National Security Advisor Visit

The Leadership & Ethics Program recently hosted honored guests General James L. Jones, USMC (Ret) and Ross Perot Jr. ’77 for a special Upper School Assembly moderated by John Perryman, Assistant Head of Upper School and Leadership & Ethics Program Director. General Jones and Mr. Perot discussed their views on the importance of character, integrity, and leadership. They also answered questions about globalization, and the roles that NATO and the United States have in the future of the world.

General Jones held a variety of positions over his more than 40 years of uniformed service to the nation, including Commandant of the Marine Corps, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, and Commander of the United States European Command. After retiring from active service, General Jones continued to serve his country in various diplomatic roles. In 2007, General Jones was appointed as the State Department’s Special Envoy for Middle East Regional Security, and in 2009, he was appointed as the 22nd National Security Advisor to President Obama.

Distinguished alumnus and longtime St. Mark’s Trustee Ross Perot, Jr. ’77 served in the United States Air Force for 8-1/2 years as an F-4 pilot and has been actively involved in supporting military and veteran efforts throughout his life. Mr. Perot is a Founder of Perot Systems Corporation, Chairman of The Perot Group, and Chairman and Founder of Hillwood. Addtionally, he led a 14-year effort to build the United States Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C. and is the first recipient of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service.

Both guests were introduced by St. Mark's alumnus Hill Perot '05.
Mr. Perot is a 2009 graduate of Vanderbilt University and was recently hired by the U.S. Air Force 138th Fighter Wing to fly F-16s for the Oklahoma Air National Guard.