Troy University News

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Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

General updates TSU graduates about war on terrorism

   An Air Force General told 470 Troy State University graduates Friday that America is winning the war against terrorism, but said there is still much work to be done.
   Lt. Gen. Donald Lamontagne, commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, was the featured speaker at the spring semester commencement ceremony held at Sartain Hall.
   Gen. Lamontagne said the war on terrorism is different from any ever fought by U.S. forces, because it is not a war between nations, it’s a war fought between nations and terrorist cells. It requires America go on the offensive.
   "We can’t defend against every form of terrorist attack, from every source," he said. "The only defense against terrorism is going out and destroying the terrorists."
   He said defeating terrorism around the globe will pave the way for future economic progress, and could turn around the fortunes of major economic powers and Third World countries.
   "A strong economy depends on productivity," Gen. Lamontagne said. "Defeating terrorism will create the stability needed for productivity."
   He pointed out that the economic losses tied to the events surrounding Sept. 11 have been estimated at $1 trillion.
   The general could not resist a recruiting pitch, saying the Air Force needs " a few more Troy State graduates." He also congratulated the five members of this TSU class who will be commissioned as United States Air Force officers through the Reserved Officer Training Corps.
   Gen. Lamontagne told the graduates that he has a common bond with them, as he took several classes through TSU’s University College division when he was stationed in Europe during the late 1970s.
   Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said in his welcoming remarks that the class of 2002 attended Troy State University during a time of change and growth. He pointed out that TSU draws students from 45 U.S. states and 54 foreign nations. The spring commencement class included students from 18 U.S. states and 12 foreign nations.
   The Chancellor also recognized current students from the People’s Republic of China attending TSU as part of a unique program that allows them to attend their freshmen and senior years at a Chinese university and their sophomore and junior years at TSU.