Duty, Honor, Country

General, U.S. Army, Retired

The few and the proud graduates of America’s most elite military school, West Point, live by a three word creed: Duty, Honor and Country. For retired Army General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, class of ‘56, these patriotic pillars have served as the foundation for his outstanding military leadership to the American people for all these years.

“From the time I was twelve years old until I retired last year at the age of fifty-seven, the Army was my life,” states General Schwarzkopf from his best-selling, emotional autobiography, It Doesn’t Take A Hero. “I loved commanding soldiers and being around people who had made a serious commitment to serve their country.”

Throughout his youth, the teachings from both his mother and father were instrumental in shaping his strong character. He was also fortunate to live abroad with his family in his teenage years which allowed him to experience many different nationalities, cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

During his years of service he commanded Army units from platoon through corps level. He served two combat tours in the Republic of Vietnam and later was designated the Deputy Commander of the Joint Task Force in charge of U.S. Forces participating in the Grenada student rescue operation.

General Schwarzkopf is best known for his services as Commander in Chief, United States Central Command, and Commander of Operations of Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

To his troops, General Schwarzkopf, the burly and emotional commander, was affectionately referred to as “The Bear.” It was his style of leadership that was more demanding and trusting than any of our country’s previous leaders.

We may best remember Desert Shield and Desert Storm as part of those military operations that have come to us over live television. On February 27, 1991, “the war” was over. General Schwarzkopf, the allies and our best trained, best equipped, soldiers and officers, stood their ground, accomplished their objectives and minimized the number of casualties, all in record time.

Who could ever forget celebrating to Lee Greenwood’s patriotic hit song, God Bless The USA. It was the highest level of patriotism since World War II. Americans were proud of their troops and showed it, parade after parade, town after town.

General Schwarzkopf retired from military service in August of 1991. He is currently working with NBC News to produce programs about what’s right with America. In addition, through his motivating and inspiring addresses, he continues to energize thousands to follow their dreams.

Our compassionate General has also been actively involved in conservation throughout his life and is currently serving on the board of governors of the Nature Conservancy. Additionally, General Schwarzkopf is chairman of the STARBRIGHT Capitol Campaign, which focuses on improving the quality of life for seriously ill children.

General Schwarzkopf gives us all a refreshing reminder of what a great land we live in. When democracy is on the line, Americans of all races, creeds and colors come together as one and fight to preserve our truly greatest asset--our FREEDOM.