16 July 2011
Reference: NCEA Links on Class Web Page
Dear Classmates,
Every one of us entered the Academy 45 years ago with a sense of idealism – a sincere desire to make a positive difference. The National Conference on Ethics in America allows us to continue that sense of idealism and to continue to make our world a better place through the next generation.
I’ve served as a mentor at the conference the last two years. It’s a challenging yet invigorating experience. These young people come with a variety of backgrounds and widely divergent opinions. What they have in common is an intense interest in ethics and an appreciation of the moral dilemmas they face on a personal basis and our nation faces domestically and globally.
For those of you who have not been to NCEA, each session is started by a speaker and the quality of speakers is outstanding. The students then gather in groups of 8 to 10 to discuss the presentation. Each group has a mentor. The mentor does not lead the discussion – the mentor instigates the discussion. My goal as a mentor is to speak as little as possible and when I do speak, I try to make it a question. This is easier than you think as most of these kids are eager to voice their opinions. The challenge is tempering the spring butts and engaging the shy ones. I find the experience exhilarating.
This is more than completing a legacy for our class – it’s an opportunity to touch the next generation – to instill in them the values we learned as cadets, refined through life experiences, and continue to treasure today. I encourage each of you to participate as a mentor, observer, or senior leader and I ask you to donate to the support of NCEA as best you can. Make a difference!
Gil Harper
p.s. a copy of our Class’ Pledge Card is here. Thank you if you have already made your pledge. If you haven’t as yet had the opportunity to do so, take a few moments now. Whatever you do to help will be greatly appreciated.
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