KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
The first Mckeon Leadership Forum was held in the Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons Friday, to promote the idea of service in all aspects and to raise donations for the McKeon Scholars Award scholarship.
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Retired Ca. representative Buck Mckeon was the head of the event, leading with opening remarks about the forum and his guest. He said of service, “There are so many things you can do. When you lose yourself in caring about others, it’s a wonderful feeling.”
Four star General John F. Kelly was introduced by McKeon as the first speaker for the series of forums.
Gen. Kelly is the commander of the United States southern command, and is in charge of the execution of U.S. policy in all of South and Central America.
He spoke on the subject of service to the nation, state and community.
“I’ve not really mastered, though I’ve been trying for about 45 years, citizenship or service to the nation, because I don’t really think you ever completely master them,” said the general. “It’s a journey. It should be a lifelong journey for every American citizen.”
Previous Story: Buck McKeon, General John Kelly To Speak At COC For McKeon Leadership Forum
Gen. Kelly also emphasized the heroics of law enforcement officers and firefighters.
“Some will join the heroes who patrol our streets as police officers and firefighters and first responders who instantaneously and without hesitation answer every 9-1-1 call, regardless of what is at the end of that call,” Gen. Kelly said. “Men and women who run towards the danger, not away from it.”
He claimed that the people who put their lives at risk by putting on a uniform, “could have been anything in life, but chose to serve the community, and all who live within. They are the real heroes.”
He also mentioned the importance of unity among family, friends and neighbors in a community.
“These connections are the heart of everything that is good and kind and decent about us as Americans,” he said.
Both Mckeon and Kelly emphasized the importance of voting in all levels of the government, claiming it was a civil duty as American citizens to vote.
McKeon was pleased with the turnout for the first of his leadership forums, and optimistic about the future.
“I thought tonight was an outstanding kickoff,” he said
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