Retired Maj. Gen. James Livingston was more than qualified to speak to a group of professionals about courage and making change - an initiative he used while serving in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
According to a press release, Livingston, who is also a Medal of Honor recipient, recently spoke to the Aspiring Mid-Career Professionals - a group from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, or SRNS. The group focuses on professional development and business awareness specific to SRNS, and providing employees with career development tools and networking opportunities.
It was the first professional-development event of the year for the organization and Livingston had high praise for the employees. "I think you have some good leadership coming up," Livingston said. "It's good to see these young leaders involved and preparing to understand their responsibility towards the defense of this country."
Others, such as communications co-chairman Jason Davis, and SRNS scientist Maggie Millings, felt that the attendees walked away with valuable life lessons, which can also be applied to their careers at the Savannah River Site.
"I thought it was very enlightening," Millings said. "He gave us some good points to consider on how to be leaders as professionals within a group."
Livingston received the Medal of Honor for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Commanding Officer, Company E, in action against enemy forces in Vietnam.
During a large-scale attack in Vietnam, Livingston maneuvered his men to assault positions across 500 meters of open rice paddy while under enemy fire.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is a Fluor-led company whose members are Fluor Federal Services, Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, responsible for the management and operations of the Savannah River Site.
Derrek Asberry is the SRS beat reporter for the Aiken Standard and has been with the paper since June 2013. He is originally from Vidalia, Ga., and a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Follow him on Twitter @DerrekAsberry.