Retired General Colin Powell spoke to a packed auditorium on Jan. 24, at Central Michigan University as part of the 2013 Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Speaker Series. He spoke at the Student Activities Center on the Mount Pleasant Campus in front of the Cadet Corps from both CMU and Ferris State University, CMU faculty and alumni. Powell, some fifty years previously, wore the Reserve Officer Training Corp uniform as a student cadet at the City College of New York.
The Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Endowed Speaker Series serves to honor the distinguished careers of these two Michigan politicians and encourages a spirit of civility in political discourse. The Speaker Series was established to emphasize integrity in politics. Powell’s life reflects that integrity and civil discourse that is so critical to address the nation’s challenges.
Powell spoke of the many firsts during his career. President H.W. Bush appointed Powell as the youngest officer, the first African-American, and the first ROTC graduate to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff through the recommendation of then Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney. Powell spoke for nearly an hour, discussing his life experiences and emphasizing that to be a good leader you must first be a good follower. Additionally, Powell emphasized that the “absence of leadership is trust. Trust that everyone is moving towards a common purpose in our lives.”
Dr. Pamela Gates, dean of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavior Sciences, summarized what all present came away believing that “General Powell’s speech was a once in a lifetime opportunity for students, the campus, and the community to gain leadership counsel from one of the Nation’s most highly decorated generals. He challenged all of us to be great leaders—to go beyond what we imagine our own potential to be.”
Among those in attendance for the invitation-only dinner, speech, and reception, was retired Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Fred M. Mester and his son David. Judge Mester reflected that “General Powel is an inspiration to us all. His life counsel, humor, positive view of life, and mentoring comments on leadership are not only invaluable to these young cadets, but also to the rest of us who were honored to hear his address. General Powell exemplifies a full life that is continuing to contribute.”
Coincidently, Judge Mester and Powell’s paths crossed over 52 years ago at Grafenwoehr, West Germany, where they were both under orders to the Third Armored Division. Powell was in his last leg of his tour and was serving as a first lieutenant-executive officer, Delta Company, 2d Battalion, 48 Infantry, Combat Command B. Judge Mester had just arrived from the states and was serving as a 2nd lieutenant, Bravo Company, 2 MTB, 1st Cav, Combat Command A.
They both recalled the ominous day of September 2, 1960. Shortly after reveille, the two lieutenants heard the whistling sound overhead of an 8 inch, 200-pound artillery shell flying by and exploding in the midst of three tents occupied by soldiers of the Third Reconnaissance Squadron, Tenth Cavalry. The accident, caused by human error, killed sixteen soldiers and injured 28 soldiers that day.
Powell, his wife Alma, and their son Michael continue to be leaders in America’s Promise Alliance, a program Powell founded in 1997. The Alliance is committed to ending the high school dropout crisis and seeing that children experience the fundamental resources they need to succeed. Their work focuses on the Five Promises: Caring Adults, Safe Places, a Health Start, Effective Education, and Opportunities to Help Others. Alma Powell is the current chair and Michael is on the Board of Directors. To learn more about America’s Promise Alliance or to make a donation, visit www.americaspromise.org.
Anyone interested in contributing to the Central Michigan University — Philip A. Hart and William G. Milliken Endowed Speaker Series may contact Lesa Smith at (989) 774-3354 or smith11s@cmich.edu. Address contributions to the Hart-Milliken Endowment, Central Michigan University, Anspach 106, Mount Pleasant, 48859.
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