More than 330 Army War College students celebrated the end of their 10-month resident course and the beginning of a more challenging set of senior leader responsibilities as they walked across the historic Carlisle Barracks parade grounds during a graduation ceremony held June 6.
"Graduation from the war college marks the beginning of my journey as a senior leader. I hope that I will be able to carry the leadership torch in a way that honors the men and women who have gone before me," said graduate Col. Donald Bolduc.
"This year has provided me with the opportunity to apply my past experiences in an educational environment, to think strategically, to learn more about myself, and to learn from the views and opinions of others." Bolduc's next assignment takes him overseas to be the commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines.
Maj. Gen. Robert Williams, USAWC Commandant, encouraged students to take the lessons learned and carry them to those they lead.
"Never forget your responsibilities to Soldiers and their need for leadership," said Williams.
"Your skills must be put to work for the nation and the great servicemen and women and their families. Your leadership makes a difference," he said.
Several students noted that they will pass on what they learned in the seminar classroom to those they will lead elsewhere.
"The war college has opened my mind in many ways," said graduate Lt. Col. Irene Glaeser, who will return to the Pentagon to serve as a DA Inspector General. "I have learned to respect those whose opinions do not resemble mine and to listen to what they have to say."
"This year has taught me that personalities matter. Good leadership is essential and how you as a leader shape your team is important," said graduate Col. Michael Peterman. "It has made me more sensitive to others and to the diversity of the teams we work on today, whether they are from a different military branch, government organization, or allied country." Peterman will move on to Fort Campbell, Ky. to command the 101st Sustainment Brigade.
Students noted that this year has provided them some much needed time to rebalance their lives after a series of multiple deployments.
"This year was truly a blessing for me and my family. The college goes out of its way to ensure that students have the opportunity to rebalance their lives while here. To be sure, there is demanding curriculum, but there is also time set aside for students to spend with their loved ones," said Air Force graduate Col. Rick Matton, who will also head to the Philippines to be the Air AttachAfA.
As the keynote speaker, the Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston, told stories of Soldiers and NCOs that the graduates would soon lead.
"Knowing that all of you will leave here today to take on positions of great responsibility in the years to come, I want to leave you with...inspiring stories of the Soldiers and service members you will lead in the future," said Preston.
Preston's remarks included NCO stories from operations in the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan, and Pennsylvania's own 56th Stryker Brigade in Iraq.
The Sergeant Major visited the Pennsylvania National Guard unit while they were training at Fort Polk, La., before heading to Iraq. He told of a sergeant first class who had just returned from seven months in Iraq training with Iraqi security forces.
"When I asked him what he thought of his experience he replied, 'I loved it and I would go back tomorrow if I could,'" said Preston.
Preston also reflected on a recent trip to Dira Dawa, Ethiopia where he met a staff sergeant assigned to the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion. The young sergeant was in charge of a 17-member team that led operations to supply water to a city of over 300,000 and build a school for children to attend the first through eighth grades.
"Think about the responsibilities we have given a young staff sergeant with seven years in the Army, combined with the efforts of all the young enlisted leaders there on the ground," said Preston.
With the Army celebrating the "Year of the NCO," many students found it fitting to have the Sergeant Major of the Army as their final speaker.
"The Sergeant Major provided the opportunity to reflect on our extremely talented NCO Corps. I would not be here today if I did not have great NCOs supporting me as a commander, providing me with exceptional counsel, and ensuring the mission is accomplished and the men and families are cared for," said Bolduc.
"His address reemphasized the Army's and America's unwavering commitment to our noncommissioned officer corps," said graduate Col. Timothy Starke, a senior Army Signal Officer headed to Fort Bliss, Texas. "They are a precious resource that is vital to the success of our military and to our national security."
Class of 2009 Background
The graduating Class of 2009 consists of 336 students. The student body includes 198 Army, 31 Air Force, 17 Marine Corps, 14 Navy, and one Coast Guard Officer representing the Active, Reserve, and National Guard components.
Thirty-three civilians from the Department of the Army, Defense Leadership and Management Program, Department of State, National Security Agency, and Department of Homeland Security, are also in attendance, as well as 42 International Fellows are senior foreign officers from Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Bahrain, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
More than 74 percent of the military student body has campaign experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and 21 percent in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
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