Mullen delivered the inaugural Carol Ann Walker International Lecture on Nov. 11, one of several events at Elon University, to honor those in the armed forces on Veterans Day.
In a nearly packed McCrary Theatre on Nov. 11, retired Adm. Mike Mullen asked for Korean War veterans to stand and be recognized. With one person rising from the audience, Mullen said the Korean War is often referred to as “the forgotten war,” considering many World War II and Vietnam War veterans also served in Korea. But Mullen’s message to the crowd on Veterans Day was to never forget the sacrifices made.
“The growing concern I have is that the military is growing further and further away from the American people,” said Mullen. “I worried a great deal during the wars that, after the wars, the American people would forget and, by and large, I don’t think the American people have forgotten.”
Lives of purpose
Mullen delivered the inaugural Carol Ann Walker International Lecture, part of the Elon Lecture Series. The lectureship was created through a gift from Walker’s late husband, Rear Admiral Edward K. “Ted” Walker Jr. Walker’s goal for the lectureship was to ensure that Elon students develop a better understanding of the scope of the world and the place of the U.S. in that world. Invited speakers have senior military or government experience with geopolitical responsibilities.
Walker was a loyal and generous supporter of Elon for more than 45 years as the parents and grandparents of several Elon graduates: Wendy Walker ’78 and Lynn Streett ’79, and their grandson, David Streett ’06. Carol Ann passed away in 2002, while Ted passed away in 2021.
The Carol Ann Walker International Lecture was one of several Elon University Veterans Day events, including a flag raising by Air Force ROTC members and a special College Coffee on Medallion Plaza.
“Gathering as a community on Veterans Day allows us to honor the courage, the service and the sacrifices of those who have served our country,” said President Connie Ledoux Book in her welcome to the audience in McCrary Theatre. “At Elon, we are deeply committed to the values that align with the spirit of Veterans Day. We believe in empowering students to engage meaningfully, lead lives of purpose and to understand their roles within a broader world.”
Professor of Management and former Air Force pilot Matt Valle recognized veterans and their families in the audience before introducing Mullen, who served as the chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama from 2007-11.
Mullen currently serves as president of MGM Consulting, LLC, based in Annapolis, Maryland. MGM Consulting provides counsel to global clients on issues related to geo-political developments, national security interests and strategic leadership.
A difficult transition
In his lecture, Mullen highlighted the struggles faced by active-duty military members once they leave service, including employment, education, health care and housing. He advised that active outreach is key to helping active-duty military transition out and that, specifically, he is focused on the E-5 and E-6 enlisted ranks.
“That’s the core of who we are, that’s the core of what makes us great as a military. Any officer worth their salt would tell you that,” said Mullen, who also noted that military families are affected too. “I didn’t understand how difficult transition is out of the military.”
While serving as chairman of the Joint chiefs of staff, Mullen accelerated the deployment of innovative technologies, advocated for emerging and enduring global partnerships, and introduced new methods for countering terrorism which ultimately led to the killing of Osama bin Laden – something he spoke about during the question-and-answer portion following the lecture.
“It was an extraordinary operation. We’d been hunting the guy for 10 years. I give the president, Obama, a lot of credit because we didn’t have a smoking gun, we didn’t know if he was there,” said Mullen, who said that if the operation failed, it would have cost Obama his presidency.
Bringing America together
The presidency was on many minds Monday – less than a week since voters chose Donald Trump to be the next president of the United States. Mullen noted that the country is not unified right now, and it will take leaders “from every sector” to bring people together.
“From a macro standpoint, I would like to see (Trump) take America forward and bring it together,” said Mullen. “That’s hard, at least, I think it’s going to be challenging because his rhetoric certainly hasn’t been that way. But that would be my hope.”
In closing his lecture, Mullen offered serious warnings about the current geo-political climate with the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with the tension between China and Taiwan.
“This is the most dangerous time since 1962 when I was in high school; we went through the Cuban Missile Crisis, which means we have to pay a lot of attention, and our leaders have to pay a lot of attention. We as American citizens have to engage (our elected officials) to help them get to the right answers,” Mullen said.
After the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Mullen said he realized how fragile democracy can be and urged the audience not to take it for granted.
“I worry greatly that (democracy) is changing before our eyes in ways that are sometimes difficult to really pin down and that it won’t be what it’s been for my kids and my grandkids as we move forward,” said Mullen.
But Mullen’s insights were not all doom and gloom as he joked that people often ask: “Got anything good to say?”
“It’s an extraordinarily challenging time. I have great faith in the American people,” said Mullen. “I watch these young ones fight these wars, and I got to tell you, they’re going to change the world they are extraordinary young people who want to make a difference.”
