A Simple Blue Ribbon

I’ll start this post by admitting what most already know – I support Dutch Fork High School Civics/History teacher Kelly Payne in her campaign for State Superintendent of Education. I’m not alone and my endorsement is pretty meaningless, but this isn’t so for all of those who prefer Ms. Payne in this race.

For instance, a 69-year old Mt. Pleasant, SC resident has endorsed Kelly Payne

So?

I have never met James Livingston, but this I know – when he speaks, I will listen.

James Livingston is Major General James E. Livingston, USMC (Ret.).  But it’s neither his rank nor his branch of service that gets my attention – though both have my great respect and gratitude.  What is beyond remarkable about MG Livingston is a simple blue ribbon with five white stars he wore on his uniform.

It is the ribbon worn by recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I have worked with the military of all services for all of my career and was fortunate to know many outstanding men and women of great character.

One of those was a MOH recipient – an Army Colonel who was awarded the medal for actions as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.  When he came into the room, generals became school kids.  The respect was palatable even if words were not spoken.  That small blue ribbon is a powerful testimony.

And what, exactly, does this have to do with Kelly Payne?

Endorsements of political candidates are normally a choosing of sides in which the endorser tries to cash in on his/her personal currency on the behalf of a chosen beneficiary.

I do not – will not – believe this is the case with MG Livingston.

As a 28 year old Company Commander, then Captain Livingston, though injured three times, exhibited almost superhuman courage in leading an assault on an enemy position in Dai Do, South Vietnam.  In addition to courage, Captain Livingston’s judgment and leadership- in the heat of battle – were flawless.

Captain Livingston served two more tours in Vietnam and went on to a characteristically outstanding career that included developing the Marine Desert Warfare Training program.

My point here is that this man – a great man – knows courage, judgment and leadership far better than any of the rest of us can EVER know.  MG Livingston recognizes talent and leadership potential.  Not only is he acutely aware of what it takes to lead people and operate organizations, he appreciates the critical necessity of preparing people for whatever may lay ahead.  MG Livingston knows how to train people and why only the best are needed to train (educate) the best. He didn’t win the Medal of Honor for sitting in the Pentagon theorizing about military operations.

Ms. Payne is qualified for the position and hers is experience on the front lines of education rather than from the far more distant professorial ivory towers of others seeking the job.

Major General James Livingston (Ret.) has endorsed Kelly Payne for Superintendent of Education.

When this man speaks, people should listen.