On September 30, 2013 Columbia University held the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Welcome Ceremony. The ceremony was occasioned by the return of ROTC after a 42 year absence. Jim was a guest speaker. The official party consisted of Liee Bollinger president of Columbia University the Honorable. Juan M Garcia Assistant Secretary of the Navy ,and Jim. Also in attendance was a large group of veterans, faculty ,students members of the Columbia ministration..The Suny NROTC unit was represented by a group of white clad midshipmen ,Navy band and colorguard.
Jim's remarks about life in Columbia when he was a student and the value of service in the Navy were passionate and provided not only a snse of history and continuity to many of the audience but were inspirational. He told the audience that he was a little jealous of the opportunity of young officer candidates. He said "call me tomorrow for duty and I will be there at sunrise". He then recited from memory the oath of office as a commissioned officer. You could hear a pin drop.
Both during and after the speech I heard remarks ifrom those attending like "this(the speech) is good really good".His passion and sincerity touched many in the audience and provided a sense of what is meant by the saying "Twice a Citizen.In Navy terms Bravo Zulu {Weii Done}
