“Get yourself a good lawyer,” was the advice I kept hearing. I had just been selected to run a large water agency in Florida, and although people seemed genuinely glad for me, they all commented how “political” the job was. No problem. On active duty with the Army Corps of Engineers I had held several high-vis, high pressure jobs that required finesse and a cool head, and I survived them. I was confident that I could handle a tough, demanding job, but I decided getting an advocate to help me negotiate my employment arrangements made a lot of sense.
At a complete loss where to start, I called Bob Kimmitt, who, I knew, would have a couple of classmates’ names to recommend. Bob suggested Ralph Artigliere – an old friend I was happy to call. Ralph had a partner, Jon Anderson (another 69er), who was well-versed in employment law. I didn’t know Jon, but having a classmate at my side was exactly the honest broker I needed.
Jon and I quickly developed a good friendship and effective working relationship. He asked tough questions, interviewed a number of key officials, and reviewed pertinent law. His bottom line to me was to turn down the offer. No real protections for me, no guarantees, and lots of risks. We talked about it at length, but I had the “fever”……I wanted the job and the risks. We shook hands, and Jon left town. I would never see Jon again; this outstanding man would perish in a plane crash in 2003.
Fast forward 18 months or so. By then, I had established myself as a solid leader of the water agency. I had handled staff shakeups, emergency operations during hurricanes and flooding, intense press coverage, a contentious Governing Board, and a strong-willed Chairman.
I frequently briefed the governor, as we were the lead agency with the Corps of Engineers on the massive Everglades Restoration Program.
Some of my friends told me I was on a fast-track to move to the “big time.” After all, the governor’s brother was the president! I thought I was riding pretty high.
About then I came to my “harder right” moment. From left field, I started getting pressure to fire a key deputy (for reasons that seemed pretty thin.) I resisted, but the pressure kept ratcheting higher. Governing Board members (my bosses) called me at home with advice. Most of it was along the lines: “go along to get along. Don’t ruin your own bright future to save a guy who’s already damaged goods.”
Problem was that this man was being railroaded for reasons that were completely fabricated; they just wanted him gone. He was my chief negotiator for huge land purchases for the state – a job handling millions of dollars, acres, and egos. And he was considered totally impartial, highly competent, and incorruptible. Just the kind of person I needed in that key position. I could only conclude that the “powers that be” wanted their own person in that role – someone who could be controlled.
Since I never became EPA Administrator, you probably guessed that I didn’t fire that individual. But I was no longer the fair-haired boy. Clearly, I couldn’t be trusted to be on “The Team.” Some key relationships were severed. Within the year, I submitted my resignation. A very tough chapter of my life had concluded. But by choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, I had earned a tremendous amount of support and respect. I received an unbelievable wave of public support and important validation from industry and government contacts. Ironically, it was a significant reputation-building experience. I became highly sought after by numerous organizations and business leaders, including my next employer. People closest to the action understood and appreciated the decisions I had made.
I am convinced that the emphasis West Point put on character, integrity, and doing the right thing carried me over the roughest times. I was definitely being pressured to take the “easier wrong,” but I knew I couldn’t live with that decision. I’m proud of the path I chose, and I hope it gave others some inspiration to choose the harder right.
Excerpts from the West Point Cadet Prayer
Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretense ever to diminish. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won.
Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy.
Frank,
Thank you for your Rock-like integrity. We are proud of you remaining Army Strong. Hooah. 👍💪
Geoff – thanks so much for your kind remarks. I’m very proud to be a member of the Class of 1969 and serve with quality guys like you!
The Cadet Prayer is a great subject for reflection and your story is a great example of its application. Thank you, Frank!
Thank you, Bob! I appreciate that.
Well done, Frank!
Thanks, Bill! Hope to see you in May.
Enjoyed all your remarks and look forward to meeting you in March on the safari!
Thanks, Janie! I’m really looking forward to it!
Frank, thanks for your personal confirmation that WP equipped us all for the difficult tasks in life and in our careers. When the way forward looks blurred, the Cadet Prayer is always something to remember. See ya next week in Orlando for golf.
Thanks, Gary! I agree we have a great value system to fall back on. I know I’ve relied on it in my life. Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Thanks, Frank
Thank you, Rick!
Thanks Frank! Your tale only reinforces my impressions from playing golf with you for so many years. Unlike many of the people with whom I have enjoyed playing golf over the years, you always keep an honest handicap. I look forward to getting together when we get back to Florida in February!
Dave, that comment put a big smile on my face! Looking forward to many more rounds of golf with you. Give Leslie a hug for me.
Frank,
Your narrative gives us an excellent real-life example not only of holding true to the Cadet Prayer, but also of the lasting effect of the character and ideals instilled as a Cadet.
Pat, thanks for checking out the article and for your kind remarks. Will you be at the 55th Reunion in May?
Frank, thank you for your story, I really appreciate it. I have known that the 100th anniversary of the Cadet Prayer was coming do and I wish that West Point would do something special to celebrate it but I have not heard or seen anything brewing. Anyway, thanks again and God bless.
Thank you, Ray! That’s a great idea; I wonder if the AOG has anything going on in that direction? I’ll bet KC Brown knows.
Frank, a most interesting article. Obviously, you were not one of the “good old boys network” and stuck by your guns, which is most commendable. The principles we learned at school are not limited to just the military side of our lives, but encompass each of us as a complete person. Next time you see one of the Bushes, say hi for me 🙂
Right you are, Denis! Thanks for your response.
Frank,
I had heard of this situation from you before, but you put it into words so eloquently…of course. Thanks for sharing.
See you real soon.
Thanks, Greg! Just another character-building experience, right? Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Frank, thanks for sharing your experience affirming the role of the Cadet Prayer in your life … as it has been in all our lives. Hard to believe it’s been almost 30 years since our ACSIM days in the Pentagon. Well done, brother!
Eric! Thanks for getting in touch! Hope you are doing well. (30 years? Are we that old?)
Thanks for your story, Frank. We need those examples to show that choosing the harder right can be done, and must be done! At our classmate Bryan Schempf’s memorial service last Saturday much of the tribute to Bryan was based in his living out – day by day – the meaning and values of the Cadet Prayer.
Thank you, Geoff! Great to hear from you. FYI I was friends with Bryan from Glee Club, and I was really sorry to hear of his passing. He was a class act and someone we can all be proud of.
Frank,
Great story with an even stronger message. Keep ’em coming!
Looking forward to our safari.
Cheers,
Pete
Thanks, Pete! We’re excited about the safari. Should be a great trip!
Frank, I am sure sometime during our golf outings you shared this story, but it is so much more meaningful in your article. The word that comes to mind as I read this is “Character”. The academy taught us not just to be honest but to
do the right thing even if our superiors and peers disagreed. Although you paid a personal price for your decision, you were able to walk away with your head held high.
John, thanks so much for those comments. They mean a lot to me. I really value the time we’ve spent together on our golf trips. We’ve shared a lot of stories, but I don’t think this one. Let’s hope we can keep the trips going for many years to come. Thanks again.