Champions of respect, dignity to speak at NCLS

Maj. Jeff Sandrock, '94
Center for Character Development

Thirty-six renowned speakers visited the Academy last week to speak with and inspire cadets during the 14th annual National Character and Leadership Symposium, themed "All Created Equal - Human Dignity and Respect."

These champions of respect, equality and human rights include Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Joint Task Force Katrina Commander Lt. Gen. Russel Honore and two former U.S. Congressmen; the Honorable J.C. Watts and the Honorable Bob Schaffer.

Athletes make up a strong contingent of notable speakers as well, with Paralympic Gold Medalists Mike Schlappi and Stephani Victor, along with Olympic Gold Medalist Nikki Stone.

Pioneers from the Air Force joining the symposium are Maj. Nicole Malachowski, '96, the first female Air Force Thunderbird pilot, and Chaplain (Capt.) Abdullah Hamza Al-Mubarak, the Air Force's first Muslim Chaplain.

Carlotta LaNier, youngest of the "Little Rock Nine," will share her perspective on racial equality and the historical event that led to integration in education.

In a rare occurrence through its 14-year history, a cadet will serve as a featured symposium speaker. Cadet 2nd Class Erik Mirandette shared his experience spending two years on an African humanitarian mission, including his near-death experience and thoughts on returning to finish his cadet career.

Among the 36 speakers included a Kurdish survivor of the Iraqi genocide campaign, a Holocaust survivor, several civilian university outreach, education, and equality leaders, veterans of sister services and current and former notables of the Academy's character development community.

The Classes of 1973, 1959, and 1974, and the Association of Graduates are major contributors to NCLS.