FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (October 29, 2009) - Members of the Fort Leavenworth Buffalo Soldier Chapter of ROCKS Inc. celebrated the organization's 35th anniversary with a ceremony Oct. 22 in the Lewis and Clark Center's Marshall Hall.
ROCKS Inc. was formally established Oct. 9, 1974, in the Washington, D.C. area, and today is an international organization of Army officers and leaders dedicated to building professional networks, ROTC cadet and junior officer development and mentorship, and community support.
Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics retired Maj. Gen. James Klugh, a 1969 graduate of the Command and General Staff College and a CGSC Foundation Inc. trustee, spoke about the history of ROCKS Inc. He said the organization began as a social group for officers to meet and network, but later changed to include more professional development, leadership training and community outreach.
"The support for these programs is needed just as much today as it was in those early times," Klugh said. "The essence of the ROCKS is just as real today as it was then."
Maj. Glenda Steward, president of the Fort Leavenworth Buffalo Soldier Chapter of ROCKS Inc., said the chapter developed a strategic plan for its members focusing on leader development, networking, community service and mentoring.
"We are continuing to strive to ensure officers are being developed," Steward said.
She said Fort Leavenworth ROCKS Inc. members are involved locally teaching workshops and tutoring students at the Richard Allen Cultural Center in Leavenworth, and mentoring ROTC cadets at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.
The guest speaker at the ceremony was Col. Wayne Green, Fort Leavenworth Garrison commander. He praised ROCKS Inc. as an inspiration for black and other minority officers, and for its members' achievements in the community.
"We are all immensely proud of you for what you have done. Your leadership, integrity, and selflessness make us all take notice," Green said.
For more information about ROCKS Inc. visit the Web site at www.rocksinc.org.
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