A few months later, after his second combat deployment in less than 18
I'l close by making just a simple request to the class of 2016. Regardless
months, Matt returned to the United States for well-deserved rest, leave, and
of where life takes you, have the moral courage to do what's right, even when
a reunion with his family.
it's tough. Commit to being part of something bigger than yourself.
Before he departed on leave, he went to visit the Marines from his first
I am genuinely proud just to be here among you this morning. God bless
deployment. And they, by this time, were headed back to Iraq, but they
you al in your endeavors. I wish you the best as you become leaders of
didn't have a lieutenant. Matt immediately volunteered to fil the gap.
consequence. And Semper Fidelis.
And then he called home. In the course of the cal his dad said: `Matt, you've
already been over there twice. Isn't it time to take a rest? Isn't it time for
Gen. Dunford's Remarks: Commissioning
somebody else to go?
And Matt responded: "Dad, those are my friends. Those are my Marines.
I've learned a lot. I know I can help them accomplish the mission and bring
Later, General Dunford delivered remarks after commissions were granted
them home safely. I have to go back. They need me."
to graduates continuing to military service. Among his statements:
So Matt returned to Iraq. By every account, Matt was a source of great in-
I want to say thanks instead of congratulations. And I want to say thanks
spiration to his Marines. There is nothing Matt Lynch's Marines wouldn't do
because what you are doing is actual y doing exactly what I spoke about
for him, because they knew there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. In
in my remarks earlier today: You've chosen to become part of something
November, 2004, Matt Lynch was killed in Ramadi leading his Marines and
bigger than yourself. You've chosen an occupation that by definition is about
helping to ensure that they return home to their families. And because of
sacrifice. It's about what you give, not what you take.
Matt Lynch's leadership, over 30 Marines did return home to their families.
And I just want to offer [the idea] to you, that as much as [the pace of]
Mariners, future leaders, few of you are going to serve on active duty in
things has changed in the Navy and Marine Corps in the last decades,
the United States military or be in the position to make the ultimate sacrifice there's one thing that hasn't changed. I want you to remember today that
for our nation or for your subordinates. But most of you wil lead others in
our business is first and foremost about people. From this point forward, it's
the merchant marine industry, education or government. And I hope when
no longer about you. It's about the men and women that you'l be fortunate
enough to lead.
you lead you remember the story of Matt Lynch, if only to remember that
The one thing I'd ask you to do is never walk past a sailor ­ never walk
when you're a leader it's not about you.
past a sailor without looking him or her in the eye and asking them how
If you lead in the spirit of Matt Lynch, if you genuinely care for others
they're doing. Never be a leader who's so busy to be personal y and decisive-
and you take care of them, they'l take care of you and you'l find success.
ly engaged with the sailors that are around you.
And you wil enjoy the success of accomplishment that can only come from
The most incredible thing about the responsibility you are about to un-
inspiring others to excellence.
dertake, the most incredible thing about becoming an ensign or becoming
Leaders are men and women who recognize that there is no "I" in the
a lieutenant, is to actual y have the opportunity to be responsible for them,
word "team". Leaders are men and women who simply dig down deep and
to look out for them, to inspire them, to focus on them, to mentor them, to
do what's right, even when there's a voice inside of them that says to take
counsel them, and to make them want to be partners.
the easy way. I don't share concerns you may have because I can look at the
So I'l tel you, as you accept this responsibility, I want to just say thanks
generations of Mariners who sat right where you sit this morning, and they
to you, as I once again say thanks to those who sit out here. Look at the
have gone on to be leaders of consequence, Mariners who have left their
faces. Look at them and look how proud they look. Look at the smiles. As I
mark in a wide range of endeavors from serving on the sea to founding a
look at those faces, I got to tel you, it's a privilege for me to be a part of this.
corporation.
It's an honor for me to be a part of this.
Navigating in the days ahead is going to take leadership. And your
As I look at you, as I look at the quality of individuals who come out here
generation of leaders wil play an increasingly important role. Our education today and I look at a future of the Merchant Marines as a result of the stu-
system, our military, our merchant marine, the private sector, and our
dents who were up here today, when I look at the future of my Navy and the
government al need strong leadership. And as Mariners, you're uniquely
Marine Corps, I feel pretty good. I feel pretty good. Because, as I'm looking
capable of providing that leadership.
at you, I know that you're absolutely ready for the challenges ahead.

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