Former CSAF speaks to first year cadets

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Hammes
  • U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Retired Gen. Norton Schwartz, former chief of staff of the Air Force, and his wife, Susie, came to the Academy March 9-12 as participants in the Distinguished Professional-in-Residence program sponsored by the history department here.

Maj. Michael Kennedy, a history instructor here, said the program is designed to bring key Air Force leaders - traditionally Academy graduates - to speak to History 100 cadets.

"We always try to time it with Recognition, so the speaker can give them a little bit of inspiration from his or her career before that starts," he said.

In addition to relating stories from his career and his time as a cadet, Schwartz gave cadets three principles to consider.

"First, promise given, promise kept," he said. "As a cadet or an officer, if you give your word, the deal is you will do whatever it takes to fulfill that commitment. 'Promise given, promise kept' will earn you the respect and conviction you need to be successful. Secondly, reputations are hard to earn and easy to lose. You've already started to build your reputation. But after Recognition, you will be building your reputation as a cadet. When you make choices, you should think, 'What are the consequences of my actions to my reputation?' Finally, don't leave anything on the table. Give it all you have. Live in a way that will leave you with as few regrets as possible - don't let yourself regret not taking an opportunity. Don't lack the courage to try something new."

Cadet 4th Class Nina Rogers, a History 100 student who sat in on one of Schwartz's talks, said the event was a much-needed boost of inspiration before Recognition.

"It's definitely motivational and a great learning experience," she said. "I really appreciate that he came to talk to us. I was really nervous about Recognition, but after talking to General Schwartz I feel ready to take it on."