February 17th-19th, 2010 - United States Air Force Academy

Keynote Speaker
Keynote Presentation
Dr. riCk riGSBy
Author, Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout
Speake rs
Dr. Rigsby is president of Rick Rigsby Communications in Dallas, Texas. As a motivational speaker,
Rigsby speaks worldwide – from the jungles of Nigeria to the top corporations on Wall Street. He’s a
popular speaker at colleges, and public schools, and speaks on behalf of numerous sports organizations,
including the PGA, and before teams in the NFL. Following a successful career as a television news
reporter for a CBS affiliate in Northern California, Rigsby earned his master’s degree from California
State University, Chico, followed by his PhD from the University of Oregon. Graduate school was
followed by two decades as a college professor, the last 14 years at Texas A&M University, where Rigsby
also served as character coach for the Aggies football team. In addition to his contributions to academic
publications, Rigsby is the author of Lessons From a Third Grade Dropout, the story of timeless commonsense
wisdom learned from his father.
“Making an Impact” - In an era of astonishing technology, instant information, and rampant social
networking, cultural critics argue that our society has never been shallower in communication and more
superficial in appearance. For many organizations, appearance – or what Rigsby refers to as impression
– has become the new corporate wardrobe. Rediscover what is truly relevant and meaningful in your
professional career and personal life. Join Rigsby as he shares the wisdom of past generations – wisdom
that will inspire, motivate, and empower you to make an impact rather than an impression.
Wednesday, 7:30 pm, F-1*
roBertS riDGe panel
Panel members will discuss their involvement in the event known as “Rescue on Roberts Ridge,” that
took place on Takur Ghar Mountain, Afghanistan. On March 4, 2002, a group of Army Rangers
were dispatched to rescue Navy SEAL Neil Roberts who had fallen out of a helicopter in the midst
of Al Qaeda fighters. The rescue team was ambushed – suddenly in need of rescue themselves. The
ensuing battle remains burned into history as the most famous and emotional battle of the war so
far, embodying the truly American principle of “Leave no man behind.” Panel members will bring
perspectives on the operation ranging from the ground parties and aircrew to the command and control
element, and represent both the Army and the Air Force. Audience members may wish to prepare by
reading a transcript of Dateline NBC interviews with Self and others at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
id/13233811/ns/dateline_nbc//from/ET/.
Nate Self – Army Ranger, Platoon Leader
Chris Cicere, Lt Col, USAF (Retired) – Operations Center, Gunship Mission Commander
Ian Marr, Lt Col, USAF – AC-130H Spectre Gunship, Fire Control Officer
Kevin Vance, Master Sgt, USAF – Tactical Air Control Party
Facilitated by Ralph Hartman, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Retired), Center for Character & Leadership
Development, US Air Force Academy
Fri, 9:20 am, D-2
Fri, 1:00 pm, F-1*
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