Congressional Gold Medal Recipient And Montford Marine, Ambassdor Theodore R. Britton, Jr. to Speak at Nashville Rotary Club

The Honorable Ambassador Theodore R. Birtton Jr. is distinguished among his fellow Montford Point Marines by his presidential appoint as U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The former Chief of Mission to Barbados and to the State of Grenada, hails from Augusta, South Carolina, where his early upbringing in good manners prepared him for global achievement as "Ambassador For Peace."

From 1974 to 1977 Britton served as Ambassador, (Chief of Mission) to Barbados and the State of Grenada, while simultaneously serving as the U.S. Special Representative to the States of Antigua, Dominica, St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia and St. Vincent.

 Ambassador Britton has maintained a life-long interest in diplomatic affairs and international activities from 1971 as shown by his extensive participation in US Information Agency programs and the Paris based Group on Urban Affairs. He has served as Co-chair of the US-China Agreement on Housing and Planning and Executive Secretary to similar agreements with Mexico, Canada, Japan, and the former Soviet Union (USSR) Longtime Vice-Chair.

His degrees in banking and finance enabled him to serve as an officer and director in the savings and commercial banking arenas. He earned a B.S. degree and graduate diploma from New York University and from the American Savings and Loan Institute, respectively.  And as a specialist in housing and finance, his civilian service also includes a career at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

After a career in banking, Ambassador Britton was elected president of the American Baptist Management Corporation. Then later, entering into Government Service, his housing expertise was put to use as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology. His mission was to improve the production of housing and the delivery of housing services.

A veteran of World War II and Korea, The Ambassador offers a historically unique perspective on health, housing, education and veteran's affairs. He is a Life Member of the Second Marine Division Association, the Association of former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), and the Montford Point Marines. He is an advisor to the Hampton University Minority Men's Health Initiative and the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the ranking recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, which honors 20,000 African American Marines who trained at the segregated Montford Point boot camp in North Carolina from 1942-1949.

Ambassador Britton is married to the former Vernell Elizabeth Stewart of Jacksonville, Florida. They live Atlanta, Georgia.

Ambassador Britton will speak at the Nashville Rotary Club on October 31, 2016 for the club's annual Veterans Day Program beginning at noon. Rotarians are welcome to attend. Members of the public luncheon fee is 35.00.

Do HBCUs Overlook The Veteran Community?

Educational funding for veterans and their families members are often overlooked by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Since I have been writing about men and women of color who serve our country, I have noticed a trend that often one generation or two are unaware of a family member’s military service. The unawareness of a person’s military service also extends to the community as well. The lives of our military members are filled with many stories of sacrifice and hardship that comes with the courage to serve bravely. 

Montford Point Marines

There are few true rewards that can be given to our military who chooses to risk their lives for our freedoms we enjoy. But there are many benefits that come with their service that we may neglect to highlight that will not only improve their lives but even enrich the communities they live in.

Here is some history for us to review.

Original Triple Nickels Paratroopers

 After World War II, the  Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, which was also nicked name the G.I. Bill, was a law passed that provided many benefits for returning World War II veterans. The benefits included low-cost mortgages, low-interest loans to start a business, cash payments of tuition and living expenses to attend college, high school, or vocational education, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. It was available to every veteran who had been on active duty during the war years for at least ninety days and had not been dishonorably discharged; combat was not required. By the end of the program in 1956, roughly 2.2 million veterans had used the G.I. Bill education benefits in order to attend colleges or universities, and an additional 6.6 million used these benefits for some kind of training program. *

HBCUs saw many Black men and women attend college using G.I. funds. Although not as many took advantage of the funds as their White counterparts, those who did attend college helped increase enrollments at HBCUs, especially in the southern states. The G.I. Bill passage lead to additional laws passed that benefited HBCUs’ students.  The Lanham Act of 1946 provided $100,000,000 in federal funding for HBCUs for expansions and improvements.  In subsequent years and wars, additional educational funds have been provided for veterans and later for family members of veterans.

In 2008, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 became law. This bill was unique in two ways: (1.) It covered 100% of educational costs of a public university or college for veterans serving active duty on or before September 11, 2001; and (2.) It allowed benefits to be transferred to a spouse or children. At private colleges and universities, the program is called the Yellow Ribbon program and the tuition is shared one to one up to 100% with the institution.

With unemployment hitting veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq underage of 30 at 21%, it is important for us to encourage our veterans to consider higher education and to use the benefits they have earned to pay for it. For older veterans who do not need an education or is already educated, they are positioned to help their family members obtain an education by passing on their benefits on to them. 

When I share this information with Black veterans of recent wars, their career options and educational opportunities are not addressed within their community nor are they recruited by HBCUs.

A crisis in America usually hits the Black community hardest and has greater long term effects. At this moment, education, and economic plights are being touted loudly in the Black community but often without solutions or servant leadership to lead the charge make lasting changes. But in the Black veteran community, there is historical proof that veteran educational benefits, veteran business ownership, and military leadership knowledge can be used to transform a community and strengthen the Black Middle Class. The G.I. Bill help increased Black college attendance from 1% in the 1940s to almost 4% a decade later throughout the US. That educated Black Middle Class help provide a foundation for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

Years later, the Post- 9/11 Veterans Bill can be an opportunity to educate millions of family members of veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Wars. Many of those veterans will also become entrepreneurs. With the fastest growing segment of the Armed Forces being Black women according to a Pew Research, this will have a direct positive effect on the Black community in the next decade. But those changes will not happen if we are not more engaging of our veterans and their families who need us now more than ever as they transition to post combat life.

I encourage HBCUs and the communities of HBCUs to become more engage in Veteran Affairs. We often hear that sports and bands make up the core of a HBCUs’ interests. I challenge that notion but recognized why it is repeated. It is time for HBCU communities to look for new ways to engage and look for leadership in places that minority communities often overlook but majority communities turn to first, a person with a military background. Maybe the structure and discipline of a veteran may play to strengths and improve weakness without the wave of emotion that often accompanies HBCU discussions. With millions of dollars that is being provided for veterans’ tuition, this can help bring much needed increases in enrollment at HBCUs. The harvest is plentiful.

If HBCUs do not aggressively recruit our country’s veterans and offer veterans jobs to glen from their leadership experiences, there are other intuitions that will do so without thinking. Educating our veterans and their families to help provide economic stability after their years of service should be a priority for everyone. HBCUs have an opportunity to seize the moment. 

This story  can found in Mocha Market Military Issue and on H.O.P.E. Scholarship

Genma Holmes Shares Highlights from Fort Campbell's Black History Program

It was an honor to be the keynote speaker at Fort Campbell's Black History Month Program. The room was packed with not only men and women in uniform but there was a large number of veterans and many members from the Clarksville Area community.

I was met at the door by a number of soldiers who expressed their thanks for keeping their family and the life of an enlisted member in the public eye through my broadcasts on Living Your Best Life Radio. Not only was I surprised by their heartfelt words but deeply humbled.

I heard the wonderful sounds of the Fort Campbell Band before I saw them! The lively music set the tone that we were assembled to celebrate the accomplishments of Americans whose contributions help make our country great. We were there to shine the spotlight on well known as well as unsung heroes, like my grandparents, who gave their all for the betterment of mankind.

We were warmly welcomed by the staff of Fort Campbell's EEO and EO office. After a beautiful opening prayer, we watched a brief film that was made by the US Army in 1944.  The film recognized the many contributions of African Americans prior to the film's debut. To see the Army, which at the time was dealing with the executive order to desegregate, produced a film that not only profiled the many pioneers from the African American community but also showed Army's appreciation of the "Negro Solider" was truly inspiring. The film was truly ahead of its time and one I highly recommend everyone to watch.

I was introduced by my dear friend, Dr. Gregory P. Stallwork, who I met several years ago in Leadership Middle TN. The introduction made me feel as if  I had won an Oscar and had me choked up before I even said one word.

I shared with the packed room at Commons Park about my life growing up in rural Mississippi and not seeing the division that I see today in our country. I remember two kinds of people: "poor and po". The economic plights of the poorest county in the country, Jefferson County, united Blacks and Whites, Jews and Gentiles, Catholics and Protestants. Working together for the greater good of all was the mantra of my grandfather's politics that still influences me today.

My only views of the world growing up were the ones my grandparents and parents showed me. They showed me that everyone mattered and that we all have something in common if we take time to get to know our neighbors and fellowman. Of course, as a child you really do not understand what is being taught to you but the foundation that was given to me by my family was paved with Godly intentions and that took root in my life. It is my guiding source today that allow me to lead from behind and to not rush to judge others, what I may not know, or understand.

Sharing pest control stories usually gets me a few laughs and this day was no different. I shared with the audience who were beginning to feel like family half way through my talk that being in the pest control industry was not an easy endeavor. But I have no regrets. I have learned more about people by being in industry that is not glamorous or sought after but is very much needed. My customers are friends who have been with us through the good, bad, and ugly. The Holmes Pest Control has allowed my family to raise our kids, has funded several other ventures and gives me an opportunity to give back to many worthwhile endeavors.

I also shared how much I enjoyed working in the media representing clients as well writing and allowing Living Your Best Life to bring to the airwaves stories like the Montford Point Marines and men like USMC Vietnam Veteran Bert Watkins who received a Purple Heart for his heroism in the Battle of Operation Swift.

I challenged the audience to take a moment to spend time with someone who do not look like them. I asked them to deposit a few words of kindness in that person's life and find a way to make our world a better place. The service of the men and women in uniform unites our country not to divide it. We can show our appreciation for the many firsts made by Americans by being a united country. Instead of focusing on what divides us, let us become more determined to find common ground. I ended sharing about my son, Lance Corporal Roger Cornelius Holmes, II, who became a Marines was a hard pill to swallow at first but because of him, I too. serve my country, proudly, as the mother of one of "The Few, The Proud, The Marines."

 For more photos of my wonderful day at Fort Campbell click here.

Photo credits: Otis Toussaint

Genma Holmes Black History Month Keynote Speaker at Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell EEO & EO Offices will hold its Annual Black History Month Special Emphasis Program Observance Luncheon, on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, from 11:00-12:30 at Cole Park Commons with Genma Stringer Holmes as the keynote speaker. This year's theme is:

"Civil Rights in America with Liberty and Justice for All!"

Holmes will share how her childhood experiences in rural Mississippi have enriched not hindered her worldview. She will discuss how her grandfather's Civil Right activism molded her volunteer work in the community and her grandmother's influence that led to her love of the arts. Holmes credits her childhood experiences as one of the reasons why she has held her own in an industry that is not known for attracting minorities or women.

Holmes will also discuss her personal motto "Others 'no' should not shape your destiny in life." She will share the challenges of being at the helm of two companies; the lessons she has learned from the demands of producing a weekly radio program, Living Your Best Life Radio; and her journey as a proud mother of a Marine.

Marine Ball 2013

Montford Point Marine Mark H. McCann, Sr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate our military heroes' journeys before and after their service to our country. Hear from men and women who are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; grandparents; siblings; and loyal friends. Hear members of the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy share personal stories and highlights from their military careers. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their rarely discussed acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners.
 

On Saturday, January 11 will hear part 1and January18, 2014, we will hear part 2 interview with, Montford Point Marine and 2012 Congressional Gold Medal Recipient, Mark H. McCann, Sr. who turned 92 this week. Mr. McCann will share about his early start in life and why he enlisted in the USMC which was segregated at the time. Listen as he shares about fighting two wars, the one abroad as well as the one at home, civil rights. He will also share how his military training prepared him to become a professor and later an administrator at Tennessee State University.

Bert Watkins, Mark McCann, Jr. and Mark McCann, Sr.

Mr. McCann is joined in the studio by fellow Marines; Bert Watkins (Vietnam) and McCann's son, Mark McCann, Jr.(Iraq). Watkins and McCann, Jr. will share how McCann Sr.'s integration of the Marine Corp paved the way for them to become Marines and how they still fought for the Right To Fight in other ways long after McCann Sr. help opened the doors for them. 

Tune in to hear from "The Few. The Proud. The Marines."

Living Your Best Life Radio, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In Radio, streamed live on the web at UStream.TV  on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST and on military bases.


More About More Mark H. McCann, Sr.

Mark H. McCann was born on January 8, 1922 in Waynesboro, Mississippi. He received his early education through eighth grade in Mississippi.  His ninth through twelfth grade years were spent at Wilcox High School in Miller Ferry, Alabama. Shortly after graduating from high school, Mr. McCann attended Snow Hill Institute in Alabama under the War Power Training Program. “I signed up because that was what you did back then. You fought for your country,” reflected Mr. McCann.

When Mr. McCann joined the United States Marine Corps (USMC) on August 16, 1943, he was unknowingly making history. During World War II, McCann was one of the first of approximately 20,000 African Americans who enlisted to become a Marine. This was unprecedented at the time because of Jim Crow that existed even in the Armed Services. Executive Order 9981 issued by President Roosevelt, required the armed services to recruit and enlist African-Americans. The USMC was the last branch of the military to desegregate.

The Montford Point Marines were crucial to many of the battles fought during World War II, especially the battles of Iwo Jima, the Chosin, Reservoir, and the Tet Offensive. Despite having to overcome much discrimination to become a Marine, then fight for the right to fight alongside their fellow Marines,  Mr. McCann along with other Montford Point Marines served our nation bravely while fighting for freedoms abroad even though they were not able to experience those same freedoms, like the right to vote, in their own country.

Mr. McCann served in the Marines until 1946. As a Marine, he was trained in communications and experienced combat. After witnessing the horror of war and grateful for his life, he was determined to make the most of his training as started his post combat life in Nashville. With an honorable discharge from the Marines at the rank of Corporal, Mr. McCann enrolled at Tennessee State University, then known as Tennessee Agriculture and Industrial College. While attending college, he met his future wife, Quinnetta Evelyn Bugg. He received his Bachelors in 1949 and his Masters in 1951. After receiving his Masters, Mr. McCann became Professor McCann at Tennessee State and taught Business and Economics until 1975.

Mr. McCann training in Marines made him a natural leader at the university. In 1975, he later became Director of Personnel and Human Resources. In 1980, he was promoted to Budget Director. In 1983, he was promoted again to Director of Auxiliary Services and V.P. of Business Affairs and finally, Senior Analyst. Mr. McCann served in that role until his retirement from Tennessee State University in1992.

Photo Credit: Mark McCann, Jr. and Genma Holmes

Ambassador Theodore Britton, Jr. on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate our military heroes' journeys before and after their service to our country. Hear from men and women who are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; grandparents; siblings; and loyal friends. Hear members of the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy share personal stories and highlights from their military careers. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their rarely discussed acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners. 

On Saturday, June 29, 2013, tune in to hear from U. S. Ambassador Theodore Britton, Jr, a Montford Point Marine and Congressional Gold Medal Recipient, who was one of the first Marines to integrate the United States Marine Corps. Tune in to hear Ambassador Britton share why the desegregation of the USMC was one of the early milestones in the United States Civil Rights struggle. Hear him discuss the importance of USMC's desegregation and why it has been overlooked by historians and the people of our country. 

Listen as Ambassador Brittons  reflect on lessons learned, from being in two wars, World War II and the Korean War. Hear him share about being thankful for serving his country and why using military force should be the last option, not the first.  Ambassador Britton will also share the need for all Americans to learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Compassion Fatigue. He will share why he believes that communities, not just the veteran community,  must be more aware of the invisible wounds of war that is plaguing our country's service men and women post combat. Ambassador Britton will be the keynote speaker at Warrior-Centric Healthcare Training in Nashville on July 9, 2013.

Living Your Best Life Radio, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In Radio, streamed live on the web at UStream.TV  on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST and on military bases.

More About Ambassador Theodore Britton, Jr.

 
Ambassador Britton has maintained a life-long interest in diplomatic affairs and International activities as shown by his extensive participation in US Information Agency programs beginning in 1971. During 1981 to 1989, he served as Co-Chair of the US-China Agreement on Housing and Planning and Executive Secretary to similar agreements with Mexico, Canada, Japan and the former Soviet Union (USSR).  Longtime Vice-Chair, he was elected Chairman/President, of the Group on Urban Affairs in 1985, at the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). During this period, he led a two year OECD Mission to Study and Evaluate Japan’s Urban Policies, and later, presided at the second meeting of Urban Affairs Ministers of the 23 OECD countries.

 A specialist in finance and housing, he was president of the American Baptist Management Corporation prior to entering Government service. In his first post, his housing expertise was put to use as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology, with a mission to improve the production of housing and the delivery of housing services. He was elected president of New York’s United Mutual Life Insurance Company after leaving his ambassadorial post, and returned to Government in 1981 to concentrate on International Affairs.

He is a graduate of New York University with a B.S. degree in Banking and Finance, and from the American Savings and Loan Institute with the Graduate Diploma. During 2009, the Ambassador was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws – Honoris Causa, by Kristal University, in Tirana, Albania.

He has twice served in the US Marine Corps beginning with basic training at Camp Montford Point in Jacksonville, NC., January 14, 1944.  He is a Life Member of its Third Marine Division. He holds a similar Life Membership in the Association for Intelligence Officers. A long time member of People to People International, he is a member of its’ Board of Trustees, having served as a member of its Board of Directors. He is a board member of the Georgia Council for International Visitors, the Council of American Ambassadors and is Honorary Chairman of Kristal University, located in Tirana, Albania. In March 2009, he was elected Chairman of Kristal’s Center for Albanian-American Studies.

In 2006, he was appointed Honorary Consul-General of the Republic of Albania, in the State of Georgia. Lastly, he is an “Ambassador for Peace” of the South Korean-based Universal Peace Federation, and was a member of its Middle East Peace Initiative to Israel and Palestine in 2007. 

A long-time supporter of education, and gifted lecturer, he recently completed the second of a lecture series on The Caribbean, at Georgia’s world famed Emory University. During November, 2008, after being recognized and honored by the South Korea National Assembly, he was designated to respond on behalf of veterans comprising the sixteen (16) nations which composed the combat forces during the Korean War. 

U.S. Ambassador Theodore Britton to Address PTSD in Nashville