GMC News

Definition of the word of the week (INSPIRATIONAL): Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity.

American scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher, William A. Ward, once wrote, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” I can relate to that observation because I have had some great teachers that have inspired me. My favorite was my 4th grade teacher who will always have a special place in my heart. Although the best teachers can inspire people to greatness, I am also inspired by demonstrations of strong character.

Although he only attended Georgia Military College for a few days,
Cadet Christopher Bufford inspired me. He was a good example of the very best qualities that we hope to instill in all of our cadets. He was a scholar, athlete and warrior leader. Fresh from high school and Army basic training, he was offered a “full ride” scholarship through Georgia’s State Service Scholarship program. But, he decided not to accept the scholarship. Why? His sense of duty and loyalty were too powerful.

The Governor was concerned about the adverse effects of deployments on state service cadets’ education so he recently signed a policy that exempts these cadets from being deployed overseas. All that Chris had to do was sign the scholarship and we was guaranteed not to deploy to Iraq. However, Chris has friends currently serving in Iraq and his military unit is there. The only reason he was not there already was because an injury had made him temporarily non-deployable.

Chris wanted to go to Iraq to rejoin his friends and his unit very badly. I assured him that peace was not likely to break out anytime soon and I noted the location of peacekeeping forces that we have had stationed around the world for generations. I encouraged him to accept his scholarship and serve overseas after graduation. But, Chris recognized that he had a duty to perform and he was determined to rejoin his unit as soon as possible.

When I saw that his mind was made up, I shook his hand, asked for God’s protection on him, and told him that we would pray for his safe return. As long as we can produce citizens like Christopher Bufford, America will always be the greatest nation on earth.

The following quotations are intended to assist in explaining and exemplifying the word of the week:

When a book raises your spirit, and inspires you with noble and manly thoughts, seek for no other test of its excellence. It is good, and made by a good workman. Jean De La Bruylre, Author

A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done. Ralph Lauren, Designer

The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-distrust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciple. Amos Alcott, Educator

The good life is one inspired by life and guided by knowledge. Bertrand Russell, Philosopher

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. Helen Keller, Author

Two friends, two bodies with one soul inspired. Homer, Poet

I never weary of great churches. It is my favourite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it made a cathedral. Robert Louis Stevenson, Poet

I have never accepted what many people have kindly said—namely that I inspired the nation. Their will was resolute and remorseless, and as it proved, unconquerable. It fell to me to express it. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister

COL Patrick Beer, the Dean of Students and Commandant of Cadets at Georgia Military College, prepares this study guide each week as part of the institution’s character education program. He welcomes comments and suggestions from readers. He can be contacted by phone at 478-445-2710 or by email at pbeer@gmc.cc.ga.us.