Graduation Ceremony

[dennisw]

TR

Thanks for the comments. Indeed, the pinehurst area is a interesting area. Had no idea regarding demographics, but the warm reception and heartfelt considerations of the folks should have provided a clue. I love California, but sometimes living in a liberal environment can leave one jaded.

Again, thanks for the edification.

[CoLawman]

Congrats! Proud Papa!

[The Reaper]

Food for thought.

TR

"William “Bill” Crawford certainly was an unimpressive figure, one you could easily overlook during a hectic day at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Mr. Crawford, as most of us referred to him back in the late 1970s, was our squadron janitor.

While we cadets busied ourselves preparing for academic exams, athletic events, Saturday morning parades and room inspections, or never-ending leadership classes, Bill quietly moved about the squadron mopping and buffing floors, emptying trash cans, cleaning toilets, or just tidying up the mess 100 college-age kids can leave in a dormitory.

Sadly, and for many years, few of us gave him much notice, rendering little more than a passing nod or throwing a curt, “G’morning!” in his direction as we hurried off to our daily duties.

Why? Perhaps it was because of the way he did his job-he always kept the squadron area spotlessly clean, even the toilets and showers gleamed. Frankly, he did his job so well, none of us had to notice or get involved. After all, cleaning toilets was his job, not ours.

Maybe it was his physical appearance that made him disappear into the background. Bill didn’t move very quickly and, in fact, you could say he even shuffled a bit, as if he suffered from some sort of injury. His gray hair and wrinkled face made him appear ancient to a group of young cadets. And his crooked smile, well, it looked a little funny. Face it, Bill was an old man working in a young person’s world. What did he have to offer us on a personal level?

Finally, maybe it was Mr. Crawford’s personality that rendered him almost invisible to the young people around him. Bill was shy, almost painfully so. He seldom spoke to a cadet unless they addressed him first, and that didn’t happen very often. Our janitor always buried himself in his work, moving about with stooped shoulders, a quiet gait, and an averted gaze. If he noticed the hustle and bustle of cadet life around him, it was hard to tell.

So, for whatever reason, Bill blended into the woodwork and became just another fixture around the squadron. The Academy, one of our nation’s premier leadership laboratories, kept us busy from dawn till dusk. And Mr. Crawford...well, he was just a janitor.

That changed one fall Saturday afternoon in 1976. I was reading a book about World War II and the tough Allied ground campaign in Italy, when I stumbled across an incredible story. On Sept. 13, 1943, a Private William Crawford from Colorado, assigned to the 36th Infantry Division, had been involved in some bloody fighting on Hill 424 near Altavilla, Italy.

The words on the page leapt out at me: “in the face of intense and overwhelming hostile fire ... with no regard for personal safety ... on his own initiative, Private Crawford single-handedly attacked fortified enemy positions.” It continued, “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty, the President of the United States ...”

“Holy cow,” I said to my roommate, “you’re not going to believe this, but I think our janitor is a Medal of Honor winner.” We all knew Mr. Crawford was a WWII Army vet, but that didn’t keep my friend from looking at me as if I was some sort of alien being. Nonetheless, we couldn’t wait to ask Bill about the story on Monday.

We met Mr. Crawford bright and early Monday and showed him the page in question from the book, anticipation and doubt on our faces. He starred at it for a few silent moments and then quietly uttered something like, “Yep, that’s me.” Mouths agape, my roommate and I looked at one another, then at the book, and quickly back at our janitor. Almost at once we both stuttered, “Why didn’t you ever tell us about it?” He slowly replied after some thought, “That was one day in my life and it happened a long time ago.” I guess we were all at a loss for words after that. We had to hurry off to class and Bill, well, he had chores to attend to.

However, after that brief exchange, things were never again the same around our squadron. Word spread like wildfire among the cadets that we had a hero in our midst-Mr. Crawford, our janitor, had won the Medal! Cadets who had once passed by Bill with hardly a glance, now greeted him with a smile and a respectful, “Good morning, Mr. Crawford.”

Those who had before left a mess for the “janitor” to clean up started taking it upon themselves to put things in order. Most cadets routinely stopped to talk to Bill throughout the day and we even began inviting him to our formal squadron functions. He’d show up dressed in a conservative dark suit and quietly talk to those who approached him, the only sign of his heroics being a simple blue, star-spangled lapel pin. Almost overnight, Bill went from being a simple fixture in our squadron to one of our teammates.

Mr. Crawford changed too, but you had to look closely to notice the difference. After that fall day in 1976, he seemed to move with more purpose, his shoulders didn’t seem to be as stooped, he met our greetings with a direct gaze and a stronger “good morning” in return, and he flashed his crooked smile more often.

The squadron gleamed as always, but everyone now seemed to notice it more. Bill even got to know most of us by our first names, something that didn’t happen often at the Academy. While no one ever formally acknowledged the change, I think we became Bill’s cadets and his squadron.

As often happens in life, events sweep us away from those in our past. The last time I saw Bill was on graduation day in June 1977. As I walked out of the squadron for the last time, he shook my hand and simply said, “Good luck, young man.”

With that, I embarked on a career that has been truly lucky and blessed. Mr. Crawford continued to work at the Academy and eventually retired in his native Colorado where he resides today, one of four Medal of Honor winners living in a small town.

A wise person once said, “It’s not life that’s important, but those you meet along the way that make the difference.” Bill was one who made a difference for me. While I haven’t seen Mr. Crawford in over twenty years, he’d probably be surprised to know I think of him often. Bill Crawford, our janitor, taught me many valuable, unforgettable leadership lessons. Here are ten I’d like to share with you.

Be Cautious of Labels. Labels you place on people may define your relationship to them and bound their potential. Sadly, and for a long time, we labeled Bill as just a janitor, but he was so much more. Therefore, be cautious of a leader who callously says, “Hey, he’s just an Airman.” Likewise, don’t tolerate the O-1, who says, “I can’t do that, I’m just a lieutenant.”

Everyone Deserves Respect. Because we hung the “janitor” label on Mr. Crawford, we often wrongly treated him with less respect than others around us. He deserved much more, and not just because he was a Medal of Honor winner. Bill deserved respect because he was a janitor, walked among us, and was a part of our team.

Courtesy Makes a Difference. Be courteous to all around you, regardless of rank or position. Military customs, as well as common courtesies, help bond a team. When our daily words to Mr. Crawford turned from perfunctory “hellos” to heartfelt greetings, his demeanor and personality outwardly changed. It made a difference for all of us.

Take Time to Know Your People. Life in the military is hectic, but that’s no excuse for not knowing the people you work for and with. For years a hero walked among us at the Academy and we never knew it. Who are the heroes that walk in your midst?

Anyone Can Be a Hero. Mr. Crawford certainly didn’t fit anyone’s standard definition of a hero. Moreover, he was just a private on the day he won his Medal. Don’t sell your people short, for any one of them may be the hero who rises to the occasion when duty calls. On the other hand, it’s easy to turn to your proven performers when the chips are down, but don’t ignore the rest of the team. Today’s rookie could and should be tomorrow’s superstar.

Leaders Should Be Humble. Most modern day heroes and some leaders are anything but humble, especially if you calibrate your “hero meter” on today’s athletic fields. End zone celebrations and self-aggrandizement are what we’ve come to expect from sports greats. Not Mr. Crawford-he was too busy working to celebrate his past heroics. Leaders would be well-served to do the same.

Life Won’t Always Hand You What You Think You Deserve. We in the military work hard and, dang it, we deserve recognition, right? However, sometimes you just have to persevere, even when accolades don’t come your way. Perhaps you weren’t nominated for junior officer or airman of the quarter as you thought you should-don’t let that stop you. Don’t pursue glory; pursue excellence. Private Bill Crawford didn’t pursue glory; he did his duty and then swept floors for a living.

No Job is Beneath a Leader. If Bill Crawford, a Medal of Honor winner, could clean latrines and smile, is there a job beneath your dignity? Think about it.

Pursue Excellence. No matter what task life hands you, do it well. Dr. Martin Luther King said, “If life makes you a street sweeper, be the best street sweeper you can be.” Mr. Crawford modeled that philosophy and helped make our dormitory area a home."

[The Reaper]

(Continued)

"Life is a Leadership Laboratory. All too often we look to some school or PME class to teach us about leadership when, in fact, life is a leadership laboratory. Those you meet everyday will teach you enduring lessons if you just take time to stop, look and listen. I spent four years at the Air Force Academy, took dozens of classes, read hundreds of books, and met thousands of great people. I gleaned leadership skills from all of them, but one of the people I remember most is Mr. Bill Crawford and the lessons he unknowingly taught. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn.

Bill Crawford was a janitor. However, he was also a teacher, friend, role model and one great American hero. Thanks, Mr. Crawford, for some valuable leadership lessons."

[blustr18b]

Dennis
Congrats to your son and your family! You must be SO proud! Thank you for the description of the ceremonys, it certainly helps to know what to expect.
blustr18b

[jon448]

Dennis,
Congrats to your son, and yourself for supporting him through this.

TR,
Thats an amazing story and thanks for posting it for all of us to read.

Now its time for me to hit the gym.

[Nonna]

Can anyone tell me aproximatle what time the ceremony at the Coliseum is? We may have elderly family driving in from SC for graduation and are trying to determine if they need to come to Fayetteville the night prior.

[Soft Target]

Class 78-1, come on, I ain't that old, graduation was typical of the times. Walking across the stage in the SWC Auditorium. But mine had two twists. The first was we had an Aussie SAS officer in our class that I befriended. We were to exchange a small token for memories. I gave him a collection of patches, crests, badges, etc. in the entryway of SWC where the seal is/was, he gave me mine - two large Foster's lager cans wrapped in newspaper. I then insisted we share such a thoughtful present right there at about 1200 (OK it didn't take much convincing). We were sitting on the ridge around the floor and imbibed while in greens and his equivalent. Not long after we started, a SWC Colonel came up and said something like "what are you two doing?" It then dawned on the crust Colonel that it was SFOC graduation day and he asked if it was. We replied as we found our feet, "Yes Sir!". He replied: "Carry On" and walked away. The other was the night before I received word my father (CPT, AUS Ret) was in a coma. So I eft immediately after the Fosters was gone. I went stright to the hospital and whispered to him "Your son earned his Green Beret", although he was intubated, I'm sure he smiled, shortly before being pronounced. Dave

[JellyBean]

hi everyone
I was just wondering if anyone could give me some insight on what to expect of graduation in the new pipeline? I saw that there were many graduations in the prior pipelines, is it still the same or will it just be one graduation? And are you limited to the number of people you can invite as we have a fairly large family. Thank you for the information

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by JellyBean

hi everyone
I was just wondering if anyone could give me some insight on what to expect of graduation in the new pipeline? I saw that there were many graduations in the prior pipelines, is it still the same or will it just be one graduation? And are you limited to the number of people you can invite as we have a fairly large family. Thank you for the information

JB:

You need to do some reading here and tune your SA very thoroughly before posting again.

TR

[Mosby Raider]

I graduated from the Q course in September 73. I got out of sequence when I and three other commo guys got recycled through Phase II because of IMC. We went on to Phase III because there were not enough radio operators to have one per team, so after Phase III, we went back to Commo Phase II, and graduation after the commo FTX in Pisgah. A friend of mine and I didn't attend our graduation. We were 20th Gp, he was from Mississippi, and I was from Alabama. Our orders ended three days before the graduation ceremony and our respective State Hq's wouldn't extend the orders because they said they didn't have the money and it was only a ceremony! On top of that, the 1st SGT kicked us out of the barracks and said we couldn't stay there because we had out processed and belonged to the National Guard now, not the Regular Army. We were so angry and disgusted we just loaded up our vehicles and beat feet for Alabama and Mississippi.

[whitesnake]

In 1969 after Phase I we were trucked back from Camp Mackall to the parking lot at the SWC.
We formed up clutching our new berets, the order to remove headgear was given, followed by" Don Berets" while the Ballad of the Green Berets was played. It was simple and outstanding. We then returned to barracks cleaned up and went out to eat decent food and then headed to the APEX Lounge for large quanities of adult beverages. The following Monday we began Phase II( SF Mos training) after that it was Phase III (SF Advanced Course). Graduation from Phase III was held in the SWC auditorium. We were in Class A uniform for that. That was when we recieved our diplomas and assignments to the various Groups and were able to wear the Flash of our assigned Group. Once you were Special Forces qualified, your MOS ended with the suffix S if you were enlisted (as an example, 11B S) or a prefix 3 if you were an Officer (as an example, 31542). There was very little pomp and ceremony, however there was a lot of beer drinking later!

[bobby efurd]

I graduated in 1980. Grauation was held at the SWC Auditorium. My Mother and Father drove 12 hours to attend.
Col. Mize handed out our certificates. We marched as a class over to Bronze Bruce for the Don Berets.
My father was a Korean War Veteren and a very hard man. After we were dissmissed my Father walked over to me with tears streaming down his cheeks. I was shocked and asked if he was OK.
He told me how proud he was of me. He dried is tears and looked at me with a very hard stare( the one I had seen before).
He told me to wear that Beret with honor but never forget the blood that was shed by the Special Forces Soldiers before us.
My father died seven years ago but I will never forget that day and what his words were.
Of course later there was a lot of Beer!

[kgoerz]

My parents came down to watch me graduate. I actually told then no need to come, its not that big deal. They came and it was like nothing I expected. I guess the accomplishment hadn't sunk in until walking the stage. I would of never forgiven myself if they listened to me.
Afterwords my dad said he had something for me in the car. Right in the JFK parking lot he pulls out a war trophy he brought back from WWII. I never knew he had it. I about tackled him to put it away. I had to inform him just because I am SF now doesn't mean I am above the law. Of course my mom is bitching at him the whole time. I told you he wouldn't want that thing. I wanted it but I like the Green uniform better then an orange one.
It could of been the shortest SF career in history if someone would of saw it. Well We disassembled it later on and concealed it so he could take his souvenir back to NY. I guess it's still mine but ill let old Dad hold onto it.
I am sure most can figure out what my dad pulled out of his trunk in broad day light. In a crowded JFK parking lot. Every time I saw him going in his trunk after that I would always say something like "what ya got for me this time Dad, ICBM, Bazooka, Fin from Little Boy, old can of Mustard Gas....etc" Its amazing what some old vets have lying around.
He is over ninety and not doing well today. I discussed with my brothers about his souvenirs. Maybe we will just let Dad hold onto them when he passes on


About the amount of SF living out near Camp Mackall, Southern pines area. I live on calloway road in Hoke county. I know at least half the people on this road are SF. It's a great place to live just for that alone. One guy up the road has a personal Museum in his Garage. He collects uniforms and displays them on Mannequins. Everyone says he was a COL in SF. I never asked him but it's pretty obvious he was.
Everyone just calls him Jack. One day ill remember to ask his last name. Might be on hear for all I know. He asked me to bring a turban back from A-Stan. I guess he thought I would forget. When I gave it to him months later is when I first saw his collection. Told him, thats what I call a GI Joe collection.
NDD we made his day giving him the FARC patrol pack.

[tom kelly]

I have been to Two Special Forces Graduation cermonies,The last one was in June 14, 2006,I and my Wife were attending the Special Forces Association National Convention hosted by Chapter 1-18 in Fayetteville North Carolina.On that particular day we were on a tour of Camp McKall and about 1500 hrs. Maj.Gen.James W Parker announced that he had to leave the tour group to attend the Special Forces graduation back at Ft.Bragg and if anyone was interested they were welcome to attend.My wife and I borded the bus back to Smoke Bomb hill and it parked in back of the JFK Museum and we walked around to the area in front of the Colonel Arthur "Bull" Simons statue where the graduation was held.In attendance were Maj.Gen Parker and Col.(Ret) Roger H C Donlon (MOH) along with other cadre from the SW center & school The Graduates macched out in BDU's and soft utility caps and went to formatiom to their assigned groups.There were a few speaches and the wine toast and finally the graduates were told to don their berets,there was a large group of family and friends and other Special Forces soldiers there and after the applause the ceremony ended.The other Special Forces Graduation that I attended was my own,we came back from the field training exercise at Uwharrie National Forest arriving Smoke Bomb Hill Special Forces Training Group Area about Noon on 22 November 1963 (almost everybody knows where they were at that time and date)At the formation we were told that we had earned The Green Beret and that President John F kennedy had been assinated .That ended the graduation ceremony for our class.