Stone inspires cadets, headlines symposium

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Charles Rivezzo
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Staff Sgt. Spencer Stone served as the keynote speaker at the Air Force Academy's 2016 National Character and Leadership Symposium, inspiring a lively auditorium of Academy cadets Feb. 25.

Stone garnered international headlines in August 2015 when he and two friends stopped a terrorist attack on a Paris-bound train, subduing and disarming a man wielding an assault rifle, pistol and box cutter.

Exposing himself to the man's line of fire, Stone charged, tackled and restrained the individual. During the struggle, the gunman slashed Stone several times lacerating his head, neck, and thumb.

Despite his injuries, he provided life-saving care to a man who received a gunshot wound to his throat during the attack. Stone applied pressure to the wounded man's neck to stop the life-threatening bleeding.

For his heroic and selfless actions, the French government presented Stone with the country's highest recognition, the Legion of Honor. He also received the Purple Heart Medal and Airman's Medal late last year.

The annual NCLS, one of the premier national symposiums in the field of character and leadership, brings together distinguished scholars, military leaders, corporate presidents, world-class athletes, and others to explore character-related themes based on the U.S. Air Force Academy outcomes.

This two-day symposium provides an opportunity for all Academy personnel, visiting university students and faculty, and community members to experience dynamic speakers and take part in group discussions to enhance their own understanding of the importance of challenges of sound moral character and leadership.

Be the "spark" to inspire others

Moderated by Lt. Col. Kevin Basik, Air Force representative to the Secretary of Defense for Military Professionalism, Stone shared the intimate details of the day his life changed forever on the Paris-bound train.

Accompanied by a powerful slideshow showcasing video and images from the day of the attack, cadets gasped, laughed and cheered throughout the hour-long presentation.

He left the cadets with a message that resonated with the crowd: "Be the spark to inspire others."

"It doesn't have to be stopping a terrorist attack," Stone said, "It will be within your future work centers, within your families or even your circle of friends. You want to be the spark to inspire others ... the one person in the room who's willing to do the right thing no matter the cost."

Stone added that it's important to take seemingly mundane training seriously, because you never know when your worth to the world will be tested.

The keynote address concluded with a standing ovation from the room of nearly 1,500 cadets as well as military and civilian leaders - a gesture one cadet said "doesn't happen very often."

Following the speech, Stone met with cadets for two hours to shake hands, answer questions, hear stories and take dozens of "selfies."

"It was truly a humbling experience," Stone said while reflecting on that moment.

Meeting with fellow medics

Prior to concluding his Academy visit, Stone met with fellow active-duty medics at the installation's 10th Medical Group.

In a panel-style session, fellow Purple Heart recipient and former Army medic CJ Stewart joined Stone. While both of their stories differed, it was evident that everyone in the room shared at least one commonality - everyone was a military medic.

"It's much different speaking to a room full of cadets than it is speaking to your peers and fellow medics," Stone said. "Sitting next to someone like CJ was inspiring; he has all the right words to say ... visiting the clinic was one of the best parts of my trip."