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Apr. 29, 2006 On Friday, April 21,
2006, The Military College of South Carolina, The Citadel, began an era many colleges and universities would envy if they could meet a most remarkable man, Lt. Gen. John Rosa (Ret. USAF), the school’s newest President. In an academic and cultural environment that is faced with social challenges, maintaining scholastic excellence while initiating new research in the military sciences and beyond, along with funding and administrative demands needed to bring The Citadel into the 21st century, John Rosa, is a big league hitter who doesn’t refuse to sign autographs. Rosa has served his fellow citizens through principled leadership since his high school days as class President. This same theme was echoed as during his service as a U.S.A.F. premier fighter pilot and with his family through his devotion and honor to them. I recently met Gen. Rosa and his wife, Donna, during the inauguration festivities. Both have roots in Charleston, where he attended the Citadel, graduating in 1973. Rosa is classically tall, dark, and handsome and has a very engaging personality; easily he could have been a “Casanova” but his strong moral commitment defused such notions if ever they existed. John Rosa understands life is about far more than immediate impulses, instant gratification, feigned
achievements, or yesterday’s victories. Rosa commands the moment, making those around him realize that what it took for him to get where he is today is what he is going to be about tomorrow. Additionally evident is an unspoken insistence that those who wish to remain close to him and enjoy the benefit of his confidence aren’t going to be the fearful, but those who embrace the necessary evolutions that lead to being a winner in life. This is the John Rosa I met. As a man and a leader he has suffered
through his share of difficulties, enjoyed his hard earned successes, and understands what a cadet or any other person must endure if there are to be lasting results in life. Rosa will bring an understanding and social sophistication beyond the stereotypical assumptions one might suspect in a military commander. This will be combined with his military and administrative expertise to produce citizens, both military and civilian, that will embrace the necessary changes for our beloved country while maintaining guard over those principles and precepts that cannot and must not alter. His wife, Donna, accompanies Gen. Rosa as the first lady of the Citadel. Donna Rosa is a Charleston gem whose wonderful charm and pragmatic style is what she wears among friends and family while donning her gowns when called upon for more regal events. Moments into any conversation with Mrs. Rosa and her relaxing demeanor makes one feel as if he or she has been a friend of the family for years. There is no pretension with the Rosas. John and Donna Rosa aren’t interested in posturing. Those privileged enough to spend a few minutes talking with them will discover they are refreshingly honest and far removed from the “snobbery” that is used too often as a façade when integrity is lacking. The Rosa’s will never be
accused of lacking integrity. As I sat listening to Gen. Rosa’s inaugural speech I shook my head in the affirmative as he acknowledged and pointed to the need of graduates beyond the machinations of books and body but one of soul when he said: “Of our four pillars, character development is the overarching one. For
if you perform at your best academically, physically and militarily, but you lack character, you have achieved nothing.” A few other quotes from Rosa reflect his understanding of the dynamics of today and tomorrow’s Citadel: “Today marks a new beginning. And change is inevitable, even in an institution as steeped in tradition as The Citadel. As you know, The Citadel has, at times, struggled with change, and some of those struggles have been dramatically displayed in the media… I like to recall the _expression “the hottest fire forges the strongest
steel.” Change has, and will, make us stronger. “ “For us to move forward…we must also remove our rose-colored glasses and look in the mirror and ask ourselves some hard questions. Because, as Jim Collins points out in his book Good to Great—a classic study of how corporations have made the transition to greatness—if you don’t honestly confront your problems, you will never build the momentum you need to become truly exceptional.” “Which brings me to another point about respect: We are soon approaching the 10th anniversary of the date the Board of Visitors unanimously voted to admit women…I can tell you first hand how well women perform today throughout
our military. Many hold top leadership positions…to go from good to great, we must all embrace diversity.” It is interesting to note that of the areas of focus, Rosa’s greatest concern is character. All of the other successes hinge upon this development and without it, academic, physical, or military performance is left wanting and blowing in the wind. How many of our colleges and universities can discuss the development of character as one of their weightier matters, with a straight face, knowing that much of the tenured staff speak in terms of relevant morality and untried notions of social freedoms that are based on indulgence rather than responsibility as a citizen? Rosa identifies this as a fundamental dimension of any genuine
success. Where many schools can and often legitimately point to their academic prowess, scholastic achievements or athletic dominance Gen. Rosa makes it clear that though such aspects are not to be neglected, character is the ingredient that produces substance and permanent positives. Lt. Gen. John Rosa is recently retired from the United States Air Force where his last duty was Superintendent of the Air Force Military Academy. He came to clean up some difficulties arising out an overly fraternalized atmosphere that cultivated an environment among a minority of cadets that permitted
campus abuses. He not only addressed it without extreme measures but his administrative guidance brought the entire institution away from a tolerance of this philosophy to one that today, maintains the respect for military command and subordination while understanding such responsibilities are not and cannot be licenses for abuse or mistreatment of others. The Citadel picked the best apple from the best tree. Rosa is a choice that will provide the Citadel, the city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina, the United States Armed Forces and our country many good harvests. Lt. Gen. John Rosa’s Citadel will produce graduates whose character, academic, physical and military training will benefit and preserve our wonderful nation. By the way, the good General granted amnesty to all cadets that qualified!
------------ About the author: Guy Arthur Thomas was born an Air Force brat and raised mostly in South Carolina. He has traveled and lived in the Middle East and the Pacific Islands but makes his home in Virginia. Guy has a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies and enjoys social, political and religious discussions. Email: Guyarthurthomas@yahoo.com Comment on this article here! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com. Please link to this article rather than copying and pasting it onto your site (which would be unauthorized and illegal). |
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