7th Fleet Navy Admiral shares his wisdom with TJ students.
Photo by Danny Showers
Thomas Jefferson ROTC cadets recently had the pleasure of meeting a high ranking official in the military, Rear Admiral Craig S. Faller, who taught them valuable lessons about creating opportunities for their future.
7th fleet Navy Admiral Faller was generous enough to share his experience as a leader and chronicle exactly what it took for him to reach such a high rank in his lifetime. The admiral is a 33-year military vet and provided an inspirational example for cadets. “The admiral was very inspirational; he made me want to get more organized for my future. Meeting someone like that in person shows what possibilities hard work can get you,” JROTC Cadet Evangelia Guss.
The cadets in the Junior ROTC program all had positive things to say about the admiral who was very charismatic in the way he addressed the students. “He was very blunt and honest with us, but there was also an inspirational aspect that made me feel like I wasn’t doing everything wrong.” Typically, when visitors like this come to TJ, students often feel like it’s a consequence for their misbehavior or lack of direction, but the admiral had a demeanor that was very uplifting and motivating for students. The difference with the admiral was how he stressed to students that their potential was endless.
“It was all about planning ahead and following a formula for success. Before his visit I didn’t have as much knowledge about the opportunities that are available to me,” said Guss. The Admiral said he came to TJ to let students in on a secret so that they could be motivated to do their best. His contribution to the school was significant in that it inspired an entire group of students to challenge each other to work a cut above the average student despite adversity. “I know throughout life I’m going to make mistakes and feel helpless, but now I also know that’s not an excuse to get sad and lower my expectations,” said Guss.
The admiral gave the students one simple formula that basically let them know how to prioritize and minimize mistakes that would discourage them. “Performance equals opportunity,” he said.
“I’ll always remember his visit because he left us with that basic formula that I can follow for life. I wish other leaders would just put it that simply,” said Guss. ROTC students already know a thing or two about leadership and organization, so this visit from a high ranking official gave them an image of where they could be once their hard work pays off. “For someone like me who is in an ROTC class, you already have higher expectations than most kids. Sometimes it gets stressful but now I see where I could be if I keep up the hard work. His visit was great for me,” added Guss.
Rear Admiral Craig Faller is a native of Fryburg, Penn. He graduated in 1983 from the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. His initial sea tour was as Reactor Electrical Division officer, Electrical officer and Reactor Training assistant in USS South Carolina (CGN 37). He was then assigned to Nuclear Power Training Unit, Ballston Spa, New York as shift engineer, staff training officer and operations officer. In 1990, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a Master’s degree in National Security Affairs (Strategic Planning).
Following Department Head School, Faller was assigned as operations officer in USS Peterson (DD 969) and then station officer in USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Faller reported as executive officer in USS John Hancock (DD 981) in July 1996. During his tour, the ship completed a Mediterranean deployment, which included NATO operations with the Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean Squadron. In January 1998, he reported to the deputy chief of naval operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) as an action officer in the Strategy and Concepts Branch (N513).
In April 2000, Faller assumed command of USS Stethem (DDG 63). During his tour, Stethem deployed to the Arabian Gulf and participated in Maritime Interception Operations in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. Following command, he served as a legislative fellow on the staff of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Faller next was head of Surface Nuclear Officer Programs and Placement, Navy Personnel Command from November 2002 to September 2004. From December 2004 to March 2006 he commanded, USS Shiloh (CG 67). During his tour, Shiloh assisted victims of the devastating tsunami off Indonesia.
From July 2006 until April 2008, Faller served as executive assistant to Admiral William J. Fallon, at U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command. Faller assumed duties as special assistant to the chief of naval operations to the Joint Staff Strategy Working Group from June 2008 to March 2009. From March – July 2009 he served as executive assistant to the chief of naval operations.
Faller’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy Achievement Medal.
(Biographical material courtesy NROTC)
