With Honor and Leadership the US Army Protects America

As detailed on the official U.S. Army website, “the Army, as one of the three military departments (Army, Navy, and Air Force) reporting to the Department of Defense, is composed of two distinct and equally important components: the active component and the reserve components. These reserve components are the United States Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.”

The heart of the mission of the U.S. Army is “to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.”

Captain William D. Swenson: Medal of Honor Recipient

Since the U.S. Army story is one of great magnitude spanning America’s entire history, perhaps the best way to crystalize through a story.

This story is of Captain William D. Swenson, a Medal of Honor recipient. He was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes on Oct. 16, 2016 after serving one tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat and it is bestowed sparingly only to the bravest of the brave.

The complete details of Captain Swenson’s gallantry can be gleaned from the Medal of Honor pages of the U.S. Army website. Yet, these words by the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army memorialize Captain Swenson’s valor:

“Captain Swenson embodies the essence of a Soldier and represents what every man and woman who dons this uniform strives to be: an individual who has earned the trust of all with whom they associate; one who possesses a humility and selflessness that we all respect; one who embraces esprit de corps and routinely demonstrates a dedication to his profession that epitomizes the ethos of the American Soldier. In the face of imminent danger, he never quit. He always put his mission first. He never accepted defeat. And above all else, he never left his fallen comrades. Just as he was there for them that day, his friends, his band of brothers are here for him today.”

The story of Captain Swenson epitomizes the heroism of those honoring America through sacrifices. It is essential that this hero, and all have responded to the call of valor are eternally honored.

Honor America’s Fallen

We would be remiss, especially in the shadows of the anniversary of 9/11, to not pause to honor the fallen.

According to the Military Times (MT), the toll of those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraq Freedom, and Operation New Dawn demands our reverence.

Although these statistics may not be totally accurate, they give insight to America’s sacrifices. The most current statistics according to the MT database is 6,897 fatalities, of which 4,980 were members of the U.S. Army.

United States Military Academy: Inspiring Character

The heart of training for commissioned leaders of the U.S. Army takes place at the United States Military Academy (USMA), commonly referred to as West Point.

As detailed in my article titled “West Point Cadets: Honor, Leadership, America”, published in the Apr. 22, 2016 edition of the Epoch Times, the USMA has been “developing, motivating, and inspiring America’s leaders of character for 200 years.”

Although West Point is internationally renowned for its academic, military, patriotic, and fitness programs, the heart of its educational pedagogy is character.

The West Point Mission is “To educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.”

It has been my honor to be involved with numerous character development initiatives at West Point for the past ten years.

These have included three years as a speaker, mentor, and senior leader for their National Conference on Ethics in America.

Other initiatives included my speaking engagements with Lt. General Robert L. Caslen Jr., superintendent of the USMA. These involved our presentations for an FBI management retreat as well as for “The Inaugural New Jersey Conference: Character, Ethics, Leadership.” This filled to capacity conference for over 250 law enforcement officials was hosted by The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey on May 12, 2014.

Every initiative I have been privileged to participate in has always inspired a renewed appreciation for the U.S. Army, and all dedicated to serving in America’s armed forces.

Final Reflections

America is deservingly proclaimed as “the land of the free and home of the brave.”

This proclamation is possible only because of all who honorably serve the nation in the U.S. Army and all our armed forces.

Our nation must eternally honor their sacrifices, dedication, and valor.

These patriots, as exemplified through the mission of the U.S. Army, are the ethical protectors of America’s freedom.

As the gathering storm intensifies with discord among nations, may all people of good will pray and work for peace.

Yet, let us also pray for members of the U.S. Army, and all who serve the nation. These patriots stand ready to exercise America’s sacrosanct right to protect ourselves and all people of moral decency.

In closing, I would like to honor members of my family who served America in the U.S. Army, as well as in the U.S. Military. 

These patriots included Joseph M. Rufino (Vietnam War), Mario James Rufino (World War II), Anthony Louis Mirando (Korean War), Felice Bove (World War II), Albert Liquorie (World War II), Michael Liquore (World War II), Joseph Cirrito (World War II), Biagio Gus Colletti (World War I), Vincent A. Bove (U. S. Navy / Korean War), Gori DeMarco (U. S. Navy / Korean War) and his sons Daren D. DeMarco and Jori DeMarco (U.S. Marines), Ralph Castaldi (National Guard and Army Reserves / Activated during Vietnam War), and Armond Longobardo (U.S. Army / Vietnam War). *  All denote U. S. Army unless otherwise noted. 

I would also like to recognize these six friends who served in the U.S. Military and are like brothers.  

Robert Kelly (New Jersey Air National Guard), Nicholas Breiner (New Jersey Air National Guard), Thomas A. Cignarella (U.S. Army / Korean War), Anthony Damiani (U.S. Army), Pat Fay (USMC / Vietnam War) and Daniel X. McCaffrey (U.S. Army) are the most loyal friends imaginable. 

Each of them is as family to me as any person could ever hope for.

Related Coverage:

Armed Forces: Honor, Leadership, Protecting America

America’s Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes

Life Lessons From the United States Military

Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

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

Vincent is author of 250 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing. As a national speaker, he has addressed audiences nationwide on issues critical to America including ethical leadership, violence prevention, and crisis planning.

Photos

1. Paratroopers of 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, perform airborne operations at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 24, 2017. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Love)

2. President Barack Obama presents the Medal of Honor to former Army Capt. William D. Swenson, citing his extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Ganjgal, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. (Photo Credit: Lisa Ferdinando via U.S. Army website)

3. Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in the graveside service for U.S. Army Sgt. Willie Rowe at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 8, 2017. Rowe was missing in action, Nov. 25, 1950, after an offensive to push North Koreans to the Yala River in the Ch'ongch'on River region. He was identified by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command Central Identification laboratory in May 2005. Rowe's remains were repatriated in Section 60 with full military honors. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser)

4. U.S. Army Major Ryan Boeka (L) and U.S. Army Major Aaron Miller (R) lead West Point Cadets through Empty Sky, the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial, in Liberty State Park, Jersey City, on April 14, 2016. (Vincent J. Bove)

5. 2nd Lt. Ty Roberts from the 35th Infantry Division, helps hand out school supplies and candy to children of the Khalileh Tribe during a community engagement event near the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Centre, Aug. 18, 2017. The project was a cooperation between U.S. service members in Jordan and the Jordan Armed Forces -- Arab Army aimed at building strong relationships between the armed forces and local community members. (Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Margaret Ziffer)

6. Joseph M. Rufino, US Army. (Courtesy Margaret Settiducati)

October 2009 Initiatives: Character, Achievement, Crisis Planning

Bergen Community College Faculty Association
Transforming a Campus: Leadership, Vigilance, Collaboration
October 14, 2009

The Bergen Community College Faculty Association, in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association held a workshop dinner for 300 faculty and staff of the college on Wednesday, October 14, 2009.

As the keynote speaker for the event, I presented Transforming a Campus: Leadership, Vigilance, Collaboration. The presentation highlighted an honest review of contemporary concerns of violence and crisis situations at American campuses. It also emphasized the importance of sound crisis preparedness and threat assessment principles.

The U.S. Department of Education document titled Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities as well as the U.S. Secret Service document Threat Assessment in Schools: A Guide to Managing Threatening Situations and to Creating Safe School Climates were punctuated throughout the presentation.

An honest overview of the Virginia Tech Tragedy was also made since it represents unique insights on crisis management and threat assessment deficiencies.

Morris County Council of Education Associations
Creating a Culture of Character and Achievement
October 15, 2009

On Thursday, October 15, 2009, the Morris County Council of Education Associations held a dinner workshop at Zeris Inn in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. As the invited speaker for the event, I presented a program titled: Creating a Culture of Character and Achievement.

The program included interaction from educators from schools throughout Morris County and highlighted practical programs that have contributed to a culture of character and achievement in their schools and districts.

National Conference on Ethics in America at West Point
Senior Leader
October 21, 2009

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009 I had the privilege to return for my third consecutive year to the National Conference on Ethics in America at the United States Military Academy to serve as a Senior Leader.  The theme for this year's conference was Sharing with Integrity. 

The goal of the conference for college delegates from throughout the nation is threefold:

1. FOSTER a national conscience and awareness of ethical behavior in the undergraduate community.
2. ENHANCE collegiate code of ethics and honor systems through the diversity of experiences and value systems of students from colleges and universities.
3. ENDOW students with opportunities to discuss issues of character and integrity with athletes, business and government officials and leaders of character across varying fields of enterprise in order to take-away invaluable lessons and experiences.

Bergen County Education Association
Creating a Culture of Character and Achievement
October 21, 2009

In the evening, I traveled to Teaneck, New Jersey to deliver a keynote titled Creating a Culture of Character and Achievement to over 200 educators of the Bergen County Education Association.  This event was a follow up to my previous keynote for their association titled Transforming Our Schools: The Heart and Brick of School Security.

National Conference on Ethics in America 2008

On October 19, 2008, 180 college delegates representing 62 colleges and universities from throughout the United States began arriving at the United States Military Academy for the 2008 National Conference on Ethics in America.

Welcome from Jordan Morfitt
Chairman of NCEA 2008
From the Conference Guide

Welcome to the twenty-third annual Class of 1970 National Conference on Ethics in America. It is very exciting to be able to gather such a diverse group of students from around the country to discuss ethical issues affecting our country. With so much focus on the degradation of ethics in our society, this conference can be a demonstration of the great potential that still exists for young people to have a positive ethical impact on society.

The intent of the conference is threefold. The first goal of the conference is to develop a national awareness of ethical behavior in the undergraduate community. The second goal of the conference is to improve collegiate codes of ethics and honor systems across the nation by drawing on the experiences and value systems of students from various colleges and universities. The third and final goal of the conference is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss issues of character and integrity with proven athletes, business and government officials, as well as leaders of character across varying fields of enterprise.

The theme for this year is Serving with Integrity. Our Founding Fathers built this nation on a strong set of moral values. They put their lives, objectives and even loved ones at jeopardy in order to carry out their just cause. Today is no different; every day students face a multitude of ethical dilemmas. Whether it is cheating on a test, using fake identification, or knowing when to intervene on a distasteful situation, ethical decisions are an integral part of our lives. By sharing personal philosophies and collectively addressing ethical issues with students from a variety of academic environments, we can increase our awareness of ethical challenges and the different moral philosophies that govern people's decisions. This awareness will undoubtedly lead to a better understanding of the ethical dilemmas that face our country and help us to design solutions to these dilemmas. We will not change the world at this conference, but through thoughtful discussion and by imparting to one another a better understanding of the ethical dilemmas that face our country, I believe we can empower each and every delegate to make a change on his or her campus.

On Monday, October 20 the conference speakers began to address the attendees including Brigadier General Michael Linnington, Commandant of Cadets at the United States Military Academy and Colonel (Ret.) Len Marella, President of the Center for Leadership and Ethics.

Brigadier General Linnington thanked the United States Military Academy class of 1970 for presenting the conference and whose class motto Serve with Integrity was the inspiration for the theme of this year's conference.

The commandant also thanked the professionals from the Simon Center for the Professional Military Ethic at West Point, namely Colonel Doug Boone, Director of the Center and LT. Colonel Tim Sullivan, the Deputy Director and the NCEA Conference Officer in Charge.

Brigadier General Linnington stated that the USMA's mission of developing leaders of character is taken very seriously so that cadets have the training, education and inspiration they need to serve in the United States Army.

After the commandant, Len Marella share some thoughts from his book, In Search of Ethics, which all attendees received through the generosity of the class of 1970. Some of the thoughts Marella shared included:

• The importance of listening to others not only with our ears and mind but with our heart
• Serving others is the key to happiness
• Leaders of character seek to discover the truth, decide what is right and demonstrate the courage and commitment to act accordingly
• Character is a sum of the moral qualities that constitute the nature of a leader and shape the way one acts

In concluding his introductory remarks, Mr. Marella spoke about the importance of moral courage. He encouraged participants to renewed dedication to moral courage, commitment, ethics, character and leadership.

As the speaker who initiated the afternoon proceedings, my presentation title Reawakening the Heart of America through Leadership, Vigilance and Collaboration was delivered, which was complimented by the distribution of my book Listen To Their Cries to all attendees through the generosity of the Class of 1970.

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION

REAWAKENING THE HEART OF AMERICA THROUGH
LEADERSHIP, VIGILANCE AND COLLABORATION

Our nation has suffered for too many years a crisis of leadership. We must dedicate ourselves to a renewal of character, courage and compassion and a transformation of America which must ignite through the character of the youth of America.

This presentation will inspire college and university students to a renewed dedication to the privilege and responsibility of living a life of character, positively influencing their communities, campuses and families and serving others, especially those most in need.

AGENDA

• Why Are We Here?
  • Foundations of Leadership
• Culture of Gratification
  • Crisis of Leadership
  • Culture of Violence
  • Shattered Communities
  • Filling the Void
• Reawakening the Heart of America
  • Progress and Priorities
  • Ingredients for Transformation
  • The Altruism Factor
• Character: the Heart of the Matter
• Call To Action
• Tribute to American Military
• Conclusion

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 1 of 5)

The United States Military Academy's National Conference on Ethics in America is an extraordinary venue that informs, instructs and inspires undergraduate students who exhibit the qualities of character, commitment, honesty, courage, discipline and who have the passion to serve our nation. The theme for the 22nd annual conference, held in October 2007, was Providing the Nation with Citizens of Character.

Principles of Character

As an educator dedicated to the transformation of our nation through character and leadership development, I was privileged to serve the conference as mentor and facilitator. This unique role gave me the opportunity to interact with professionals dedicated to our nation’s youth and to exchange ethical concerns, principles, and solutions with the remarkable young people who participated. These individuals exhibit great promise for the future of our nation. Their personal and collective reflections on the principles of character were extremely inspirational.

Conference Objectives

As specified in the guidebook’s opening remarks by Cooper Bradley, Chairman of the NCEA, the conference provides the platform to address and solve significant ethical issues in society with a threefold objective:

1. The first goal of the conference is to develop a national awareness of ethical behavior in the undergraduate community.
2. The second goal of the conference is to improve collegiate codes of ethics and honor systems across the nation by drawing on the experiences and value systems of students from various colleges and universities.
3. The third and final goal of the conference is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss issues of character and integrity with proven athletes, business and government officials, as well as leaders of character across varying fields of enterprise.

Diversity of Academic Institutions Represented

Although this outstanding event was held at West Point, it was not a military philosophy development venue. It provided a dynamic learning environment and promoted the sharing of ideas.

Attendees represented wide range of academic disciplines including government, law, medicine, science, engineering, education, business and the military. Academic institutions represented included:

• Brigham Young
• Duke
• Fordham
• Georgia Military Academy
• Maine Military Institute
• Marion Military Institute
• New Mexico Military Institute
• North Carolina Central
• Northwestern
• Texas A&M
• The Citadel
• U.S. Air Force Academy
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy
• U.S. Military Academy
• U.S. Naval Academy
• University of Alaska
• University of Florida
• University of San Francisco
• University of Wyoming
• Valley Forge Military College
• Villanova
• Virginia Military Institute
• Virginia Tech
• Wake Forest

Timeless Principles

Surrounded by the historic setting of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the interaction of attendees and mentors created a bond and balance through viewpoints that consistently complimented the timeless principles of ethics, leadership and character. The autumn foliage in the magnificent mountains of New York, coupled with the high energy of a new school year, enhanced the conference experience.

And one must not lose the significance of the cadet honor code

"A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do"

to this conference.

The future of America depends on leaders of character and the National Conference on Ethics in America is doing its part to prepare individuals to fill those roles.

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 2 of 5)

On Monday, October 22, 2007, the National Conference on Ethics in America moved into full action mode with opening remarks by Lieutenant General Franklin L. Hagenbeck, Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, who spoke about justice, rule of law, ethics, honesty, integrity, and honor as precepts essential to being an American.

Citizens of Character

After the inspiring words of Lt. General Hagenbeck, Len Marella, a graduate of West Point and the founder and president of the Center for Leadership and Ethics, discussed the importance of developing citizens of character as the defining issue of our time. "Citizens of character seek to discover truth and decide what is right."

Mr. Marella used the words of President Theodore Roosevelt to make his point,

"To educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society."

Character must be continually developed and is inseparable from competence in order for one to be a successful leader. "When competent individuals in any level of human development or organization behave without character, the results are always negative."

Mr. Marella also explained that the foundation to character and competence is trust. "Trust is the foundation of character and essential to leadership, marriage, friendship, employer and employees as well as to all relationships."

In concluding his introductory remarks, Mr. Marella spoke about the importance of moral courage. He encouraged participants to renewed dedication to moral courage, commitment, ethics, character and leadership and shared with them a practical approach to consider for personal development:

• WATCH YOUR THOUGHTS
  – THEY BECOME YOUR WORDS
• WATCH YOUR WORDS
  – THEY BECOME YOUR ACTIONS
• WATCH YOUR ACTIONS
  – THEY BECOME YOUR HABITS
• WATCH YOUR HABITS
  – THEY BECOME YOUR CHARACTER
• WATCH YOUR CHARACTER
  – IT BECOMES YOUR DESTINY

Athletes of Character

Next on the agenda, Eric Alexander, an extreme athlete, shared his experiences of scaling the 29,035 summit of Mr. Everest with the audience. Prior to the climb, Alexander struggled with pneumonia and the death of his best friend. He also survived a 150 foot fall, developed pulmonary edema and needed to be airlifted to safety while training. He persevered because he wanted to help a blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer, reach the top. Mr. Alexander defied all odds against him and successfully climbed Mt. Everest with his friend Erik.

During his presentation, Alexander showed a video clip of his friend Erik trusting totally in voice directives as he walked across a ladder spanning a deep cavern, holding onto ropes and taking steps to precisely set his ice boots on the ladder rungs. The clip dramatically highlighted the virtues of courage and trust. Eric Alexander then explained that character is the foundation of the recipe success and discussed other qualities he felt were necessary ingredients:

• Courage to Serve Despite Fear
• Faith and Trust
• Teamwork
• Leadership and Integrity
• Perseverance

After the introductory remarks and plenary presentation, participants broke into small groups with their mentors. My group, comprised of students from the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, University of San Francisco, Marion Military Institute, Bradley University, Wake Forest, Claremont McKenna College, Valley Forge Christian College, University of Florida and the University of Wyoming, had a spirited discussion on the character of Eric Alexander. The selfless actions of Mr. Alexander were seen in contrast to the scandalous behavior of many professional athletes.

The group expressed their hope that the media would present stories of athletes of character, not just cover who wins and the sensational stories of negative behavior.

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 3 of 5)

The Monday afternoon session began with a plenary lecture by Colonel Donna Brazil, Director of Psychology Studies at the United States Military Academy. Colonel Brazil is a 1983 West Point graduate who holds a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Psychology from the University of North Carolina. Besides serving the U.S. Army in numerous command and staff assignments stateside and internationally, she currently serves West Point as Academy Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership.

Social Responsibility

Addressing the issues of social responsibility, Colonel Brazil stressed the importance of being fully dedicated to family and community in order to make a positive impact on society. She spoke about emotional intelligence whereby individuals must know themselves and be able to understand others by seeing the world from their viewpoint.

“Leaders must have purpose, direction and motivation to accomplish the mission but must also be dedicated to improving the lives of people and their organizations.” According to Colonel Brazil, “true leaders are transformational since they impact change on the family, neighborhood, community and organization.”

Ethics and Responsibility

As a response to Colonel Brazil’s insights, my group discussed the importance of companies stressing social responsibility, especially in regards to corporate ethics, pollution, health care and outsourcing. They felt that in the long run a lack of social responsibility robs the employee, the shareholder, the community, and the nation. Conversely, they expressed that community outreach helps the bottom line since it inspires loyalty, good will and dedicated employees.

The students believe that America needs a renewed awareness to social justice issues including:

• Trendsetting transformational leaders
• Dedication to the environment including vehicle and gashouse emissions programs and ethanol usage development
• Renewed public transportation upgrades and city design improvements as a response to population growth
• Improvement of public works systems and increase of water purification systems due to water shortages and droughts
• Enhancement of electrical systems to prevent blackouts

Tomorrow's leaders must understand the consequences of organizational selfishness and must work to build collaboration among all aspects of the community for the good of society.

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 4 of 5)

Tuesday began with a plenary session by Dr. Dana G. Mead, Chairman of the MIT Corporation. Dr. Mead is a 1957 West Point graduate, former Presidential Commissioner on White House Fellowships and the first Professor of the Practice of Leadership at MIT.

Enterprises of Character

"Business in America is no more ethical or unethical than other elements in society."

Dr. Mead, in his presentation on Enterprises of Character, stressed that trust, based on ethical reputation, must be inseparable from good business and that illegal, immoral or unethical acts can never be justified.

"Ethics must be the driving force behind any good company and leadership awards should be conferred upon those who exhibit high standards of moral and ethical behavior."

Dr. Mead also emphasized that an ethical, honest, and completely transparent, organization must be the goal of an organization, especially since globalization allows American companies to reflect values not only domestically but internationally. According to Dr. Mead, there are three major challenges of an enterprise in regard to ethical behavior:

1. Profits
2. Executive Compensation
3. Conditioning the Public Market

Despite these challenges, a culture of character, integrity and ethics must be a business’ foundation. Dr. Mead quoted Marcus Aurelius in summarizing the call to ethics,

"Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one."

Transformational Character

Dan Clark, the primary contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and author of twenty of his own best selling books, was the next plenary speaker. Dan is a motivational speaker who has flown in fighter jets at twice the speed of sound, carried the Olympic torch in the 2002 games, and spoken to military personnel all over the world.

Mr. Clark gave an emotional presentation calling the audience to appreciate the values of America and to be dedicated to changing society through personal commitment. He stressed the following points during his presentation:

• One needs only to make a commitment one time. It should never have to be made again because one should always keep their word.
• Character is expressed most clearly when no one else is around.
• Character must be cultivated and developed. It can never be bought but unfortunately it can easily be sold.
• Always take the higher ground.
• Be dedicated to change and have the courage to be better than you have ever been.
• Crisis can never break a leader. It brings the leader the opportunity to rise to the occasion.
• Integrity begins with self-respect.
• Character is always more important than popularity.
• Trials are always an opportunity to grow stronger.

Empowering the Future Leader

After these two plenary sessions, student leaders met for the round table discussion and shared profound insights during a highly empowering discussion which included:

• Aside from American colleges, society itself needs an honor code and people of character must set the example.
• America must make a commitment to change and all must make sacrifices.
• Ethical society is impossible without ethical people.
• The courage to serve is the nation's recipe for success.
• Perseverance is required as the driving force behind transformational leadership.
• Social responsibility is rooted in personal responsibility.
• Leaders must be aware of a balcony mentality that others look up to them for guidance and example.
• There is always a way to do the right thing.
• Ethical behavior must be practical not just discussed.
• Inspiring others through public acts of character is great motivator.
• Ethical courage inspires the first step which is always the move in the right direction.
• Success in life is guaranteed by ethical behavior and prevents having regrets.

We would do well to remember the words of John Adams, founding father and second president of the United States:

"The people have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge — I mean of the character and conduct of their rulers."

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 5 of 5)

On the final day of the conference, opening remarks were made by Lieutenant General Franklin L. Hagenbeck, Superintendent of the United States Military Academy, who spoke about the responsibility of each person to exemplify character.

"If just a few individuals or sometimes even just one person crosses the ethical line, it may compromise the reputation of the entire organization or even, in the case of a military scandal, of the nation. Conversely, when individuals are dedicated to moral principles and live accordingly, an epiphany that can dramatically impact the entire organization is possible."

Senior Leader Sessions

The superintendent’s remarks were followed by two question and answer panels comprised of leaders from business, government, and the military. The senior leaders included:

• Martin Abbott, Chief Operations Officer, Quigo
• Brigadier General (Ret) Leo A. Brooks, Vice President Boeing
• Terrence P. Finley, President, West Point Thoroughbreds, Inc.
• Theodore Griesinger, Chairman of the Board, Maguire Group, Inc.
• Deborah Churchill Luster, Entrepreneur
• Lt. Colonel (Ret) Haldane R. Mayer, Jurist, U.S. Federal Court of Appeals
• Colonel (Ret) John Rust, Former President, Rust Tractor Co.
• Jane M. Siebels, Chairperson, Green Cay Assets
• Frederick G. Smith, Vice President, Sinclair Broadcast Group
• Roland Smith, CEO, Arby Restaurant Group, Inc.
• James P. Sullivan, Jr., CEO, Sullivan Technologies, Inc.
• Brigadier General (Ret) Wesley B. Taylor, Jr., President and CEO George C. Marshall Foundation

These sessions led to a spirited interchange between the panel and attendees which gleaned the highlights of the conference:

• Organizations must not only demand accountability for negative behavior but reward positive behavior.
• Character needs to be cultivated within an organization.
• Ethics must be held to high standards within companies by boards of directors.
• An open door policy where individuals can address concerns at the highest levels of an organization should be cultivated.
• Perseverance in a culture of character is critical even if the competition is more profitable with behavior contrary to ethics. In the long term the positive reputation will bring rewards.
• Social responsibility inspires and in time attains buy in by others.
• Moral decisions must always rule the day.
• Integrity and moral courage are ethical principles which must always be followed, whether popular or not.
• Leadership goes beyond the title. An individual can be profoundly effective and motivational in whatever role they play for a company or society. During the second question and answer session, another lively interchange highlighted the following:
• Leaders are the “keepers of the flame” in their organizations. They must make the right decisions and never allow mediocrity.
• Ethical is always inseparable from respectful even with disciplines and terminations which must be done in a dignified manner.
• Human beings are the most valuable resource within a company and therefore the term human resources must always be lived accordingly.
• Guidance, motivation and inspiration are needed by mentors within an organization, whether this takes place formally or informally.
• Always appeal to reason and if individuals are uncomfortable with an assignment they should be able to freely express their concerns and if possible relieved of the task.
• Leaders are always being watched both on duty and off duty. They must always live by high moral standards.
• Words are very powerful as motivators since they have the ability to affirm someone’s dignity. Words are a treasure that should be used sincerely, gracefully and frequently within an organization to recognize, appreciate and affirm the values of others.
• The values of a company should be clear, understood and continually rewarded both privately and publicly.
• Character within an enterprise is like the embryonic fluid. Character sustains the life of an organization.

Conference Conclusion

The National Conference on Ethics in America concluded with the panel representatives visiting groups of mentors and students to discuss the panel findings. Afterwards, student leaders from each group summarized their group's feedback for the entire assembly.

In the evening, all conference participants celebrated in an extraordinary banquet with a presentation by the conference’s keynote speaker, Martha Raddatz, author and ABC News Chief White House Correspondent. She complimented the sessions held throughout the week by accentuating the importance of a dedication to truth, even in the most seemingly ordinary events of life.

Hope for the Future

As I listened to the future leaders of our great nation speak of the significance of this event, I was filled with the hope that America will be in great hands if these students continue their dedication to be citizens of character.

I can think of no better way to conclude this series than with the words of Cicero:

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 1 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 2 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 3 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 4 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 5 of 5	Click here to visit site
National Conference on Ethics in America	Click here to visit site