Union College News Release 9-5-08: Luttrell Returns to Union for Fall Convocation

Union College incoming students are treated to a dinner and live music as part of Welcome Weekend activities

Lt. Col. John Luttrell, commander of the Mountain Warriors.

Luttrell Returns to Union for Fall Convocation

Union College welcomed back one of its own Thursday as Lt. Col. John Luttrell returned to his alma mater to deliver the fall convocation address.

Standing before the largest student body at Union in 21 years, Luttrell spoke of leadership, accepting the work one is called to do, and selfless service. He also shared stories and observations from 22 years of service and three combat tours as a member of the Kentucky National Guard.

“It’s good to come back to a place that’s a big part of who I am and how I developed,” Luttrell said. “This is truly a special place.”

Luttrell, who served in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Storm in Iraq, and who spent 15 months in Iraq as part of the current Gulf war, spoke to the audience about his view of leadership. He has led over 900 troops during the course of his military career and returned all of them home to their families.

“I have never lost a soldier under my command,” said Luttrell. “I’m prouder of that than of all the awards and decorations.”

Luttrell recalled parachuting into Panama as a 24-year old, spending four months in a foxhole during the first Gulf war, and leading his troops in over 2200 combat patrols during the most recent deployment in Iraq. He also shared his experience working with the Iraqi people, and called them “proud, good, smart people.”

Luttrell has received many awards, citations and decorations for his work as commander of the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Mountain Warriors. He told Union’s students that compassion, principles and selfless service are the marks of a strong leader.

“A leader takes care of the people he or she leads,” he said. “You place them first . . . The lowest-ranking soldier’s life is worth more to me than my own.”

After ending his address by thanking the community for their prayers and saying he was proud to be known as the leader of the Mountain Warriors, Luttrell spoke directly to Union College President Ed de Rosset, who was dean of students during Luttrell’s time as a student.

“President de Rosset, I can only hope I made you proud.”