre-eminent hallmark of honor, duty, and country and deserves America’s dignity, appreciation, and esteem.

Hopefully, the national holidays of Veterans Day and Memorial Day will be complemented by America’s renewed passion for honoring our veterans, especially those marginalized by poverty, homelessness, and health care deficiencies.

Veterans Scandals: The Unacceptable Norm

In my May 30, 2014 Epoch Times column titled “Veterans Medical Scandal: Reigniting American Altruism,” I argued, “As one walks the streets of our cities, America flags are proudly displayed everywhere. Our flag is more than a fabric-it is our sacred symbol of respect for America. It reminds us of the unity, devotion, and sacrifices made to preserve our freedom.”

But a travesty has infected our great land, for as we now walk American cities, the dignity of our flag is contradicted by the tragedy of dishonored homeless veterans, many with mental health needs. These patriots are further victimized by society’s indignation, contempt, and abandonment.

Betraying Our Veterans: The Scandals Continue

Aside from appalling well-publicized veteran’s medical scandal that blistered America’s conscience by painting a picture on treatment delays, records falsification and egregious incompetence-the scandals continue.

Recently, I was appalled by a published report detailing contemptuous, unjust, and self-serving misconduct dismissals of soldiers with mental health and suicidal issues.

In the report, Staff Sgt. Eric James, a United States Army sniper who served in two tours in Iraq, recorded proof that soldiers with mental health disorders, suicidal tendencies, and traumatic brain injuries, were being kicked out of the service. The reason for their terminations was misconduct, rather than for medical health issues, and this reprehensible branding was preventing them from receiving the treatment they deserved.

James made over 20 hours of secret recordings with therapists and officers at Fort Carson to expose this scandal.

As I listened to some of these recordings, the disturbing reprimanding of James-and even apparent ignoring his talking about wanting to commit suicide-was heart-wrenching.

We must react with profound urgency to the staggering rise in military suicides. According to a Department of Veterans report, an average of 22 veterans commits suicide every day – 8,000 per year.

Tragically, Jones is one of a legion of veterans diagnosed with mental health issues at Army bases nationwide. Figures, received through the Freedom of Information Act, detail that the Army has released more than 22,000 soldiers for “misconduct” after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan while they were diagnosed with mental health problems.

This is an America scandal of the most tragic consequence, with terminated soldiers not eligible for retirement and health care benefits that are afforded to those honorably discharged.

Fort Carson must live up to its mission statement. Accoring to its website it “provides first class support to soldiers and families and enables unified actions with community, state, and interagency partners for the greater good of our soldiers.”

The United States Army must also respond with a heart of compassion to its suffering sons and daughters.

Altruism: Mission Critical to America’s Heart

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHF), the factors influencing veteran’s homelessness include shortage of affordable housing, a substandard income, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and lack of family and societal support.

The NCHF website highlights that although a flawless count is impossible, there is an estimated 49,933 homeless veterans throughout America on any given night.

The Coalition for the Homeless presents a snapshot of 59,305 homeless in municipal shelters in New York City alone (September 2015), some of which are veterans, still proudly wearing uniform pieces or holding signs pleading for help that detail their military service.

Final Reflections
America must respond to an inner moral call and rise by igniting an ethical renaissance.

The principles of character, compassion, and altruism must be the heartbeat of America.

When America’s heartbeat pulsates with putting the golden rule into action: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” the reawakening of the nation will begin its resuscitation.

America, let us honor verses from America the Beautiful, “O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country loved, And mercy more than life.”

Note Well:

Recommended Article by Vincent J. Bove: "Homeless Deserve Police Union Respect"

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. Veteran Jose Gonzalez pauses at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in New York City during the Memorial Day Observation on Monday, May 26, 2014. Gonzalez served in Vietnam 1968–1972. (Vincent J. Bove)
2. Jack on Fifth Avenue and 47th Street in the Diamond District on April 27, 2013. (Vincent J. Bove)
3. Homeless man sleeping while posting veteran sign, 31st Street between 6th and 7th avenue, Nov. 21, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)

Today in American History: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address

Today, as America commemorates the November 19, 1863 Gettysburg Address of Abraham Lincoln, we must pause to reignite character, ethics, and leadership back into the heart of our nation.

The following is an excerpt from my article titled Resuscitating America: Character, Ethics, Leadership released in The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine, April 2014 edition:

Lincoln: An Icon of Character

During speaking engagements with students, educators, and law enforcement personnel throughout the country, I am continually astounded at the detailed information individuals have on Abraham Lincoln; including specific dates from his life, the Civil War, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, his second inaugural, and his assassination by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theater in Washington, DC on April 14, 1865.

During one of my character education presentations, students from a 3rd grade class, were able to quote with admirable precision Lincoln's words from Gettysburg on November 19, 1863:

"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

In our troubled times, so besieged by violence, turmoil and scandal, Abraham Lincoln remains an icon of character, ethics, and leadership. From his early days of studying by the fireside as a young boy, to his presidency, Lincoln is worthy of emulation. His moral courage, patriotism, and perseverance in the face of great adversity serve as an example of what is needed in America's corruption, scandal, and violence. America must be fully committed to the lessons learned from Abraham Lincoln; perseverance, character, and transformation.

Character Education: Vital to America’s Future

“Within the character of the citizen lies the welfare of the nation.” — Cicero

It has taken generations for this culture of corruption to cultivate and it will take time for America’s transformation. This is why the enhancement of character education initiatives in our nation’s schools is paramount to America and must clearly be understood by all who are dedicated to transforming the nation. Since law enforcement officials are critical to this call as they work in partnership with school officials; their understanding of character education, a philosophy that teaches the habits of thought and deed that help people live and work together as families, friends, neighbors, communities, and nations, is essential.

As specified on the United States Department of Education website, Character education is a learning process that enables students and adults in a school community to understand, care about and act on core ethical values such as respect, justice, civic virtue and citizenship, and responsibility for self and others. Upon such core values, we form the attitudes and actions that are the hallmark of safe, healthy and informed communities that serve as the foundation of our society.

Details on Photo's in Blog
*Statue of Lincoln reading riding a horse titled "On the Circuit" by Anna Hyatt Huntington at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, New York. (Vincent J. Bove)
*Bust of Abraham Lincoln is by Daniel Chester French-photographed at the New York Historical Society, New York City. (Vincent J. Bove)

Paris Terror Demands America’s Vigilance

After the night of contemptuous terror attacks throughout Paris on Nov. 13, America must enhance security awareness, training, initiatives, and collaboration.

The heart of America is compassion, yet, as we pray for the victims, their families, and all the people of France, we must be vigilant.

These heartbreaking, coordinated, and cowardly attacks against France, are also attacks against humanity’s moral code.

Although there are no immediate treats against America in the wake of the Paris attacks, security must be heightened. This is especially critical during our holiday season when large crowds enjoy entertainment, traveling, dining, shopping, tourism, and corporate events.

Collaboration is Critical

Citizens, law enforcement, and private security professionals throughout the nation must have a collaborative mindset.

It is critical that suspicious activities are always immediately reported to the authorities.

Each person must have their eyes and ears wide open, wherever we are, and always act in a manner that exemplifies an abundance of caution.

These latest unprecedented attacks on seven locations in Paris demand complete adherence to the mantra, “if you see something, say something.”

Terrorism: Desecrating Humanity’s Moral Code

The article written for my Epoch Times, Feb. 27. 2015 column titled "Terrorism Concerns Accelerate: Protecting America,", is worthy of review.

The article concludes that “terrorism is a contemptuous evil against life, justice, and charity as well as a cowardly assault against human rights, moral law, and the dignity of humankind."

In a follow up to this article from March 6, 2015 titled "Understanding Islam Is Essential to Community Policing," I wrote “All who adhere to the great religions of the world understand that faith, hope, and charity are sacrosanct."

This article argued that “the true hallmark of any person who proclaims a life of faith is manifested through honoring the dignity of every human person.”

Terrorism is a heinous, barbaric, and cowardly act that desecrates the sacred.

Anyone who takes innocent human life in the name of religion commits the gravest sacrilege against faith. This desecration deserves the world’s most severe condemnation, resolve, and justice.

Taking innocent life in the name of faith dishonors the moral code at the heart of universal human rights, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

NYPD: Protecting and Serving

New York City is privileged to have one of America’s most respected law enforcement leaders in charge during these challenging times.

Commissioner William Bratton understands that terrorism is a very real threat in New York City. Bratton recently, emphatically, and correctly stated, “we still remain the number one terrorist target in the world, we believe.”

In response to this concern, Bratton introduced the NYPD’s newest Counter Terrorism team, the Critical Response Command (CRC), a new elite unit, at a news conference on Nov. 16.

The commissioner addressed the unit at the event, which will include over 500 members with high-tech weapons, vehicles, and other equipment, as well as canines.

The CRC is one facet of how the NYPD will enhance security throughout high profile targets throughout the city. This enhancement was immediately noticed with an increased police presence throughout the city immediately after the Paris attacks.

The NYPD, through its renowned NYPD SHIELD collaboration, is also offering training classes that include best recommendations for Active Shooter Incidents, Terrorism Awareness for Security Professionals, Detecting Hostile Surveillance, and Suspicious Mail and Packages.

The dedication of the NYPD, law enforcement, and private security professionals throughout the nation, deserves the public's appreciation, assistance, and respect.

As a public safety professional, I have supported the NYPD mission with my program titled "Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention." This has been conducted for museums, financial institutions, corporations, hospitals, properties, and colleges throughout NYC.


Final Reflections

Since the 14 years since 9/11, aggressive counterintelligence operations along with vigilant public assistance, at least 20 potential acts of terrorism have been thwarted by the NYPD.

America must be aggressive, collaborative, and dedicated to the reality of terror as reinforced through the Paris attacks.

On Jan. 1, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his “Four Freedoms Speech” to Congress on the State of the Union. His closing words are just as applicable today:

“This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its millions of free men and women; and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights or keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose. To that high concept there can be no end save victory.”

We must swiftly bring to justice anyone who would desecrate humanity’s moral code, and we must have hope that through leadership, vigilance, and collaboration, the evil of terror will be eradicated.

Note Well

Recommended Reading:

Paris Terror, New Yorkers, and Vigilance by Vincent J. Bove

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. Members of the NYPD Strategic Response Group and an NYPD officer stand guard in New York's Times Square on Nov. 18, 2015. Police officials said they've deployed extra units to crowded areas of the city in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. (Benjamin Chasteen/Epoch Times)
2. NYPD on post at Rockefeller Center, New York City, Oct. 10, 2014 (Vincent J. Bove)
3. Visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, Feb. 14, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)

Paris Terror Demands Heightened Collaboration

After the night of contemptuous terror attacks throughout Paris, America must increase security.

As we express condolences and pray for victims, their families, and all the people of France, we must be vigilant.

These heartbreaking, cowardly, and coordinated attacks against France, are also attacks against human decency demanding America's heightened vigilance. Security is critical especially during the holiday season when crowds enjoy entertainment, traveling, dining, and shopping.

Citizens, law enforcement officials, and private security professionals throughout America must work collaboratively. It is critical to immediately report suspicious activities to the authorities.

The NYPD will intensify security in crowded areas of the city, the French embassy, and related French government sites. But our dedicated law enforcement officials and private security professionals cannot do it alone. All of us must have our eyes and ears wide open and always act in a manner that exemplifies an abundance of caution.

Due to these unfolding events in Paris, my previous article on terrorism, as authored for the Feb. 25, 2015 edition of the Epoch Times is noted below. These latest unprecedented attacks demand awareness, collaboration, and a prevention mindset honoring the mantra, "if you see something, say something."

Terror Incidents Accelerate: Protecting America

Terrorism is a contemptuous evil against life, justice and charity as well as a cowardly assault against human rights, moral law and the dignity of humankind.

On Feb. 21, al-Shabaab, an East African affiliate to al-Qaida encouraged attacks-comparable to the Sept. 2013 Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya-on “America or Jewish-owned” facilities.

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, one of the nation’s most prominent, was specifically mentioned.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary was prompted to “warn the public to be vigilant” emphasizing that “anytime a terrorist organization calls for an attack on a specific place we’ve got to take that seriously…public vigilance, public awareness and public caution in situations like this is particularly important.”

Recent Terror Incidents, A Partial List

Feb 14-15: gunman opens fire at a Copenhagen café killing a civilian and wounding three police officers. Later, a Jewish community member was killed outside the Great Synagogue.
Feb 13: ISIS releases horrific video of Jordanian pilot being burned alive while caged.
Feb. 1: parents of Kayla Mueller, an American aid worker abducted by ISIS confirm she is dead.
February: although the exact date is unclear, 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians are beheaded by Islamic state militants.
Jan. 8: two heavily armed extremists enter the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo killing 12 including 2 police officers.
Oct. 22, 2014: a radical extremist charges four NYPD officers with a hatchet injuring two.

NYPD SHIELD
NYPD SHIELD held a conference at police headquarters on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 attended by hundreds of law enforcement and private security professionals.

The purpose of NYPD SHIELD is countering terrorism through information sharing by building collaboration between the public and private sector.

Nicholas J. Rasmussen, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center stressed that a formidable threat to our homeland hovers with brutal terrorists in more places than ever.

Rasmussen also emphasized that although law enforcement monitors homegrown terrorists, preventing attacks is difficult and the possibility of replicating the recent Paris attack is a concern.

NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton stated that terrorism has morphed into many directions with propaganda and social media used to inspire lone wolf attacks such as the hatchet attack against NYPD officers.

Michael Morell, former deputy director of the CIA, stated that threats to America’s homeland are categorized as:

•Complex simultaneous attacks that kill thousands
•Weapons of Mass Destruction
•Single attacks that kill hundreds
•Single attacks that kill dozens or less
•Unsophisticated lone wolf incidents

Morell stated lone wolf attack possibilities against America have never been greater and we must do everything to keep our enemies on the defense. He recommended evaluating Indonesia, a Muslim country that has done a remarkable job with minimizing extremism and radicalization.

The NYPD SHIELD program is an extraordinary collaboration dedicated to safeguarding New York. This unity of effort deserves participation by law enforcement and private security professionals not only here but nationwide.

Safeguarding New York

Complementing NYPD SHIELD, I have conducted numerous “Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention” keynotes to safeguard New York City.

The goal is to inspire ethical protectors, fully dedicated to reawakening the nation by safeguarding lives, property, and information.

Attendees included NYPD, FDNY, security directors, and property managers, as well as representatives from other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI.

Events focusing on safeguarding facilities and infrastructure included:

•museums hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
•financial institutions and corporations hosted by The New York Stock Exchange
•hospitals hosted by Rockefeller University
•commercial and residential properties hosted by The Union Club of New York
•colleges and universities hosted by both Columbia University and the New York Athletic Club

As with crisis management events nationwide—complemented by published works including this Epoch Times weekly column—these initiatives serve to provide the tools needed to safeguard society.

The practical tools include physical, personnel, and procedural security but have ethics, honor, and valor as foundational principles.

Finally, all members of our communities are needed to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement officials as we are all in this together.

Note Well:
Due to the current dynamics of terrorism, this blog has been updated and revised from its original version, which remains posted on www.vincentbove.com as well as in the publication section of Linkedin.

Recommended Reading:

Paris Terror, New Yorkers, and Vigilance by Vincent J. Bove

Join my Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Modified as originally authored for Vincent’s weekly column (Feb. 27, 2015) titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. NYPD presence at Consulate General of France, Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 13, 2015. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. NYPD on post at Rockefeller Center, Oct. 10, 2014. Regarding the Feb. 21, 2015 ‘threat’ NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information Stephen Davis stated, “We are aware of the recent ‘threat’ and we have been in touch with our international and federal liaisons. Although there is no direct threats against New York City, as well as no credible intelligence of such, we have taken appropriate precautionary measures, such as alerting our Critical Response Vehicles and our ‘Hercules’ (special counter-terrorism) Teams. This is something we regularly do in response to terror incidents/threats in other areas of the world that may impact New York City.” (Vincent J. Bove)

3. Vincent's cover story for The Chief of Police, Spring 2015 edition was an expanded version of this blog. The magazine cover photo shows the NYPD presence at Saint Patrick's Cathedral. (cover photo by Vincent J. Bove)

4. NYPD SHIELD attendees listening to opening remarks of John J. Miller, Deputy Commissioner Intelligence & Counterterrorism on Feb 17. Miller began the conference stating that major incidents are no longer month-to-month but accelerating day-to-day and even minute-to-minute. (Vincent J. Bove)

4. Visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Feb. 14, 2015. The MET along with museums throughout NYC sent security management to Vincent’s keynote on museum security hosted by MoMA on May 16, 2013. (Vincent J. Bove)

Reawakening the Nation: Building Bridges

On Thursday, November 12, 2015, I was privileged to serve the ASIS International Southern Connecticut Chapter as keynote speaker for their annual public safety appreciation night.

The event, held at the Continental Manor in Norwalk Connecticut, was attended by over 100 law enforcement, public safety, security professionals, and community leaders.

During my keynote titled Reawakening the Nation: Building Bridges, I stressed that America's response to the head on collision of violence and scandals throughout society must be character, ethics, and leadership.

America's Crisis of Leadership

The crisis of leadership was depicted with examples including the following:

• Massive and pervasive arrests, indictments, convictions, and imprisonments of public officials throughout every level of government.
• Continuous corporate fraud cases including Enron, WorldCom, Purdue Pharma L.P., the narcissistic arrogance of Lehman’s Brothers Richard Fuld, and the long tentacles of Bernard Madoff’s $50 billion swindle that wreaked havoc on many lives.
• Scandals within the world of sports including Major League Baseball, the National Football League, FIFA, and Olympic champions.
• The sexual abuse of children in the Roman Catholic Church compounded by disgraceful cover-ups from bishops who failed to protect society from contemptuous crimes that screamed to heaven for justice.
• Scandals against our veterans who have borne the battle yet suffer from deplorable healthcare deficiencies, unemployment, and homelessness.
• Entertainment stars involved with substance abuse, domestic violence, and shootings.

America's Culture of Violence

The crisis of violence was depicted with events including the following:

• Sexual assaults of teenagers by their peers with reprehensible postings of the attacks posted online that led to heart-breaking suicides of numerous victims.
• Horrific incidents of school and campus violence including Columbine, Virginia Tech, Newtown, and Yale University where a murdered student’s missing body was found on what would have been her wedding day.
• Senseless workplace violence massacres including the killing of 14 at a Binghamton, New York Immigration Office, the killing of 12 people during a Batman movie in Colorado, and the Navy Yard mass shooting that left 13 dead.
• On-going violence at houses of worship, once considered sanctuary, including the horrific killing of nine people at an historic Charleston, South Carolina church.
• Senseless acts of terrorism including the Boston Marathon attack, 9/11, the lone-wolf attack of NYPD officers, and the killing of 4 Marines and a Sailor in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
• Continuous police officer fatalities who died while faithfully protecting and serving our communities.

Responding to the Crisis: Character, Ethics, Leadership

After painting a picture of the reality of violence and scandals taking place in society, I presented solutions which ethics and leadership training for law enforcement, corporations, and government officials as well as enhanced character education programs for America's schools.

During the event, numerous law enforcement officials were recognized including Officer Michael O'Sullivan for his career achievements with domestic violence prevention, and Sgt. Garrett Kruger and Officer Kelly Haddy for valor and heroism.

In particular, I was greatly impressed with my encounter with Rodger Connor Jr., an EMS officer who was a first-responder to the Newtown, Connecticut tragedy and took command of the EMS. Roger represents the best of America for his selflessness, courage, and altruism in responding to an unimaginable tragedy.

This outstanding young man was a sobering reminder of that fateful day at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. America must forever remain dedicated to eradicating violence and honor the memory of all who perished, their families, and heroes like Rodger who respond to trails in society with courage, compassion, and dedication.

Gratitude

I would also like to express my gratitude for the entire executive board of the ASIS International Southern Connecticut chapter for their generosity with making copies of my newest book, Listen To Their Cries, possible for attendees.

Finally, I would like to especially thank Co-Chairman Felix Giannini of the chapter, whose leadership made my keynote possible.

Photo
Rodger Connor Jr, EMS Officer of the Newtown Ambulance Squad with Vincent J. Bove.

Note Well
Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heroes

As America commemorates Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11, our nation must pause to honor the heroes who have rendered military service.

America must be eternally grateful for the sacrifices, dedication, and patriotism of our veterans.

Today, as in generations past, courageous military personnel are living heroically. They are carrying the torch of freedom, democracy, and liberty for America and securing peace throughout the world.

Let us honor them with our appreciation, respect, and prayers.

Air Force
The mission of the U.S. Air Force is to fly, fight, and win … in air, space, and cyberspace.

Achieving this mission demands that the Air Force has a vision of global vigilance, with these core values as the foundation:
•Integrity first
•Service before self
•Excellence in all that we do

One of the many inspirational U.S. military stories is of the Tuskegee Airmen.
More than 50 years after they helped defeat Hitler and the Nazis in World War II, a group of these African-American heroes were justly awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on March 29, 2007, at a White House ceremony.

They fought two wars, one against an evil totalitarian force oversees and another against unjust racism on American soil. At a time when African-Americans could not eat, be educated, ride in the front of the bus, or use public restrooms with whites, these patriots bravely served America.

Army
As detailed on its website the mission of the U.S. Army is to fight and win the wars of America by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across a full range of military operations.

Currently, there are more than 675,000 soldiers in today’s Army, which includes 488,000 active duty and 189,000 in the reserve.

The Army is engaged in worldwide operations including humanitarian assistance, peacekeeping, and direct combat. Enlisted army soldiers are critical to the Army mission, always ready to directly carry out orders.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur eloquently expressed “duty, honor, country” as the hallowed heart of the Army during his May 12, 1962, speech at West Point.

Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard is the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security. It has protected our nation’s maritime interests and environments worldwide since 1790.

Our Coast Guard is a military force of maritime professionals protecting our rivers, ports, littoral regions and high seas.

Currently, there are 42,000 active duty members dedicated to readiness as America’s maritime guardians. The Coast Guard motto is “Semper Paratus” (“Always Ready”) and its core values are honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Marine Corps
The U.S. Marines have been America’s expeditionary force since 1775. The Marines are “Semper Fidelis” (“Always Faithful”) and dedicated to leadership on the battlefield and as citizens when returning to America’s communities.

The core values of the Marines are
• Honor: a code of personal integrity to do what is right when no one is watching.
• Courage: the guardian of all values expressed through mental, physical, and ethical strength.
• Commitment: a spirit of determination that compels the Marine to persevere when others quit.
• Ductus Exemplo: a Latin term translated as “lead by example,” the heart of the Marines character.

Navy
The mission of the U.S. Navy is to maintain, train, and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and maintaining freedom of the seas.

The Navy motto is cited as “Non sibi sed patriae” (“Not self but country”) and its core values are:
•Honor: conducting oneself with the highest ethical principles.
•Courage: living with moral and mental strength to do what is right
•Commitment: dedication to the highest degree of moral character

Final Reflection
The legacy of America urges us to appreciate all veterans who have honored our nation through their service. When we are grateful for the heroism, patriotism, and sacrifices of our veterans we are on the course to reawakening the nation.

As published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" in the Friday, Nov. 7, 2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

Photos
1. U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Carl Zador interacts with Afghan children near Patrol Base Atull in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Nov. 20, 2011. Zabor is assigned to the 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group Forward. (Courtesy U.S. Marine Corps by Lance Cpl. Jessica S. Gonzalez)
2. U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles fly over wild land fires following a routine training mission. (Courtesy U.S. Air Force)
3. U.S. Army Capt. John Turner, of Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, interacts with an Iraqi child at Forward Operating Base Lion near Baqouba, Iraq, on Aug. 19, 2009. U.S. soldiers helped fit the boy and six other children with wheelchairs donated by a U.S. charity. (Courtesy Department of Defense by Petty Officer 1st Class Kirk Worley, U.S. Navy)
4. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell stands at attention among pallets of seized cocaine during an award ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. (Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard by Petty Officer 2nd Class Connie Terrell)
5. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kimberley Ryan holds hands with Afghan children as they walk to the local children’s shura near Forward Operating Base Jackson in the Sangin district of Afghanistan’s Helmand Province on Jan. 20, 2012. Ryan is the team leader assigned to the Marine Headquarters Group, Female Engagement Team. The team, along with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, has been conducting shuras, or classes, to provide area citizens with a variety of educational opportunities. (Courtesy U.S. Marine Corps, Cpl Ed Galo)

America’s Next President Demands an Ethical Protector

As detailed in my article titled “America’s Next President Needs to Have Altruistic Leadership” for the August 13, 2015 edition of the Epoch Times, the campaign for our next commander-in-chief is accelerating.

America’s concerns are inseparable from the international community and our next president must be able to remedy concerns at home that include the following: civil rights, criminal justice, economics, employment, environmental degradation, healthcare, human rights, hunger, immigration, peaceful coexistence, policing, and poverty.

These issues are critical to America, demanding character, ethics, and persuasive leadership as the heartbeat of our president. These presidential qualities must not only serve America, but allow our country to be a model of decency for peoples of all nations.

America’s Ethical Crisis: An Honest Assessment

America’s next president must be an ethical protector with a heartbeat of compassion, character, and courage that remedies moral deficiencies throughout society.

Our nation’s ethical crisis can easily be assessed by the continual cases of public corruption documented on the FBI website.

These cases over the last few weeks alone, expose an ethical crisis including the following:

• Convicted Former Parole Officer Sentenced for Accepting Money from a Parolee Under Her Supervision.
• Army Captain Pleads Guilty to Gratuities Charge.
• Former Orleans Parish Board Employee Sentenced for Conspiring to Commit Federal Bribery and Honest Services Wire Fraud.
• Former Sergeant with Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Civil Rights Case Stemming from Beating of Jail Visitor.
• Statement of United States Attorney’s Office Following the Guilty Plea of Former Speaker of the House John Dennis Hastert.

America’s Renewal, Restoration, Rejuvenation

As detailed in my presentations throughout America since 1999, our ethical deficiencies are crystallized not only through government corruption, but also through corporate, entertainment, sports, and even faith-based scandals.

America will be on the path of renewal, restoration, and rejuvenation only when our president is able to inspire an ethical society devoted to social responsibility, moral courage, patriotic values, and inspirational character.

Our next president must live by ethical principles, which includes the following:

• Ethics is grounded in moral self-confidence developed by understanding, fortitude, and respect for others.
• Ethics is acutely aware of the efficacy of truth, honor, and valor and the destructiveness of deception, selfishness, and arrogance.
• Ethics always opposes the immorality of injustice and disrespect toward anyone.
• Ethics understands that influence is only possible when credibility is enhanced by character, the virtue necessary for persuasion.
• Ethics is service, responding to the needs of community through humility, dignity, and honesty.
• Ethics possesses extraordinary compassion, empathy, and sensitivity that is always sincere and never superficial. It has wisdom forged through tribulation and is dedicated without compromise to alleviating human suffering.

The Ethical Protector: Heartbeat of the President

In another Epoch Times column titled “NYPD Mission: Develop 35,000 Ethical Protectors” published on August 1, 2014, I wrote that “ethics is the law of right conduct and must be paramount in law enforcement's mission to protect and serve society.”

The article was written because ethical training initiatives must be world class for police due to their responsibilities to communities and the nation.

But this ethical protector principle is not only applicable to our nation’s law enforcement professionals, under societies microscope due to recent controversies. America’s president, and all who seek public office, must also be ethical protectors because of their responsibility to protect and serve society.

As the presidential campaign, along with all seeking elected office, now starts firing on all cylinders, the principle of being ethical protectors is paramount.

This concept is punctuated not only in my leadership initiatives, but in an outstanding conflict resolution ethical protector certification by Resolution Group International. This program is based on ethical ideals of the U.S. Marine Corps that inspires ethics and personal integrity.

The heart of the program is critical to America’s commander-in-chief and all public servants; “Wherever I go, everyone is a little safer because I am there. Wherever I am, anyone in need has a friend. Whenever I return home, everyone is happy I am there. It's a better life!" from the Warrior's Creed by Robert L. Humphrey.

Final Reflections

America’s next president must be able to realign the nation, inspire an ethical society, and ignite moral courage in the heart of the nation.

This will only be possible with a moral compass that inspires altruism, character, and compassion.

American presidential candidates, the eyes of the nation and the world are upon you, and demand your dedication to the principles of an ethical protector.

Note Well

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

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As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. A photo of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Bboserup/iStock)

2. A visitor to an exhibit at the Lincoln Memorial walks past an image of Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C., on April 1, 2015. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

3. The sculptures of U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln at Mount Rushmore National Memorial. (Dean Franklin/CC-BY)

Police in Schools: Safeguarding America, Building Character

Since the Columbine tragedy on April 20, 1999, one of my professional responsibilities has been safeguarding American schools.

Administrators, teachers, counselors, threat assessment teams, security officials, school board members, community leaders, students, and law enforcement officials, and in particular, school resource officers (SRO), have attended my presentations nationwide.

During my presentations, I have always stressed that the SRO represents one of the most important school violence prevention, character education, and community policing initiatives.

The importance of the SRO has also been highlighted in my board certified security vulnerability assessments for school districts.

Recent SRO Scandal: An Anomaly

These are challenging times for police-community relations due to controversies that have included Ferguson, Staten Island, Baltimore, and South Carolina.

The Oct. 26 incident of an SRO representing the Richmond County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina exacerbated negative police-community publicity.

In graphic video’s taken by students, the SRO is viewed slamming a female high school student to the floor from her desk and then dragging her across the room.

This dehumanizing act, as a response to an ordinary discipline problem, rightfully led to the immediate termination of the SRO by the Sheriff.

The mission of the Sheriff’s Department of “enriching community trust through high standards of excellence” was respected by holding the SRO accountable for his shameful actions.

Nevertheless, this brutality breached the sacred trust between an SRO and one entrusted to his protection, and cast unfavorable light on the outstanding efforts of SRO’s nationwide.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 46,000 full-time and 36,000 part-time SRO’s in America. These professionals conduct countless of acts of respect, and deserve accountability from those who violate their noble mission.

The sheriff proved that there is a way to do the right thing with transparency, responsibility, and integrity. There are ethical policing principles that must stand against any misguided blue wall of silence, or denial that tarnishes the shield.

The immediate termination of this SRO honored the dignity of SRO values and respected the principles of community policing. America’s police must be ethical protectors and continually cultivate honor, courtesy, and respect.

The SRO: Protect and Educate

According to the document, “To Protect & Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools,” published by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), these are some activities to which an SRO is assigned:

*Meeting with principals each morning to exchange information gathered from parents, community members, and social media to detect potential spill-over of threats, drug activity, and other behavior onto campus.
*Meeting with campus and community social workers to understand when and how at home issues may be motivating a student's disruptive behavior in order to work with school staff to ensure effective and supportive responses.
*Listening to students' concerns about bullying by other students and taking those problems to school administrators to help develop solutions.
*Providing counseling and referrals when sex-abuse victims turn to them for help because of the relationship of trust officers have built with the students.
*Coordinating additional law enforcement resources to assist with large public events on school campuses such as athletic events, dances and community functions.
*Working with school administrators to keep the Schools Emergency Management Plan updated.
*Scheduling emergency drills in conjunction with other local agencies.
*Conducting intervention programs for the purpose of counseling victims and friends of victims of campus violence.
*Coordinating and funding programs for students-in-need that provide rides to school, school uniforms, school lunches, and supplies for home, food, and holiday gifts.
*Coordinating a variety of community service activities with students that include spending time with the elderly at local nursing homes, running soup kitchens for the needy, hosting dances with student groups, and weekend field trips.

Final Reflections

In my article titled “America’s 21st Century Teacher: Security, Character, Pedagogy,” for the Aug. 28, 2015 edition of the Epoch Times, I stressed that education is the heart of America’s future.

When our teachers and police collaborate to enhance security, character, and the preventive system of education, we will inspire our youth to carry the torch of America’s decency.

The SRO is a priceless component of violence prevention and character education for our schools. This initiative affords the opportunity not only for violence prevention and education but also promotes a positive image of law enforcement to our nation’s youth.

Our schools should do everything possible to have an SRO program and law enforcement should be fully committed with the most qualified, trained, certified, and dedicated professionals available.

Note Well

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

As authored for Vincent’s weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times, 35 countries, 21 languages and growing.

Photos
1. (Courtesy Atlanta Public Schools)
2. (Courtesy U.S. Department of Justice, COPS Office)
3. (Courtesy City of Aurora, Colorado)
4. (Courtesy U.S. Department of Justice, COPS Office)