GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE
On Friday, Jan. 17, Georgia Military College (GMC) held its Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony in the NewDay USA Center of Leadership, located at 220 E. Greene St. The annual celebration included guest speaker and U.S. Army veteran, Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Johnson.
Jobie Shields, GMC’s associate vice president for communications, has worked in organizing the school's events for roughly seven years. She finds the event an essential lesson for the students in attendance.
“We're proud to host an event in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy and all the wonderful work that he did for our nation,” said Shields. “We just want to keep his memory alive and everything that he did.”
Johnson currently works at the Georgia Institute of Technology as the chief of staff and senior vice president of strategic initiatives. Shields selected him as the guest speaker because of his work experience and background in the armed forces.
“He's had a lot of experience dealing with a lot of different people, [by] serving our nation,” Shields said. “Now, in his work at Georgia Tech, we thought he'd be somebody that could connect with the students, and I think he did a great job today.”
During his speech, Johnson spoke on how King’s work, and its results have “shaped him as a person” and why it is important to remember.
“Dr. King's story has always been a guiding light for me, a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and vision,” said Johnson. “But leadership isn't just about grand speeches or national movements. It starts with the motivation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s work.”
Johnson shared a brief testimony of his upbringing before joining the armed forces.
“I could have let [my] difficult circumstances define me, but even in hardship, I found the people who believed in me,” Johnson said.
After graduating from high school, Johnson attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he learned what it meant to lead.
Johnson believes the characteristics he learned in the armed forces connect to the morals of Dr. King and testify to what leadership should be.
“Change continues with us, and is a powerful reminder that leadership begins with each of us,” Johnson said. “Leadership isn't just about what you say. It's about what you do because actions speak louder than words.”
Following his speech, GMC president Lt. Gen. Willam B.
Caldwell IV praised Johnson as a person and his extensive agenda of work throughout the years. The two were former classmates and have been close friends since meeting in 1972.
“[Johnson] embodies the values and the things that all of us have heard Dr. Martin Luther King talk about,” Caldwell said. “I couldn't think of anybody more appropriate who exemplifies those values, than Dr. General Ron Johnson.”