Veteran Alumni Honored by Wilson Center
by: J.B. Potter ‘11Alumni and leadership center fellows host public dialogue on war, honor General Wilson
Over Homecoming weekend, the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest was proud to sponsor the first reunion of H-SC veterans. This reunion featured a number of public events that were organized by the Center. Most of the events took place on Saturday, October 16th. That morning, four H-SC veterans engaged in a panel discussion entitled “The Changing Face of War;” following this panel, there was a wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial Gates. These events were followed by a cookout and open house at the Wilson Center. At halftime, H-SC veterans were honored with a recognition ceremony on the football field.
The weekend’s festivities culminated in a reception that honored Lt. Gen. Sam Wilson (USA ret. and H-SC President Emeritus). At this reception, three alumni and several members of the H-SC community reflected on Gen. Wilson’s contributions to their lives, to this institution, and to our country.
The program began with some remarks from Dr. David Marion, Professor of Government and Director of the Wilson Center, and H-SC President Chris Howard, an eighteen-year veteran of the US Air Force. Following this introduction, three H-SC veterans reflected on how Gen. Wilson influenced them as students and how he continues to influence them in their daily lives.
Lt. Col. Chris Hughes ’88 gave a brief, but poignant, speech. In his remarks, he talked about his career path after graduating from Hampden-Sydney. Instead of becoming a lawyer or banker, Col. Hughes joined the Marine Corps. He opted for the latter because he was struck by Gen. Wilson’s selfless ethic of public service to our nation through the military. In addition, Col. Hughes praised Gen. Wilson for his leadership during the debate over coeducation in the early 90s, saying, “General Sam saw us through some tough times and helped ensure the survival and success of this institution.”
The next speaker was Lt. Col. Karl Schneider ’91 (US Army, ROTC), who noted that Gen. Wilson had a tremendous influence on him. “General Sam gave me an opportunity to sacrifice,” said Schneider. When he was a student, Col. Schneider could not help but admire and appreciate the lifelong sacrifices that Gen. Wilson had made out of a love for country. Inspired by Gen. Wilson’s service, he decided to join the military. Before Schneider graduated, Gen. Wilson gave him three pieces of advice: go to Airborne School, learn a language, and continue your education. Schneider took these words to heart, and soon discovered the wisdom in them. After learning French and Turkish, numerous opportunities (like Special Forces and the Green Berets) presented themselves to Schneider. He traveled all over the world, learned more about different cultures, and gained a better understanding of what it means to be a good man and a good citizen. And it all started with the lessons Schneider learned from Gen. Wilson.
Capt. Brad Israel ’04 (US Army) was the third and final alumnus to talk about Gen. Wilson. Capt. Israel recalled Gen. Wilson’s forum on September 11, 2001 and how it motivated him to take a more active role in America’s future. He went on to say that “General Wilson instills a love of country in students…he encourages them to be active listeners with a fervent thirst for knowledge.” In closing, Capt. Israel noted that despite all of Gen. Wilson’s accomplishments, he remains humble. This virtue was evident when Gen. Wilson took the podium to give his thanks and say a few words.
At the beginning of his speech, Gen. Wilson pointed out that “at Hampden-Sydney, students labor to expand their minds, build character, and understand why men live and die.” Indeed, the freedoms we enjoy at H-SC (and in America) are illuminated by a good liberal arts education and made possible by the sacrifices of veterans. To maintain these freedoms, we must, as the General said, “work to make [America] work.” There is perhaps no better way to do this than through a love of our country.
The reception closed with a moving rendition of “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” sung by Professor Jim Simms (Director of the Military Leadership Program), several veterans, and other members of the audience; Professor Ken Townsend added music to the lyrics by playing guitar. After the song ended, Dr. Marion concluded the ceremony by saying: “General Wilson—as I have said on many occasions, you inspire and energize us, you keep us focused, and you buoy us up; you are our moral compass and our captain—thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the Center, this college, and the nation.”
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