Dec. 2, 2010 - A former Chief of Staff of the Army, a former TRADOC commander and a world-renowned author were honored for long-term influence and leadership for the military during a celebration of former, current and future strategic leaders Dec. 2 at the Army War College.
Retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, Class of 1978, retired Gen. Donn A. Starry, Class of 1966, and Dr. Lewis (Bob) Sorley, Class of 1973, received outstanding alumni awards from Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USAWC commandant, during the celebration of the 109th birthday of the Army War College.
"You have made our nation better," said Maj. Gen. Gregg Martin, USAWC commandant. "You have provided us with incredible examples of the power of service, wisdom and strength. This honor is but a small way to say thanks to you, and your families and friends. We are proud to share the title 'U.S. Army War College Alum.'"
The Army War College mission is to develop strategic leaders for a lifetime and these three were selected for exemplifying the USAWC spirit.
"Follow in the footstep of these three great leaders that are here before you today," Martin said to the students and faculty. "These men have made a huge difference both in and out of uniform. Find your individual passion and go for it for your lifetime. I want each of you to know how much the nation needs your leadership, your wisdom and your strength to solve the many wicked problems we face both now and in the decades ahead. Make the most of every day you have here."
Sullivan, former Chief of Staff of the Army, heads the Association of the U.S. Army which under his guidance has transformed into a dynamic organization that represents and advocates for Soldiers and their families.
Starry, a former Commanding General of the Training and Doctrine Command, has directed a number of private corporations that have worked to develop new command and control systems for the military and NASA.
Sorley, who served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on the Army Staff, has carried on the research and publications tradition of the college, winning numerous awards from military and private organizations for works like the Vietnam Chronicles and Honor Bright, the History and Origin of the West Point Honor Code and System.
"This program is designed to provide a prestigious and visible means of honoring U.S. Army War College graduates who distinguished themselves through outstanding achievement to their community or country," said retired Col. Ruth Collins, CEO, Army War College Foundation, Inc.
The awardees said they were honored and appreciated being back at the Army War College.
"Being here reinforces my feelings that there is hope ahead for us as long as it is in the hands of today's young people," said Starry, who donned his uniform for the first time in 23 years just for the event. "There are good days ahead."
"I appreciate deeply and understand the immense value of this great institution," said Sullivan. "What you learn here and the relationships you form will open doors later on in your career. Thanks for your service; we are all extremely proud of you."
Sullivan also took some time to thank military families.
"You all understand what it means to be in an era of persistent conflict," he said. "I want to thank your families for their courage and sacrifice."
Sorley quoted renowned retired Gen. Creighton Abrams when talking about the service of the students in the audience.
"Soldiers are not in the Army, they are the Army," he said. "I know that in your service you are measuring up to the responsibilities placed upon you."
After the awards, students were shown a video highlighting the 109 years of the Army War College.
Awardees' profiles
Retired Gen. Donn A. Starry, Class of 1966
Aca,!Ac Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Readiness Command and Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development
Aca,!Ac Executive with Ford Aerospace Corporation and BDM International where he oversaw the development of major command-control systems used by NASA and the Department of Defense
Aca,!Ac Author of Mounted Combat in Vietnam, co-author of Camp Cold to Desert Storm, The History of US Armored Forces, and of more than a hundred articles for professional journals
Retired Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, Class of 1978
Aca,!Ac Former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army 1991-1995
Aca,!Ac Since 1998, he has headed the Association of the U.S. Army, promoting programs for Soldiers and their families, creating opportunities for professional dialogue with industry, and advocating public awareness of Army and national security issues through educational and outreach programs.
Aca,!Ac In 1997, he founded the Marshall Legacy Institute that has instituted programs that help solve real world problems, such as the humanitarian dangers and destabilizing effects of landmines in a dozen war-torn countries.
Dr. Lewis (Bob) Sorley, Class of 1973
Aca,!Ac Served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and on the Army Staff. After retirement from active military service he served as a civilian official of the Central Intelligence Agency and completed his doctoral studies in Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University.
Aca,!Ac Authored Honorable Warrior: General Harold K. Johnson and the Ethics of Command that received the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award.
Aca,!Ac Author of Honor Bright, the History and Origin of the West Point Honor Code and System, used at West Point for the education of all concerning the honor system there,
Army War College history
Established from the principles learned in the Spanish-American War, the college was founded by Secretary of War Elihu Root, and formally established by General Order 155 on November 27, 1901. Washington Barracks - now called Fort McNair - in Washington, D.C. was chosen as the site.
The first president of the Army War College was Gen. Tasker H. Bliss and the first students attended the College in 1904. The College remained at Washington Barracks until 1940, when it was closed due to World War II. It reopened in 1950 at Fort Leavenworth, and moved one year later to its present location at Carlisle Barracks.
At Carlisle, the Army War College grew steadily as it performed its mission of preparing officers for leadership at the highest levels. The college soon outgrew its main academic building (the current Upton Hall) and transferred to the newly constructed Root Hall in 1967. Two specialized agencies evolved into integral parts of the Army War College: the Strategic Studies Institute, first formed in 1954, and the Military History Institute, established in 1967.
The Center for Strategic Leadership, a state-of-the-art war gaming complex that opened in 1994, contributed another unique dimension to the college and to Carlisle Barracks' history as a distinctive U.S. Army campus. Other organizations like the Army Physical Fitness Research Institute and the Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute also contribute greatly to the students' experience.
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