Cadets Visit Jefferson Center to Hear Secretary Donald Rumsfeld Speak
Press Release for February 6, 2012
Hargrave Cadets traveled to Roanoke, Virginia’s Jefferson Center on Thursday, February 2, 2012 for “Known and Unknown: An Evening with Donald Rumsfeld.” The event was a presentation of Secretary Rumsfeld in a discussion format with a single moderator. In addition to being an interesting presentation of Rumsfeld’s government service, the event also promoted his memoir.
Secretary Rumsfeld served as the the 13th and 21st U.S. Secretary of Defense. He promoted his number one New York Times bestselling memoir, Known and Unknown. Published in February 2011, the book spans his career and includes extensive primary documentation, much of which has been made public on a supporting website, www.rumsfeld.com.
Thirteen Cadets volunteered to attend the trip, which by all accounts, was a great experience for the young men. Secretary Rumsfeld remained focused on the timeline and history of many events that occurred the two terms that he served as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Rumfeld touched on several subjects that the Cadets felt were both timely and interesting. Some highlights were:
- Waterboarding. Rumsfeld clarified that only three extremely dangerous individuals participated in water boarding. They were not water boarded by the Department of Defense, but by elements of the CIA. He sincerely stated that Guantanamo Bay was the “best run prison in the world.”
- Abu Ghraib. Secretary Rumsfeld mentioned the scandal where U.S. military prison officials tortured Iraqi inmates for fun. He stated that it “stained the reputation of our Armed Forces and our country.” He offered his resignation twice, but the President didn’t accept.
- Domestic Elections. As a former presidential contender, he stated, “They are out there doing something that is really hard.” He discussed the media and their role. He continued, “It is not the perfect way to pick a president, but I can’t think of a better way.”
- Public Servants. Secretary Rumsfeld was asked to select a person or persons that were great public servants. He named three. First, President Ronald Reagan named for his solution to the Soviet threat. His quote from Reagan was, “Look. We win. They lose.” He admired Reagan’s straight forward approach. Second was President Gerald Ford, whom he termed as the nicest human being. He stated, “Working with him was a delight.” Third, he named U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, a Democrat. He stated that Moynihan had a wonderful wit and that he was a prolific writer. Rumsfeld seem to admire his work ethic.
Secretary Rumsfeld also discussed the current state of Iraq; downsizing of the military; the decision to go to war; nation building; the threat of terrorism; and closed societies among other topics. His discussion lasted just over an hour. He avoided directly talking about current political figures.
Mrs. Lecia Smith stands with some of the Hargrave Cadets
and chapareons attending the event.
Mrs. Lecia Smith, a former parent and current Hargrave supporter, provided the Hargrave Cadets tickets for the event. She stated that Secretary Rumsfeld was informed of Hargrave Cadets in attendance and that he was genuinely excited to hear about Hargrave’s Cadet presence.
The Cadets were also very excited about attending this opportunity, which included actual protests against Rumsfeld and other facets of a working Democracy.
Secretary Rumsfeld chairs a non-profit foundation with his wife, Joyce. The Rumsfeld Foundation supports leadership and public service at home and the growth of free political and free economic systems abroad. The Rumsfeld Foundation funds microfinance projects, fellowships for graduate students interested in public service, the development of linkages between young leaders from Central Asia and the Caucasus and the United States, and charitable causes that benefit the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families. His proceeds from the sales of Known and Unknown go to the military charities sponsored by the Rumsfeld Foundation.
